Sue's big day

Gathered to celebrate Sue's 60th. She chose a cooking class at Farmer's Table. That's where we had Ivy's shower a few weeks ago. 

 

Arrived a little early with the chalkboard and they were all ready for us. 

Kathy once again did a great job. 

 

That old easel and chalkboard are becoming a fixture at our events. 

 

Our cutting boards all set up. Look at those views. There are even cows in the field to complete the pastoral scene. 

 

Sangria and tomato cheese toasts to get us started. 

 

Loved these thistles like we used at the wedding. 

The guest of honor arrived. 

Chef Matt swung right into action 

 

 

 He explained how to make mozzarella cheese for our salad. 

 

He could chop onions so fast. 

 

Spreading orange liquor over lady fingers for our dessert. It was topped with a creamy sauce and strawberries. 

Our menu. 

Gorgeous grouper. We all had different tasks. 

 

Sue's daughter Katie got to come. She was not as happy with fish duty. 

 

Kathy seasons the fish before it is seared in a pan and then finished off in the oven. 

 

Sue and her niece. 

 

 

The salad. 

 

We each made our own. 

 

Ready to enjoy our labors. 

 

It really was excellent. The rice was very special. 

 

Her birthday fruit with candle. I forgot to take a pic of our dessert. 

 

Showered her with cards and gifts first. Then we sang an original composition by Priscilla for her. It was a sweet and funny medley sung to tunes from The Sound of Music. If I find a picture of that, I will post it later. 

Spring holidays

 

Ok...every Easter season I send the girls a picture of the most outlandish chocolate bunny I see. This is it. Why is he upside down? 

 

My new healthy obsession...bean burrito I made. Had it 3 days in a row. Refried beans, cheese, spinach, tomatoes, black olives, sour cream and hot sauce. 

 

Made a St. Patrick's day dinner. Roasted cabbage wedges. 

 

Tiny red potatoes. 

 

Roasted the corned beef instead of boiling. It turned out tender and good. Had to cook it slow (325) for four  hours! 

 

Toby begged for a taste. Oh of course he got one!

My plate. Hope it brings me luck!  

Antique break down

Ok...had an appointment at the Southern Farm Bureau clinic for a blood draw early this morning. My 3 month blood sugar check. Ugh. My vein collapsed before she was done. It hurt! Had to do another stick on other arm. On a good note, lost 3 pounds since Christmas. I'll take it. Headed out to swim class.  Saw this right out front. 

 

I thought they were fake!!

 

If you look closely, the one on the right is hissing at me!! Apparently it is nesting season. I think the pansy bed is a lovely spot for a nest, guys. 

 

Ed went to pull out his undie drawer this morning and I had packed it so full that he had to yank it. 

 

The whole front came off. Antique dovetail joinery gave way. 

 

Love our antiques. Look at that grapevine detail. But they are fragile. 

 

Here are their sister pieces. We had such fun collecting them. This one held a small TV. How primitive!!

 

Our house plan we chose and loved was an Historical Replications house. However it had a very "historic" plan for storage. We had to supplement with case pieces. 

 

Also on board in the bedroom is Mom's drum table. One of the first purchases she and Dad made for their first house. Ed said "maybe we should look into buying a bedroom suite". I said um NO. 

 

Oh and we are all having a hard time adjusting to the time change. Ju ju is wide awake and in my space. 

Fire dogs

 

How distinguished is this man?

 

All enjoyed the evening

 

This is my the last fire of the season. 

 

Truffles and I loved it. 

 

So nice 

 

Book Club

My turn to host Book Club. 

 

Brought out the Blue Willow and my big egg. 

 

I can't even remember where it came from but I bring it out every Easter season. 

 

Used some of the wedding flowers and added some butter yellow mini carnations. 

 

Thought these napkins needed to be used up. I'm actually sad to be done with the wedding business. 

 

Thankfully Kathy reminded me to take a food pic. This is her artfully arranged plate. That is Ina Gartin's Roasted Shrimp and orzo salad. Perfect. 

 

Fooled everyone with this pie. But I fessed up to using Mrs. Edward's recipe. It's located in the frozen dessert section at Kroger. 😉. Wish I could say the book was as good as the food. The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian was a bit of a sleeper itself.