summer stock

One week ago, I was invited to a lovely and casual kind of dinner by a lovely and casual kind of friend. There was BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, salad and watermelon, with ice cream cones for dessert. Everything spoke of summer and all the goodness it has to offer. Sure, you could say that some of it was the warm glow of San Diego, but I'm pretty sure it was all the food. And the lovely friend, of course.

Two nights ago, I invited another lovely friend to dine at my house, picturing the same sort of relaxed and summery evening. Except I had been down tasting the delights of San Diego for a week and had no opportunity to shop for the food. I was nearly shamed to serve a casserole, bread and steamed veggies with peach cobbler for dessert. All comfort food, to be sure, and the cobbler was good (cobbler generally is) but what was this? October? I think not. And no amount of lovely can overcome a unseasonable meal--not when there is so much freshness to be had.

First thing Monday morning I set out for the groceries with nothing but "summer" on my shopping list. I came home with staples--strawberries, salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, squash, mushrooms for the grill and dip for the carrots. My freezer is full to brimming with popsicles, ice cream and berries for the smoothies. In the cupboards you will find a fresh supply of graham crackers, chocolate bars and mallows. And on the counter, a melon.

To my sweet San Diego friend, I say: Thank you for reminding me what "good summer" is all about. I had the garden blooming and the swim lessons calendared, but I'd forgotten the best part--the food. Oh, the food. Bless you, dear one.

To my kind local friend, I say: I'm sorry, please forgive my winter-ish, bottled spread. My fridge is now summer ready and I'm prepared to dig in. Please come back and we'll do it right.

Comments

[nichole]

i only beg to differ on the one little fact that i enjoyed the food. AND the fact that we could have eaten shoes and the evening still would have been a complete success. AND we had corn, that is summer. AND we had chicken, chicken is good all year long. AND the rolls, ahhhh, the rolls are worth more then a mention. AND YOU and all your beautiful boys were there, so perfection was present.

i will NOT argue about coming over again.