The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

Free to Get Done What Needs Doin'

July 1, 2010

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. Mr. Sundberg is away on an extended motivational speaking engagement in Memphis, "Breathe in, Breathe Out: Relaxation in the Real World," and it's cabin time for the kids. They're away for a five-day adventure with their grandmother in the North Woods of Wisconsin. So here I am, hardly left behind, more like free to get done what needs doing in my own sweet time.

Of course I'm one of those people who makes a big ol' list of things to do, and when the time comes, I dawdle a bit and end up accomplishing just about half. My list this week includes the following: wash all floors; shake all rugs; clean pantry; organize file cabinet; go through kids' clothes; try new biscotti recipe; re-stock salt for water softener; finish the book I'm reading; write a few letters; trim the grass along the fence; and paint the small bathroom a nice shade of blue.

I've checked a few items off the list already, and have until Sunday to finish, but I'm finding that the important list is not the one I've written, but the one that ultimately writes me. The unexpected things I do, that is, that really make it all a trip. How I sat and watched the fireflies the other night for a good hour before coming in. The movie I rented just for me when I was looking for one for the kids. Visiting with my friend Angela over lunch at the Noodle Shop, spur-of-the-moment. And later, going to a restaurant all by myself and ordering only appetizers and dessert. I even got a pedicure, and my toenails painted red, white and blue. Stars included. Nothing extraordinary, mind you, but not on the list I made. Thank goodness we don't think of everything. Imagine. How dull. Let everything think of you, and things lighten up. Trust me on this one.

Homemade Blueberry Muffins

This recipe goes way back to a great-grandmother of mine, and it's a favorite with grilled chicken and corn on the cob, or shredded beef sandwiches and smashed garlic red potatoes.

Or enjoy it for breakfast with eggs and juice.

1 3/4 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

Dash nutmeg

Mix. Make a well in center.

Add 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup oil.

Stir gently. Fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries.

Fill 11 muffin cups in tin. Sprinkle lightly with sugar.

Bake at 425 for 15-19 min or until light brown

And center springs back when touched.

Enjoy!