Southern Hills RV Park, Hermosa, South Dakota
(So Isaac pronounced a blessing over Esau) Your dwelling will be away from the earth’s richness, away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck. ~ Genesis 27:39-40 Not sure I’d call that a blessing! It’s pretty much the opposite of the one Jacob received. Esau’s family will become the Edomites. Today, Edom is part of Jordan. I don’t understand politics in the Middle East, but I can tell you that Edom was never part of God’s Promised Land to Israel. I can also tell you that when Moses tried to lead his people through Edom, they were rebuffed and refused entry into their land.
On Monday (the 26th), we acknowledged our grandson, Cooper’s 2nd bday. He wasn’t much interested in FaceTime with us, but at least we got a “Hi!” and “Bye-bye!” If I remember correctly, both of those came within sixty seconds of each other. 😊
This is the only picture of Blaine I have handy. He’s 7. 
Can’t believe he’s that old already! He looks so much like Blaine when he was that age! He just needs darker red hair and freckles.
For two entire days, we were sequestered inside. I believe the front door was melted shut.
Temperatures up to 85⁰ or 90⁰ by 9am, and then topping out at 105⁰ or more by the end of the day, never dipping below 80⁰ at night. At least there was a stiff breeze. At least the humidity hovered between 15 and 35%. At least it’s a dry heat. At least we have three working air conditioners and good strong electrical service.
H-O-T!!!
We felt sorry for the black cows that live around here. And of course, those road workers near Custer State Park.
By the end of the day yesterday (the 27th), we were getting pretty stir crazy, so today, we managed to pry the door open and ventured out into the great outdoors once again – kinda like Noah when he left the ark. After all, it was only 100⁰ today.
It was still too hot to hike, so Blaine found us a Jeep adventure, and we went for a drive. Gorgeous “behind-the-scenes” scenery. Part of the beauty of this God-created space in the world.
And the Jeep kept us cool, and didn’t overheat itself in the process. Then again, we weren’t gone long. And back home, I made a great dinner, if I do say so myself.
CAPRESE SALAD
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 C. balsamic vinegar
1-2 round vine-ripe tomatoes
1# buffalo mozzarella cheese
Assorted greens
2 fresh basil leaves – chopped
Boil vinegar over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until reduced to about ½ C. Add minced garlic and continue simmering on medium-low heat until the mixture resembles the consistency of syrup. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Slice tomatoes horizontally and lay on serving plate. Slice mozzarella and lay on top of the tomato slices. Place a small handful of greens on the plate next to the tomatoes. Sprinkle a few pieces of chopped basil over the tomatoes. Serve with vinegar dressing for drizzling.
LEMON LINGUINE
8 oz. (dry) linguine or other pasta
3 T. butter, melted
1 T. lemon juice
3 T fresh basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ t. lemon-pepper seasoning, or 1 t. lemon peel and ½ t. pepper
¼ C. parmesan cheese
To make it a meal:
1 # shrimp, cut in half and sautéed in a little butter and a splash of lemon juice. Or you can use thin-sliced chicken breast.
In a saucepan, cook linguine in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, cook the meat if using. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, combine the butter, lemon juice, basil, garlic powder and lemon-pepper. Cook and stir until butter is melted. Add pasta to butter mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Serve.
Serves 2-3