Savoring Sunday- Mint Détente.

When the LA County Fair comes to town- soaring temperatures are Mother Nature's ritual.

107.2° .That was where the misery index rocketed to when Miss Lauren poked her head over the garden gate to question if it wasn't a little hot for me to be precariously clinging to the hillside- clippers in hand.

You know you are a garden addict when the temperature is that horrid and you are still puttering about in the garden.  To test my resolve must be why the angels on high send certain company.  Thorns to staple extremities and tear clothing before "its time". Venomous spiders. Snakes. Actually,  there is a time when I am happy to see a snake. When a rat runs by.

2010 hasn't been too bad a year for rodents. Probably the combination of big cats and coyotes. Those roaming bad boys also keep down the skunk population.  Something I am more concerned about since that baby perfumer took a stroll  under the chair I was sitting in at a friend's house.
 

This is also the time of year the garden tells me that it doesn't mind I have never bought mint. All you have to do with that herb is think of it- and voila! It is the unchallenged divining rod to the best parts of the garden, where she quickly populates across, daring gardeners to get the upper hand.

Warning. Whatever your ritual with mint- do not put mint in the composter or she can become as one of those monster movie menaces where all the little pieces become multiple clones to battle for control of the earth.

Better to engage in Détente. Consider mint as the green refresher. I confess skepticism reading Nigella Lawson's romantic remembrances of  a simple omelets from long ago wanderings in Greece, where slivers of leaves were used to generously season a simple omelet filled with Chevre cheese.

That first bite was an aha moment, where the eyelids close involuntarily. Mint is not just for sweet surrenders. It is quiet accompaniment to the slight tang of the goat cheese. A couple slices of Canadian Bacon-  An English Crumpet with Irish butter and Marmalade of Seville oranges and you have my rendition of  country cooking.

We may be identified by our country of origin. Spoken language can keep us apart. But good food in a convivial atmosphere brings us together.

Wildlife images by Gene Sasse. For the duration of the LA County Fair, you can look for him at the Millard Sheets Gallery. Even when Gene isn't there- it is an exhibit worth exploring.