Monday, August 20, 2012

Family Gathering

That banner says Celebrate.  Baby Sis asked what we were celebrating.
The answer is everything.  




This weekend both of my sisters were in town, so we celebrated with a family dinner.






Baby Sis and Middle Sis




I slaved over hot charcoals I grilled some tuna, shrimp, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers; steamed some broccoli and carrots; and made some quinoa.

My mother made a delicious salad with fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes, basil and goat cheese. 

(To be clear, the goat cheese was not fresh from the garden. 
We thankfully don't have any cheese goats in the garden. Not at this time, anyway.)

She also made a gluten-free cake (for Baby Sis) and a sinfully delectable heavenly chocolate ribbon cake.



Chesapeake Bay Father



The tuna was simply outstanding. How we acquired it is an interesting story.

An abandoned house on our lane was recently purchased by someone who is fixing it up with the intention of flipping it.  My father offered to cut the man's grass--free of charge--since he drives right by on his way to cut grass for an elderly neighbor. He says it only takes about twenty minutes and it's no big deal, really.

The man fixing up the house also owns a seafood operation at Cricket Hill.  In exchange for the grass cutting, he gives my father free seafood (!) every week.  

This week's tuna was the best yet. Hands down.

(We've also received received heavenly rum cakes courtesy of the elderly neighbor.  It's a great system we have here, this barter system, and is one of the thousands of reasons I love living next door to my parents in Mathews.)






Chesapeake Bay Mother



My mother was thrilled to have all three daughters and both grandchildren under the same roof.  


(The last time the three of us were together was the latter part of the vacation week down in North Carolina, and my mother had already gone back home by that point.)






My two favorite people on the planet: Daughter and Son



"In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong not by the number of heads counted at the dinner table but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit."
 - Marge Kennedy


"Other things may change but we start and end with the family."
- Anthony Brandt


"Families are like fudge.  Mostly sweet with a few nuts."
- Unknown


"I love it when my family gets together and shares good wine food, good stories and lots of laughter. We're all nuts and we're all sweet. Mostly."
- Chesapeake Bay Woman





12 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh, I love a celebration.
My family was rent asunder some years back and although most of us tried peacemaking, some rifts just don't heal, or take long time to heal.
We did get everyone under the same roof before our parents died, so we hope they died happy.
The table looks wonderful, so does you mom, and what more could you ask? Hi to your mom from me, and hugs to you from whomever passes by.
K

Anonymous said...

Very gorgeous photos of all your family...your handsome dad keeps young by doing deeds such as mowing lawns for others. Love your son & daughter--both seemed to be enjoying the events--(no small feat when mixing adolescents with family activities).
My 6 yr. old grand daughter and 7 yr. old grandson regaled their grandfather and me with a video they filmed on Dad's i-pad ( ! ) of themselves, staging a hilarious pillow fight in their bedroom.-- I kept admonishing them to be very careful with the i-pad because it cost more than my first (used) car-
My grand daughter took a lot of whomping from her brother's pillow, and thought it very funny. She: 'strong like bull'.. I was a wuss as a kid.
LLC

deborah said...

Beautiful family!
Anytime a family can assemble amicably under one roof and genuinely enjoy themselves is reason for a celebration! So glad you had a wonderful weekend-
Your father has a real barter system going there, so much more value in services rendered selflessly and receive such goodies as thanks!

Anonymous said...

What a great weekend. How nice of your dad to offer to mow that guy's lawn. --Betsy

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

I love gatherings period! Hugs and kisses to your family and you too!
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Mental P Mama said...

Love it! Was there karaoke? Was there lipstick on the wine glasses? Is it my red brick house? Where did your dad get that shirt?!

Daryl said...

oh love that you'all were together and having a good time .. as if you'd have anything less than a good time ..

annbumbly said...

Families are just the best!

Meg McCormick said...

Wait, is that Lauren's house you're talking about???

Sounds like you had a fabulous meal and some wonderful fellowship!

Dghawk said...

What a wonderful gathering you had! Good food, and drink served with a great big helping of love and laughter.

Love the barter system your Dad has going. But that's the way it used to be. Neighbors taking care of neighbors. That's the way my old neighborhood used to be, and the way it should be.

Country Girl said...

Mostly ~

This is a beautiful post, CBW. I can see why you had reason to celebrate. Wonderful!

Maria_NJ said...

yes family is everything...we may have our little disagreements but its all good, we don't stay mad for long...mys sisters are still here, we had a big ole slumber party the other night, air mattress and all...walked the boards last night, and went cabbing yesterday, it was high tide and didn't get any, very disappointing...


your family is lovely, your Mom and Dad look so youthful, your so lucky to have them...treasure them every day..i can only wish and have memories...