Savoring Summer

I know that I am not alone when I say that I don't want the summer to end. I really enjoy the long days, and the fact that I am up earlier in the morning without the alarm clock. The energy I have in the summer is unlike any other time of year for me.
So far it's been a great summer. We've done several day trips and had some great beach weather here in New England. We've actually had a great summer as far as weather goes.
Recently we went up to Maine again. I love Maine. We spent the day in York and then headed to Ogunquit for ice cream and a nice stroll along the coastline.

Soon we'll be getting ready for the kids to go back to school. My kids are actually excited to enter a new school year, and see all their friends again. The lazy days of summer with no schedule and not a lot of obligations is nice, but it can get a little stressful at times because I always feel as if I have to be entertaining them. So even though I wish that the summer weather can continue, I am looking forward to getting the kids back into a routine.
What do you think? Are you ready for summer to be over? Are you looking forward to a new school year?

Enjoy the rest of you summer!!!

Gina

Calling All Flowers!

Spring, Summer and Fall to me means that I get to have fresh flowers in my home continuously.
Here are some of my arrangements so far.

I'll be linking to : Under the Table and Dreaming

When Life Gives You Lemons...!

Well, I have to say that lemons are in my mind, one of the most exceptional fruits.

 I use lemons a lot in my everyday cooking and baking. I especially love to make lemon desserts and treats in the summer and this year is no exception. So, I whipped up these fabulous lemon cookies for a get together I was having, and I thought that I would share this recipe with you.

Lip-Smacking Lemon Cookies

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg 

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

2 Teaspoons grated lemon peel

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

Dash ground nutmeg

1/4 cup powdered sugar (for garnish)

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar, egg, lemon juice and peel and beat until well blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending well after each addition. Shape the dough into 2 logs. Wrap each log in plastic or waxed paper, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or up to 3 days.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. Cut logs into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place the slices 1 inch apart on cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes, or edges are light brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. When the cookies are cooled, sift with powdered sugar for garnish. Enjoy with coffee or a cool summer drink!

 Enjoy!

Have a great day!

Gina