Good morning! Had another thunderstorm last night, so it will be nice and muddy for my visitors today! But they are little boys, so will probably love it! Making Italian Roast Beef sandwiches because it's so easy. Just brown a couple of chuck roasts and throw them in a big roaster with some dry Italian dressing seasoning, some pepperoncini peppers and some beef broth and let it cook for a few hours. Done! Did my baked beans and cole slaw yesterday and will also put together some mac and cheese and a tomato salad.

Rain, rain, stay away!

Have fun at the neighbor's party and meeting new people, hagatha!

Those sandwiches sound tasty! I envy your energy for cooking. It seems like such a waste of time these days. Vegetarian chili is about as complicated as I get.

As for the party, I have mixed feelings. I know literally nobody, which is kind of stressful. And then there's the "what to wear" issue. At least that will spur me to unpack the rest of my clothes.

Hagatha, is there an area outside of one of the doors that you can turn into a screened porch / patio type area so if the cats get out the one door they are in that area and you can still go out the other door?

Gerry, I'm up to what I do everyday - sitting in front of my computer, browsing news, emails, game sites, and playing games. My routine really doesn't change too much.

Connie, lobster and prime rib - YUM!

There is an area that could be screened in, but it would also ruin one of my favourite things about this house, and one of the reasons I bought it, which is the lovely French doors leading onto a private covered patio. I did think about it, but there is no way to do that without spoiling the view into the garden.

It will have to be a catio. In the meantime, I'm keeping them both in, no walks.

Hagatha, when I lived alone I kind of lived on cold cereal, crackers and cheese! About twice a month I cooked something and that was it.

I do eat a lot of rice cakes and Cambozola. Also apples, peanut butter, bread, avocados, and chicken, plus the occasional salad thrown in for good luck. Nothing elaborate. When my sister visited she insisted on two vegetables, potatoes and salad plus protein at every dinner. I'm so not used to that. Seems like overkill.

In the summer when the garden is producing like mad, I only eat a protein on the weekends when I cook for hubby. I pretty much live on tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, zucchini and whatever else is growing during the week.

Right then. Off to the the party. I'm not a fan of large groups of strangers. Much rather have a root canal, frankly.

I know how you feel, hagatha. I hope it goes better than you are anticipating.

And I hope you are all having a good weekend.

I'm with you, hagatha. But hopefully you will at least get acquainted with your new neighbors. Sometimes gatherings like this are more about observation than anything...

Well.

You know when you drive by somebody's breathtaking modern beachfront mansion and you wonder to yourself what it's like inside? That's where this party was. Met a lovely group of people, one of whom lives around the corner from me.

Can't say I've ever seen a beachfront mansion, or any other mansion for that matter. Sounds like it went well though.

Good Morning Connie, soot, Fogfighter, hagatha, Draclvr, oldbroad, Marian and everyone! Welcome to the Sunday breakroom where the fresh double dark brew awaits our morning chat!

A rainy start to the day here. Should clear by late morning. Connie I bet you enjoyed the lobster and prime rib! Soot sounds like you are having a relaxing weekend. Fogfighter any plans for today...maybe some gaming? Hagatha sounds like it was a nice party...a good start to getting to know your neighbors. If you were to screen in the area you mentioned there are screens you can get that are "invisible"...they are expensive but wouldn't take away from the view and both you and the cats could enjoy the outdoors.

Draclvr you are amazing all those delicious garden veggies to enjoy! Oldbroad it's so nice to enjoy your company here...at our age its also nice to enjoy a "quiet" routine! Hope you are having a good weekend too Marian.

A Happy Day wished for everyone!

Gerry

Good morning, Danish, Donuts and Bagels in the Break Room. Shopping is on the agenda, a trip to Costco, Aldi, and Publix. It was 100 degrees again yesterday. Enjoy the day and hug someone.

Aah, coffee. Good morning all.

oldbroad, the context of the house is what surprised me so much.

I met Louise in a clothing store where she sold me shoes. We got to talking and she invited me to her party. Imagine the cognitive dissonance when I arrived at her address, only to find myself in a waterfront mansion. Not the sort of house you'd imagine belonging to someone who sells shoes. I was genuinely surprised. And I'm still not sure why I was invited, but the other guests were very nice and loads of fun.

hagatha, you have such an interesting life. Love reading about your cats too! well, today I decided I had to do something with all my jalapeno peppers so i made a big batch of cowboy candy (candied jalapenos) and boy howdy, it is hot. Now, I have to decide whether to give jars away or can it. My daughter's birthday is coming up, so I might be able to get rid of one jar that way. now for about 4 more jars.

Thank you for the coffee Gerry, and yes I am having a good weekend! I hope you are, too. I'm doing the laundry, making tacos for dinner, reading a good book tonight, and playing a computer game.

Had to look up Cowboy Candy. Sounds good but I don't suppose I'll ever make it.

It is amazing hagatha you were in the right place at the right time and got invited to the party your first week in your new home! I've not heard of "cowboy candy" before mbday630...is it good?

Marian glad you are having such a nice relaxing weekend...enjoy your book.

Gerry

Really pleased to hear that you have met with such a friendly reception, hagatha !!

Good afternoon OldBroad, Gerry, Connie, Hagatha, MBDay630 Marian, Mad and everyone The coffee was marvelous Gerry and with Connie's bagels my morning and lunch were complete!

I had never heard of Cowboy Candy either before mbday mentioned it over at Mystery Manor. Since I have buckets of jalapenos, I'm going to try some this year since she sent me the recipe.

Jalapeno jelly is pretty good too, fun to experiment with. Couple friends of ours had us over for a BBQ and served burgers with goat's cheese and jalapeno jelly. They were insanely good.

I've made that jelly before too! With the goat cheese, that definitely sounds insanely good!