Clouds Usher in the Rain

I noticed a heavy dark cloud cluster heading our way this week.  Everyone working on the docks waited until the very last moment to scatter away and head for cover.  Steve got stuck outside in the rain while taking the old oil up to the marina to dispose. 

Kayaking for Father's Day

I took Steve on a Kayak trip for Father's Day.  We met our guide Bud at Ocean Motion Surf Co. who led the way to the launch spot on a local creek.  Three girls from Atlanta joined us on this trip.  After a brief explanation of the kayak, putting life jackets and spraying ourselves with bug spray we launched at Village Creek Landing.  Bud took us through the creeks at high tide.  We saw two dolphins (1 baby), several snow egret, and a jumping mullet.  Traveling by kayak is peaceful and quiet except for the birds chirping to one another. 

Biking around St. Simons and a Surprise Fleming Visit

Wednesday we unfolded our Dahon bikes that we bought at the Eckerd Yard Sale back in March and took off to explore the island. (See my earlier post about the Yard Sale here) The bike trails runs from the marina bridge all the way to the center of town.  There are 30 miles of bike trails here for us to explore.

When we returned from our ride, I wanted to explore the docks.  It is always interesting to read the names of boats, check out their home port, and of course, see if anyone is aboard.  I headed to the end of our dock and the name Elizabeth Anne caught my eye--I realized another Fleming had joined us.   John & Elizabeth Pohl had just arrived on their way to Sanford, FL.  We joined them for dinner at The Crab Shack on Wednesday evening and gave them a ride to pick up a rental car.  John had to drive to Orlando for work on Thursday, but Beth and I got to play some tennis and shop.  Steve was delighted that I found someone to go into town with me.  We had a great day and enjoyed dinner with Beth at Coastal Kitchen while we waited for John to return. 

We're here in St. Simons

We made it to St. Simons after a busy crazy hectic May.  Caroline came home for good and is looking for a job.  Please call us if you hear of any job opportunities.  She enjoys quantitative sociology.  She explains that this includes making surveys.  She has made surveys for several non profit organizations and continues to enjoy this type work.  She is very good in statistics.  She has worked in the library at Furman for 3 years and also has experience as a residential assistant. Lainey headed back to St. Pete to work for Dave's Water sports on St. Pete Beach and Katy returned to her job at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. 

After Caroline got moved in, we packed up Jack & Piper and headed for St. Simons Island.  I have been away from the boat for almost 6 weeks.  We are docked at Morningstar Marina-Golden Isles.   We have had a fantastic view of the mega-yacht Magic which is right beside us.


 
Magic was built by Northern Marine.  In May of this year, Northern Marine launched a new 90 foot yacht which resulted in a terrible accident.  Click here to see the video and story of this launch gone wrong. Two more mega yachts came in with crews fit for a king--Lady Kath and another one whose name I cannot remember. 

When we got here to the marina, Steve's brother Bob, his wife Eve and son Jake were here to greet us.  They had spent a few days of vacation in Jekyll Island.  We were all hungry for lunch so we ate at Coastal Kitchen which is next to the marina.  The rest of our day was spent unloading and quickly exploring the island.  We found the pier and enjoyed walking around.  I saw several shops I intend to visit another day. 

Alabama Luncheon At Mistletoe Bough B&B

Finishing off the month of May included a luncheon for the bridesmaids of our sweet friend Amber.  Caroline, Lainey and I took off for Alexander City, Alabama on Thursday afternoon.  I was looking forward to some time with two of my girls alone in the car.  It started off poorly with Steve noticing a nail in one of my tires.  The tire wasn't leaking (yet) so I made a stop to at Discount Tire in Loganville before getting on the road. They repaired -patched or plugged- the tire and we were on our way. 

We arrived at Mistletoe Bough B&B ready for some relaxing and catching up with the Robson clan.  JoAnn- the owner of the B&B met us and showed us our rooms.  JoAnn is a very gracious hostess who told us some of the history of this grand old home.  She also showed us the dining room where the luncheon was held on Friday. 

Friday morning after Nancy arrived we put the finishing touches on the table and were ready to have some fun. 

 The Luncheon menu included chicken salad on a croissant, a green salad, grape salad, cheese biscuits and a dessert of rocky road brownie sundae!!!  We especially enjoyed the grape salad. 

Amber and her Bridesmaids

Charlene, Robin, Amber, Joy, Nancy

We had a great time while in Alabama.  The luncheon was great.  Helping set up for the wedding receptions in the Russel Crossroads Stables was fun.  The wedding ceremony on Heaven Hill was beautiful (and hot) and the receptions was fantastic.  The decorations were spectacular--the mother of the bride, the bride, and the sister in law of the bride did a fantastic job--the are a group of very talented artistic women.

Stay tuned.... by the time I post again we should be back on board in St. Simons Island!!!

Joy

I found this recipe by All Recipes for Grape Salad.  I am not sure if it is exactly like JoAnn's at Mistletoe Bough but it might be very close. 

Ingredients

·         1 pound seedless green grapes ·         1 pound seedless red grapes ·         1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened ·         1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme ·         1 (6 ounce) package slivered almonds

Directions

1.	Wash grapes in a colander under running water, and remove all stems. Place in a large bowl.
2.	In a separate bowl, stir together the cream cheese and marshmallow creme until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture over the grapes. Using a rubber spatula or large serving spoon, fold the mixture into the grapes until well coated. Fold in the almonds.
3.	This salad may be served immediately, or covered and refrigerated for 1 hour to set slightly, and to allow flavors to blend. Click here for printable version.

It's A Lemon Lime Good Time!

I took the opportunity to host supper club while Steve was away.  We have been gathering for supper club for perhaps 15 years.   In the beginning, we all mailed out printed or hand written invitations.  Now--we send out an email--so much simpler.  As one might image, we have had many many differently themed suppers.  After wracking my sometimes creative mind, I decided to search the internet for a fun supper club theme.  I found one I thought  perfect at the blog Invite & Delight.

Carole--the author of the blog- writes about her love of dinner parties and shares her ideas. She has a fantastic blog chock full of great ideas and recipes. (I tried her Garlic Asparagus with Lime ) I discovered her "Lemon-Lime--It's Summertime" party and used her ideas as an inspiration. I especially like her decoratioins for the party.  It is especially easy to decorate with lemons and limes and green and yellow flowers which brighten any room.  

 I sent out the email to all of the supper club girls asking them to bring an item using lemon or lime as one of the ingredients.  I got to work on some lemon lime colored decorations and cleaning up the house after I decided on the main dish of Lemon Chicken Picatta. All the Supper Club friends responded enthusiastically.  We ended up with the menu below. 

Menu

Lemon Hummus (Publix) with Yellow and Green Pepper Strips

Shrimp Ceviche

Margarita Sangria

Citrus Water

Lemon Lime Iced Tea

Skillet Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese

Lemon Chicken Picatta

Roasted Lemon Pepper Fingerling Potatoes

Garlic Asparagus with Lime

Ciabatta Loaf and Cheese Bread with Lemon Butter

Lemon Ice Box Pie

Iced Citrus Tea

Iced Citrus Water

Margarita Sangria

Click on item for printable recipe

We rarely have any duplicate dishes, tonight was a popular night for asparagus, but hey--I love asparagus!

One of my friends loves to call herself Michelle Pfeiffer--I can't even remember why, and it is probably not repeatable anyway.  She brought the delicious shrimp ceviche so we will call her whatever she wants to be called. This recipe is especially good for those who don't  like ceviche because the fish isn't cooked in the traditional way but is marinated for several hours.  Michelle's recipe cooks the shrimp and then marinates. 

Lemon Lime Ice Water and Lemon Lime Iced Tea are easy enough for every day.  Slice lemons and limes and place in a pitcher, cover with water or tea and chill.  Serve tea with mint leaves over ice.  The margarita Sangria was tasty and refreshing--but maybe a little strong. 

Everything was delicious and refreshing for a cooler than usual May evening!

Before the Blog Police Come After Me

Before the Blog Police Officer who shall remain nameless calls or writes to me--let me explain where I have been and why I have neglected to blog.

After Memorial Day Weekend we returned home for a few days.  Steve had to head to New Orleans to retrieve an RV that needed repair and they required a driver with a CDL to bring it back to Apalachee RV.  He flew out, took a taxi to the damaged RV and drove it back in GA all in one day. 

I headed to Alabama for a wedding--it was beautiful.

We are now back in town, cutting grass, repairing sheetrock, repairing broken aging gate.....

I will get back to blogging soon....please keep checking.


Joy