Power back, feeling worse, quick trip through the yard

It is extremely hot in DC right now; like north of 95° and climbing. Last night, about a half hour before our guests were to arrive for dinner and I'd planned to get the fruit crisp in the oven, our power went out for no apparent reason. You might recall that this just happened a few days ago, necessitating a hurried and expensive trip to Talbert's for some dry ice. Anyway, everyone arrived sweating and did their best not to look too chagrined when I told them there was little respite inside. Fortunately, power resumed in mid-dinner, and I was able to get that dessert a'cooking. Priorities, folks! UNfortunately, I feel truly terrible today- my chest actually burns when my body is seized with the urge to cough; my throat feels like it's covered in rough, swollen, tender, bruised, scratchy growths, and my limbs feel like overcooked spaghetti. Also, my mouth aches. I hate it when that happens, when my gums throb just sitting there doing nothing but holding my teeth in. Shit. As such, I will be dragging my pitiful arse to the doc at noon. Honestly, I hope it's strep or something similarly treatable; I'd rather jump on some meds than ail lamely, especially as Tom left town this morning. I am truly the worst sick person I know. It's just not my strong suit.

After dropping the boys at camp (there are no words to describe how grateful I am that they are happily there), I took a quick spin through my yard for some aesthetic therapy. This Casablanca lily plant is the pride of my garden! And though nothing else is successfully producing, my tomatoes are rock stars.

Summer on a plate

A lovely evening with friends old and new, a wonderful meal, and now to bed with me! Grilled ciabatta and fresh tomatoes? Summer in the simplest of dishes.

Morning of cooking

Fortunately, I'm out of puzzles to do, so after taking the boys to camp, I went to the market and then returned home to cook (for the Grands, and for friends who are coming over this evening) and clean. I pitted and halved plump, sensual Bing cherries; their juices ran in rivulets through my fingers and down my arms. I steamed and chilled dainty French beans and patty-pan squash, and then put together a layered roast beef salad which they'll accompany later. I've mentioned this salad before; its provenance lies with my dear pal, Donna, though she may have discovered it in the kitchen of a friend, as I did with her. It screams summer eating - a cool salad on a hot night- and is marvelously simple to prepare: shaved roast beef, slivered red onions, avocado slices and a wonderful dressing that is no more than oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper.

The night I first had this, Donna had steamed veggies and nestled those and some fresh tomatoes alongside, maybe some couscous too. It was many moons ago, but suffice it to say that I don't do anything differently than what I recall from that meal. You simply layer the beef, onions and avocados, perhaps three times, pour the dressing over and chill for at least a few hours.

I'll also be making a grilled ciabatta with olive oil, garlic and fresh tomato slices as well as my cherry-rhubarb-hibiscus crumble with some almond-infused whipped cream. Beautiful, (mostly) healthy, and delicious!