Sleepy Creek
Apologies for not publishing an essay last week. Lori and I hit the road Saturday morning of the holiday weekend to visit friends in Berkeley Springs, West (By God) Virginia. The week leading up to our trip was too full for me to crank out an essay in advance. The relaxation and fun that we had last weekend was a fair trade for breaking my posting streak. (Though it was nice to hear from a few friends who noticed its absence.)
Our friends' farm is in the northeastern panhandle of the state, Sleepy Creek running through it. It is less than two hours from Washington D.C. and nestled in closely with Pennsylvania and Maryland. It has served for many years as a gathering place for our friends’ friends and extended family. Last weekend was the first time in many visits where there were just four people there. This, along with steady rains for much of the weekend, made for a uniquely peaceful three days. The rain did not prevent us from hiking quite a bit. Of course we cooked, drank wine and talked a lot, which made the time fly by.
They have a large Blackstone grill/griddle, which I put to good use on Memorial Day, making smash burgers as tasty as you’ll ever eat - thanks in large measure to the wonderful ground beef from Tony’s Butcher Block and “Big Marty” potato rolls from Martin’s Famous. I’d never cooked on a Blackstone before. The experience was great…I could be tempted into buying one someday (but not until we reimagine our outdoor living area).
Being at the farm last weekend reinforced for me the importance of slowing down - not just on the weekends, to recharge my battery for the week ahead. But also to devote more time to cooking proper, simple food and moving my body. That’s it - work with focus, shut it down soon enough to cook a proper meal and unplug my brain for a little while. Every time I get into this sort of rhythm, it pays dividends in terms of health, energy and creativity. Thankfully, the weeks ahead should allow for this. I’m looking forward to a balanced summer, full of fun.
Sunday Supper
Garlicky Shrimp w/ Zucchini & White Beans
Sunday Music
Vince Gill was recently at the NPR Tiny Desk
John Mayer Live At The Chapel, 2006
Blake Mills & Dino Palladino on World Cafe
Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! You can do anything you set your mind to. Let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,