open season for Orbit

This is what summer days should look like. A calm lake, blue skies, a fishing pole and

and a dog that can fish the bank for you. This guy, named Orbit, was 'walking' quickly back and forth in the shallow water looking for fish. His owner said he loves to fish. He didn't catch any while I was there.

Skywatch Friday where you can see the catch of the day!

along the 'Grand Lake' and a bowl of soup

Earlier this month we took a day trip around the Mille Lacs Lake in central Minnesota, the second largest in the state. It 'overflows' three counties; I took this photo on the Crow Wing County side. Mille Lacs means Misi-zaaga'igan (grand lake) in the first Americans' Ojibwe language.
The silver hue of the clouds that day and the gray water reminded me of a fish. . .maybe because this area is considered the walleye capital of the state.

This area is also known for its wild rice cultivation -- 60,000 acres of natural wild rice is harvested in the traditional way. Yesterday I made this soup from a recipe I found in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, using the hand harvested 'grass' rice rather than the paddy rice.

MUSHROOM-WILD RICE SOUP

Serves 6 to 8
Use any combination of mushrooms here. The soup is easily frozen. It's hearty without being heavy. You may enrich it with a swirl of sour cream or heavy cream. It makes a fine vegetarian dinner paired with crusty bread and sharp cheese and a salad.
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 lb. cremini mushrooms, stemmed and quartered [I used baby Bellas]
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 large shallots, minced
• 8-9 c. low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 c. wild rice, rinsed under running cold water
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
Directions
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms with a little salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are soft and brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in the carrots and shallots and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the broth, wild rice, thyme, parsley and season with more salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook until the rice is tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with more chopped parsley. [yum!]

Visit Sky Watch Friday to see more 'skies from all over our planet.' Happy Friday and happy soup eating!

Sky Watch--snails and superlatives

This gorgeous sky was taken from my new beach chair gifted to me one glorious Sunday afternoon this month at another of Minnesota's '10,000' lakes. Snail Lake, as the name implies, has hundreds of little snail shells littering the shore, some of which I took home in a little zip-lock bag. Simple pleasures indeed!

See more skies at Sky Watch Friday here . Happy August 1st!

That man is rich whose pleasures are the cheapest.

Henry David Thoreau

Thank Goodness, its SkyWatch Friday

My contribution to SkyWatch Friday--there's a white Egret hidden among the lily pads and shade of the tall trees next to the lake, listening as I approach. Any white showing through is the overcast sky's reflection this morning.Wherever it was

I was supposed to be

this morning--

whatever it was I said
I would be doing--

I was standing

at the edge of the field--

I was hurrying
through my own soul,

opening its dark doors--

I was leaning out;

I was listening.

from Mockingbirds

Mary Oliver

See more sky views or to join in, stop by Wiggers World and ask for Tom.

One generation plants the trees ...

... under whose cool shade another generation takes its ease. Proverb

My view of the sky from an old farm area where I walk. Spring has sprung in Minnesota.
For more sky views or to join in, visit Tom at SkyWatch Friday.

Happy Friday!

Welcome to my world!

It was a balmy day in St. Paul today but I couldn't help looking back over my shoulder at what was happening on the multitude of lakes around my neighborhood just a few weeks ago. Ice fishing was all the rage and the lakes were dotted with little, colorful fishing huts. This is my very favorite. So long until next year.