Squishy is good

We went up north to the cabin which belongs to Paul's relatives this weekend. We had no sooner pulled in than Nick came running back to the truck yelling, "SKUNK"! There was a skunk by the door! We left it alone and it took itself off to the woods where it belongs. Then Nick went to turn on the propane. He came back yelling, "WASPS"! Paper wasps had built a big nest under the eaves and were buzzing around like crazy. They had to go. We went into town on Saturday morning and got wasp killer.










The good thing about wasp killer is that you can shoot it from a long way away. It still makes them pretty mad, though.











They were so mad that one stung Paul on the lip! He needed ice to keep the swelling down. Some of the wasps were able to fly a ways before succumbing to the poison. I stepped on one in the front yard (barefoot) and it had just enough life left to sting me! Then I squished it.














We stained the woodshed. We are all sloppy with paintbrushes. Luckily, the stain is a nice tan color, so we looked like we had spray-on tan. Lucy, too!
















My sister and her family came up for the night. The cabin is kid-paradise, and Sam (8) and Ben (4) loved it. Especially the mud! Mud is good, nice and squishy! They also liked the treehouse, zipline, wheeler and piles of bones in the woods.









James and Sarah enjoying an adult beverage on the deck. I hear it poured in the cities, but there was just an off and on drizzle where we were.
We had a nice relaxing time that ended too soon. By the way, we didn't see a single squirrel! Probably out gathering reinforcements.








Did I mention Nate is learning how to drive? This happened backing out of the garage. Paul and Nate repaired the mirror on Sunday.

This morning the bellowing dog-beater was back in my yard at 5:45! I think he was a little surprised to have his ass (verbally) handed to him by a wild-eyed woman in a bathrobe, but I'm pretty sure he won't change his ways. I felt better, anyway. Now I'm a little worried that this bully will do something sneaky, though.



Today's recipe is for food that is deliberately squished. This is a sandwich that packs great in a cooler for a picnic or a weekend away. You can make it as squishy as you like. Me, I hate dry food so I add lots of juicy things. Paul wanted more meat and less squish. Suit yourself.

Squished Sandwich Loaf

1 big round loaf of bread (actually any shape would work)

Cut the top off the bread and pull out most of the innards. (Freeze these for stuffing.) Make layers of fillings, (I like the wet stuff next to the bread so it soaks in,) wrap in plastic, foil or a big ziplock. Put it on the bottom of the cooler, with the milk or something heavy on top. Put the milk on top of it in the refrigerator, too. At serving time, cut into wedges or slices. As you can see, my favorite fillings lean toward the Mediterranean, but you do what you like.

Sandwich fillings: (use any or all!)

Sliced sandwich meats, don't forget salami or pepperoni
Cheese of course, including soft cheeses such as chive-flavored cream cheese or feta
Roasted red peppers and/or spicy peppers
Sliced Tomatoes
Sauteed zucchini
Olives or olive paste (tapanade) (pretty much the reason I make this sandwich)
Pesto
onions
Marinated mushrooms
Artichokes or artichoke dip
Lettuce, spinach or other greens