The End of Summer Classes

Finally, we are in the last week of our 8-week summer semester. It has gone quickly, but we have been busy. Trying to write and cover the equivalent of a 16-week semester is challenging for both the students and me, the instructor.

Assigned were 3 out-of-class essays (multiple drafts, workshopped) and 3 in-class essays, one of which will be revised on the final day. Each revised essay was accompanied by submission/revision notes. In addition to the formal writing, students kept a journal of responses to readings, class activities, and prewriting for essays. The reading was not too heavy, I feel, but the writing was demanding.

I am looking forward to 3 weeks off before fall semester starts. Of course, I am not completely off--I still have my online classes, which are currently in week 8 of 11. But I am taking a well-deserved vacation for a few days.

Overall, I have been pleased with the writing and progress of my students. It's tough to be committed to classes during the summer. However, goals must be met, credits earned, and work completed.

Summer Reading

I had high hopes to read a few novels and finish the half-read non-fiction books once spring semester was done. However, summer classes and other adventures have limited my free time.

My current read is The United States of Arugula by David Kamp. So far, it's interesting, exploring the "great American food revolution."

Last week I finished In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. It was on my "to read" list for awhile and certainly opened my eyes to some of the problems with the food industry and farming trends. I like his approach to food and eating. It makes sense to me.

When I go on vacation next week, I'll be reading Julie & Julia on the plane. It should be entertaining. Reading, writing, cooking, and eating are my interests too. I must remember to bring snacks on the plane if I'm reading about food.

Once I finish Julie & Julia, I will finally get to Fatally Flaky by my favorite mystery writer, Diane Mott Davidson. Her protagonist is Goldy, a caterer who helps to solve murders.

I know what you are thinking. I read too much about food. It seems to be a theme lately. I'm interested in eating better and eating well, understanding how foods affect us and how the food industry has affected what and how we eat. Through all my reading and cooking, I have become a picky eater. I avoid fast food restaurants because the food does not appeal to me anyone and I know what's in it. I prefer freshly prepared food from fresh ingredients. Even chain restaurants like Applebee's and Olive Garden are not enticing.

I have an entire shelf of "food" books (not including my bookcase of cook books--that's another blog). It's a fascinating subject. Now if I can only get myself back to the YMCA on a regular basis.

Shopping & Eating Local

An unusual but wonderful summer day. Sunny and in the mid-70s, a great day for being outdoors. After hubby Steve did a 50 mile bike ride on the trails, we ventured out to St. Louis. We first went to the Farmers' Market at Tower Grove Park. We had been to Soulard Farmers' Market a few times, so we were interested in what this one would have.

The market had a variety of vendors, including meat (grass-fed beef, pork and lamb), chocolate, pasta, and coffee and tea vendors in addition to the expected fruit, veggie and plant vendors. We picked up some great veggies to grill tonight plus peaches. All looked yummy and fresh.

The park was impressive too. Walking paths, plenty of grass, dog-friendly. They also have a pavilion and wading pool w/ fountains. Plenty of kids were playing in the pool.

After enjoying the market and fresh air, we were hungry. We then took a short drive (maybe 1/2 mile from the park) to Local Harvest Cafe at 3137 Morgan Ford Road. The web site is http://www.localharvestcafe.com/ There was a nearly full restaurant and most outside tables were occupied too. A good sign. I had read about this place and liked that they used as much locally grown food as possible and prepared everything fresh.

We each ordered a "mix & match" lunch. Steve chose the Mediterranean salad and cucumber bisque while I decided on the Italian Stallion sandwich and the chilled borscht. We sampled each other's food and decided the two best items were the cucumber bisque (fresh, creamy, with a zippy garlic flavor) and the sandwich. The bread was fresh and soft and the combination of Cappicola, salami, roasted red peppers, and other veggies was delicious.

This place is definitely one to visit again. We want to try their dinner specials as well as their breakfast and espresso drinks.

If anyone has restaurant recommendations, please let me know. We love to try new places.

Getting Started

I tried blogging a couple years ago when I required my English 102 students to Blog for their journals. Truthfully, I did not make many posts, and since it was for students to view, all the posts related to class somehow.

So, here I start again. I envision my blog to be a mixture of commentary on memorable moments/events, my cooking adventures, books I'm reading, my travels, my work, and my family.

I hope someone reads a post now and then and finds some interesting bits or humor. Please come back.