Shenandoah National Park

 We just returned from a short vacation to Massanutten, Va!
Time flew by and I had such a wonderful time being with my kids. 
It's memories of time spent together that mean so much to me.

One Step Closer To Summer!

These blue eyes are telling you that 

Summer will be here before we know it!

playin' in the grass, lickin' ice cream cones

Summer!

sittin' on the beach...

ANY beach...

Summer!

I've been roasting every vegetable imaginable,

trying new recipes, 

being thankful for the beauty 

God presents every day

getting ready for bilateral knee 

replacement in March - and no, 

haven't worn heels in many a moon 

and the surgeries won't change a thang!

I'm more a barefoot gal. 

I love my life.

I have moments, even in the Winter 

when I say say "thank you Lord

for the wonder of it all"

and if I'm down....

I phone a friend (and make the recipe below)

 read a book, or go to Home Goods!

Winter Drearies Tamarind Margarita

For those of you who want to make a blended tamarind margarita, here is a recipe that is very easy and has been very good. I use a tamarind paste (concentrate) instead of fresh tamarinds, which eliminates cooking, straining, sweetening, and other cumbersome steps. It may not be quite as good, but it's damn close.

Tamarind Margarita
2 oz tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz tamarind paste (concentrate)
1 oz simple sugar
2-3 cups ice

Combine in blender and blend until smooth. Rim glasses with chile salt. Serves 2-3.


Notes
Vary the amount of tequila based on how strong you want your drinks. The tamarind is overpowering and you probably won't taste much of the tequila.

Look for tamarind paste in Indian or Mexican markets. I use "Mr. Manish Tamarind Paste" purchased from an Indian grocery store, which contains only tamarind extract.

You may find 1 oz of tamarind paste to be a little too much. I like bold flavor and the tartness, but experiment to find the amount you like best.

Don't over blend  You want to crush the ice but still keep a somewhat watery drink. If you blend too long, the drink becomes too thick and looks kind of unappealing because of the brown color (use your imagination). 

Life isn't always a bowl of cherries

but a good Margarita recipe

ain't half bad!

heeheheehee!

Our Summer Side Dish was a Big SPLASH! BUNCO anyone?

Summer Shore Beerita Drink Recipe

Glass to Use Beer Mug 

Drink Colour: Golden

Ingredients

•4 bottles (light) Beer (Corona)

•7 oz. Tequila, gold

•1 can Frozen Limeade Concentrate (Minute Maid)

Mixing Instructions

In a pitcher, combine the limeade concentrate, tequila, and beer. Stir ingredients completely. Add ice cubes as desired and serve immediately, garnished with lime slices. Makes 4 to 6 drinks.

Serve with one of these on and it's a Blast....Great for BUNCO!

and for dessert...

what else!

salt water taffy doll!

I'm at the beach, Jenn

The pitcher featured above is sold at Macy's for $19.00 "The Cellar Pitcher"

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!

summer summer summer

party party party!!!!!!

today is the last day for classes

in the high school I work in!

soooo,

let's see....

the decluttering and cleaning of my home has begun

I'll be listing things on Ebay.

Wall paper and borders are coming down.

Colors I love are going on.

I've had a pedicure.

Toiled in my gardens.

Set a date to leave for the beach!

Plan on sleeping in a few mornings.

Lots of gatherings with friends and family!

and these are just my ideas for

the 1st week baby!

i do love my summer's off, jenn