Food for body and soul

Happy 'slaves' digging in Nana's garden                          A well-read treasure re-discovered

We are the official guardians of my husband's family history as his parents have downsized and we have the space- sort of. I am not sure of how I feel about closets full of photo albums, and boxes of more photos stuffed under everyone's mattress, and Time Life series, and National Geographic collection,but I admit there are treasures to be discovered such as a well worn book of poetry called, Four Feet and Two; An anthology of verse compiled by Leila Berg. By chance I pulled it out desperate for a line of poetry to write in an 8 yr olds birthday card and have been reading it to my children ever since; poems on nature, welcome and unwelcome beasts,bird songs, loving-kindness, special moments, and sharing the Earth. That started a year ago and although sometimes it sits gathering dust by a window ledge we really enjoy spending that moment reading a new poem together and it introduces them to the greats like Emily Dickinson, John Keats, and Lord Byron plus so many more. Here is the recent favourite about cats (Piper even carries the book around with her!)

Cats

by Francis Scarfe

Those who love cats which do not purr,

Or which are thin and tired and very old,

Bend down to them in the street and stroke their fur

And rub their ears and smooth their breast, and hold

Their paws, and gaze into their eyes of gold.

And since every family blog seems to share recipes I have added two favourites. I have made this bread several times thrilled to use up my Red River Cereal supply. It is a truly delicious bread to have with soup or salad. The other recipe is a vegetarian dish that I was attracted to because it talked about not being spicy to the tongue but spicy as in warming up your insides- a very ayurvedic approach to cooking and that is exactly where this recipe come from.

Download red_river_bread.htm

Download spicy_vegetable_rice_recipe.pdf

Comments

[sue]

Treasure troves! I don't envy you the archival responsibility (having a challenge with my own memorabilia)- but it is great to know you have made these discoveries....a beloved book! The poem is dear and brings to mind Piper's sweetness with our blind, vulnerable pup, as she gently coaxes her across the lawn..."those who love dogs which do not play; are thin and tired and very old"...I was commenting just yesterday, on P's uncommon gentle regard in her awareness of a dog who really isn't that much fun.
Sue