The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

Might Be a Friend

September 23, 2008

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. I had to throw a sweater on halfway through, and I thought about starting a fire but changed my mind. Not quite chilly enough yet, though it won't be long now. It's been getting dark earlier and earlier. I really don't like the feeling of summer slipping away, but the smell of leaves and the cool air and having the kids back in school all kind of make it not so bad.

Monday was the first day of fall, and I spent most of the day outside in the yard. Put away the step ladder that has been leaning on the shed for a couple of months, and wandered on over to the apple tree and picked a perfect one and ate it right there. (It's no wonder the deer learn to stand on two legs.) I filled one pail with apples and another for Mr. Sundberg's new part-time secretary, Margie. He'd been so busy with more and more calls for motivational talks, so when I suggested he hire someone to help him organize things, it didn't take long for him to think twice about it and now he's got Margie.

I've yet to meet Margie, but I know she's nearly my mother's age and works part-time at the nursing home. She spent her childhood summers working for her father, who ran the general store in her hometown for nearly fifty year, and she's sharp as a tack, I'm told. So she can type and keep records and calendars and receipts and you name it. She'll be working from her apartment and will be talking with Mr. Sundberg every Monday night for an hour or so. On the telephone.

I think we ought to have her over one of these days. For BLTs and lemonade, before the weather turns. I'll make an apple pie and we can sit on the porch and talk about the things people talk about when they're getting to know each other. Like favorite movies and good books and where to get a really good steak and the difference between justice and mercy. Good to meet a new person now and then. Might be a friend. You just never know.

This recipe is perfect for an autumn lunch.

Serve it up with a hunk of bread and some cheddar cheese.

Corn Chowder

3 medium onions, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

4 medium potatoes, diced

1/2 pint heavy cream

1 1/2 qt milk, scalded

1 1/2 lb fresh or frozen kernelled corn or

2 cans kernel and 1 can cream style corn

2 cups water

Sauté onions, pepper and celery in a bit of butter. Boil potatoes in a soup kettle until soft (about 20 minutes). Drain. Add onion mixture to potatoes. Add scalded milk and heavy cream, then water and corn. Simmer. Salt and pepper to taste.

Mmm. Enjoy.

Previous article: « Something to Look Forward to

Next Article: When You're Cooking for a Crowd »