Want...How Cute are these?

http://poketo.com/shop/living/Infusion-Coffee-Maker

USF Drumline

As you may recall, we were in Florida to celebrate my nephew Erik's high school graduation this past June.

Now he is off to college.  He's attending USF (University of South Florida) in Tampa.  We're mighty proud of him.  One opening on the drumline.....fifteen kids tried out and yup.....our Erik made it!

Erik third from left

Mike and Marlene are headed to Tampa Saturday for the first football game of the season and to see their son march.  What a thrill!  Congratulations Erik!

Look What I Won!

How appropriate wouldn't you say?






Great book....courtesy of RaisingJane.org. Mary Jane also has a monthly magazine, Mary Janes Farm in addition to her blog. The book is just being released September 1st.

My very first giveaway win! Yippee!

Proud

The body of a Navy Seal, killed in Afghanistan earlier this month, arrived home to Grand Rapids Monday.
My husband, along with his friend Bob, joined hundreds of motorcyclists in procession to escort his body from the Gerald Ford Airport to his hometown several miles away.
There were thousands of people along the motor route showing their respect to one of our nation's heroes.
School children, factory workers, young and old, emptied their buildings as the motorcade slowly rolled down the streets of Grand Rapids.  Many saluting, many holding American flags, all paying their respect.

stock image via google

The Patriot Guard Riders......a moving experience.  I was proud of my husband for taking the time to pay his respect to this fine young man.

Puppy Has A Name

Hi!  My name is Cooper!

The Anniversary

A nice Prosecco - Ruffino

First David Austin Rose from my garden...bunnies ate all the buds.

Dessert of course

Perfect for a celebration

The finished bottle as nighttime started to fall.

Thank you for all your well wishes!

Our Day

Thirty two years ago today, we both said I Do.



It will be a simple, quiet day together. The way we like it! Tonight, grill steaks, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy a fine bottle of Prosecco!

After Labor Day, when the kids are back in school, we'll head out camping.

From Baby to Toddler

Our little Joslyn is moving from the baby room to the toddler room on Monday at daycare.  Here's a quick snapshot of her last day in the baby room.

Such a stylish little girl.

A Road Trip

Richie and I hit the road today.  We headed south to check out a State Park for camping.  The area was nice but the campground....not so exciting.

This is Warren Dunes State Park.  Nice beach.

Nice scenic outlook of Lake Michigan along the way.

Lots of boats and marinas in New Buffalo

We headed into Indiana for lunch.  A blogger had mentioned this restaurant in Beverly Shores so I thought we would check it out.

Mmm, Mmmm, good!

What a sweet day with the love of my life!

We got home and turned around and left again....had to go see puppy!  Stopped at my nephews soccer game also.  He's a senior so last season.....Yay Jake....he scored a goal.  Sailors won 2-0.

Name

My mom surprised my brother with an early birthday present.



Isn't he adorable. He's just shy of eight weeks old. He's a miniature daschund. Now...a name has to be given. My favorite is Hank.

I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Can't Get Enough

Joslyn is having fun at the park with her Aunt Jessie.  Can you tell Jessie was in Chicago this weekend?  We have lots of pictures.  Some are just too cute to resist sharing!  Love her little jean skirt!

Trying to be a big girl with her mama's water glass.  Look how she has her legs crossed.  Too funny!

Promise I'll change subjects next post!

Love is......

Fremont Lake Picnic

We were invited to friends for a picnic yesterday.  Despite a quick downpour of rain, it was a great time.

Lovely home.....

Good people.....

Good food.....

Thanks Dick and Shirley!

Thank You Sister

My sister Ginny came for a visit this weekend. She stopped at her local farmers market first and bought a bouquet of fresh flowers for me, my mom, and my sister Maggie.



So pretty. Does anyone know what kind of flowers,these are below?



They almost are paper thin and have ruffled edges. They are so delicate!

Thanks Ginny for the nice treat! You were so thoughtful!

Prosecco

I felt quite cosmopolitan today at lunch having ordered a split of Prosecco.



I must say it was most delightful. I needed it.

I met with three dear friends; one being Mari's whose Alzheimers has progressed profoundly. So very sad to see. Rather difficult to visit with her....we must learn to "be iin the moment" when with her.

So, back to Prosecco....I'm new to this one. Any suggestions on a good one to try!

Oh, be sure to hug the ones you love while they remember!

Can we start thinking fall yet?

Yes we can because while I was in Hobby Lobby earlier this week, all their Christmas stuff is out. Made me sick actually!

Anyway, back to fall. Just saw these on Pinterest. How adorable are these?



Chenille Pumpkins. Love! Courtesy of erin-artandgarden.blogspot.com
She bought them in Nashville...was hoping for a tutorial.

On my bike ride this evening, I did see a few leaves on the trees turning a little red.....it's a sign.

A Few of my Favorite Things

I saw on one of my blogs an entry about iced coffee.  I've made some previously but it was a huge batch.
This method called for using a French Press. 

Easy, manageable batch.  I'm sipping on one right now.  Yum.

All it takes is 2/3 cups coffee grounds, 3 cups cold water.  Let set overnight and press.  Pour into jars and refrigerate.  How much easier can it get?

Remember our blueberry picking adventure last week?  My husband has been eating them like mad.  So this morning I mixed up a batch of my favorite pancake batter from Martha Stewart.

Delicious!  Buttermilk pancakes from scratch with lots and lots of blueberries.

Have a delightful day!

Kathy, Cathy, and Kathy

This is the week for Catchup with Kathy times three. I met Kathy H. For coffee this morning. We haven't connected in a few months. Two and a half hours later we were caught up. I'm meeting Cathy J for coffee at Barnes and Noble tomorrow. We haven't seen each other since last fall. Easily another two hour gig. Cathy and I worked together probably 20 years ago. Kathy D will be on Friday for breakfast...we've been a few months since out last connection. We have been friends since 2nd grade. And last but not least, following breakfast on Friday, I meet three other friends for lunch!

Just a real social week! No housework getting done here! Oh well, it can wait until next week.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Another Weekend Passes By in a Flash

Here it is Sunday early evening....another weekend flys by. Kept busy all weekend. The rain finally passed Friday night. Saturday was our usual
Coffee at my Mom's. A bike ride in the afternoon.

Saturday night we attended a party which included all my husband's classmates. I was the youngest one there so I hung out at the bar. Nicki, the bartender, and I were best friends by the end of the night. She understood my need to hang with her.

Today, a family reunion on my husband's side. Lots of people. I made a large pan of baked ziti to take.....no leftovers.

Tonight I am going to create a bunting for the camper. It will be so darn cute.



Off early in the morning to catchup with a friend for coffee.

Have a good week my friends.
Babs

National S'Mores Day

Glammed up version:


Ingredients:
8 graham crackers
32 large marshmallows, cut in half
2 1.5-ounce chocolate bars (such as Hershey's)
1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions:
1. Adjust rack to middle position and heat broiler or toaster oven. Break the crackers in half to form squares and place on a baking sheet. Arrange 4 marshmallow halves on top of each square. Broil for 30 to 60 seconds or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
2. Break each chocolate bar into 12 pieces. Arrange the chocolate and raspberries on top of half the crackers. Invert the remaining marshmallow-topped crackers onto the raspberry-and-chocolate–topped crackers, pressing gently to make sandwiches. Stack them, if desired.

In the Mood

It's raining today.  It's a much needed rain so I am not complaining.  The grass is so burned up around town.  Some rain could just make things a little greener!

I've been in the mood for baking.  Since it is raining, it's the perfect activity.  Remember those blueberries we picked earlier this week.  Well, viola' .......Blueberry Buckle.

Warm, out of the oven....so haven't sampled it yet.  It smells delicious.

Tuesday, when I was working at the Primary Polls, all the workers at my precinct were bringing something to snack, nibble on during the day.  They asked me to bring a sweet.  I made Crispy Nutty Cookies.  Melt in your mouth goodness!

One of the ladies commented:  "there are not many people like you left in this world.....the ones who bake from scratch!  These cookies are fabulous."

I'm sharing this recipe with you as you will surely want to add it to your collection.

Crispy Nutty Cookies
2 sticks of butter (please use the real thing)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp. vinegar
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups flour
Mix all these ingredients together and beat for five minutes.
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Drop by teaspoon full on cookie sheet lined with parchment or a Silpat.
Place a pecan half on top of each cookie.  Bake for 20 minutes.  The cookies will spread out and will be flat.
Pretty delicate.....be careful.  Place on rack to cool.  Don't eat too many.  Makes 3 dozen.

Let me know if you make them~

LOVE

I love my Sarah Belle!

Picture taken in Orlando this past June.

Blueberry Pickin'

Richie and I went pickin' today.  It was a gorgeous day.  Sunny, light breeze, low 80's.  Perfect day for our annual blueberry pick.

The blueberries aren't real big this year due to early spring and frost issues.  But they are real sweet.

Yours truly among the bushes.

My husband.....eating more than he's pickin?

Here's our take....7.5 pounds.  Think blueberry pancakes and blueberry buckle for sure.  Most likely some muffins and lots in the freezer.

I won't be blogging tomorrow.......at the polls all day (6am to 9pm)....fulfilling my important role as Election Inspector!