All In the Family

WOW! What a weekend, friends! We three Englishes partook in the following socializing over these past few days: a forested, mountain-top (up on Cold Mountain, as in THE Cold Mountain) wedding with a creek-side, potluck reception on Saturday; a going-away party (with lemonade) to two lovely ladies who, as I type, are packing their moving van and setting their compasses west, towards Denver (I'll miss you so much, Schmegsy & Lele!!!!); and hosted an impromptu brunch for, oh, 12 (!!!) close friends, our combined 5 children (and 1 on the way in August!), and 4 dogs out here yesterday. Whew! And I loved every single minute of it!

Our meal yesterday proved a source of inspiration for me. Not just because of its profound and abiding deliciousness, but because it was inherently collaborative. Everyone brought something, and then Hubs cooked the hot dishes while others worked on beverages and fruit prep. Here's what we feasted on for our 'Memorable Memorial Meal':

*White corn grits with melted cheddar & feta sprinkles

*N.C. shrimp sauteed in green tomato relish, green chilies and Proseco

*Proseco shrimp gravy

*Scrambled eggs with Herbs de Provence & grain mustard

*Mixed salad greens with homemade blue cheese dressing

*Fresh pineapple with lemon verbena

*Cantaloupe slices with fresh mint

*Georgia Peaches & Creme pie with a pecan streusel topping

*A medley of danishes

*Grapefruit & Orange juice, lemonade & sparkling wine

*Fair-trade, shade-grown organic coffee

There was lots of groaning in gustatory delight, sweating under a not-even-yet-summer-but-already-scorching sun, witnessing of doggie hijinks and wee one antics, and participating in hearty laughter and storytelling and general revelry.

I'm back at work on my next book today, while simultaneously prepping for Hubs' 44th journey around the sun tomorrow! Thursday witnesses our 4-year anniversary. What an amazing week it will be!

Oh, and stay tuned for more giveaways. I've picked up a slew of new, gorgeous books recently and they'll be yours for the taking in the upcoming weeks!

*The photo of we three Englishes was taken at the above-mentioned wedding in front of the Pigeon River. I've been pining to wear this vintage-inspired (but new!) dress ever since I purchased it whilst prego. My hat belonged to my grandfather, one of two straw-brimmed hats of his I wear all summer long. Huxley was sporting his first ever blazer and being a general attention hog, while Hubs was looking so fly, per usual.