Dog Days of Summer & Happy Birthday Julia Child

The cold, wet weather finally turned, and we have our typical Dog Days (aka tomato days) of summer coaxing plants and vegetables into production. I love to visit the small gardens of Stonewall Kitchen in York, Maine any time of year, but especially now, when the gardens are at their best.

Jackie Noonan, their innovative and devoted gardener, groups vegetables and flowers in a power-packed parade of color and texture. I especially love her giant pots of kale with chard, and her fabulous Striped-Leafed Japanese corn.

Next spring, I am going to use this corn to make a whimsical hide-out in my backyard.

Stonewall's cooking classes (http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/cookingschoool) are held in this great room with every imaginable convenience. Their schedule this time of the year is jammed with great classes taught by their knowledgeable staff or guest chefs. I wanted to attend the line-up of classes during Julia Child Week, but they were sold out.

Friday is Market Boat day at Christmas Cove.

I tote my basket to the town landing and wait for the sound of David Berry's old school bell.

The brass bell once belonged to his grandmother, and David uses it to signal to the shoppers that he is on his way. Soon his Long Island Sound oyster boat pulls up to the landing and I fill my basket with his great offerings.

In honor of Julia, I'll just sign off with bon appétit!