4th of July, Food and Babies

Lots to get to this Tuesday morning after the 4th!  First is FOOD.  This past Wednesday I was at a loss for a meal idea and started rummaging around in the deep freeze (yes that is what is was called when I was young and still is in my mind) and ran across two lobster tails purchased a few months ago on sale.   I was going to do the usual in the oven thing but started googling and found this:  

https://cafedelites.com/lobster-tails-with-bacon-cream-sauce/?fbclid=IwAR0bUGuCn25U3sby_IbbeI6yYZ4y4l4q5zwNza-et7rO9VHXRPj019Y-zz0#recipe

Of course I had to tweek it a bit with what I had on hand but OMG was it delicious, especially on the frozen spinach I had.  In fact The Hubby said a couple of days later that he was still thinking of the meal!  SCORE!  It was so incredibly easy and I think easy enough to cook for a small dinner party, plus it was fast.  

DEFINITELY going to be making these again and again.

We scooted off to the cabin for the 4th, not my favorite weekend for previous dangerous reasons.  Read one of my reasons here  https://crbh-ruminations.blogspot.com/2008/07/here-we-go.html

It was a stunning and HOT weekend but I really didn't mind too much.  I usually sit in my screened porch till I just need to go in to cool off for a bit, but I'm back out when it is tolerable again.

Hopefully I'll get a painting out of one of these photos.

We had a friend that kept hopping in during the day under the bird feeders. He was so tiny.

Then B and Snicklefritz came to visit overnight and watch the fireworks show.  She is growing up so very fast.

Plus there is grandbaby news! They are expecting in early January a new addition and we couldn't be more happy and overjoyed.

Summer Fun

Sunrise, sunset, slowly go the years...

It has been a whirlwind of nearly two weeks celebrating and spending much needed family time with THE ENTIRE FAMILY!  My happy place with my most happy family rushed off to the cabin for the annual fireworks show and incredible sunsets.   

First, a quick update on Clayton.  He is doing so well and hopefully the bandages will come off today.  He's spinning for his dinner and has been caught jumping up on the furniture, sometimes not successfully.  Our little guy is on the mend.  He has been playing with his doggy friends Mondo and Vinny which was a great joyful surprise.  He is eating and sleeping like a champ.  I think we will have him around for a few more wonderful years.  

As I said before Af and Nick drove in from LA for a visit and a baby shower for the new munchkin that arrives in October. 

All the girls are here.  Three generations in attendance.

Time spent with their goofball dad... 

My wonderful, WONDERFUL girls!!!!!

Then, we as an entire family unit, scooted off to the cabin to enjoy the annual fireworks show (I don't enjoy anymore after The Hubby's fireworks accident several years ago!)  I was in charge of the four-legged friends, Clayton, Mondo and Vinny since the big guys have a bit of fear with fireworks.

We lounged...

We ate... 

We laughed and had a most wonderful time before the tribe grows by one in a few short months. 

My summer is complete.

Reading, Hammock Sitting and Flower Picture Taking

Today is the celebration of the 4th here at the lake.  Some may not know but a few years ago, July 5, 2008 to be exact, The Hubby was injured in a fireworks accident.  I won't go into details but you can read about it HERE.  It is not my favorite holiday.  I love Independance Day, all for that but I HATE fireworks!  Anyway, I am just hanging around the cabin and the hammock not partaking of the PARTY atmosphere that is going on.

 

I am instead taking pictures of some of my flowers for paintings, hammock dwelling and reading a great book. 

Daylilies

 

Trumpet Vine (that is encroaching in our yard)

 

My beautiful hibiscus!

 

The book I'm reading is A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams.  I wasn't sure when I started but in two days I am halfway through and probably will finish tomorrow.  It's been on the top best sellers list for summer reads this year.  I've also enjoyed a few books by one of my favorite authors, Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Kay Andrews.  Hope you're having a reading summer!