Beach Week 2019

Headed to Gulf Shores with most of the family. Linda and Joe had to miss with health issues. We also missed Ivy, Tripp and David. Had a new addition with Emily Merkosky. Jacob brought a visitor, Briana. 

Here is everyone lunching around. 

The giant pot of Jan’s amazing wild rice soup. 

Leila and Brody ready to start the day. 

Since Bryan and I both like gin I brought this just for fun. 

Juniper berries one day. 

Botanicals the next. 

We strained it and tried it.  Pretty sure I’m buying my gin from now on. 

Gathered mid week for family pic when everyone was there. 

Mom requested one of the great grands. 

Kids always love play doh. 

The newest Ellis, Emily. And Cary of course. 

Solo recycling. 

Mary Grace and Ryan 

Ed. He enjoyed a fishing trip the girls gave him as a Father’s Day gift. 

Jacob and Briana. Headed off to college soon. 

Boys playing

This little lady totally enjoyed her beach week. The only time she cried was when she got that head bo bo. 

Nana and T

The last night we had pizza delivered. What a great idea 

It was also a celebration for a special young lady. 

61 and going strong 

Beach theme of course. 

And then this happened just for me. 

Bryan and Ashley posed for a cheesy rainbow photo. So happy to see that little baby bump! 

Oh, and we had to retrieve a sticky toy from the ceiling a few times. 

Beef and books

So here’s the beef I spoke of last blog. 

Joe is a master of perfectly rare. 

Jan’s wild rice casserole was not too shabby. 

We were thrilled with this beautiful tablescape that Bev set for Book Club. 

Chicken salad (with cherries no less), fabulous salad and a modern take on asparagus roll ups. I used to make them with flattened white bread. This was a whole new thing with phyllo dough and grated Parmesan. It was all so good. We finished off with a berry pie that was too shy to be photographed. We read  Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk. Mixed reviews. I loved it. Many good discussion points. 

Memphis

Ed is painting the upstairs while I am in Memphis taking care of sister Linda post surgery. Found this gem while cleaning out the closet. Because sometimes you need a bubble wrap hat. 

Ivy’s backpack. 🙄

Made chicken tetrazzini to take. Messed up every pot in the kitchen. 

Mom sent roses. 

Loved the cats. 

Madeline hated me!! Hiss hiss. 

Frogs were there. 

Her appetite has been erratic so when she thinks of something that sounds good I spring into action   Cod was this night’s choice. 

Spatchcock chicken. We watched a bunch of food shows. My fav Ina Garten’s was making this. 

Roasted vegetables. 

For some reason homemade chocolate chip cookies sounded good to her. I obliged. Made a second batch. 

Then she said how about with walnuts. I obliged. 

In all I made 5 batches of cookies. 

Freezer is full for future cravings. I am done here. Oh wait...filet mignon and rice casserole tonight. 

Not Republican

So....we have been getting door to door campaigners lately. They have caught me off guard so far but I was ready to break the news to the next one that believe it or not , I’m not Republican. So I open the door and this energetic little woman says “I always know the Republican houses because of the flag flying!!”    And I replied “well that is interesting because you have come to the door of one of the few Democrats in Madison and we like the flag too! “ She was all flustered and said well your house is in my list have you moved recently? I said no but good luck with your campaign. 

Finally a blossom was close enough to the ground so I could reach it. 

I adore that smell. 

Look what a fun treat for us! A new a/c unit!! At least we will be cool. I would rather have taken a trip across Europe which would be about the same price. 

Pepper likes my cereal milk. 

Truffles got a new toy from MG. It even still squeaks. 

Not Republican

So....we have been getting door to door campaigners lately. They have caught me off guard so far but I was ready to break the news to the next one that believe it or not , I’m not Republican. So I open the door and this energetic little woman says “I always know the Republican houses because of the flag flying!!”    And I replied “well that is interesting because you have come to the door of one of the few Democrats in Madison and we like the flag too! “ She was all flustered and said well your house is in my list have you moved recently? I said no but good luck with your campaign. 

Finally a blossom was close enough to the ground so I could reach it. 

I adore that smell. 

Look what a fun treat for us! A new a/c unit!! At least we will be cool. I would rather have taken a trip across Europe which would be about the same price. 

Pepper likes my cereal milk. 

Truffles got a new toy from MG. It even still squeaks.