The Basket Lady

“Come one, come all!” To the Good Town of Rumford and gather at the Chet Bulger football field and be a part of the lively squeals of children scrambling to get in line for a hot dog or an ice cream cone or to meet up with friends, while their parents scope out a prime spot to set up their lawn chairs.

Come on out and enjoy the offerings of the local vendors and maybe a slice or two of cold watermelon. All will be in anticipation for nine p. m., when the night sky will transform its-self into a fantastic display of breath-taking colors and sizzling booms that dance off into the distance and before the last drop of light falls, comes another explosion that gets the spectators oohing and aahing in unison.

Be our guest and have a good time and help the community mark another razzle-dazzle fireworks event that celebrates in style, the fourth of July, our Independence Day, in the Good Town of Rumford!

“Thank goodness,” It’s summertime. So, let’s add to the festivities by grilling up some summer vegetables to put into a big basket for a big ole family picnic. Grilled vegetables are hearty enough to be a main course, but also a wonderful side dish to simple grilled meats, poultry, and seafood.

Ingredients:

1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise

1 small onion (such as Vidalia), sliced one-half inch

one-half red bell pepper, quartered

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

one quarter teaspoon salt

one quarter teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, thyme and/or rosemary

1.5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1. Heat grill. Place zucchini, onion and bell pepper on rimmed baking sheet. Brush with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. Place vegetables on gas grill over medium-high heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium-high coals. Grill 5 to 8 minutes or until tender and lightly charred, turning once or twice.

3. Separate onion rings; coarsely chop zucchini and bell pepper. Place vegetables in shallow bowl. Sprinkle with herbs; drizzle with vinegar.

4. Makes 2 servings. (Double all ingredients for more servings.)

Another item for your picnic basket that’s a must-have is a pitcher of cold iced tea-very sweet and topped off with lemons; and if you are so inclined, make a pitcher of sunshine tea.

Friends, Make a difference- Give someone a basket of kindness today.

Kindness is the language

Which the deaf can hear

And the blind can see. -- Mark Twain

We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas!Until then, smile and live in the present.