To the Mountains

On Friday morning Renee and I jumped into Black Beauty (my truck)

and headed for the hills.....the hills of Maine (and New Hampshire)

to see Nanci Griffith at Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield

Neither of us had ever been before and were a little giddy with the

change of scenery

 and playing hooky on a Friday

Renee had bought a package deal that included an overnight

stay at the Inn on Crystal Lake in NH with dinner, a shuttle bus to

the concert and back and unbeknownst to us, front row seats!!

We pulled up in the dark to this big barn with lights twinkling from inside

We walked into a big empty room filled with tables and a bar, 

and I thought maybe we were early.

But then we were escorted thru a secret breezeway,

where a door opened us into

this beautiful post and beam barn

 filled with 200 people

Eating, Drinking and Chatting up a storm, waiting for the show.

The Kennedy's opened for Nancy with warm voices and an amazing

message of warmth and gratitude about Maine's passing, on popular vote,

the right for Gay Marriage

 The audience's pride and enthusiasm was emotionally overwhelming

and really hit home to me what a life changing event has just occurred

Nancy joined them, frail and birdlike, three songs in

and I was a bit taken aback as she came onto stage,

 I had no idea she has been

 battling an illness

But let me tell you, her voice and spirit, filled the room - to the 

stars and mountains surrounding us. 

 I feel like she sewed a little

bit of her spirit into my pocket

of which I will always take good care.

We meandered back roads coming home Saturday,

and of course stopped at Chase's Daily in Belfast

where I stocked up on farm fresh produce

Here is a recipe for a cauliflower puree I made

last night to accompany some braised country ribs -

A wonderful substitute for mashed potatoes

CAULIFLOWER PUREE

2 small heads of cauliflower, or 1 large

3 T butter or Olive oil, or a little of both!

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

A few T of fresh chopped parsley

Core the cauliflower and cut into florets

Steam until tender

Place hot steamed cauliflower into the bowl of

a food processor, add the butter or whatever you are using

and the salt and pepper to start

Puree until smooth and creamy,

taste for salt and pepper and add a touch more

oil if needed

Stir the fresh parsley in last

Serve hot in place of mashed potatoes

Enjoy!

And thank you so much.

Kyra