Gathering at the Table

"When the last apple, the kitchen table, and the bread-knife have come together, it is felt to be a victory for the human spirit over matter. The milk-jug and the ginger-jar are transformed. These common objects are invested with the majesty of mountains and the melody of music."
Virginia Woolf




On Mother's Day Hannah, Jordan, Stella and Djuna gave me a common object---a book---but what a very special book...The Bloomsbury Cookbook: Receipes for Life, Love and Art by Jans Ondaatje Rolls. I am enchanted and transported by what I'm finding between the covers of this book. As readers, we are invited to gather at various Bloomsbury tables---simple but talk-fascinating breakfasts at Monk's House, leisurely lunches at Charleston Farmhouse, candlelit dinners at Gordon Square, and alfresco suppers at La Bergere in the south of France. This wonderful book is filled with over 300 recipes, quotations, letters, paintings, photographs and personal reminiscences of various Bloomsbury artists and writers. I'm of a mind to spend the next year inspired...reading through these pages and trying all the recipes. A heartfelt thanks to my family for discovering this gem and knowing me so well!

The Garden in Early May

“…there are plums, pears, figs, together
with all the vegetables. This is going to be
the pride of our hearts.” Virginia Woolf

Virginia and Leonard's Monk's House Garden, and the
wonderful Orinda sun exposure inspire me to try
different plants and different vegetables. Globe and baby
artichoke plants in the raised bed are beautiful. We had
our first steamed artichoke Saturday night. Also growing,
six varieties of tomatoes, zucchini, leeks, arugula, basil,
kale, spinach, broccoli, and red and yellow bell pepper.
A Japanese eggplant was planted, but disappeared. 
The local squirrel perhaps the culprit? The herb garden
is a delight, providing french tarragon, oregano, chives,
mint, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. The Eureka and
Myer trees are abundant with lemons and the Orange tree
is sending out the most heavenly scent in late evening
and early mornings. I am in agreement with Virginia.....
yes, our Orinda garden is going to be the pride of our hearts.