I’m going to ask you what apparently is a somewhat controversial question. Do you like chocolate chip cookies hot or cold? When I asked this question of a few folks, I received a variety of strange looks from moderate repulsion to outright disdain. Apparently, there is an obvious, correct answer to this question, but it isn’t my answer. I prefer cold chocolate chip cookies, yet most folks seem to like them hot. I have yet to find anyone who agrees with me. When people learn my preference, they try to sway my opinion with descriptions of gooey cookies and melted chocolate. So far, nothing has changed me.
I’m not sure why I like them cold. Maybe it is because hot cookies are just messy and, well, hot. Cold cookies crunch in your mouth and pair perfectly with ice cream. Actually, I do think I know why I like them. Growing up, we used to prepare our school lunches for the week all at once on the weekend. We’d make a bunch of sandwiches and then put them in the freezer along with CapriSuns® for a drink and many times cookies for dessert. When it was time to head to school in the morning, I’d take the frozen lunch out, add a bag of chips, and toss the frozen combo in my backpack. By lunchtime, the sandwich and juice would be thawed just right, and the cookie would usually be a little on the cold side. So I guess those old habits just won’t leave me. A cold cookie with an almost icy glass of milk (or a big bowl of ice cream) is, for me, the perfect way to close out a great day.
And an especially great way to close out a day spent working in the garden. I know each week I say that the upcoming seminar is my favorite, but this weekend’s holds a special place in my heart. Rose Gardening. There are flowers that make you smile, and there are flowers that blow you away. That’s the job of Roses. Huge blooms with tons of petals and fragrance to boot. They are beautiful in the garden and, of course, make amazing bouquets. Growing up, we had a Rose garden at my house, and my grandmother and great-grandmother both loved their Rose gardens. When I’m around my Roses, I feel like I’m carrying on a family tradition. So come join us this Saturday for our last seminar in our spring series, and I’ll teach you what I’ve learned through the years about Growing Roses in Florida.
And even though this weekend finishes our spring classes, there is still plenty of fun planned! If you are looking for something to do for mom or with mom next weekend, be sure to sign up for the Mother’s Day Flower Arrangement Workshop to take home a lovely bouquet. We’re offering one at 10am and one at noon. As of today, there are still spots left. And then in a few weeks on June 3rd, we’re offering Yoga in the Garden with Keystone Yoga. It’s free, but spots are limited, so sign up here.
Rose gardening, flower arranging, and outdoor yoga? All part of a perfect Life Lived Outside. I better chill some cookies.
