We thought these summers were endless. Summers filled with kayaks, piles of wet beach towels, giggles and whispers drifting upstairs from the basement, long walks, and late night campfires with both our families snuggled close.
A well loved backyard at the cabin
Our blissful summers by the lake were soon interrupted by camp counseling gigs, dropping kids off at unversity, summer internships, study abroad, and career changes.
All grown up. New Years Eve 2014.
I can't say that I begrudge our kids any moment of the story they are writing for their lives, BUT.
I'd like to turn back the clock.
I want a moment to memorize the sound of their collective laughter.
I want to freeze a snapshot (or two or twelve) of them playing, teasing, becoming siblings.
I want to go back and take advantage of those days that I thought would always be.
This summer took me off guard. But it is still good. Really good. The older kids caught up with each other while studying abroad, the youngers grabbed each other in between their summer comings and goings. I think it was a glimpse of what their adult friendships will look like.
And us parents? We spent a few evenings contemplating the looming empty nest.
Empty. Nest. Can I just say that the term "Empty Nest" conjures the image of champagne AND tissues. A totally celebratory weepfest.
Anyway...
One hot summer evening the twins dropped by with a bag of peaches from the over abundant tree on their property. They were perfectly ripe and smelled heavenly. I had planned to use them in a pie but the week got away from me, as did the peaches. They quickly became more suitable for jam. And what better way to preserve our summer memories than in a few jars of peach butter.
Lakepoint Place Peach Butter
adapted from Smitten Kitchen
4 pounds peaches, pitted, peeled and quartered
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
Juice of one lemon
Place peaches and water in a large, heavy pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the peaches from heat and puree, I used an immersion blender. I made mine very smooth but I'll leave it up to you as to how you like your fruit butter.
Return the peach puree to the pot and add the sugar, and lemon juice. Bring this to a simmer/low boil and cook for 40 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Now, the peach butter is done when a wooden spoon leaves a clear trail when scraped across the bottom of the pan. IMPORTANT NOTE: I cooked my peach butter for an hour and a half and still did not achieve this. I gave up out of boredom and spooned it into jars and called it good. It's a bit on the thin side and could double as a sauce. All I can say is whatever.
Kept airtight in the fridge it should last you two weeks. If you want directions on how to can the jars see the original post on Smitten Kitchen.
Dear dear Shelly. I just discovered this online, like a love note that had been tucked away, out of sight. All of this is true. Thank you for the most delicious reminder of what comes out of summer when you least expect it: Lakepoint Place Peach Butter and more. Fireside chats overlooking the bay. Kung Fu Girl and home cooked dinner. Couch swapping and freezer swapping. Painful confessions of life in transition and wonder at our children's lives converging for a weekend in France. Professional connection. The maturity not to have to say everything that we know could be said. Comfort in your ongoing friendship. The sign. Always the sign. The party has indeed started in the Eagle's Nest...muted and comforting, lots of love and good memories. Thanks for incubating and celebrating childhood at the 'Lake' and for making it home. Love what we have as families. Thanks for capturing the thread before it slips away. Love you. Mona
ReplyDeleteMona, sitting in my kitchen wishing you were here to share a chat. Look at our kids! What beautiful stories they are writing. I can't wait to create more memories to cherish.
DeleteLifting a glass to you and Tim and saving you a seat on the deck for next summer's sunsets.