Friday, July 25, 2014

OH WHERE DO I START AND A HUGE BBQ


Okay.  Enough.  We had our big group at the lake this past weekend.  One of my biggest joys is seeing anyone play in the sand.  That's what lake life is all about.  Okay...among other things, ahem.  Let me introduce you to Emmett.  He loves the sand and rarely left it...only to go on the boat.  And the one thing he talked about over and over when he got home was the swans.  And we have plenty of them.  They seem to multiply each year (but the huge turtles in our bay are making them diminish a bit, if you know what I mean).   Anyway, what a cutie!









As usual...fun in the sun.  Out on all the water toys, lots of great food and snacks...a few naps for myself and Peggy (the matriarchs) and a lot of fun keeping multiple dogs separated (no, they don't always like one another, although Milo has quite a love affair with that Golden across the creek...she's now crossing over to see him!!  Brazen hussy!!)








 I really, really wanted to have a backyard barbecue...like we used to have before the old grill died and we resorted to eating my dreary meals at the table...not enjoying any of the F & F other than the wilted, dyed daisies from the grocery store (those bright blue daisies should be outlawed...sick) on the dining table.  I wanted to enjoy all the plants and flowers and mulch and cute little garden signs and votive citronella candles while we dined.  No matter that I had no idea how to cook on a gas grill.



Anyway...never one to back away from a challenge...with my brand spanking new grill and all my pretty flora (fauna only if I fill the bird feeder which I am cruelly selective about),  I have invited a mere 32 close family and friends for a BBQ on Saturday.  I am so ready!!  Armed with a list and my right hand woman, Abby, we hit Home Depot, Target, Binny's and the grocery today.  We have it all...we have family who will be
bringing tents and tables and chairs.  We have the good old bean bag boxes and a new game...something involving throwing a Frisbee at a beer bottle on top of a Tiki torch.  And you are required to drink something if you hit it or not.  You know, one of those "beer games" I just don't know about.  And Abby, our little waitress and bartender (she has had as a supplemental living) is making some sort of tropical drink that we all get a shot of considering the whole "B" family will be there.  We did find cute, trendy striped straws that we will be cutting into 2 inch segments for this little shot of Bali.  And  we have trendy colored plastic tablecloths and votives from the Dollar Store. I will try to get pictures...my family really gives me h*** when I interrupt a good time with random shots.  The best I can do is get people to pose and that takes away from my fun.  Ha!!!



Five teeth gone and still barking at the hot UPS guy...I think he's fine.  I may save his pain pills for my own personal use...like this barbecue. 

Joining Alice at Thoughts From Alice Sundays

XO,
 Jane

28 comments:

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I had to laugh because right off the bat I was all primed to hear about YOUR computer problems...but..nope. No sharing there. That's okay, I bored everyone a couple of weeks ago with mine. LOL
Good heavens girl, you definitely have been working your back side off. Your flowers are gorgeous.
Poor little dog..surgery? Doesn't look too unhappy with the whole situation.
You DO keep busy, Jane dear! :) I love it. Sounds like a lot of work but rewarding work and it's looking beautiful.
Enjoy your weekend.
Mona

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Sounds like you have been very busy, Jane. I'm like you, now that I am retired I don't like to get up early in the am. Especially if I have to LOL.
Your flowers are lovely and really look good.
So glad that your fur baby is fine.
Have a great weekend.
Mary

podso said...

A busy weekend but it sounds wonderful!

Balisha said...

I don't know how you do it all. Two places to keep up and all the entertaining that you do. Sounds like a fun time is coming this weekend...hoping for nice weather for you all.
Glad your pup's OK
Balisha

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You always have such a fun time at the lake, Jane, and I love hearing and seeing pictures of it all. I wish I could sleep late again! Most mornings I am up by 6-6:30 and not because I want to be. It's been that way for a couple of years now. I guess your sleep patterns change as you get older. Well, that's why I decided the part-time job hours of 8:30 to 12:30 would be perfect. I'm up anyway! Then I still can have my afternoons {or take a nap}.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, What a great update on all fronts! I love your gardens - I think you've done a super job of NOT overplanting, and it will look terrific in coming years as a result. Even though I love when the garden fills out, there's also something to be said for the space between - I like that too.
You go, girl on the BBQ! Just make sure your take pictures when you get it all set up - we want to see it!
And good for your fur baby. Having teeth removed was the beginning of the end for our little baby (years ago), and it happened immediately after. Sounds like you're out of the woods, and that's great!
Have a great weekend. Oh yea - sounds like the girls in the family have gotten in on the swans' secret, hehe.
Rita

Mary said...

Whew Jane!!! Just reading about the weekend plans at your place makes me exhausted - but if anyone can pull it all off it's you…and Abby!

Have a a wonderful time as your family 'expands' - in all ways - and you get plenty of exercise!

Our weekend will be a much quieter one - having a batchelor neighbor over for supper in the gazebo Sat. night, then a run to Anthro with granddaughter on Sunday afternoon, followed by Italian out!

Love and hugs to you and A as you enjoy your Summer fun!
Mary x

Betsy Brock said...

Such fun at the lake! Loved the photos...and beautiful yard/flowers...the best part of summer!

laughed out loud at not liking to lay in bed all wet and cold...hahaha....my water broke with Taylor as I was getting into bed at 11pm. Really??? He was already a week late and now we were staying up all night? Geesh! haha.

Glad you pups is ok. :)

Susie said...

Blondie, You do sound as if it has been a very busy, but fun time. you are a very good gardener. I love the potted plants very much. Your hostas look good. Blessings for more fun, xoxo,Susie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Sounds like tons of fun at the lake and wow, your garden is fabulous. I love all those pretty flowers.

Wanda said...

Busy, busy...but loved all the updates and pictures. Your garden and landscape is just beautiful.

Fun to see your family pictures...Yeah a little girl in October.

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Have a great BBQ ! :)

Lots of fun reading here...I enjoyed :)

20 North Ora said...

Good Luck on your BBQ this weekend. Sounds like an awful lot of work to me. Glad your little one is ok. Your flowers are looking great!

Judy

jp@A Green Ridge said...

After reading all the fn stuff...and it was fun...the best news was when I read about Milo!...:)JP

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, love a BBQ, have fun but I know you will. So happy the wee one is ok, sweet picture, Blessings Francine.

Sarah said...

You are always a busy lady! The future babies makes exciting news, and glad to hear that Milo is doing well.

Susan Shull said...

Babies make everything more fun!

Beth said...

As I read this, you're probably playing that drinking game with the Tiki Torch - ha - hope you are having fun at your BBQ! Emmett is adorable! Loved hearing about your family fun at the lake and at home. You are quite good at entertaining, and also at gardening. So how do you like your new gas grill? I don't grill; hubby does. That's only fair - I do all of the "stove" cooking! Glad Milo is doing well.
Hugs, Beth

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

How fun to host a huge BBQ. And all those babies at the lake next year ... delicious in every way.

Fondly,
Glenda

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I have enjoyed catching up with you this morning. We just had thunder I didn't know it was suppose to rain. It will probably just make it that much hotter. Have fun at your party. It sounds like fun. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Jacqueline said...

Jane everything looks so pretty! I love all of your borders. Congratulations to the parents to be! How wonderful and glad you had such a nice get together!

Elaine said...

Oh my, I love that last paragraph about the dog and the pills. Love how much personality goes into all your posts!

Lulu said...

After all this, I'm exhausted, but I sure had a good time! You do have a way of keeping things lively.

Diane Mars said...

Sounds like you have been very busy and I love all the plants you have added to your garden. I know it's a lot of work but well worth it. Good luck on the party with 32 guests you are brave. Hope all goes well. Happy Summer! Hugs, Diane

Doreen @househoneys said...

So it looks like Match.com works? Something to keep in mind in case Fisherman decides to dump me ;).

Had to laugh about the brogue. I know exactly what you mean, but if he's a hunk she could just put duct tape over his mouth and have at it.

And computer problems bore you?! Well, let me tell you what happened to me today...

J/K (sorta)

Something Nice and Pretty said...

You are funny Jane, I don't do the 6 AM either:0

Love your flowers and also love that he is barking at the Ups man!

Kathy@ Gone North said...

Always love reading about your parties... & your gardening, I can't garden for the life of me. And I did not know that about the difference in the smells of the hostas. I will have to check that out with my own.
We have that game with the bottles.. it is the go-to game at the cottage, seems there is always 4 people out there playing.
My family calls it "Beersby" : ) & they have some kind of plate on a pole with a bottle on top to be knocked off by the Frisbee....
Hope that you are enjoying your summer at the lake...

Traci said...

Glad to hear the pup is ok! I love all the areas in your yard. Everything looks so pretty & lush!!