A round of putting. Avery was quite excited when he hit a “hole in one.”
Closing pep talk.
Avery staggered a bit but managed to carry the clubs all the way to the car.
Chasing cows
If you do something for the first time in your life, it should be noted, right? Today I chased cows. I got back to Justin’s mid-morning to find SEVEN cows enjoying Justin’s beautifully manicured and lush lawn. His response to my text message, “Get them off!!” After running through the neighbor’s garden and coming back to tromp through Justin’s prepped-for-landscaping front yard, the small herd finally headed in the right direction – back to Jaime’s.
Justin came home from work to check out the damage and make sure the cows couldn’t get back in. Needless to say, he was not happy.
To end on a happy note, the walnuts are doing great. To think, in 6-7 weeks, the harvest will begin.
Happy Birthday X 2
Happy 15th Birthday to Sarah, Maria’s granddaughter. Happy 40th Birthday to Leslie, Sarah’s mother/Maria’s daughter.
L-R: Sarah, Paige, Nate, Leslie
The story: I met Maria in 1975, our backyards abutted each other, our husbands talked over the fence, we had dinner together once, then twice, and we both had the same due dates for our first-born child – August 10. Leslie was born on August 4, I was 4 weeks late, Justin was born on September 7. Marriages dissolved, but Maria and I have been steadfast friends ever since. Our babies are turning 40 this year. How is that even possible?
Maria made her famous tacos – we think the record consumption is 20 tacos by Justin when he was in his teens. They are sooo good.
Papa and grandson CJ share cigars on the patio.
I’m sure a lot of grandfatherly advice is being dispensed.
Maria and Tim, thank you for a wonderful two days at Lake Wildwood. Love you.
Sunday in Penn Valley
More fun this weekend. An overnight visit with Maria and Tim at Lake Wildwood. Friends Renee and Mike came for dinner. Renee made the best potatoes and onions with rosemary.
Barbecue masters Tim and Theresa, Maria’s sister.
Sadie figured out how to keep cool, hair flying upward.
Tim with Wee Willie the Shark.
Party at Greg’s
Greg is cousin Phyllis’ oldest son. He lives in one half of a duplex on the Sacramento River just a few miles from downtown. To say the least, the setting is fantastic!
A big lawn for lots of different games.
Kevin, a friend from Greg’s high school days, and Roxanne live in the other half of the duplex.
A steep ramp down to the dock on the river.
Phyl’s younger son, Chris, did the barbecuing.
Fun party, Greg!
Golf camp
Avery’s partner this week was cousin Leo.
Thursday at Merrilyn’s
The last time we got together was the end of May, that’s WAY too long. Work and vacations were the culprits. Once again, great food and conversation. We each keep making different and delicious treats each time we get together that we thought we should make a cookbook. This time: Fontina Risotto Cakes with Fresh Chives and Lemon Aioli, Prosciutto-wrapped Cantaloupe,
and Graham Cracker Cake.
This was favorite recipe for birthday cakes when Phyl was growing up.
To be honest, I have kitchen tool envy.
Justin: race car driver
This is for you, Tom and Paula in Alabama. Justin’s waiting for Tom to come try it out. There’s a small race track nearby on a friend’s property where everyone goes to race and have fun.
Golf camp
The First Tee program at Lank Park Golf Course.
Technically, at 3 1/2, Avery was too young but the organizers decided to let him try. And he’s doing great.
There are three 30-minute stations.
Breakfast with Ade
We met at Awful Annie’s in Lincoln. Eat here if you ever get the chance – everything is delicious!
arletelouise 