Joshua & Cecily's Wedding

Joshua & Cecily's Wedding, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.

I just received this photo taken of Alan and Ruthie three years ago at my cousin's wedding in New York City. Shocking to see how much Ruthie has changed in three years. Comforting to see that her relationship with Alan (at least at the core) has not. When I met Alan, I did not know if I even wanted to have children. But one thing (among others) that truly struck me about him back then was what a good dad he would make. And after now 10 years of parenting our only child, I see how true my inkling was. He has been the most patient, playful, wise and comforting father to Ruthie. She and I are both fortunate.

Ruth Lake and Environs

One week post our trip up to the Ruth Lake area of the Uintas and I am already homesick. Ruthie finally got to try out her new frame backpack for an overnight up to Hayden Lake. Despite the pesty mosquitoes, we had an exquisite time. I must quit complaining about how much I miss the Minnesota Lakes. Ruthie and I had a delightful time swimming in Hayden Lake.

We came back from the hike with a pact to return this weekend. However, we learned upon our return that Harry and the Potters were on tour and would be making their stop in SLC tonight. Despite having had her best weekend yet this summer, Ruthie could not miss this very special event. Alan and I were a bit sad but decided to make the best of it. I took on a bathroom paint project while he decided to get up at 4am this morning to summit Gobblers Knob with the dogs.

Ruthie is excited for Wizarding World camp this week and I am busy coordinating the American Medical Writers Association Rocky Mountain Chapter conference this coming Saturday. Hopefully a planned family hike on the Bonneville shoreline tomorrow will keep us in condition for our next Uinta Mountains family excursion.

The Joy of Cooking Rekindled

A Garden Party, originally uploaded by kcsphotos.

July has been a month of reconnecting with friends. For me (with no pressing paper, assignment or exam deadlines), I have fallen back in love with both creating and consuming food. The high nineties heat has brought the enticement of Mediterranean cuisine. I long to have our friend's pergola layered with grape vines. I don't even dare ask for their dolmades recipe, knowing that their harvested fresh grape leaves are the key ingredient. While not strictly localvore, the following hummus recipe that my friend, Maria, passed on to me (filed simply as "Ruth's Favorite Hummus") is my daughter's favorite. Since my daughter has reintroduced us to vegetarianism (my husband and I fairly strict until I became pregnant 10 years ago and started to crave protein in the meat form), I am always looking for good, kid-friendly bean recipes.

Ruth's Favorite Hummus (from Maria)

1 (15 oz can) garbonzo beans, drained rinsed and skins removed*

1 medium garlic clove, minced or pressed

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 pinch of cayenne

3 tablespoons juice from a large lemon

1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)

1/4 cup virgin or extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup water

Process all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, about 40 seconds. I usually hold off on a bit of the water then add it until I reach the consistency I like.

You can eat it straight away or chilled.

It can be refrigerated up to 2 days.

*This could be the secret to why Ruth loves this hummus. Rinsing the beans and removing the skins eliminates some of the funny, pasty taste.

Moving on to July

Lucky has completed her three weeks of theater camp. She has thoroughly enjoyed her workshops in Shakespeare and Acting Methods along with her part as the Urchin Girl in the Yellow Company. I was sad not to see her perform, away for a meeting. But according to Lumber, she was stellar. She is excited for her next camp, Young Authors. Let the creative summer continue!