Feeling Hot Hot Hot

Temperatures rise so high in July that sometimes being indoors is unbearable. Fans and air conditioner sales soar in Seattle with the first 85F day. A couple good tips for conserving “the cool” are to keep your blinds and windows closed during the day and, when the temperature dips in the evening, open up the windows and/or doors to create a cross breeze through the interior spaces. If you're looking to take a quick local dip, Lake Washington has many parks and beaches to accommodate relaxation and cooling off.  Even Nico made a trip to the lake!

 Nico out for a swim!

Cold salads are usually all I crave during the hot weather. I created a spin-off recipe from the  Barefoot Contessa At Home book  and changed a few of the key ingredients to create more of a Mediterranean salad. 

Tomato, Artichoke & Orzo Salad – Serves 6

       ·         kosher salt

       ·         good olive oil

       ·         ¾ pound orzo pasta

       ·         ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)

       ·         freshly ground black pepper

       ·         8 oz pitted kalamata olives, cut into halves

       ·         2 cans of artichoke hearts, cut into quarters

       ·         2 pints of cherry tomatoes, cut into halves (orange have a great sweet flavor)

        ·         ½ cup minced scallions

        ·         ½ cup chopped fresh dill (in season now!)

        ·         1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

        ·         1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium diced

        ·         ½ cup small-diced onion

        ·         ¾ pound good feta cheese, large-diced

      Fill large pot with water, add 1 Tablespoon salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked al dente.

Drain and pour into bowl. Whish together the lemon juice, ½ cup of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pour over hot pasta and stir well. Add dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, artichokes, olives, tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back up to room temperature before serving.

I’ve made this salad 3 times for Lake Union Rotary events and it has always been a hit, meaning that there are no left-overs!

Lake Union Rotary was also a vendor at this year’s Bite of Seattle, educating crowds about exactly what Lake Union Rotary is all about and teaching kids of all ages how to tie different sailing knots. I’ve been an official Rotary member for about a year now and have met wonderful people and helped out at many of the worthwhile events that Lake Union Rotary puts hosts. Our meeting place is located next to the Center for Wooden Boats, which is a great place to learn everything you might want to know about sailing and wooden boats and the instruction is always free!

 Speaking of sailing and ships, Seattle Seafair Fleet Week is just winding down and what a whirlwind of people and events it was. I know not everyone is a fan of The Blue Angels flying overhead,  but we enjoy their entertaining patriotism as they soar, dive, and spin with amazing displays of teamwork. The parade of boats around Elliot Bay is also fun to watch and some of the ships docked are open to free tours. Fleet Week has been a tradition since 1950 to honor the men and women in the military with this premier summer festival.

Seattle summers are magical for visitors from out of town. The weather, though warm, is still mild compared to many places around the US. If you’re expecting out of town guests, plan ahead to make their visit fun and welcoming.

Here are a few timely tips:

     

      1.       Make a list of possible events or things that you think your guests would like to do. Avoid a daily agenda where they are subjected to a schedule. Keep it casual.

      2.       Stock the fridge with food and drink your guests enjoys. This will also save time and prevent you from having to run to the store while they are in town. Less shopping means more visiting.

      3.       Provide toiletries. Your home, filled with guests, is somewhat like a mini hotel, and guests are bound to forget at least one item like a toothbrush or lotion. Bringing along all the potions and lotions of daily life makes for a heavier suitcase. I always tell my niece, “Don’t bother with shampoo, etc.  I’ve got it all.” Also,  this gives your guests a chance to try a new product or brand of something. 

      4.       Having spare keys made takes the stress of having to rush home and attend to your guests. Usually while guests are in town,  we still have to work. A key for their personal use means more freedom to come and go when they please.

      5.       Let guests help out. Small tasks like helping make dinner or taking sheets off the bed for washing makes them feel more relaxed. Also, it takes the pressure off  you with the addition of daily tasks. If they ask “can I do anything” take them up on it.

 

U P C O M I M G  from PDR:  A long-time client of ours has asked us to help them “refresh” their guest room. New paint, bedding, and great artwork were added to create a welcoming space for guests. (Pictures will follow later this month).