Edna's Savory Cool Salad
Beating The Heat
Dear Readers, It's another scorcher today in Shady Pines Story Town. The local weather announcers says it's going to feel like it's over a hundred degrees outside! Normally, Edna's kitchen is the place to find some fresh-baked, tasty treats. But on a day like this, she turns into the go-to person who knows how to keep it cool.
The afternoon sun hangs low and heavy turning the air into a thick, golden blanket. But inside the two story home on Dogwood Drive, the kitchen is blissfully quiet. Edna Sanders stands at the counter, making sure the stove says cold.
"Heaven's to Betsy," she says to herself, "this is what my momma would call a "No Stove kind of Summer Day."
Translation: That means you pull together a meal that relies on the refrigerator’s crisp embrace rather than the oven’s heat.
What Shall We Make?
"What time is it anyway?" says Edna glancing at the clock on the wall. "It won't be long before Harold is home. I say let's get cookin.'"
Edna no more than opens the refrigerator door to start pulling out ingredients when she feels a wet nose pushing against her hand.
"Well hello Boomerang," she says as she pets the head of the handsome Australian Shepherd. "You do seem to know where the coldest air is in the house, don't you?"
That reminds her. Edna fills up Boomer's water bowl with fresh, cold water which he immediately laps up. "Ah-ha," says Edna. "I'd better do the same for your sister's bowl. Where is Halley anyway?"
Edna hears the dink-dink-dink sound of a little bell as Halley's collar announces that the silver streak of a cat is now ready to be picked up and petted.
"There you go Halley. All right you two, now that everyone is here and accounted for let's start gettin' this meal together."
Prepping The Meal
Edna slices up cool, garden-fresh cucumbers into a bowl of cider vinegar. She adds in a little mayo, Dijon mustard and basil, letting the scent of summer fill the room. She has some slices of avocado on a small plate in case she wants to add those later.
"That looks about right," says Edna as she checks out her handiwork. "I still have some crustless tea sandwiches and a mountain of chilled, cubed watermelon waiting in the fridge, too."
For Edna, this isn't just about avoiding a hot kitchen. It's really about the art of the gentle meal—simple, refreshing, and meant to be shared.
Harold's Home
When the back door to the kitchen creaks open, Harold steps in, wiping his brow with a handkerchief. "Whew it's hot," he says. He’s spent the day at the Nuts & Bolts hardware store he owns downtown, but now he's got another project.
Edna crosses the room to give him a kiss. Boomer trots over to him and Halley yawns and stretches on her window seat.
"Hi, honey," says Edna as she hugs her husband hello, "What have you got there?"
"A couple of things I think our feathered friends can use." Harold shows Edna the decorative bird bath first.
Edna approves. "And this is a shaded bird feeder?"
"It’s scorching out there, Edna," Harold said, his voice weary but kind. "I saw the birds struggling in the heat near the store, and I knew we had to do something for the ones in our yard."
Edna smiles, handing him a tall glass of iced tea with a sprig of mint. "Great minds, Harold."
Helping The Birds
Together, Edna and Harold clean the table on the back porch where the overhang of the roof blocks the sun. Before they sit down, they work as a team to place the new birdbath in the deepest shade they can find. Next, Harold uses the hose to fill it with water.
Almost immediately, two Cardinals flutter down and start splashing away, grateful for the bath. Boomer, meanwhile, dogs Harold's heels as his way of supervising while Halley crouches nearby hoping to have a chance to chase at least one of those fluttering critters.
Now Harold looks for another tree to hang the birdfeeder. He fills the container with seeds.
Within minutes, the swinging delivery system has customers.
Harold admire his handiwork. "Well, I guess that was the right thing to do. Look at them go!"
A Lovely Evening
Now that the birds are happy and Boomer and Halley have been fed, time to set the table and bring out the fixins'.
As Edna and Harold sit down to their meal of cool cucumber salad, sandwiches and watermelon, Edna has an idea.
"Harold why don't I make up a plate for Della Mae down the street? She hasn't been feeling too well and I bet this heat is not helping a bit."
Harold agrees. "I'll go with you. Times have been tough for her husband, too. I've been so busy lately I haven't checked on Bret for awhile. I'll make a plate for him. I know his leg has been bothering him. Wanna make sure he's doing okay."
As they eat, their conversation and gaze drift to the local wildlife and the pets napping nearby.
"You know when we slow down, share what we have, and look out for our neighbors—especially the little creatures who can’t ask for help—it makes the summer feel like a gift," says Edna.
"That's for sure," says Harold as he watches Boomer and Halley snoozing together under that big 'ole shade tree nearby, "it’s easy to get frustrated when the days get this hot."
And there you have it, Dear Readers. In the fading light on a summer evening, with the birds splashing nearby and the cool, fresh food shared between them, the Sanders are content.
The heat of the day is replaced by the warmth of family and the connection to neighbors and community.
This wasn't just a supper enjoyed in the fading light of evening. It was another example of Harold and Edna tending to one another and those that they love. And sometimes the most refreshing thing you can offer in the middle of a Southern summer is just showing that you care.
After all, Kindness and Caring are what we're all about here in the small Southern town of Shady Pines!
Please Leave A Comment Below
It’s a Southern Thang! I love the idea of sharing food and taking meals to neighbors. It is a common practice that I learned after marrying a Southerner and such a lovely way to show care and compassion for others. Great read, MJ! Thank you again.
Thank you Candy. Glad you liked it!
The value of loving kindness is immeasurable. Thank you Mary Jane for your sweet stories and messages. They and you are invaluable.
That’s so sweet. Thank you Tamara!
What a wonderful reminder that kindness doesn’t stop when it gets hot outside
This was a sweet and heartwarming story with a wonderful message about kindness, generosity, and being a good neighbor. The simple, engaging storytelling makes it easy for young children to understand the importance of helping others, especially during a hot summer day. The characters are relatable, and the story encourages empathy, community, and caring for those around us. A lovely read for families, classrooms, or anyone looking to share positive values with young readers. Highly recommend!
Neena that is so kind. Thank you very much!
Nice sweet story.
Perfect read on a hot summer day.
Thanks
Thank you Frank!
Wow, after spending two weeks with my 4 year old grandson I really appreciate the stories from Shady Pines. Young children are like sponges and copy words and actions from everyone around them. Reading stories that illustrate the importance of kindness and caring for others is PRICELESS. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Martha. Why not send this story to him?
Your stories warm my heart. So excited for your ever- expanding group of readers and interested parties. You go girl!
Thank you so much Amy!
Don’t these stories from Shady Pines just make you feel better/ I know they do for me
Kindness even during these hot summer days. What a good reminder from Shady Pines
Thank you Sharon
Hot days often make for hot tempers…A big thank you to the folks in Shady Pines for this very important lesson: we can calm our tempers not only by doing cooling tasks, but also by thinking cooling thoughts.
Thank you so much for that MK!
Such great suggestions for bird watchers like me. Moved my birdbath in the shade and my feeder too. Yes, these summer days can make us all grumpy, but we must remember that kindness can make the grumpiness disappear.
Well said Linda!
Thank you for another heart-warming post about life in our favorite small town. It’s the ideal place to visit on a hot day!
Thank you Jerry!
Another great story that highlights being a kind family member and remembering the importance of taking time – even on a hot summer day – to show kindness to others.
Thank you for that Nancy!
Reminds me of growing up in a small apartment with an entire family….we never wanted our Mother to cook after such a hot day. Thinking about the birds, the neighbors, Hally and Boomer makes this story a kind and caring one!
Thank you for that Tricia!
I love these Shady Pines stories. They put a smile on my face
It’s hot where I live too. This was a refreshing story with a great message. Which way to Shady Pines? I want to live there
Wouldn’t it be nice if every community were like Shady Pines?
This is so well done. I’m sending it to my son and his daughters
Wonderful message. I love the illustrations
These Shady Pines stories are so uplifting. Thank you
Very “cool” story. Love how you weave in kindness
Thank you Berne
Another great story and lesson! I love the character development and the way the characters draw you in . Then gently teach you the lesson, kindness,
Thank you so much Jamie!
Reading this episode brought back warm memories of a simpler time. I love the innocence and gentleness of this story. Edna and Harold are people you want as neighbors. Their kindness is evident in their thoughtful ideas for animals and friends.
What a lovely comment. Thank you Regina!
Great story Mary Jane and a good reminder to check in with human and furry friends. Going to fill the bird bath now.
Thank you Stephanie. I’m sure the birds will appreciate that!
Looking out for the elderly and our furry and feathered creatures is the epitome of an act of kindness. It feels so good when I come to Shady Pines corner of the web!
I’m glad that it can provide a good feeling for you Sheri!
I don’t know how you come up with these topics but keep them coming
Thank you so much Jim!
Showing that kindness doesn’t stop even on a hot day is a wonderful message
What a lovely story
There is something special about neighbors taking care of each other in this busy world we live in today. Small acts of kindness make a difference.
Isn’t that the truth! Thank you Tammy
Oh I loved this episode. Reading it made me cool down, relax and enjoy a light refreshing meal and
sharing it friends
Thank you Jane. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Love this episode Filled with kindness, from people and all four legged “people” refreshing recipe
Reading Shady Pines episodes
ally, etc. fills our ❤️s kindness & understanding
Thank you Jane!
Love the meal idea! An upbeat reminder to think of others even when we are uncomfortable in sweltering weather.
Thank you Elaine!
MaryJane, you always come up with such good ideas about kindness! I enjoyed your writing and creative ideas. Thanks!
Thank you so much Sharon!
I love a cool summer salad, or dinner ice cream. And I’ve got lots of birdseed for the birds. Trying to keep up with Edna and Harold.
That’s great Sandi. They’re hard to keep up with!
An excellent reminder to look out for others during the brutally hot days of summer – stay cool and stay kind!
Thank you Joanne. Glad you liked the message!