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There is hollow roar on the other side of the windows – an old friend has come to visit  us today: the wind. There is a gust, a billow, a stillness and then the unmistakable wild abandon of our wind chimes. The wind is a strong element here, one that is at play much of the year – although we savor the small eternity we have without it. On most sides of us there is nothing to stop it, so it rolls. Depending on the time of year it either cuts the cold into slices in your throat, or it amplifies the summer heat as a blow dryer on your skin. The gusts are quite high today, we are under an advisory – however the temperature is a chilled out sixty-six degrees. Fairly neutral, but with hair in constant motion.

 I am merrily inspired by the subject of old friends and new friends. It seems quite astonishingly that people have the ability to show up in your life at the times marked most unexpected. A fortuitous evening encounter with a new acquaintance led to a well-buzzed conversation of food, growth, possibility and passion. The energy that hummed around us as we spoke on these subjects was electric and involved. It is a pure testimony to surprise. New encounters will always have their reservation as it is inherently human nature to scope someone’s story out in your head. This very instant is drastically combated by the truth when you finally learn their nature though. A pleasure it will always be. What began as the smallest of talks (scenery, weather, locations) was eventually heightened into engaging bliss about the sincere love for food (are there better conversations to be had!). In so much that we walked through the garden in darkness with headlamps to embrace and offer our new acquaintance that which moves us. The excitement and chatter was copious and fulfilling until all we wanted to do was cook – but alas the time had drawn too late. Thank you for the fresh breath of air last night new friend – we do hope to see you again.

A bird told me that summer temperatures are just vacationing this weekend. The cucumbers are in high tide and rolling in sweetly and densely. Those that aren’t winking at me coyly saying pickles or some form of salad are getting crafted lovingly into drinks. I’ve always had an affinity for lassi drinks. Maybe it’s their cooling element that is so complimentary to the food they are served with – they are saving grace while you are consuming fire. However, this is the very point I’ve decided to twist into irony today. Cucumbers are sincerely refreshing, especially married with mint – but what about including an element of danger? If not danger, something a little tricky – suave? We love spice. Jalapeno fever is high.

 This cosmically detracts from the nature of the lassi, but I assure you the magic remains.

Hope the weekend is slow where it needs to be, productive where it wants to be, and always satisfying.