Fried Oysters

Our dinner tonight was fried oysters with home made tomato sauce for dipping and a horseradish one too, along with broccoli from our garden. This meal was delicious, however, if you figure the cost (3 cans of oysters = $24 plus a jar of olive oil = $6 the total cost for just the oysters was $30). Now take into consideration the mess of frying and all the clean up, next time we crave fried oysters, we'll probably head down to Washington Platform. :)

Summer time Cooking from our garden!

Phyllo Pie with Spicy Kale and Sausage Using Kale and Chard from our garden, Jeanne made this spanikopita-like dish for us. The original recipe called for it to be made in a tart pan and decorated with phyllo ruffles. But instead, she decided to make it more layered like her spanikopita and to put it in a casserole dish with more filling.
It was delicious! The sausage in it came from the 1/2 hog we got in January.

Above, getting ready to water bath the Chunky Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce - super simple and super delicious! Jeanne was excited to finally can a sauce, usually to use up tomatoes it's different canned salsas or canned tomatoes. She is planning on using the rest of the bounty of tomatoes to stock up our cupbords with home made tomato sauce. A great use for all of the huge amounts of basil too.

Jeanne doubled the recipe and made 8 pints.

Here are the veggies roasting for Ina Garten's Roasted Eggplant Spread. This delicious spread is helping us use up (and freeze the prepared appetizer for a future party) some eggplant in the garden. It's easy to prepare and really yummy. Even those who don't care for eggplant (well not you Martha) enjoy it! :)

Home made peach pie!

Made with peaches from Bud and lard we got from our Grailville pig. We shared this with David and Anne tonight, 2 of our favorite peeps! The pie was amazing!!!
Messy but delicious!
With a dollop of whipped cream!Fun & Friends!!!

Lunken Farmer's Market

Bud, what a cutie! Here's Bud (on the right) - one of Jeanne's favorite farmers at Lunken. We picked up corn (special order) from him today but bought peaches, zucchini and peppers from him yesterday. We don't often go down to the market because we have our own veggies to cook and eat from our garden, but we can't grow it all. Plus it makes us feel SOOOOO good to support these hard working folks. Jeanne thinks Bud resembles her dad, but it might just be his kind and gentle spirit that seems familiar. Thanks for all your hard work Bud! When asked if he minded his picture taken, he smiled and asked if it would be sold. :)

Red Velvet Okra

This year Jeanne planted Red Velvet Okra, and we think it's not only delicious but beautiful. She also just found one that grew all coiled up like a snail, below.

Jeanne and Lia went to visit Debo this weekend!

Debo taught Jeanne how to make her soaps! Look at all the fun beautiful soaps!
These soaps are so good for your skin. Debo sells them. Here is Lia in her large life vest hanging with the dog Maggie. She loved Maggie!

Debo!

Lia and Jeanne on the boat! What a beautiful day it was! We loved this!

Debo's son Steve holding Lia on the boat.

On our last day we did a great hike with Debo's friends, and Tammy made Lia and Jeanne head wreaths.

Lia's Birthday Party Celebration!

Yes, the theme of the party was our little girl! Frank carved the yummy watermelon!
It was a hot day but we all got through it - in between the time outside and inside!

Marissa and Alex on the swings and Andy & Katie playing cornhole.

As the sun set, the adults got into it too.

Here's Dad throwing but word was that Jim was the master thrower.

Some of these pictures are from Patti's funky camera!

Jess, Jeanne & Diane. Dee was at Lia's birth and has been Jeanne's close friend since High School.

Joe, Frank and Brenda. Brenda was the doula at Lia's birth.

Here's Lia playing with a gift Brenda and Joe brought her - musical cookie shapes & numbers.

Diane and Andy chilling - literally - inside!

The Grimes siblings.

Martha came to visit!

We always love seeing Martha, although her Dad passed away and that's why she was here. But we're thankful for her friendship and sorry for her loss. We love you Martha! We actually got to enjoy some quality time on our deck - look at the finished trellis. Great job Frankie.