Stratford Campout- Sack Races

If I'd known that Grandma would have to buy brand new feed sacks from the farm store to have sack races at the campout, I would have started saving Rocko's feed sacks month's ago!

Little Carly was a sack race trooper...

But I'm not sure what she's looking for here- maybe she lost something?

 Mark was a good dad to race with his kids, but this might be one sport for the under-12 athletes!

Stratford Campout- Fun & Games

Time once again for the annual Stratford Campout! This year we stayed closer to home and got together at Grandma's cabin. Everything went so smoothly that I don't know why haven't we done this before. It was especially nice for Grandma, who is slowed down a bit by some ankle surgery that she had last week. She's got a little scooter to motor around on but you can see that she's still ready to do a bit of sweeping.

The little kids had fun digging in the sand box and playing some other games.

The older kids played a bit of badminton, just to add some class to the occasion.

FYI: I actually slept on the ground in a tent, and was able to walk the next day- thanks to Bruce and most of the blankets from my house which made the ground a lot softer!











 

My Little Havana

We have an arbor or pergola or whatever you want to call it over a patio in our backyard. It's been there for 5 years or so, and we've never really done anything with it besides let it just sit there. Well, I guess we hung flowers and tulle from it for the weddings, but other than that, not much has been going on out there. I've thought about growing a vine on it, like a clematis maybe, but I just haven't gotten around to it. Anyway, I found these great lights at Le Home Depot in the Spring and knew they were meant for our arbor. Or pergola.

 I enlisted the boys' help to hang them, and since I'm Queen of the Zip Ties, it didn't take too long.

But that was just part one. A year and a half ago when we were on our cruise in Mexico, I bought this awesome tin luminary light.

With the addition of a few cool lights from Pier 1, I was ready to make a little chandelier over our table on the porch. But first the boys had to play "Mexican-Star-Turned-Medieval-Mace" and chase each other around the backyard.

When things were finally hung, I was really happy with how it all looked!

We sat around, waiting for it to get darker, to see it at night. Awesome! Brian and Peter think it looks like Little Havana out there now and that we need to christen it with a guacamole and taquito party. Not a bad idea!

Sunday Saying

Pesto Anyone?

This year I planted basil in 2 of my outdoor pots. It has really taken off and I've had to cut it back twice already!

Some I keep fresh in the fridge and I freeze the rest. It's my favorite herb. Let me know if you need some- I have plenty to share!

That Good Salad

I had a few requests for this salad recipe that I served at last Saturday's bridal shower. It's my "Go To" salad recipe for a crowd. It's simple, delicious and perfect for summer!

That Good Salad- 14 servings

Dressing:
3/4 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Blend and chill.

Salad:
8 c. baby spinach leaves
1 head lettuce, chopped
2 c. tomatoes, chopped
1 c. shredded Swiss cheese
2/3 c. slivered almonds
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 c. croutons

Toss salad ingredients together. Pour dressing over top and toss again. Serve immediately.

On the Green

While the girls were sipping punch and opening lingerie at the bridal shower, the guys went golfing. They even e-mailed me a phone picture! Golfing seems to be the male bonding activity of choice this summer, with competitive games at least once and sometimes twice a week. So far they've been taking turns sharing the glory of the winner's podium, with no consistent winner. Maybe that's a good thing...