Rainy Days And Monday (also Friday Saturday Sunday)

Hello friends and happy Memorial Day. I’m especially grateful today for the men and women who've given their lives in service to our country, and the freedoms we enjoy because of them. It's good to pause and remember. 

Our weekend was, in a word, drenched. Wow. It rained here. A lot. The whole weekend in fact. We're in a bit of a drought situation so it's good I think, although not sure we needed it all to come down in a single weekend. Hubs and I just embraced the forced relaxation, because no way were any outdoor projects happening, no fun cookouts, no sunset boat rides. You'd need sun for that. 

We cancelled our Netflix subscription about a year ago, but my daughter2 and I wanted to finish watching the Great British Baking Show we started when I visited her in March, plus I wanted to see Remarkably Bright Creatures, so I resubscribed and we spent the weekend catching up on all the shows we've missed. 

This post is gonna be a little bit 'here's what I watched on TV' the past three days, but whatever. An alternate title might be 'what I didn't cook this weekend' but I'll let you decide. 

Thursday we went out for sushi and I had the spiciest spicy tuna roll ever. We came home and watched the octopus movie which we both enjoyed. I read the book quite a while back but hubs didn't know the story. I appreciate a movie that follows the book plot. 

Friday morning we went out to breakfast at a new-to-us spot. I had their french toast which was delish.  We stopped at Daughter1's house on the way home because she had the new bow ready to go for my front door wreath. These bows are somewhat pricey online, so we buy the ribbon at Hobby Lobby and she works her diy magic to make one that's pretty for half the price. 

She made me one in the fall, then a second I've had up since Valentine's Day, and now a patriotic summer design which I love. 

We wandered through her garden while we were there, and it's thriving. I'm looking forward to her sharing the harvest. 

Friday night we watched The Woman In Cabin 10, another book I'd read a while back that was turned into a movie, and the movie reminded me how annoying I found the book. 

Saturday we woke up to more rain, a ridiculous amount in fact, the kind that spills out of your gutter and causes even the turtles to run for cover.

Hubs had been fighting a cough for a couple of days so I decided to make a pot of chicken soup, which is good for whatever ails you. I don't normally make chicken soup in May, but the gray skies and cooler temps made it sound inviting.  

We started watching Season 3 of The Diplomat, which is so good! We binged a few episodes until we could no longer stay awake, and finished it Sunday afternoon because...it was still raining. 

We went to church Sunday morning and it felt good to leave the house. My son-in-law had taken the two boys to watch the Braves play in Atlanta so hubs and I took daughter1 and her little miss to brunch after church ended. Since you're tracking all the things I didn't cook you should know I had Eggs Benedict. 

Hubs and I finished The Diplomat and since there was a break in the rain (not the gray skies) late afternoon, we decided to take iced coffees down to the dock and see what we could see. There were a few boaters out, but it was breezy and we didn't stay long. 

We had a frozen pizza for dinner. Whoohoo! What a weekend! 

shhh...don't tell anyone but I kinda loved it. 

Linking with Holly (Pink Lady) and Sarah (Sunshine and Books) today for their weekend recap blog hop. 

An Uncomplicated Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions, add your link at the end of my post, then go say hi to your neighbor there. 

1. What do you make more complicated than it needs to be? 

Perhaps a better question would be what DON'T I complicate? I know there are a number of shortcuts my girls have shown me on the computer/phone that I still do 'the long way' aka the less simple way, because old habits die hard. 

2. What impresses you? 

humility, courage, bold faith, quiet acts of generosity, and the sunrise

on a less serious note-raw musical talent and the Rockettes kick line

3. On a scale of 1-10 how picky of an eater are you?  (1=extremely and 10=not at all) If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color what color would you choose? 

How picky am I?  I'm a 10. Not picky at all.

There's almost nothing I won't eat. In fact the only thing that comes to mind is liver and I think my dislike of that goes back to my childhood. My mom would occasionally make liver and onions for dinner and I could not handle the smell at all. I do like liver pates which are nothing like liver and onions. 

My girls, their spouses, and my grands are not picky eaters either, which is really nice when it comes to meal planning. 

If I had to eat a meal made entirely of one color I'd probably opt for red-

apples, cherries, strawberries, watermelon, red peppers, red potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, beets, red meat...I think I could cover all the food groups if I chose red, but I'd definitely miss the greens. 

I'd like a Christmas plate please-red and green. 

4. What does balance in life mean to you? Does your life currently feel 'balanced'? 

Hmmm...I'm not sure life can be in balance every minute of every day. I think we're always making adjustments both large and small, to keep life on an even keel. For me balance means I have an overall sense of well being (physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally).  Sometimes I need more physical activity to regain my balance, sometimes more quiet space, coffee with a friend, or a good cry. 

Do I currently feel balanced? 

Not exactly, but like I said in my answer to the first part of this question, I'm always tweaking things and this season is no different.  I mean I'm not tipping over but one side of the boat is a bit heavier than it should be and I'm working to level out. 

5. If you could travel the world for a year what would be your first destination? 

I think I'd start in New Zealand because it's so far from my current location and that's a place I'd like to see. I could work my way this direction without a lot of backtracking. 

Sounds good to me...when do we leave? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

'And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property, I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company...

And I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done, I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones...

I made it to Arlington...' 

~from Arlington written by Jeremy Spillman and Dave Turnbull 

This weekend we pause to honor and remember those who gave all. 

Let's be grateful. 

Hello Tuesday

Who else gets completely thrown off with their calendar by these Monday holidays? I don't know why it should affect me because technically everyday is Saturday when you're retired, but still it does. Here's how our long weekend looked-

Daughter2 wasn't heading back to her Tennessee home until late morning so Daughter1 came over with her kids and we broke in the griddle ala breakfast style. 

We've cooked on the griddle before, but this was our first time trying breakfast and it was a big hit. I made pancake batter and hubs added chocolate chips and cooked them on the griddle along with the usual couple pounds of bacon (these kids can eat), and eggs two different ways. 

We were going to have fried eggs, but the first two stuck so hubs regrouped and scrambled those. Then he figured out how much butter or oil he needed for frying, and those were good too. I absolutely love a big family breakfast and it was so much fun having it all outside. 

After the TN crew got on the road back home daughter1 took her crew back to their house, and hubs and I collapsed on the couch. 

Not exactly, but more or less that's what we did. We cleaned up breakfast and put a few things away but mostly we chilled on the sofa outside. I read and had a tiny nap and then we eventually got dressed to go out for dinner because I declared my kitchen closed. 

We went for sushi at a local place we enjoy and it was pretty and tasty. We decided we needed a small scoop of ice cream afterwards so we headed to the sweet shop where I had the most delicious raspberry and white chocolate bite and hubs had salted caramel. He said mine was better and he was right. 

It was still early so we drove by a lot hubs recently sold in a new neighborhood. He wanted to snag a picture with the sold sign up for the buyer who lives out of town. The sales manager was on site so we chatted a while and I got a tour of the model which I always enjoy. When I was growing up my mom would sometimes take me to see model homes in new neighborhoods and I always thought that was fun. I love to see how they're decorated.

Saturday we started the day at Lowes. Does every Saturday start at Lowes? Perhaps. 

Hubs has been working on adding some lighting to the waterfall and needed three more. It is looking so pretty! We also checked out their grills because we wanted to buy Daughter1 and her family a grill as a housewarming gift. They all seemed huge and since we didn't know the width of their grilling space we decided we'd come back later in the weekend to actually buy. 

Hubs never says no to a trip to Lowes.   

We left there and went to what was billed as Farm Fest, mostly because it was held on a farm and not because any farming was happening. I mean there probably was farming happening somewhere,  just not where we were. There was also a rodeo Friday night, but we missed that. There were some antique tractors on display, plus a running cotton gin which was kind of interesting to see, but truth be told we were there for the BBQ.  

It was a contest and we are all about great BBQ. Hubs makes a really good pulled pork so our standards are high. We bought tickets to get samples and each chef gave you a very small cup of pulled pork. The first guy gave us a rib and kind of won me over with that, but we made the rounds and then cast our vote. 

You don't think you're eating that much because the cups are really small but we were so full. There were a couple of other food trucks there too, but the only one we tried was the one selling lemonade. We had a limeade and it was also really good. 

There was a a big jeep show happening too, and loads of people brought their jeeps for everyone to see. They had an obstacle course set up for any jeep owners who wanted to try it and that was really fun to watch. We only saw one get stuck and have to be pulled out. 

On the way home hubs asked (since we were in the area) if we could go by the truck dealer and look at trucks because that's what he's considering for his next vehicle. I halfheartedly said yes. Y'all. This is one of my least favorite activities and one of his most favorite so someone's gotta give. Since we will need to buy something this year it had to be me. 

41 years in June and it's mostly the little things that get you there. 

It's funny because he loves talking about this model or that one, and pointing them out as we drive around town, asking if I noticed the wheels (huh?) or can I see how this one has running boards that retract but that one doesn't, and I guess these things matter?  I'm not a truck girl. I'm a fast car girl lol. 

We came home and watched a movie (Nonnas) which was super cute! I wish we'd known about this one when we lived near the city. Dinner was leftovers because my kitchen was still mostly closed. 

Sunday we went to church then out to breakfast right after. Once we were back home I read for a while and hubs watched some golf, and then we headed out to see the new Mission Impossible-The Final Reckoning, at the theatre. We rarely see movies in the theater anymore,  but we like this series and enjoy seeing them on the big screen. 

Also Tom Cruise is insane. The stunts! My palms were sweaty when we left the theatre. We loved it! We had popcorn at the movies and called it dinner. I was three for three on the kitchen closure. 

Monday we headed back to Lowes to purchase the grill and the cover and arrange to have it delivered assembled to daughter1's house later this week. Then we did a big grocery shop, and it was back outside to read and relax beside the waterfall. It was sublime. 

The weather was not the best Sunday or Monday and I always feel for people who come to the lake for the holiday weekend and miss seeing the sun. Still the rain held off until later Monday, so there was plenty of fun to be had. Hubs grilled us a steak and I made baked potatoes and a caprese salad with my home grown basil which is already thriving. 

If you have a dish you love that calls for pesto send it my way, because I'm going to have plenty. 

Hope your weekend was filled with the things and people you love. I will leave this very quick little video here, a poignant reminder of what it's all about. 

Omaha Beach Sand

Linking today with Holly and Sarah for their Hello Monday weekend recap party. Hop over and see what everyone's been up to...

Happy TuesdayMonday everyone! 

The Friday Five

It seems everyone is blogging about that end of the school year kind of crazy busy-ness that happens every May and what I want to know is why is my May the same kind of crazy busy? No school aged children at home and we're retired. Here's my friendly psa to anyone who isn't retired and is telling themselves life will 'settle down' once they are-

It won't. 

Retired does not mean bored, a calendar full of blank space, or nowhere to go-nothing to do. 

At least it doesn't for us. We still have so much going on and are always in search of 'a quick nap' to recharge which will not be happening this week. 

This week is still pretty grand though. My son-in-law has a work conference and spouses were invited to tag along. We're in charge of their littles while they're away, and we are absolutely loving every happy exhausting minute of it. 

 It's only Day1 but so far so good lol. 

While baby is napping and the boys are lego-ing I'm going to do a quick five favorites from the week that was....linking with Erika and Andrea and their Friday Favorites hop-

1. My parents. My in-laws. I've been thinking about them a lot this week. My hubs traveled extensively for work back in the day and I was able to accompany him on a number of really fun trips. Before leaving I remember always feeling a little bit anxious about how my girls would do while we were away (they were always completely fine), and not giving a a whole lot of thought as to how my parents would do. 

Now that I'm the parent watching the grands I realize my worries were misplaced-ha! The littles are living their best lives with grandparents in the house. 

Grandparents on the other hand are used to sipping their leisurely two cups of coffee in the morning without anyone ever asking a single question. They have  to relearn how to buckle a car seat and unbuckle a stroller every.single.time they visit, and they've forgotten what it's like to watch kids and cook dinner at the same time. They work hard to bite their tongue and not say, 'be careful!!' every few seconds when the six year old is on top of the jungle gym. 

Seriously. I'm married to a literal dare devil who gave his own mother gray hairs (and possibly still does), but when it comes to his grands he can't help but say 'be careful' when they're doing kid type things. We're working on it, but I'm also pretty sure this is just how grandparents are wired the world over. 

I do know my girls appreciate our efforts, and that of their in-laws too. I will have to assume some decades after the fact, that my own parents and in-laws also knew how much I appreciated the excellent care they provided whenever we asked. 

2. In person time with our grands. I haven't seen this set in person since January so we were overdue. And we're having the best time doing all the things, keeping them busy, them keeping us busy (truth!) stacking blocks, reading books, climbing, building, running, swinging, sliding, looking, and laughing, all with laps full-hearts full. 

We arrived a day early so we would also be able to spend some time with Daughter1 before they left on their trip, and that always does a momma's heart good. 

3. When my girls were small and hubs and I went out of town I'd wrap little gifts, one for each day we would be away, for the girls to open. It was something to look forward to and also helped them mark the time. My daughter has done the same for hers and I love that. 

4. I started a subscription to Lovevery when my third grandson was born. My daughter2 knew about it and thought it looked good, so I signed him up and sent boxes the first year of his life. Then when Little Miss arrived on the scene I sent her boxes too. 

Then of course I forgot to cancel the subscription so surprise! they both got boxes this month. It worked out well as we're doling out the items here this week while Mom and Dad are away and the toys in the box are a happy distraction. 

Distraction is king in terms of managing the toddler kingdom. 

Anyway, if you're not familiar with Lovevery they are stage-based play kits and the quality is top notch. I'm not a rep for them, we've just been so pleased with the product I thought I'd share. They are not inexpensive but like I said the quality is phenomenal. 

Each kit contains 7-10 playthings, a book, and a developmental play guide. I will add that both of my grands have absolutely loved the kits they've received and the toys are made to last. 

If you're interested message me and I'll give you a friend referral which will save you $20 on your first kit.  You can also skip boxes or cancel if you decide you don't want the full year.  

5. Lastly, I never want the Memorial Day weekend to go by without mentioning the men and women who have served this land I love, as well as those currently in some branch of our nation's military. In particular I want to honor those who've given their very lives...'who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life...'  

I grew up in a 'military family' and while my dad did not die in battle, he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery beside so very many who did. I pray on this holiday weekend, between trips to the pool, backyard barbecues, and the thrill of summer rolling in, that we can all pause for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifices made, by those soldiers and by their families too. 

Let's hush the national bickering on this day, and remember with pride and gratitude how America became and remains the land of the free. 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone and may God bless America! 

It's Tuesday, Right?

Good morning. If you're here looking for the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge there aren't any. Apologies for the late notice, but I'm always a day behind when these long weekends roll around and I need a day or two to get back in gear. The Hodgepodge will resume next Wednesday, June 8. 

Now back to the weekend, and of course I'm going to start by mentioning the weather because it was fabulous. 

Sunny skies, low humidity, and warm temps. We've had a busy few weeks here so we very much enjoyed three solid days at home (in the neighborhood anyway) with lots of relaxing on the porch, a little dock diving-

...a bit of gardening-

A fun barbecue and float party with some neighbors, which included dunking our whole selves in the lake for the first time this season (you only shivered a little with that initial dip, then it was all good)-

A boat ride-

and the first Orange Crush of the season-

Nothing says summer here like a boat ride with friends to the local cabana for an Orange Crush. 

Hubs and I went to see Top Gun Maverick on Sunday afternoon, and we loved it. Sequels are usually a disappointment but this one is so well done. Tom Cruise  is aging very well. Just sayin'. This was our first time in an actual movie theater since pre-Covid days so whoohoo!

On the whole I feel like lake people are patriotic people. Flags fly from decks and docks and the backs of boats and there's a lot of red, white, and blue to be found around town. As the sun set on the weekend I found myself feeling so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy. Grateful for the ones who make it so.  

I know our country isn't perfect, but we are so very lucky to call this place home. 

Here's To The Hodgepodge

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, the last one in the month of May. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Comments make the maypole go round! 

1. It's National Wine Day (May 25)...do you like wine? Red or white? Dry or sweet? Do you have a favorite? Have you ever been to California wine country? Or any other wine region? What's a dish you make that calls for wine? 

I do like wine, both red and white (rose too) and especially champagne. I like dry wine, never sweet. Champagne is my favorite but if I'm having white I'll opt for a sauvignon blanc and a red zin if we're having red. I have been to Napa, visited some of Portugal's wine area, and the champagne region of France. That was one of my favorite trips ever...the food, the countryside, the history, the friends we traveled with, and of course the champagne. I wrote about it way back when and you can read those posts here and here. 

I make a chicken dish that calls for wine, capers, artichokes and roasted red peppers and it's yummy.

2. What's something you've whined about lately? 

I know I sound like a broken record but the pollen has taken on a life of its own this year. 

3. Last time you were 'wined and dined'? Tell us about it. 

I feel like I'm wined and dined fairly often as that's something we both enjoy. Hubs and I went with some neighbors a few weeks ago to a lovely seven course dinner and wine pairing in a nearby restaurant. Every single course was delicious and the whole event made for a wonderful fun night out.  

4. Three cheers for_____________________.

Grandboys! 

The ones we know and the one we cannot wait to meet soon!

5. This will be the last Hodgepodge in the month of May. Somehow next Wednesday the calendar rolls into June. Before we go though, sum up your May in twelve words or less. 

Family fun, baby talk, celebrations, road trippin, and a whole lotta love. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Land of the free, because of the brave...

Thankful this Memorial Day and every day for the men and women who gave their very lives for this land I love. May we honor their memory with our words and actions. 

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Monday Rememberings On A Tuesday

These weeks that 'start' on a Tuesday always throw me off, and I will be a day behind until at least Sunday. 

How was your weekend? Ours was lovely, leisurely, filled with friends, the flag, extended family and lots of yummy food. Saturday I prepared a trifle then had a nice long nap.

That's basically the highlights-ha! 

Hubs and I went out to breakfast which is one of my most favorite things to do on any given weekend, and we stopped in a local produce market to pick up a tub of berries. Daughter1's in-laws invited us for a cookout at their lake house and I was bringing dessert. I love to make a trifle but you need to be feeding a crowd so this was perfect. Plus the patriotic nod made it extra pretty. 

Sunsets from their deck are not too shabby either. 

The weather was gorgeous all weekend long and we spent a lot of time outdoors soaking it in. We didn't take the boat out because holiday weekends can be a little crazy on the water, especially this early in the season with lots of newbies out there. Unless we have company we like to boat on weekdays when things are quieter. We still did a lot of porch sitting and there was almost no humidity so that was wonderful. 

On Sunday afternoon we went over to the nearby university for a very special Memorial Day program. The Star Spangled Banner was sung, an alumni who'd lost his life in service to our nation was honored, a bugler played Taps, and I felt so much pride and gratitude for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this land I love. 

On Monday we met up with some former neighbors who were in a nearby town to attend a graduation ceremony. We had lunch and caught up and it felt like old times. 

Our current next door neighbors came over for dinner Monday evening and hubs grilled brats and we had our first corn on the cob. We dined al fresco because did I mention the weather??? And please just ignore the ginormous spider bite on my arm. It feels as delightful as it looks. 

In other news, I recently purchased an ice cream freezer because I think it will be a fun thing to have when the grandboys are here. Hubs did not object. 

Somebody was ready to act as taste-tester. 

We thought we'd do a test run and I'm sure there will be a few more "test runs" before they actually arrive, but I had loads of strawberries in the frig so we opted for strawberry first.

It was really really good but I think the base needs a bit of tweaking. If you have a recipe you love for home made ice cream send it my way. 

All in all it was a low key weekend with just the right amount of activity, people, and patriotic happenings to feel pretty perfect. 

We're ever grateful to the men and women who let it be so.