Old Friends

Oriental magnolia

Elizabeth and I have known each other for about sixty years (she and John and I were in the same class in junior high school  back in Tampa.) Now she lives in our part of the world and yesterday she and I went to visit my friend Louise -- whom I've only known for about forty years. . . . 

 It's always a pleasure to visit Langsner's beautiful farm and to drool over Louise's gorgeous garden. 
 Wonderful raised beds, already producing . . .
A woven willow gate . . .

And then there was lunch -- Louise was trying out recipes for her GARDEN KITCHEN BLOG and we were more than willing to be guinea pigs.  Above is kuku -- an Iranian version of a frittata -- egg binding together herbs and greens -- delicious!

There was a velvety soup of pureed garbanzos, sorrel, and watercress, sourdough bread, various tasty spreads and a rhubarb salsa, preserved lemons, and a magnificent salad.  I hope that every one of these dishes shows up (with recipes) on Louise's blog soon.
After lunch we went for a walk in the woods -- Louise had spotted a rare Showy Orchis the day before and she led us to it.
This was the first one I'd ever seen -- a tiny little treasure!

So many pretties!
And back at the house, Dorcas, the door cat greeted us. It was a fine day, spent in the best of company. I am so lucky.