It was absolutely wonderful!  I had a week with all my grandchildren and it was the best vacation I have had in a long time.  I can't wait to do that again and hopefully the older two can return for a few extra days before the summer is out.  I learned new things about the personalities of these kids and each one of these four always have something new to surprise me with.

Sunday was my daughter's birthday and we had a wonderful cookout and swim party.  Lot's of fun with family and friends!  Even my 87 year old Dad got in the action, but we couldn't get him in the pool.  He did enjoy some delicious barbecue and Brunswick stew though and even some of those delicious friend green tomatoes!  Sis and hubby got in on the action too.  Mom must have been hiding from the camera.  I can't find a shot of her anywhere! 

 

A local church had a good fireworks display around 10:00 so we all trekked over and watched the sparkles and listened to the booms.   We were even serenaded by the "3 J's" (my daughter-in-law,daughter, and other daughter).  It was a fun filled day. 

When my daughter was a toddler and terrified of fireworks she ask that we don't do the fireworks for her birthday anymore.  On Monday night after their return north this same daughter was taking her children to town to watch the fireworks. 

I hope that you had an enjoyable July fourth weekend and celebrated our declaration of independence with much joy and thankfulness. 

Now on to more work, play and daily living!

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!

Belle

After a busy weekend, today will be restful.  Nothing demanding my attention and looks as though the temperatures will be headed downward for the rest of the week, so maybe I will be able to get outside and dig and pull. 

Hubby did an outstanding job on a beef brisket on Friday evening.  Marinating in yogurt for about 4 hours, then smoking uncovered for 4 hours, then seasoning and wrapping for a night of slow cooking, this baby turned out fantastic.  Tender and moist, even the kids were eating it by the handfuls.  The flavor was out of this world and as you know a brisket is not the top of the line when it comes to moistness and tenderness, but the unflavored yogurt did its work and broke down those fibers.  Good eating!

The grandchildren, nieces, and nephews enjoyed a long swim while the older folks relaxed and watched.  A peaceful and restful afternoon. 

In ten days my parents will be married for 60 years.  That's a long time to live with one person.  I am proud of their efforts and the fact they have hung in there and not thrown in the towel.  It hasn't all been a bed of roses, but they have managed to work around the thorns without any deep injuries and the scars have made their marriage stronger.  There are still days they get on each other's nerves, but hey after 60 years they have a right. 

Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

My Pleasure

Hubby and I had the honor of hosting a boy scout troop this weekend.  Five young men and their leaders camped in the edge of the woods in back of our home.  They were most pleasant and very well mannered.  They did their "boy scout camping" stuff and we shared some of their free time.  A thank you is not enough to express our gratitude to them for sharing allowing us to spend this last weekend before school starts back with them.  Being pre-teen boys, hubby and I were unsure what we would encounter with these boys, but they reaffirmed our faith in the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow.  Thank you guys!

Saturday was a full day of a swimming birthday party.  Our youngest granddaughter turned four this past week.  The pool was filled with laughter and squeals as her friends and family all splashed away in the pool.  In these long hot dog days of summer there is no better place to entertain so many little ones so effortless.  Her maternal grandmother arrived with a splendid birthday cake that brought out the oohs and aahs of little ones and adults alike and sure brought a fantastic smile to the birthday girl.  The three tiered pink cake topped with a crown and trimmed to the nines was beautiful and it was all eatable.  This very talented lady's creations never cease to amaze me.  Granddads, grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends all gathered to celebrate this one of a kind princess.  

Sunday morning found me and hubby rocking on the porch with our coffee and our thoughts of a wonderful weekend.  The house was awfully quiet with only the son-in-law left with us.  Tired, but happy, we rocked, talked, and relaxed.  We do realize we can no longer have this kind of weekend every week, but we sure do enjoy those that come along once in a while. 

Thanks for stopping by and until next time . . .

Happy reading!

Belle