To end and to begin a season: Cottage Retreat

I know myself well,

after all these years of being me.

And every once in a while there comes a weekend when all I need is to:

Retreat.

Or I feel like I will die.

So. Since this was the last weekend between summer and school-year, 

it was no surprise that once Friday 5:00 hit:

I turn my ringer off on my phone.

I get my kitchen ready.

I turn to the Lord and say:

'It's you and me,

here we go.'

And I clean

and I cook

and I listen.

And though I have created this retreat for myself in all the many charming locations I have lived over these years, I have to tell you, though it probably will not surprise you: 

The Cottage does it best.

This new toy gives me reason to live.
Who knew weighing ingredients could be so addicting?

Figs are the strangest prettiest things.

Traditionally, I do not like figs.

Traditionally, I do not like jam.

But I LOVE this figgy jam.

Summer harvest: SO MUCH BASIL.

When life gives you basil, make pesto.

Quiet Productivity

And then, I spatchcocked a chicken!

In good food is good rest.