Raindrops on Lupins

Lupins after a rainshower hold water in their centers and often along the leaf edge…you can see how the leaf edge could hold small raindrops.

The droplets sparkle in the sun, catching light and reflection. I cannot resist them.

Rhu-Bob

From reader Pat in East Tennessee came a recipe for Old Fashioned Rhubarb Torte.

I took a piece and a cup of coffee out to the front porch this morning. It was cool and drizzly, so I finished it inside.

I had some help.

Rhu-Bob. (say it :)! )

OLD FASHIONED RHUBARB TORTE from Pat in East TN.

1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
5 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar (original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups sugar. Pat suggested 1/2 that amount and I agree – PLENTY sweet with 3/4 cup)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb

In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, confectioners’ sugar and salt. Cut in butter as for pastry. Pat into a 6×10 pan (I use a 9×9) and bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the eggs, sugar, remaining flour and baking powder. Fold in rhubarb and spread over baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool. Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

a picture perfect day

Photo taken this morning, 5/22/2010 on the way home from Kalispell. Currently, reader PatW’s recipe for Old Fashioned Rhubarb Torte is in the oven and smelling wonderful on this sunny, cool (50ish F), Saturday afternoon…results later.

The forecast rain looks to be heading south. The air is clear and bright. It is a picture perfect day.

Hard times on the front porch

We’ve had a run of warm, even hot by MT standards, sunny days. Yesterday afternoon it all seemed a bit much.

But in the night a cool, rainy front started through and the forecast is for much of the same for the next week.

Hard times, on the front porch.

Sweet morning

Yesterday…very early…Jeannine and I picked the first of the rhubarb and had a coffee cake in the oven and fresh coffee made well before 7:00 a.m.

We sat together in the sunroom. Our friendship spans 40 years. Sweet morning.