First BLTs of the season, a thatched cottage in Dorset, and a novel about two sisters in two different versions of the same Ireland.
The farmers market was full of everything that makes a summer Saturday worth leaving the house for: flowers, eggs, fat tomatoes, baked goods that required serious self-restraint. No cinnamon rolls this week, which was probably a good thing, since BLTs were already on the menu and, in my opinion, they are best on white bread. I am curious, which condiment do you use, Miracle Whip, Hellmann’s or Duke’s?
We had our first BLT of the season. Truth be told, bacon is not high on my favorite food list, except during tomato season. I do not like grease, and I do not like to cook greasy things in the house. Bill does not share that particular conviction, and it is a bone of contention, but that is a story for another day. What saved us this week: our local grocery store has a hot bar, and they sell cooked bacon. No muss, no fuss, and the BLTs were delicious.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Pinecones and Acorns.
The Weekend
The weather report said cloudy. What we actually got was something in rotation: overcast, then stretches of full hot sun and some rain. We decided early that it was going to be a cloudy day regardless and got to work in the garage.
I am convinced things multiply in there when I am not looking. We went in to organize and came out having found boxes of Christmas decorations that apparently missed the memo about being put away. The irony is that in a few weeks we will be dragging them out again. I am choosing to see this as efficiency.
What I’m Reading
We Meet Apart by Martha Conway. This book is unlike anything I have picked up in a long time. Two American sisters, 17 and 18, find themselves stranded in Ireland in 1940 when World War II cuts off ocean travel. But here is the part that makes this book extraordinary: they are stranded in different realities. In Gaby’s world, Ireland is neutral, exactly as history records. In Sabine’s world, Germany has invaded. Both sisters end up at the same remote Irish manor, and for one hour each dusk (the Celtic hour of pookies and ghosts) their two worlds briefly overlap and they can find each other again.
What happens in that hour, and what threatens it (Sabine has fallen in love with a German officer who is charming in her world and sinister in her sister’s), is the whole novel. If you have ever wondered what you would risk to hold onto the people you love across impossible distance, this book will find you.
What I Watched
I found Tattie Isles this week, and now I want to move to West Dorset and keep peacocks. She is a florist and set designer who lives with her husband Fred in a 300-year-old thatched cottage that was originally two workmen’s cottages joined into one, which is why it has two front doors, two staircases, and two fireplaces. They found it just as the world was reopening after lockdown and knew immediately, as Tattie tells it, that the house had chosen them.
A wisteria arch inherited from the previous custodian. A rambling rose. A canvas marquee that stays up all summer for the flower school she runs, where students come from across the UK and as far as Australia to spend a day or two working with their hands. Inside: low beamed ceilings, a round kitchen table (always room for one more around a round table), an Aga that never goes off. Nothing designed. Everything collected, layered, lived in. She has worked with flowers for sixteen years, the Chelsea Flower Show, weddings in Siena, but her truest belief is simpler than any of that: a home only feels alive when you can tell who lives there.
I love that.
Outfit of the Day
It’s time to pull out your classics to get ready for cooler weather. Jeans and a white t-shirt can look smart with the addition of a cashmere sweater and your favorite slingback. Feeling casual? Wear tennis shoes. Add your favorite bag and that is all you need.
By the way if you like designer bags make sure to watch TJ Maxx and Marshalls, they occasional get your favorites, like this Burberry crossbody bag. You cannot search by designer, some brands like the designer brands are hidden in the search, but you can search by price. If I am looking for a high end piece to add to my wardrobe I search highest price to lowest.
Outfit Details Below
I hope your weekend was a good one, whatever the weather decided to do. If you have not been to your farmers market yet this season, go. Bring cash, bring a bag, and buy the tomatoes while they are this good. If you have been lucky enough to grow them in your garden that’s even better.
What have you been reading lately? I am always looking for my next book.
Find me on Pinterest for more of what I love, and if you enjoyed this post, I would love it if you shared it. And if you missed Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet we all had lots to share.
You might also enjoy:
Monday Musings No. 224 | Baby Birds, Beach Reads and Brutal Heat
Friday Favorites from What’s Gabby Cooking, the Cottage Market, Vanilla and Bean and More
On My Radar
Hellmanns
That is what my husband prefers. Here in the South they like Duke’s. I like Miracle Whip and Hellmans.
None of the above! I have never liked mayo in any form & prefer butter on my BLT’s! 🙂
Sourdough bread, lightly toasted and well buttered. No mayo, as that is the one and only food product I just cannot get down, no matter the brand. I cook my bacon in the oven, foil lined tray, 435 for 20 minutes, drained well, minimal mess.
Elizabeth I agree with Sharon’s comments; butter and no mayo, plus I have been doing the oven bacon cooking method for years. No mess and it works every time. For reading, I am just finishing the latest novel from Louise Penny, The Last Mandarin co-authored with Melissa Fung. I am a Louise Penny fan and this is another great one from her. Have a great day and thank you for your always welcome reading and film suggestions.