New Additction

I knew there was a cult following of Downton Abbey so presumed it was good. It premiered in the UK fall of 2010 and in the US early 2011. I finally decided to invest some time and used Sassy's Netflix account to watch the first episode. I am now officially addicted and on episode five. It's fantastic - the story, costumes, ensemble cast, everything! As usual, Maggie Smith is extraordinary. The story starts in 1912 with news of the Titanic sinking critical to the plot. I love how the lives of aristocats and servants are juxtaposed. I'm late to the party as usual, but definitely a follower.

Inked

Sassy got a tattoo!

The dates are for Papa's death and Hubby's accident. I'm not a devotee myself, but Hubby has five (one is a cover-up). Volunteering for pain is not high on my bucket list and I find the permanency a little offputting. Sassy is happy with it and I'm happy it's in a location (back) that's no one will see unless she wants them to. As she turned around with her shirt still up I saw something else ... a bellybutton ring. I asked if there was anything else new ... pregnant, dropping out of college to backpack through Europe. She said no, but I have a feeling her rebellious independent period isn't over.

Summer in a glass 2.0

Version 1.0 was delicious, but this is right up there!

Watermelon Agua Fresca  courtesy of Rachael Ray

8 cups seedless watermelon cubes
6 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
1/3 cup fresh lime juice plus 1 sliced lime
A few sprigs mint or rosemary
Ice

Puree watermelon in blender. Strain into bowl through fine-mesh sieve. Stir in honey and lime juice. Transfer to pitcher; stir in 1-1/2 cups water, lime slices and mint. Chill; serve over ice.

I halved the recipe - used honey, substituted three packets of True Lime for lime juice and eliminated mint/rosemary. Delicious! Add a little vodka if feeling saucy :)

Win some, lose some

This rosemary garlic bread recipe was a huge hit! I don't have a finished photo due to some drama and the work-in-process photos seemed silly to include without a finished product. I made the bread early in the morning (my great grandmother always said that was the best time to bake ... low humidity or pressure or something like that). They turned out beautiful, 2 gloriously browned loaves with rosemary and garlic dotted perfectly all over the tops. Gorgeous. I left them to cool and five minutes later I heard odd noises so went back to the kitchen only to find two empty pans and one of my dogs, Abby, rushing away. I could have cried. It is a super simple recipe, but I was low on flour and rosemary. I went to the store and made another batch on principle. There was significantly less rosemary and the dogs were relegated to the backyard for the entire process. Next time I may make them side by side on the same pan as well as add garlic to the itself rather than just on top.

The mint brownie recipe is another winner. The kids told me these were too chocolately as if there is such a thing, but Hubby and I love them. Very rich ... a little goes a long way which is better for my waist. These remind me of the Cocoa Gems my great grandmother made.

The potato salad and peppers were okay. I think I'd add garlic to the peppers and though the salad was okay I guess I'm a traditionalist for mayo, mustard, dill and celery seed.

Bon Appétit

Buzzzzzzzz

I got a bee in my bonnet this morning - I haven't cooked/baked much lately and miss it so I made three new recipes and am planning a fourth for dinner.

• Mint brownies
• Rosemary garlic bread
• Summer potato salad
• Summer grilled peppers

 I'll post recipes if any of them turn out.

The Graduate

Sassy is 18 and a high school graduate. How did this happen? Where has the time gone? I am NOT okay with this. Moving on. Sassy was #9 (alphabetical) out of four hundred-and-something graduates at her high school. I wasn't sure what to expect - I'd only attended my own and Hubby's graduation previously. Sassy's ceremony was very simple and nice.

I always take first day of school photos so thought I'd take a last day photo, especially since it was Toga! day. Those white jersey sheets sure came in handy - Sassy used them for her toga (strategic pinning courtesy of YouTube) and I used for a tablecloth on the dessert table at her open house.

Wish I'd caught a photo of all the grads throwing their caps in the air following the ceremony. True to form (better late than never), I caught the moment afterward. That's Sassy in the front row, fourth from top, sweeping her bangs to the side as she looks up at the caps stuck in the rafters.

Family photos from pre-graduation dinner -

 The people who made her life possible - literally!

 The she-should-be-moving-out-so-I-can-have-her-room look

 Grma P (my mom)

Grma G (Hubby's mom)

I don't have many photos from the open house and those I do have are fuzzy or dark. This is the only photo that turned out well - we hung tissue paper pom poms in the trees to guide people from front of house to back along the side of our house.

I can sum up the party with: great food (thanks Mom!), great people and fantastic weather.