11 Comments
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Mary Tase's avatar

Love this post. Your publication is exactly what I want to see in my inbox, so I subscribed! And the word elderberry? Always reminds me of the TV show The Waltons (my favorite show growing up), with the Baldwin sisters who are always getting drunk on elderberry wine. Ha ha.

Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you, Mary! I appreciate hearing that you value what I am writing about. The quote about the word elderberry is actually from Monty Python's The Holy Grail.

Robin Blackburn McBride's avatar

Sue, how lovely. We're about to plant an elderberry bush, so I'll definitely check out your linked essay with recipes. Thank you for sharing the wonder of the young osprey. What a great photo! I'm intrigued by book lists and appreciate you curating several here. Happy August.

Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you, Robin. Be sure to plant your elderberry away from decks and patios, as the berries, if not harvested, will drop!

Karen Auvinen's avatar

Yay Fledgling Osprey--May you heal and fly!

Juliet Wilson's avatar

I love the osprey story and the photo too!

I cook with zucchini (or courgettes as we call them over here) a lot! My favourite dish is to fry up zucchini, mushrooms, red pepper and onions then add tinned tomatoes and then serve with pasta (or rice).

Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you, Juliet! I just bought a pound of shiitake mushrooms, and this recipe sounds perfect.

Juliet Wilson's avatar

I hope you enjoy!

yesterday in an Italian restaurant, I tried Zucchini flowers for the first time, they're delicious too! Fried in a light batter and served with a dipping sauce.

Maria Luz O'Rourke's avatar

Thank you for sharing the bridge story and adorable photo, Sue! Much needed good news. I hope the osprey will recover from the lead and trauma 💗

I am looking forward to fall and elderberry season! I will check out your recipes.

Susan J Tweit's avatar

Closing the Hood River Bridge to return a young osprey to their nest is just so wonderful! Thanks for sharing that, plus the zucchini chips. And the elderberry story. Blessings and a smoky and sweaty hug to you from western Colorado.

Susan Cerulean's avatar

I love the osprey on the bridge story!