longest day link love

We are now counting down from the longest day of the year.

Last Friday, we had 17 hours and 3 minutes of daylight. I guess that's what happens when you live in Canada's largest northern city.

All the light snuck up on me. Suddenly, I found myself going out to the garden to check on the kale at 10:15. Another night, we set out for a sunset run just after 10. And last week, on the longest day of the year, we went for a walk along the North Saskatchewan River. We set out just before 10:30 and arrived to find a pale blue sky and the moon just starting to rise.*

It had just rained and the puddles reflected the remains of the sunset. Edmonton, I think, will do summer well. (As it also does winter well. Very well.)

Here's what I've been up to in these early summer days:

Making pasta with yogurt, peas and chile. Molly said we should make this right away. She was right. I might make it again next week.**

Trying to convince my better half – who actually peels the chickpeas – that we should have this ethereally smooth hummus on hand every day for the rest of our lives. (Note to self: this is the second recipe inspired by Ottolenghi. I wonder if it's a sign?)

Canning grapefruit rhubarb jam!

Squeezing every last drop out of my new favourite wine, which I can only afford to drink once a year.

Dolloping tarragon mustard on everything.***

Discovering a new friend in the neighbourhood: a whisky and wine bar called The Bothy. (Where I ate a Lorne sausage sandwich with greens, four-year cheddar, Branston pickle and sundried tomato mustard and fell in love.)

And finally: trying not to stay up too late watching The Hour. (BBC, I love you.)

* The mosquitoes also seemed to be rising. But let me not disabuse you of the notion that I live in a romantic place.
** Although Scott says he is banning it (as he licks his lips) because it creates too many dishes.
** No link, but you can find The Jam Lady at the downtown farmers' market in Edmonton.