We have just come through a period of intense heat. North Carolina is no stranger to muggy temps, but the heat dome that settled the first of the month was just wrong. When it only dips to the mid70s overnight, you know it’s brutal, and every day felt warmer than the last. It wasn’t safe to go outside and do anything until nearly sunset, so afternoons were spent in a sort of hibernation. During the week, while Mr was working, I spent the heat of the afternoons reading. On the weekends, we actually snuck in some television time.
Thankfully, we have had some rain in the past week, and temperatures moderated a bit. Low 90s instead of flirting with 100. It’s sad when that feels so much better, but you’d be amazed the difference a few degrees can make when it’s so hot. Today is actually forecast to stay in the 70s and be rainy all day {at publication, we’ve already had nearly an inch!}; truly a welcome break.
Seasonal Feasting
I’ve mentioned before that we try to eat seasonally, shifting our meals around what is in season and available fresh. Summer’s heat tends to mean the death of lettuce season, and the kale has finally succumbed to the unrelenting temperatures. Which means we move to “lettuce-less salads” for a time. Thankfully the cucumbers are coming in strong, and they make such a refreshing base for a salad. And of course, pesto is on regular {weekly} rotation while the basil is thriving.
The heat also means being strategic about oven use. It’s fairly easy to squeeze in a batch of granola in the morning, but bread takes a little more planning. Thankfully, we discovered a super simple flatbread recipe several years ago, and when made with fresh-milled flour they’re even softer and more flavorful. Plus, the vaguely Mediterranean vibe pairs well with the cucumber salads.
Tomatoes
One of the highlights of Summer feasting: fresh tomatoes. Nothing, and I mean nothing, tastes like a garden-grown tomato. In a weird twist, thanks to the extreme heat, we actually harvested peppers before tomatoes this year! Unheard of, but true. While waiting for our tomatoes to turn, we’ve been fortunate enough to have family share their harvests. And now that ours are finally starting to ripen, we are indulging in marinated tomatoes.
so you can get all the lovely colors.
If you’ve never tried a marinated tomato, it’s a game-changer. Simply slice {Mr also peels them} a tomato and lay the slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Drizzle lightly with vinegar {we use red wine} and quality olive oil. Let sit for a bit, then serve as a side – but they are equally delicious on a BLT or burger. For extra flavor and flair, you can top the tomato slices with rounds of mozzarella or a sprinkle of fresh-grated Parmesan.
The cherry-type tomatoes are starting to come in as well, perfect for salads {and soon: pasta sauce!}. Our first tomato picked was actually the Spoon tomato pictured below. Be sure to swipe through the carousel of images to see it’s true size comparison.
Fireflies
Is there anything more “Summer” than watching the fireflies rise at nightfall? Especially as the frogs and crickets warm up for their nighttime symphony. One day, I hope to capture it on video in a way that does justice to the beautiful whimsy of reality.
Games
In our quest to stay cool in the afternoons, we rediscovered Uno, which I remember playing countless rounds of in the Summer on family trips to Florida. With another month and change of potential heat, we’re on the hunt for more games. I, of course, have multiple versions of Scrabble, but somehow card-based games feel more like “Summer.”
Browsing the game selection at Target, we discovered there are a lot of games available now! Almost too many to choose, with so many I’ve never heard of before. If you have a favorite game – whether it’s board game or cards – please share!
If you’ve been under the heat dome, I hope you’ve been able to stay safe and cool.
Hopefully we all get a good break from the heat soon!
What’s your favorite way to stay cool on a hot afternoon?
Do you read? Play games?
We have also been playing games to avoid the heat.
I love love fireflies!!! I could watch them all night.
And I am jealous of your farm right now. Our area is being really hit by that parasite and we are not supposed to eat too much raw fruit and vegetables right now and I hate it! I miss tomatoes and salad so much!
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Yay team games! 😀 And fireflies 😀
I am so sorry about that parasite thing, it sounds pretty horrible 😬 and what a terrible time to take away fresh produce! I wish I could share some of our homegrown with y’all ❤ Apparently it's starting to appear in NC too, and while our veggies are our own, we do buy fruit … but we do wash everything well, so fingers crossed!
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Do Carolinians not call them lightening bugs? That’s the norm down here in ‘Bama.
The heat has been so much worse than usual: my bedroom AC is on all day and night and I’m still uncomfortable despite a desk fan ALSO blowing on me.
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We do 😂 And I grew up calling them that, but at some point in the not so distant past, it shifted to “fireflies” in my head. 🙂
Ugh yes. The poor AC hasn’t stood a chance … hopefully the heat will give soon!
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I was just telling my sister yesterday I have seen more fireflies this summer than ever in my life. They put on quite the show in my yard every night and it really is magical 🙂 I had one follow me inside the other night and put on a little light show in my kitchen, lol. Then he finally landed on my shoulder and I was able to take him back outside.
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I had one make it in the kitchen too 🙂 They are definitely abundant this year! ❤
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Whew, the heat is rough! We’re having a got spell too, although it’s not humid. I love the carosel of photos that showed how tiny the tomato is! There’s nothing better than home grown tomatoes. I’ve never seen a firefly! I feel deprived somehow!
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The days when it’s just been hot but with low humidity have been weirdly amazing, haha … Of course, it’s easier to get dehydrated on those days, but it felt so much better doing so 🤪 We had enough cherry tomatoes to make our first cherry tomato pasta last night and oh my gosh, these seasonal flavors! 😀
Never seen a firefly?! 😮 Oh my goodness, I can’t even imagine summers without them … I hope you’re able to experience them one day!
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Heat domes are awful and I definitely dread any future ones. I hate the temperature not dropping much overnight too. Its so hard to sleep and you just feel like you get no relief/a break from it all. Im glad to hear that you’ve had some rain at last. We still havent. Temperatures are supposed to be a couple of degrees lower from tomorrow though. Not as cool as I’d like but I’ll take what I can get right now.
I dont think I’ve seen some of those tomato varieties before. Although I’m not surprised given how many exist. Your marinated ones sound lovely.
I saw a Fourth Wing game advertised this week but I think that was a Waterstones exclusive. There are definitely a lot of different ones around now though. Hope you enjoy whichever ones you decide to try. I also hope you have a wonderful, but hopefully not too hot, summer.
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It’s definitely the worst when it doesn’t cool off at night, because like you said: there’s no break! We got more rain overnight 😀 and I think we’re supposed to cool off as the week progresses … hopefully. And hopefully y’all get a break too! And some rain.
We like finding and trying new tomato varieties 😉 And I love the way the heirloom tomatoes look: they’re so uniquely shaped and such lovely rich colors. And flavors. Oh my. As the tomatoes start coming in, we are devouring them. SO yummy!
Oooh, that sounds neat! I’ve got the Amazon exclusive ACOTAR Monopoly saved on my “upcoming releases” list, so when it drops later this fall I’ll be ready 😀 I don’t even like Monopoly, but I’m more than willing to try the ACOTAR version, LOL! I also went down a rabbit hole of discovery centered around cat-centric games. I had no idea so many games existed with a general theme of “cats” 😀
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Yay thats wonderful. Its a bit cooler here, still hotter than I’d like, but still no sign of rain particularly soon. Atm my phone says we may get some the first Sunday in August but thats so far off that it could all change. Actually that’ll be summer holidays so I wouldnt be surprised if we get torrential rain then 🙈
I get that. I was fascinated by the unexpected size and shape of some when I visited some gardens. There’s so much variation out there.
Oh wow they have ACOTAR Monopoly coming out? I had no idea 🙈 although I have been eyeing up a very pretty ACOTAR puzzle thats out soon. Oh lol I love Monopoly and hope that version manages to win you over. I didn’t know there were many either 🤔 I’ve only heard of Exploding Kittens as I remember the name horrifying me 🙈
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Oh yes, there are some gorgeous ACOTAR puzzles coming out later this year too! And playing cards! 😀 So many pretty things, hehe
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[…] Tea Time 003: Summer days […]
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[…] Crawling around on hands and knees in the chicken coop was as fun as it sounds…}. All things summer days were discussed in a Tea Time post, including a peek at the mix of tomatoes we’re enjoying. […]
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