May has been quite strange. Some days have been filled with sunshine, hikes, baking, sourdough starter, sourdough bread, sourdough crackers, games, sidewalk chalk, home work outs, House Parties, FaceTime sessions, and walks. Other days have included rain, snow, news from family members that they’re jobs are going away (along with their pay), ill parents, parents who’ve passed, pets who’ve passed, hours spent inside, and days that make me feel like I just want to run away to a remote island and not think about all the terrible things going on.
I don’t want to get too deep here because this is meant to be a place mostly filled with cheerful topics and recipes. However, there’s no denying we’re all dealing with situations and emotions that are pushing us to places we may be unfamiliar with. There are times I struggle but I’m thankful my family is healthy and safe. In the midst of all the pandemic news, I’ve recently been blessed with tidbits of joyous occasions and moments and I’m choosing to focus on those!
- I was able to support local businesses for Mother’s Day and graduation shopping!
- We’ve been fortunate to have local, fresh food to make meals at home!
- Rhubarb is in season!
- Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and Carrie and I made a cheesecake to celebrate!
- BIG NEWS: both of my daughters are graduating this year!
Hannah graduated yesterday with her Master’s Degree and Carrie will graduate from 8th grade in June. Before COVID, the next several weeks were set to be jam packed with all sorts of celebration. It’s looking differently than I planned but my heart is just as full, thanks to technology (Zoom!) and people who care and truly go above and beyond! It’s amazing how the worst times can bring out the absolute best in people and situations!
Congratulations, Hannah! We were able to watch the virtual ceremony, and it was great to share her big day with her! She and her fiancé went to campus a couple weeks ago and took photos. Just look at that smile; she’s beaming! For the past couple years, she’s worked full-time, attended classes, written papers, spent countless weekends and nights studying or working on group projects, got engaged, moved and adopted a puppy. She’s basically Superwoman!
Carrie’s school is unique because it’s preschool through 8th grade. Many of the students have been there since they were very young so 8th grade graduation is a pretty big deal. The school has put a lot of effort into honoring and recognizing the 8th grade class of 2020. She was surprised by teachers the other night and she felt super special! They showed up in separate cars, honking horns, masks on and clapping their hands as they walked up our driveway. Carrie couldn’t believe it! They brought a sign and sang a song. They also delivered a gift but the real gift was seeing their faces and hearing them tell Carrie how much they miss her and how proud they are of her! These are some extraordinary humans! I’m so proud of you, Carrie and am excited to celebrate your graduation!
Shortly before Carrie’s teachers arrived, my neighbor texted me that their rhubarb plant was full and I could take all I want. I ran over, grabbed rhubarb and whipped up a quick batch of my Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins. Unfortunately, they weren’t ready when the teachers were here but I took some to neighbors and a couple other friends nearby. These are so easy to make and you can use any kind of berry or fruit you have on hand. Perfect to make for mom, if you’re lucky enough to be with her for Mother’s Day or for your special grad who may be feeling sad about missing out on all the end of year festivities. Strange times indeed.
Let’s hurry up and get through this so we can all get back to celebrating special occasions IN PERSON! In the meantime, wishing all the mamas a sweet Mother’s Day and a big congrats to all the 2020 grads who’ve stepped up and demonstrated their resilience in a time none of us were prepared for.
I hope all of us are able to find and cherish the happy moments in all the stress and uncertainty. Sending you lots of hugs!
From the heart,
Shannon
Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour (I used Mud Run Farm whole wheat pastry flour)
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup oil (I used coconut)
1 egg
1/3 cup milk of your choice
1 cup fresh berries/fruit
Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cubed butter
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400; Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl. Combine oil, egg and milk and add to dry ingredients. Fold in fruit. Scoop into muffin pan. Combine all topping ingredients using hands or pastry cutter and sprinkle on top of muffins. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Makes about 9-10 muffins. Recipe can easily be doubled! Enjoy!
flouredapron.com 