Some signs of fall

We had a back to school lunch at church and invited Millsaps students. Flowers for the tables. 

Ready for fall colors. 

But then I noticed how the pencils I bought for back to school drive matched perfectly. Mom artfully scattered them on the tables. 

Another sign of fall...Ed boiling peanuts 

Somehow I never read Donna Tartt’s book The Goldfinch when it came out. Decided to read it before I see the movie. Check out this weighty tome.(literally) It is a whopper at 700 plus pages anyway but get in large print and it is a weapon or a front door step. 

Jill hosted Book Club and we enjoyed this one. Everyone is fascinated by Harper Lee. I think she was not the most pleasant person. 

More signs of fall in the beautiful table setting. 

Look at the yummy individual chicken pies. 

Jill’s specialty. We beg for it every time. Pavlova. 

Birthday

Happy Birthday Dad! Ivy reminded me of his birthday.  She was born on the day after that, the 14th. Dad had hoped they would share a birthday. She said she always thinks of him on this day. Love her as she turns 26 tomorrow. 

Been gone too long

First, a few animal updates. Amy’s cat Turtle submitting to a shearing for hair knots. 

Spooky at work. 

Picture of Bitsy submitted for display at St C’s of resident pets. Mom said she was by far the prettiest pet. 

They love to be close. Not touching but close. 

My goldfish make me happy. 

Ju Ju ready to hog my ottoman 

Pepper as unphotogenic as ever. 

A huge hawk when I was at the pool one morning

I switched Book Club with Sue due to some home improvements she was having. Off to a good start. 

She picked the book. 

I supplied the flowers. 

Since we were only 6 in number I was able to use my good china. 

I love this chicken tortellini salad. 

Book Club

It sure is hot but that means perfect tomatoes. 

Pam welcomed us as she was putting together these bruschetta rounds. They were sooo good. The tomatoes were grown just a few feet from where we ate them. 

But look at this gorgeous table! 

It was the perfect setting for our discussion about Cleopatra. We enjoyed talking about her opulent life. 

Beautiful salad (more tomatoes!), summer berries and great potato soup. Peach cobbler which didn’t even last long enough for a photo. 

Enjoyed watching the big storm roll in over the lake with this guy. 

Then he came to my house. 

Sis too of course. 

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.