December Memories

Sicky but a Merry and Thankful Christmas

I and my three Joes had a wonderful time visiting family last week. We started in the western part of the state enjoying the fellowship with my family. We are so thankful for my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and niece. The Lord was kind to give us such a sweet time together.

After our visit with them, we headed east to Joe's folks. There were 8 adults, 6 kids, and 3 dogs. The neighbor's cat made his appearance a few times as well. It is crazy fun there! Back to NB on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning we gave thanks to our Heavenly Father for the greatest gift of all. His Son! After breakfast, we enjoyed a time of giving and watching the youngest Joes (a first for the littlest) unwrap gifts. Then it hit me. Like a truck. I went down fast. Weakness, aches in muscles, fever, sharp pain in tummy. I laid in bed all day. One time I almost fell going to the bathroom because I couldn't hold myself up due to weakness. I stayed this way until Sunday afternoon. Not the way I anticipated spending my Christmas with my family. By God's grace, I didn't complain about my Christmas Day affliction but gave thanks for Christ's work and my sweet family. Joe joyfully served me and cared for the boys even though there was a sermon to prep for Sunday. I am feeling better and now tackling the piles of laundry (which, sadly, I have complained about). Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Extruded Polystyrene

Extruded Polystyrene Foam Core with Epoxy Resin Shell

Regular Joe enjoys studying and thinking about aspects of life, including the foam material that is whittled into surfboards.

The greatest message in the world came to the world using the means of marine travel. I think there is good work for the grand purpose of the world in engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine, etc. I’m just not cut out to be one of those workers. But I still like learning a bit about it.

Extruded polystrene is the topic of this blog, or rather, a review of the practical differences in riding a surfboard made from extruded polystrene core and shelled with epoxy resign and multiple layers of fiberglass cloth as compared to riding one with a polyethalene core and polyurethane resin. Exciting, I know.

My college chemistry classes taught me that I am not a chemist, so the whole molecular side of extruded polystrene is not the concern of this review. Rather here’s what I have found it to be like to stand on top of piece of extruded polystrene wrapped in 12 oz of fiberglass cloth soaked in epoxy resin while in certain places on a moving fluid.

Fun. Intrinsically it is not the material but the end use of it. Surfing is merely fun, no matter what it is on. I started on one of those canvas rafts that would eat a hole in stomach.

Float. I think my physics is correct to understand the increased bouyancy due to the decreased weight relative to total volume. The volume is not different due to the material but the lighter weight with that same volume creates more float. This equates to more efficient planning which results in more efficient paddling. This can result in catching more waves. This results in average guys who surf at most once a week more time on a wave per unit of time invested. This results in a better use of time in recreation away from one’s family who is more important than the recreation.

Firm. Extruded polystyrene is more firm or harder than expanded polystyrene and polyethalene. At least my experience on the three different materials indicates this to be so. Add to this more layers of fiberglass cloth and a more durable epoxy resign and you have the next attribute…

Fighter tough. I could say ‘tough’ but tried to stick with the alliteration. I’ve surfed used boards of this material and have just bought my first brand new one of this core and shell and nothing I’ve used surfs as close to the feel of the traditional materials of polyethalene foam and polyurethane resin than this combination. I have but dings in it but they are mainly punctures. When I have dinged it I’ve been surprised that it is not worse. I’ve also landed in positions where I really thought that I would put some serious pressure dings in the deck of the board only to find none.

Lighter weight. I will not repeat the benefit to float but elaborate on another benefit to lighter boards – maneuverability. Lighter boards in the more performance orientated designs enable the rider to move the board with less work. Positioning the board upon the falling lip of the wave or positioning the board under one’s body as they come down from the crest of the wave to the face or trough of the wave is done faster and/or easier (less work) when the board is lighter. Lighter weight in a successful planning design also ends up going faster. This can be used for more enjoyable turns at a higher speed and the experiences of riding places on or above the wave that require faster speeds. Where this is especially attractive is to those average fellows like me who ride small waves 95% of the time. Two areas that lightness is not a benefit is in wind. When the wind is closing in on gale force and is offshore or sideshore the light material does not feel as good as a board built out of traditional materials. The traditional material seems not to be blown off the wave and also seems to absorb or plane through (don’t know which one and I’m sure it depends upon the hull design, too) the surface chop. So when it’s larger surf and hard offshore I prefer my traditional materials.

Conclusion. “More mature” surfers [read: surfers who are less light footed than they used to be, less muscular than they used to be, carry more mass than they used to carry, yet know what boards and dimensions they ride, what shapes work for them, and ride the same style board faithfully] riding smaller waves (less than chest high and not powerfully shaped) should consider expanded polystyrene with epoxy resign for the materials of their faithful shorter boards for the above reasons.

Where PU makes more sense is when one is ‘testing’ a design and thus can get a PU board for less money. When one is ordering a board that he/she will not ride too often, then PU is cheaper and the durability is not a real issue. When one is surfing in a lot of chop on the face of a very fast wave or paddling into a very strong offshore wind the weight of a PU might be to the advantage of the rider over a EPS. For little ones riding boards for short periods of time and thus grow out of them before they wear out PU still makes sense.

Joe’s testing equipment and grounds: extruded polystyrene with epoxy resin boards were thrusters at 5’10 x 19.25 x 2.4, 6’0 x 19 1/16 x 2 3/8, 6’1 x 18 7/8 x 2 1/4, 6’3 x 19 x 2 3/8; keel twin fin at 6’0 x 21.5 x 2 ½. Beach break waves from weak shin-high-should-not-be-in-the-water-surf to chest-high, offshore A-frames to head-high-no-one-goes-to-the-beach-on-a-day-like-this-day slop windsurf in 25 kt wind to overhead, offshore at 20kt, the-crowd-is-a-lot-smaller-on-these-days waves over the course of two years. Joe is about an average rider of a shorter board (read: he pays for all his gear).

The Prince of Preachers

Four years ago, I began my quest to add a new member to our family...a pet dog. Joe was not as excited as me, but he allowed my research and gave permission to get a dog. We chose the boston terrier breed not by chance. We have friends who had one, and I just thought he was the cutest thing. Fast forward to now. Those dear friends are leaving the country soon to live in another and have entrusted us with the care of their sweet Spurgeon. We picked him up on Thursday. Lots of tears were shed. This was a much loved dog by his family. He has seen four children come into the home and lovingly endured all their pokes and pulls as well as gladly receiving their hugs and kisses. We are happy to take him and Gabby is thrilled to have a new buddy, although Spurgeon is trying to get use to her enthusiasm.

Watching cartoons with little Joe.

Spurgeon will be 9yrs old in February

Sandy vs. Martha

Okay, so I am a little delayed in posting about the two desserts I made during our friend's visit.

Swedish Apple Pie was shared with me a by a dear friend, Sandy. Let me tell you, it is so easy and delicious! Now, it doesn't replace the flaky crust of a traditional apple pie, but when you are crunched for time and unable to make a pie crust this is your answer. Very yummy and a new favorite of Joe.

Swedish Apple Pie

Fill pie pan 2/3 full of sliced apples. Sprinkle 1tbsp. sugar (I actually omitted this) and 1tsp. cinnamon over apples. In a bowl combine 3/4 cup melted butter (I used 1/2 cup), 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1 egg. Spread over apples. Bake for 45 minutes in 350 oven. Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. (If serving with ice cream again I will probably decrease the amount of sugar in the batter).

So easy and tasty. You can pop it in the oven while eating supper and doing the dishes. Then eat while you watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Guess what we did last night?

Now on to the recipe share by Martha. Martha Stewart that is. I have no picture for various reasons. Pumpkin Cream Pie with a ginger snap crust sounded so good to me I thought I would give it a go. I learned that when a recipe calls for whole milk don't use 2%. Anyway, my Pumpkin Cream Pie turned into Pumpkin Cream Pudding. My guests graciously ate it and it was actually good but not as lovely looking as the picture in the magazine.

Here is the recipe http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/pumpkin-cream-pie-living.

So, out of the two Sandy won! I may give Martha another go with milk that has a higher fat content.

Stats

Baby Joe had his 4 month check up yesterday.

Weight: 15 lbs. 6oz. (75th percentile)

Length: 26 1/4 inches (90th percentile)

Head: 17 1/4 inches (90th percentile)

The boys stats are very similar. Little Joe at 4 months:

Weight: 15 lbs. 5 oz.

Length: 27 inches

Head: 16 1/2 inches

Baby Joe is his own little man, but he does remind me of Little Joe at times.

Sweet brothers!

Are you guys getting tired yet of me referring to the men in my life as Joe?

Expressive

Thanksgiving

It's like the day before Thanksgiving here at the Thomas home. Our dear friend (and former land

lady) from CA is flying in today. We have much to be thankful for! We treasure this dear lady's friendship and example of service to Christ. So, why not celebrate with food? Turkey and all the fixin's are on the menu for tomorrow. I am working on desserts now, and ladies, these maybe my all time favorite fall sweets. I'll post results soon.

Joe surfed this morning

Joe increased his 2 month total water time to 2hours today by spending 1.25 hrs surfing beautiful, classic North Carolina conditions. He surfed alone for a while and by the end of session a grand total of 6 guys shared 200-300 yards of beautiful breachbreak. This is not an average surf conditions for Joe's stretch of coast. Nor was Joe's morning/night average for those who do not know life with little ones. The simple act of go to bed, wake up, go do your thing, becomes a complex enterprise with family and responsibilities. Surfing with responsibilities is a tight rope walk at best. Here is how this morning went.

3:30am Baby Joe has a cold and cries. Cannot be consoled. Joe's wife does much more than cook and caring for Baby Joe during ungodly hours is often one of them. This session, however, would be Joe's.
3:38am Joe's wife briefs Joe on the the possible approaches to this mission. Joe stays up with Baby Joe.
3:40am Joe brews a cup of Therma Cold and Cough.
3:42am Joe has bottle made thinking that this will knock Baby Joe back into the land of sleep.
3:53 Burps end with milk exiting Baby's Joe's mouth.
4:00am Milk session concluded.
4:05am Joe sways with Baby Joe.
4:11am Joe adds an attempt to sing to Baby Joe in the worst possible human voice (wake up at 3:30am with a cold and attempt to sing those sweet, soft little baby songs - Joe sounded as if he was just hacking up film to a tune) while swaying.
4:23am Joe sits down.
4:23am Baby Joes tells Joe that this is not his preference (with volume and emphasis).
4:23am Joe sways Baby Joe more.
4:35am Joe attempts to lay Baby Joe into his hallowed crib.
4:36am Joe is patting Baby Joe on back, the magic touch is being used. Hope is increasing...
4:38am Baby Joe again informs Joe that this is not his preferred position for the rest of the morning/night.
4:40am Joe and Baby Joe sway some more.
4:55am Joe sits down with Baby Joe to talk.
5:10am Baby Joe relaxes and breathes through cute baby snot-crust with the rhythmic "UuuUuuUuuUuu...".
5:15-5:45am Joe does not remember this period but knows that sleep was not a part of it.
5:55am Joe and baby Joe are resigned to the fact that sleep for them ended at 3:30am and they will see the sun come up.
6:10am Joe's wife emerges to the latest series of Baby Joe's protest of life with a cold.
6:15am Joe's wife takes Baby Joe.
6:15-6:45am Joe takes some personal time (not in the form of sleep)
6:45-7:01am Joe loads vehicle for solo surf session (asked neighbor to go but he declined)
7:03am depart the driveway.
7:57am arrive at secret spot surf destination (not pictured but similar to picture)
8:06-8:15am hike to the sandbar of choice, change into fullsuit, take in the refreshing 40 degree air temp, strecth pretending that it is good for me, and run into the water like a child.
8:21am catch maiden wave on 6'1 tri-fin with YU template fins going right. She's a keeper for sure.

"What the world needs now is more surf boards. It's the only thing that there's just too little of." Sing with me!

Joe has a new board. Baby Joe decides to test it out.

Baby Joe decides to lay on board.

Baby Joe decides to spit on board. Maybe FC is not so good.

Blog Problems

Here is the problem with blogs: Blogs allow others to see the surface of our being and blogs are merely a medium for us to present the surface of our beings.

Here's the scary thing about blogs: Blogs are an accurate picture of who we imagine ourselves to be. That is, beings that are what we present ourselves to be and what others observe us be by their presentation. This is not a complement.

David Wells writes in Losing Our Virtue,
“Native born Americans have become psychological immigrants, as alone in our huge cities and complex bureaucracies as the foreign immigrants who came ashore in New York…In our great centers commerce, the cities, as well as in the thoroughfares of conversation like television and the movies, surface appearance take on a powerful, symbolic role and become commercially potent. Style is the “commerce in appearances.” It uses what is a surface either to transform or to hide the person.” (143)

Our virtual presentation of our lives through the medium of blogs is the creation in cyberspace (whatever that is) of what we think we are in reality. The two could not be farther from the truth. We are not what we present ourselves to be. We are not always what others observe our presentations to be. It is folly to believe that we are. Unfortunately, we do.

I realize that I am posting this on my blog, shared by my wife (really upheld by my wife, which maybe is the manifestation of her virtual function as my ‘suitable helper’? I must stop this digression…). Our blog’s title is a declaration of two of our activities. It could very well be that we think that we are what we do (surf or cook or anything else). We could be that we are presenting to others that we are what we do. We are not. We are who we worship. And if we think that we are what we do or own or feel or whatever then we are idolaters worshipping ourselves. In this sense, I repudiate the monikers that Melia is a chef or a homemaker and that I am a surfer or a pastor or whatever. This is not to rebel against labels but to oppose the religion of our society that believes that our identities are tied to ourselves. They are not. Our identities are tied in a permanent knot to our Creator whose image, despite our sin, we still bear.

Here is the declaration of our identities from our Maker Himself.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

We are the image bearers of God to the creation given authority over all the earth to use it for our lives and the enjoyment and worship of God.

So the ocean, wind, waves, and the natural resources used to make the various vehicles and equipment created by man to live in the world that we have been given is a minor and really insignificant aspect of the much greater enterprise of men to exercise their delegated place in the cosmos. So, this is what it means that ‘joe surfs.’

The labor and insight of humanity to harvest from this planet all sorts of spices, vegetables, and meats and then to combine them into amazing meals that function to serve the family at multiple layers of meaning and significance is the rightful execution of the grand and glorious plan of mankind for our Grand and Glorious God has given it to us. In this sense joe’s “wife cooks.”

Identity is not what your meals look like, what company made your tools, and from what producer you garnered your materials. Identity is in the God who made you for his purposes and commissioned you for his mission.

This should change the preparation of every meal and every session. And this should change everything else, too.

This is what is wrong with blogs at some level. But maybe you just use to communicate with the 6 friends you have who live in different places of the world. For you, be encouraged, joe’s wife will resume posting.

Joe watched a surf film (click title for film's website)

Joe watched Thomas Campbell's "The Present." It's good. Especially Dan Malloy's surfing in Indonesia, but not his narrative skills. The film and Campbell's commentary made me think more about the worldview of it all- and mine.

Campbell narrates the conclusion to his film The Present thus, “And hopefully that is what we have tried to convey in this film, getting back to the basics of being thankful for the here and now on this beautifully strange functional planet.”

The author of Hebrews writes in 2:8-9 “Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”

Both deal with the present, the here and now. Specifically, both teach how one is to view the present and what the present it is. Can Thomas Campbell’s view of the present be embraced with the Christian view of the present? First, we must understand what is the present. The Christian understands the present not in light of their conclusions derived by their experiences, their inward thoughts and meditations but because of the external word of God and work of Christ.

Hebrews tells what ‘the now’ is. Hebrews tells us how to view ‘the present.’ We view the present in light of the future. We look at the present in the light of what is not yet but what will be. The now is not yet for the Christian. Thus the present is the time of hope. Hope is not what one has but what is looking forward to having. The present functions not as our home, nor as our long awaited rest. The present is not subject to mankind’s apparent sovereign will. Nor is the present subject to the earth. The present is not just a timeline the consequence of ideas manifesting themselves upon persons, peoples, nations, governments, economies, lands and seas. The present, all that it includes, is subject to Christ for God has subjected it to Him. But this is not yet seen. It is told. And that vision is invisible as it is where God is and God is outside of our view. God cannot be rightly seen as in rightly known apart from divine revelation. This revelation of God by God is in the Word of God. Thus the right view of the present is a view is impossible to see for it is not yet visible. This view of Christ from the Word of God concerning the present yet to come is the hope of the church in the present. The church’s hope is based upon the present unseen reality of Jesus Christ, the Son of God’s position as King of all in the present and in the future. This is apprehended by faith in what has been done and said by God. Yet this reality of the present is proven in the past by Christ Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into God’s presence. It is also proven in the present by Christ’s enthronement at the approved and victorious position at God’s right hand. But in the present that is not yet seen. So our eyes are fixed upon the one we, the church, have seen, that is Jesus and him crucified and glorified. His present and future glory is in light of his past suffering and death. For His death was done in the past, believed in the present, and forever exalted in the future by those whom He tasted their death as their substitute because God is graceful.

The present is not “getting back to the basics of being thankful for the here and now on this fully functional planet.” The present is seeing & savoring the Son of God who rules over the present, who will be seen in the future as the Ruler of the new, fully functional, redeemed heaven and earth, and forever exalted as the Savior of sinners by those for whom He died. May this be the hope of those in the present and The Present. And thus, the present is the hope of the future – Christ’s return and establishment here, where we can see it, of His victorious rule as the Savior King.

Or maybe The Present is just a surf film that Joe should watch and relax. And if he has a meditative thought, it should be, “Wow, I don’t surf anything like that.”

Just pictures

Birds, Bees, and Gabby

Recent breakfast conversation...

Little Joe: Mama, I wish Gabby could have babies.

Mama: Well, son, she can't.

Little Joe: I know. She had surgery to remove her husband.

What is not average about going surfing with a friend?

Surfing is not that important in the grand scheme of things. Surfing, despite the worship it receives by many who practice its disciplines, is a nice form of recreation. In that sense it is average. But there is something that is not average when one goes surfing with one's friend(s). The memory.

All senses are activated in a proper surf session. The smell of the ocean breeze, that odd wet sweetness flowing through your nose. The feel of the sand on your feet. Your wetsuit smells so pungent your taste is activated when you first put it on. The sting of your eyes from sun and salt. The burn of the back of your arm when paddling out one to many times. The cup of coffee and the pepper on your eggs activating in your mouth to produce that odd but desired bite in your mouth. All of these helps you to remember the not so average part of it all - you shared this time with friend.

I've laid in a hospital bed with cancer and thought that I would die. Never did I desire to just go surfing. But I would not have traded a single memory surfing with Ben, David, Bill, Wyn, Jay, or Jake. For it was a memory of the gift of friends. Not just people who share an interest in surfing, but people who care deeply for me and in spite of me. They gave themselves to enjoy life, so short an enterprise, with me. They are precious gifts. Memories of this storm at that beach with friends are what is not so average about going surfing. For, as one man told me, it is only memories that we will take with us.

Joe Doesn't Surf Best Swell of the Year

Joe surfs like an average guy on an average guy's board at an average board. Joe knows that even average dog's have their day. Joe thought that his day was during Hurricane Earl. Joe surfed some larger ways for his 6'3 and felt quite confident. Joe thought that two days later it must be his day. Joe forgot that all he is a Joe and not a Kelly, or a Joel, or a Mick. Joe conducts surfing business where Joe doesn't belong, above the lip of the wave. In this fantasy land action move Joe was thinking high and lofty unJoe thoughts about himself in the fraction of the second that he might have been in air only to land squarely in Joe-land - that is wrongly and in self-destruction. Though an average Joe, the interior side of his knee was able to touch the top of board at the time his was touching the top. Joe then found out that this is not what average knees can do and like a buzzer signaling his exit from non-average thinking of one's self came 'POP!' eminating from Joe's knee. Landing back in average land from fantasy land hurts. Technically speaking, it tears MCL's and then causes average Joe's to miss surfing their average beach break on the day when it is breaking above average. So Joe does not surf the best waves of the year (pictured in link). Some people think that average Joe's suffer from 'Tall Poppy' syndrome. I think average Joe's cut themselves down when they begin to act like they are Tall Poppies. This Joe now has over a month of learning the lesson of "Average people need to think average thoughts and act averagely."

Being a religious man in the true sense of the word (which is lost today), Joe is learning that surfing is not the idol that he thought it might be. For we often learn what our idols are when they are taken away from us.

Laundry Check

Friday night little Joe got a shower, brushed his teeth, and gave his hugs. Then began to beg "please, please, please".
Now I am thinking he wants to stay awake a little longer, maybe watch a movie with his parents, or do a particular activity the next day. No, this mama is not even close. "Please, please, please can you wash my clothes tomorrow. I am out of underwear."

Baby Joe

It is so fun to see this little guy's personality surface with smiles and coos. He is getting cuter everyday as well as adding chins.
He loves his milk, his mama, someone to hold him, and sleeping on his belly. He is not one for routine and surprises me daily
with inconsistent naps, which is consistent. He sleeps great at night....down at 7pm and up at 5:30am. Two months old today!
Love you, Baby Joe!

Lashes

Backyard Creature

I studied zoology in college. Lots of anatomy, behavior, and physiology of animals. Sometimes I like to take my learnings and observe the wildlife in my backyard. For example, watching a male bird do an interesting jig on the power line to attract a mate
or see a squirrel claim a tree and its nuts as his by chasing away all other squirrels. But what I saw on Saturday was beyond explanation and not in any textbook I've read. Only wish little Joe had been here to see this. Notice the black creature going
crazy in response.

Name that tune

He's got shrills, there multiplying.
And he's losing control.
For the nap I'm supplying
Is not satisfying!

I better pick him up.
Cause he needs me now.
And his heart is set on me.
I better pick him up
And forget the dishes
To his screams I must be true.
Nothing left, Nothing left for me to do.

I'm the one that he wants
(I am the one he wants) o, o, oo honey.
(Repeat)
The one he needs.
Oh, yes indeed.

Boys

Still

A Quote

"I'm just pretending to be a normal person."

These Days....

As of Saturday.....

Joe and his sons

Pics....testing

Summer fun at waterslide

Hiking in CA

Joe's son surfing

One day....

One day I'll get around to posting some pictures of Joe and his family instead of Joe's surfboards.

Friends and a good bye

We have been back from our trip to CA for two weeks now. It was such a sweet time with our dear friends. The kids played so hard. Who could blame them? The weather was perfect for bike and skateboard riding, picnics, neighborhood wars, playground,
and even roasting marshmallows. We also spent an afternoon at the beach for riding waves and feasting...oh, and to celebrate
the dads. We were given travel authorization to take sweet M (foster daughter) with us. What a blessing for our friends to meet this baby girl! Our first day there, we learned that the results from court that day were that she be placed with her grandparents. It was a sad time for us. We've known that she would someday go to family. Just didn't expect so soon. We thank the Lord she was with us in CA so that we could spend a week loving on her and celebrating the time we have had with her. Her grandparents came and got her the day after we returned from our trip. The Lord is good. He has given us much grace. We miss her. We love her. We are thankful that she has family loving her and providing for her.

As far as the east is from the west.....

If you stepped outside my house today, the God ordained climate would take your breath away. I think it hit 96 today.
I stopping counting at 90. Joe reminds me that NC has always been my home. Southern CA spoiled me when we lived
there for just 4yrs. Anyway, I love my state and greatly appreciate the change in seasons! But, did you know that today
in Monterey, CA it only hit 60? We are headed there on Thursday for a respite from humidity. Well, really and mainly to see great, dear friends.

Blueberries are a coming!

Although summer is not my favorite season (I dislike greatly mosquitos and humidity), I do love having a break from school, fun beach and pool days, and especially seasonal fruit and veggies. Here in eastern NC we are blessed with local blueberry farms that offer "u-pick" at a very good price at $1 a pound. The best time to pick is coming up at the beginning of July, so I thought I would share some of my favorite recipes with this delicious, antioxidant filled fruit. My boys are big fans of these. The muffins are even better the next day. The recipe is from www.joyofbaking.com.

Blueberry Streusel Muffins:

1 cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place rack in middle of oven. Line muffin pans with paper liners or spray with a vegetable spray. In a small measuring cup mix together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Remove 1 cup of the mixture and place in a small bowl to make a streusel topping later. Gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest. Add the milk and egg mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not over mix this mixture or the muffins will be tough when baked. Fill each muffin cup almost full with the batter, using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Fill any unused muffins cups with water to prevent the pan from warping.
For streusel topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle over the reserved 1 cup of streusel topping. Mix together with a fork until it is crumbly and looks like coarse meal. Sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of the streusel over the top of each muffin. Place in the oven and bake until very lightly browned and firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 - 20 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool. Makes 14 - 16 regular-sized muffins.

Note: Frozen blueberries can be used instead of fresh. Do not thaw the berries before using them. Make sure you do not overmix the batter after you add the blueberries or the batter will turn blue.

Enjoy! More to come...