Craft (a.k.a. Pool) Party !

Saturday was a crafting day at Peg's house. Well, it was intended to be a crafting day, but who wants to craft in 90 degree weather when there is a beautiful pool nearby. So it was a pool party. Peg has a beautiful pool with a huge deck that her husband Mike built last year. He did a really nice job. I forgot my camera or I could show you a picture of it. We also got to meet Virgil their new puppy. He is a yellow lab and is adorable.

It was great to see all the girlfriends and catch up. Maureen, Joanne, and Kathy were there (along with Peg and myself) and one new girlfriend - Lisa, Peg's cousin. Lisa had brought along an old quilt from her family (her Great-Grandmother's I think) that was in need of some repair. So we were trying to advise her on it.

First we munched on spinach dip and tapenade. Then Peg had delicious rotisserie chicken, tabbouleh, and coleslaw. It was all so good. Finally we had Rita's ice for dessert. That was very refreshing.

I can't wait until we all get together again. Hopefully in a few weeks.

Big Brown Triple Crown ?

This Saturday is the third leg of the Triple Crown of Horse racing - The Belmont Stakes. And if Big Brown wins, it will be the end of a 30 year draught for a Triple Crown winner.

So get out your party hats and have some fun.

Try a Belmont Breeze - here is the original recipe by Dale DeGroff

1.5 oz. Gentleman Jack (Jack Daniels)
.75 oz. Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry
.75 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
.75 oz. Simple Syrup
1.5 oz. Fresh Orange juice
1.5 oz. Cranberry juice

Shake ingredients with ice and top with half 7up and half soda, approx. one ounce of each. Garnish with fresh strawberry, mint sprig and a lemon wedge.

Decorate your table with White Carnations - they are the official flower of the Belmont and the winner is draped with a blanket of approximately 350 of them.

While you're waiting for the post time you can pitch horseshoes.
If you have young children, you can play pin the tail on the horse.

For snacks / food you can always go with a Western (Cowboy) theme. Some ideas would be chips and salsa and any type of barbecue with lots of tasty sauce. Baked beans and corn on the cob would be tasty side dishes.

Have lots of fun but don't forget to watch the race. It could be the first Triple Crown winner in thirty years.