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The View From
Mrs. Sundberg's Window In this feature, regular listener Mrs. Sundberg shares her thoughts about Saturday's show.
June 30, 2009
Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. It had been one of those hot windy days where you see little ripples of heat on the road and everything feels dry and crackly and the word "lemon" makes you salivate. The kids had ridden their bikes over to the church parking lot where a fire hydrant had burst and water was shooting everywhere. Apparently the fire department was taking its sweet time on purpose since nearly every kid in town had shown up and was playing in the water and the small pond that had been formed. It wasn't unbearably hot, but by the time I'd finished washing all the windows, I was thinking a shower would feel nice. So I undressed in the mudroom, where I threw my clothes into the laundry basket, and was halfway up the stairs when I remembered the bottle of cucumber shower gel I'd picked up at the store on Friday. It was still in the car. I went back down the stairs, and instead of getting dressed, I just grabbed Mr. Sundberg's trench coat from the mudroom closet, put it on, and went out to the garage, shutting the door behind me. The shower gel was in the car along with some Fourth of July cookie decors and a package of thank you cards and some Orange Crush and Tootsie Rolls. I'd forgotten I'd picked up these things, and it was a lovely surprise. The fact that I'd locked myself out of the house was not. Long story short, I spent most of the afternoon in the car, waiting for Mr. Sundberg to come home from his fishing outing, paging through the car manual trying to figure out how to turn off that dang little green light on the dash, eating two-thirds of the sack of Tootsie Rolls, drinking one can of Orange Crush and opening another, and writing five thank you cards to various neighbors for produce so generously shared this spring and summer. I don't know how long I'd been there before I fell asleep, or how long I'd been asleep before I woke up, but when I did wake up, it took a moment. Mr. Sundberg's car wasn't in the garage next to mine, but the door had been opened and there was a Post-It note on the window next to me. It read, "Went to get some wine. Back in a few." And he was.
1/2 cup dark corn syrup Small mushrooms, zucchini wedges, water chestnuts, cherry tomatoes, pineapple chunks, onion chunks, carrots, or other vegetables of choice. Cut steak into 1 or 2 inch cubes or thin strips, as desired. In large bowl, combine corn syrup, soy, sherry, ginger, garlic and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Add steak strips and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, several hours or overnight. Remove steak from marinade, reserving marinade. Thread steak onto shish kabob skewers alternating with vegetables. (You may parboil the mushrooms, onion and zucchini for 5 minutes before grilling, if desired.) Grill about six inches from hot coals, turning and basting with reserved marinade about seven minutes, or until done to your liking. June 23, 2009 A dark, cool corner somewhere Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. It wasn't hot, either. Warm, maybe. Really warm. But nowhere near as hot as it has gotten since, Lord help us. I'll confess. For the first time in my life, I cranked the air conditioning to "High" sometime on Monday, and that still didn't do it. Heat everywhere, even behind the towels in the hall closet. Hot, wet heat that makes you want to fold up into a ball and fly off into orbit where there must be a lack of moisture and a dark, cool corner somewhere. We tried just about everything. Went out and bought mini oscillating fans and plugged them in and lay on the living room floor, all four of us, with air blowing full blast up and down our faces and bodies. Mr. Sundberg walked in at lunchtime and there we were, all sprawled out and red-faced and damp. We must have looked liked victims of some kind of serial-fan-killer or something, because Mr. Sundberg let out a tiny little scream. "Aahh!" he squeaked. None of us moved at all except for our heads which we turned to look at him and say, "IT'S HOT." He shook his head at us and went into the kitchen where I'd made a three-layer turkey and Swiss sandwich on rye and wrapped it and put it in the fridge because we'd eaten our lunch early. Popsicles. Cherry. Today is different. Today the heat index is way the heck up there beyond sanity, and fans seem a bit silly when your internal organs are at risk. Today we head to the beach where Nature Herself has provided relief in its most practical form: cool water. Today the kids and I will immerse ourselves in one of our state's bazillion lakes and stay there until our skin turns white and our internal organs are sufficiently cool, and while there we'll probably talk about what we'll do over the Fourth or maybe what we need to get for camp, or perhaps we'll just reminisce about how much fun it was to go sledding last winter and how much fun it will be this coming winter and how it's really not that far away, it being almost July and all, and September not long off, and once September is here, well, it's pretty much almost winter time, don'tcha think?
This recipe is light and tangy and just right for a hot summer evening on the deck when you don't feel like having dinner but you need a little something. Serve with bread and white wine and perhaps a sliver of cheesecake.
Cook pasta; drain and cool. Combine all ingredients except Parmesan cheese. Toss in oil and vinegar. Add herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Enjoy! June 16, 2009 Spa time, only cheaper Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. Not bad at all. After a long and lovely spring day, it was good to sit back and listen awhile. The kids were gone for the weekend, visiting their grandparents, without whom I might simply curl up and blow away, and Mr. Sundberg was out of town on a speaking engagement, this time on the merits of Awareness, and Clarity, its cousin. When the kids got home Sunday, it was a good several hours before they were settled in again. There's always laundry up the wazoo, and trinkets to put away, and the many stories to listen to and nod to and wonder about. This time around there were tales of an eighteen-inch walleye one of the kids caught, and how they cleaned it up and fried it and ate it Friday night. And there had been a trip on a pontoon boat and a lot of swimming and a meal of waffles and Grandpa's loudest belch ever. For real. What just about undid the kids was when I informed them of our Monday morning road trip to the dental office. Departure time: 7:45 a.m. Be there. Of course a long silence ensued, followed by various degrees of whining, bargaining and vowing: "I, personally, will never make my kids go to the dentist because it is pure torture." I, on the other hand, find dental visits not unlike visits to the local spa. (Where I have had the privilege to spend time only twice in my life, mind you.) You're greeted at the door by a happy person, you read magazines while you wait, and are ushered to a soft recliner under warm lights where you may very well doze off to the sound of music. You're offered water at some point, and a choice of flavors grape or mint or berry and you're asked how you're doing more than once. When you leave, you feel a bit out of it, perhaps, but refreshed, and glad to be alive, and very often you're given a parting gift and an offer to schedule a future appointment. Nothing like a dental visit on a Monday morning to make the second week of summer vacation come alive. Just ask the kids. They'll tell you. Spa time, only cheaper. Chocolate Brownies 2 eggs Preheat oven to 350 and grease an 8" square baking pan. Beat eggs in medium bowl. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. Beat well. Blend in melted butter. Gradually add flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, blending well. Pour into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or so. Enjoy! June 9, 2009 Radiate and Flicker and Glow Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. It had been cloudy and gray all day, and raining on and off, so instead of sun, I had a lot of lights on. I know it might seem wasteful, but I like a lot of light. I like to see what I'm doing, if nothing else, but if there's any warmth to be had, I like that, too. I like words like "glow" and "bask" and "illuminate" and if I can get a vitamin from being in the light, well, light up the ultraviolet bulb. Don't get me wrong. A good candle or two certainly can do the trick, especially on a dreary day. And there are certain days which call for candlelight. I light one up on days when the house smells musty after a long winter. I light a candle on days when someone I love is far away or struggling or having surgery. I light a candle on days when I'm remembering something significant to me alone, and I might not even explain it to anyone. (I light a candle every year on the date of my conception, and that's all I'll say about that except that it's in December and I was born nine months to the day later.) Some days I light a candle simply because I'm feeling crappy and a flickering flame is enough to distract me into feeling better. They say each of us has an aura about us, a kind of field of energy that reacts and expands in light and color. I don't know for sure about this, but I swear I've met people who are lit up and shine, who radiate and flicker and glow, and I also know people who are burnt out and dull and, well, kind of dead. You know? 'Minds me of a song I love. "This Little Light of Mine, / I'm Gonna Let It Shine..." Let it shine? Heck. Light up the whole prairie, Honey. For as long as ever you can. German Potato Salad with Garlic 10 boiled potatoes, sliced (Yukon Gold or Idaho Red) Enjoy! June 2, 2009 There isn't much that lasts forever Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. I've been enjoying kitchen time with the windows open lately. Nothing like a gentle breeze, the scent of lilacs, and the glow of a citrus candle to set the scene for an evening of baking. Throw in the "Missouri Waltz" and the News from Lake Wobegon and what more could you ask for? A wooden spoon, maybe, and a few good flour sack towels fresh out of the dryer. White or yellow cake mix (set aside 2/3 cup) Mix together above ingredients. Pat into a 9 x 13 greased pan and build up a bit on the sides. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or so. Mix together the reserved 2/3 cup cake mix, Pour over crust. Top with 1 cup chopped pecans. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Let cool and cut. Enjoy! |
Mrs. Sundberg's Archives June 30, 2009 It Took a Moment June 23, 2009 A dark, cool corner somewhere June 16, 2009 Spa time, only cheaper June 9, 2009 Radiate and Flicker and Glow June 2, 2009 There isn't much that lasts forever May 27, 2009 You never do know May 18, 2009 Float above it May 12, 2009 Go with What You Get May 5, 2009 Kind of like falling in love April 27, 2009 Springtime will do that to a person April 21, 2009 It all evens out April 14, 2009 A lovely break as always April 6, 2009 Firm enough that they could count on her March 30, 2009 Where there's a give, there's a take March 24, 2009 And then the phone rang once more March 16, 2009 Extraordinary in itself March 10, 2009 They Were Only Having Fun March 4, 2009 It's all about perspective February 24, 2009 Things I Hope To Do February 17, 2009 Fodder for future conversations February 10, 2009 Be alive while you can February 3, 2009 Now what is there to do? January 27, 2009 They can take a flying leap January 20, 2009 Goose Bumps Just Thinking About It January 12, 2009 As Real as Fun Can Get January 5, 2009 It all happened so fast, and now it's over December 29, 2008 A Manageable Endeavor December 23, 2008 Cheers, and a merry one to you, and to yours December 16, 2008 Where's your list? December 8, 2008 Lives of Radical Uniqueness December 1, 2008 Why not switch gears? November 25, 2008 For whom are you grateful? November 18, 2008 Take a Few Risks Along the Way November 11, 2008 Winter's at the Door November 4, 2008 It's Not Long Off October 29, 2008 Not Great, But Better October 21, 2008 The List October 14, 2008 The Last Thing On My Mind is Panic October 6, 2008 March Toward Those Fears September 30, 2008 When You're Cooking for a Crowd September 23, 2008 Might Be a Friend September 16, 2008 Something to Look Forward to September 8, 2008 Good to Just Sit Sometimes, and Be September 2, 2008 Think I'll Find me a Tree to Climb August 25, 2008 The Countdown has Begun August 19, 2008 The Cake to Make August 12, 2008 Always Leave the Party When You're Having Fun August 4, 2008 Routine, Schmoutine July 28, 2008 Nothing Like a Good Garage Sale July 22, 2008 The Great Gift July 14, 2008 Facing West, Scrubbing Pans July 8, 2008 How Lovely it Was June 30, 2008 One Summer Day June 23, 2008 The Great Thing About Beer June 17, 2008 It's Summer. No Regrets. June 9, 2008 You have yourself a lovely day June 2, 2008 Put a Sock In It May 27, 2008 Look Out Your Window Now and Then May 19, 2008 Oh, My May 12, 2008 To Everything a Season May 5, 2008 Tenderness April 28, 2008 The Big List April 21, 2008 Home Is a Fleeting Thing April 14, 2008 Spring Came Just in Time This Year April 7, 2008 A List, Some Cash and a Tank Full of Gas March 31, 2008 April Fool's Day Possibilities March 24, 2008 Something Good for No Real Reason March 17, 2008 An Old Farmer to Thank March 10, 2008 There Are a Bazillion Ways to be Together March 4, 2008 Time for "Plan B" February 26, 2008 An Ordinary Life February 19, 2008 No Strings. No Conditions. February 11, 2008 I Know When to Haul Out the Snow Pants February 4, 2008 Three Extraordinary Things January 28, 2008 A Few Precautionary Measures January 22, 2008 Seven Surefire Ways to Stay Warm January 14, 2008 'Bout as close to flying as a person can get January 7, 2008 Emergency Curtains. Just In Case. December 31, 2007 No Regrets December 26, 2007 A Lovely Version of Chaos December 18, 2007 There's frozen pizza in the kitchen. Have at it. December 10, 2007 Dipped in Vigor and Rolled in Vim December 3, 2007 I Did Not Win the Pillsbury Bake-Off. November 26, 2007 It's cold outside and warm in here November 19, 2007 Grief and Novocain November 12, 2007 Your Life Does Have Meaning November 5, 2007 Keep a Short Story Short October 30, 2007 Night Shopping October 22, 2007 Too Bad No One Was There to Witness It October 15, 2007 Lord Help those within Earshot October 8, 2007 A Fine and Stormy Evening October 2, 2007 And Did It Ever Rain September 24, 2007 Because I Could September 17, 2007 Such a Perfect Day September 10, 2007 Feeling Catapulted and a Bit Off September 4, 2007 Convictions, I think they call 'em August 29, 2007 Roses in my arms and tears in my eyes August 21, 2007 The Second Story of My Life August 13, 2007 Just me and the radio August 6, 2007 Comfort Is A Good Word July 30, 2007 Our Barefoot Days Are Numbered July 26, 2007 Jet Lagged and Lagging July 16, 2007 A Postcard from Mrs. S. July 9, 2007 A Real Gem July 2, 2007 Vacating Your Comfort Zone June 25, 2007 Growing up is harder than learning how to fly June 18, 2007 I feel pretty lucky, too June 11, 2007 Give me a good thunderboomer June 4, 2007 Perfection is reserved for very few things May 29, 2007 When a Moment of Silence is in Order May 21, 2007 Nothing like a good party May 14, 2007 Every plate was a work of art May 8, 2007 One heck of a fine time April 30, 2007 Out there is where the kites are April 23, 2007 Memorable, to say the least April 16, 2007 Things are a bit different now April 10, 2007 A Good Heart and a Full Pantry April 2, 2007 We Tried to Sculpt a Sunrise March 26, 2007 ...And a Mighty Fine One at That March 19, 2007 More of a Happy Secret March 12, 2007 I Could Think of Worse... March 5, 2007 The importance of having a plan February 27, 2007 I've Driven in Worse than This February 20, 2007 They Always Come Back February 12, 2007 Buck Up and Go About Your Business February 5, 2007 I really haven't risked much January 29, 2007 What if they come to our house? January 22, 2007 Heap coals of kindness January 16, 2007 Decadence Doesn't Have to be Pricey January 8, 2007 Repeat the Entire Process January 2, 2007 The Good Old Days December 26, 2006 I'll figure it out along the way December 18, 2006 And all the while you smile December 11, 2006 Patience Can Be Cultivated December 4, 2006 There's Just so Much November 27, 2006 In the Spirit of Gathering November 20, 2006 Buy one, get one. Free. November 13, 2006 Sometimes you give when you take November 6, 2006 Being good takes some work October 30, 2006 What Scares Me October 23, 2006 Both Lovely and Strange October 16, 2006 It's going to be a fine week October 9, 2006 Resist Prohibition October 2, 2006 When Solitude Presents Itself September 27, 2006 Surprise! No Cheese September 21, 2006 A Solid Routine July 6, 2005 Good To Be Home June 29, 2005 Something About Candlelight June 23, 2005 The Meaning of "Mojo" June 16, 2005 Plain and Simple June 9, 2005 A Whistle And A Song June 1, 2005 Go Play in the Rain May 26, 2005 Bring Me a Little Water May 19, 2005 What You Hold Onto May 13, 2005 An Ordinary Mother's Day May 5, 2005 The Boomerang Principle April 29, 2005 Silence Left Behind April 18, 2005 A Trip All Its Own April 7, 2005 Forgiveness March 31, 2005 Earth's the Right Place For Love March 17, 2005 Nothing Like a Good Road Trip March 11, 2005 How Time Passes March 7, 2005 A Kind of Balance February 23, 2005 Not a Trivial Pursuit February 15, 2005 Long-Time Friends February 9, 2005 The Last Word February 2, 2005 That's The Story Of Love January 25, 2005 Found Out January 19, 2005 You Just Never Know January 12, 2005 The Things We Need January 4, 2005 New Year's Wishes December 23, 2004 Dreaming at Christmastime December 14, 2004 A Perfect Pair December 8, 2004 A Wonderful Life November 30, 2004 Mr. Sundberg's Christmas Gift November 22, 2004 Shine Its Ever-Lovin' Light November 17, 2004 "Crazy" Can Be a Good Thing November 9, 2004 There’s Hope In Laughter November 2, 2004 Hot Coffee For Your Vote October 26, 2004 We're Out Here, Listening October 19, 2004 More Biscotti, Please October 13, 2004 A Voice Like a Hammock October 4, 2004 Polka Music. Oh, Yah September 28, 2004 Like Pie Heaven July 21, 2004 Wish You Were Here July 7, 2004 Let's Go Now June 28, 2004 Like Words to a Song June 21, 2004 People Are Very Much Like Icebergs June 14, 2004 You Love What You Love June 8, 2004 Alone in a Crowd June 1, 2004 What There Is to Be Afraid Of May 25, 2004 Goddess Victory Squat May 17, 2004 Things Could Have Been Different But They Weren't May 10, 2004 Best Mom in the World May 4, 2004 A Music Bath April 26, 2004 Tin Washtubs and Hay Mows April 19, 2004 It Was a Wonderful Thing April 12, 2004 The Waiting Room for Paradise April 5, 2004 A Solid Vocabulary March 29, 2004 Thank Goodness I Brought My Rhubarb Cobbler March 23, 2004 He Said, "There You Are." March 16, 2004 The Chicken Sure Was Good March 9, 2004 A Missionary in a Turquoise Polyester Dress March 1, 2004 No More Shanghai Barbecues February 23, 2004 I Happen to Love You Even Though You Make Me Crazy February 17, 2004 A Mother-Poet Version of Paul Bunyan February 9, 2004 Like the Garden of Eden With The Greens And The Pomegranates February 2, 2004 Crank up the Volume and Put on Your Parka January 26, 2004 Hash Browns, Side Pork, and Cold Whole Milk January 20, 2004 The Little Clock Radio And the Plastic Palm Tree January 13, 2004 I'll Bet You Could Smell That Cheese All the Way Down to the Mailbox January 5, 2004 The Tattoo, Joe Petroski, and the Llama Farm December 29, 2003 "Homemade Toffee Nearly Unhinged My Jaw" December 22, 2003 "So Much for the Meatballs" December 15, 2003 "Hallelujah in the Windshield Wipers" December 8, 2003 "How are They Going to Pull This Off?" December 5, 2003 "Red the Color of Wintergreen Berries" November 25, 2003 "Like a Firefly on a Hot Summer Night" November 17, 2003 "My toes were numb and the Fajitas were too spicy" November 10, 2003 "I'm in the closet. Chicken and dumplings are in the oven." November 1, 2003 "Maybe It Was the Barometric Pressure" October 28, 2003 "I felt that nyckelharpa in my fillings" |