Monday, May 25, 2009

Weekend Celebrations

I hope you had a enjoyable long weekend. I did. If you have read my blog, you know that my oldest "baby" graduated from high school last Thursday. It was a very exciting time for Bama, as for us, his parents as well as his siblings. Friday morning Bama started a new job, he is working for a neighborhood pool for the summer. "A dream job", says Bama. In code that means getting paid to check out cute girls in swim suits. Blogger Bama Belle is who he reports into daily and also who told him about and interviewed him for the job. He continues to work his pizza job, albeit temporarily. He put in his two week notice because he could get more hours at his pool job. Saturday night Big Daddy and I, along with Big Daddy's twin brother, "the artist" and his wife, Mida attended a surprise party of an old school friend, Jeff. Jeff and all of us (with the exception of my sister in law) attended school together since the age of 12. After graduation from high school Big Daddy and he roomed together in college at Auburn.

It had been about 6 or 7 years since we had last seen Jeff and his wife, Mindan.

Jeff lives in San Diego and works as a scientist so his schedule is very busy, not allowing him much time to come "home". We were so happy to hear that Mindan was planing a surprise party for Jeff for his birthday here so we could visit with them. The surprise was on us though, we arrived early at the home in wait but didn't expect Jeff to enter the house by way of a back door so it was he who surprised us! It was wonderful to be able to catch up with Jeff and his family as well as another old school mate from elementary school, Lee, who we all adore. It was a night filled with laughter and remunising down memory lane. From the stories, I left wondering how these four great men escaped a stint in prison (LOL, oh, I kid to that extent) and turned out to be such wonderful men, fathers and exceptional and responsible beings. I love a happy ending!

I left the party with some fabulous recipes. Honestly, the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Jeff's family is Greek, which happens to be one of my most preferred foods. I have already posted one of the dishes on my recipe blog, Plates and Places. The recipe is for Greek Marinated Shrimp. I plan to make this while at the beach. It's a perfect dish to throw into a cooler and enjoy beachside with a cold drink.
On Sunday we took the family to Oak Mountain State Park, where we again met my brother in law and his family.

We fished but didn't catch anything.

We also brought J Smooth's bike. He wanted to take to the BMX bike track. I will share more pictures of our day on Outdoor Wednesday.

I hope you have a great Memorial Day. I cannot help but think of those that have fought for this country, my relatives who have served, friends who are serving, and strangers who are honorable and enlist in the service for this country, for our rights, and for all of us who are lucky enough to call America home. I swell with pride. And I remember.
Sincere Thanks to those that have served and continue to serve. It is because of you, that I am able to enjoy the freedoms and the life that I have.
I hope you are able to enjoy the day with loved ones! I will be dropping by your blog, be sure to leave me a roadmap!

11 comments:

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Awww...congrats to your boy. Bittersweet, no?

Hope you had a beautiful weekend!

Denise said...

Hi, Leigh. We have had a wonderful weekend here in Northern Indiana. The weather has been perfect and we have spent out time with family and friends! What could be better.

XXDenise

Keetha Broyles said...

Wait wait wait - - - somewhere in the years we've been bloggy buds I MISSED the fact that Big Daddy went to Auburn!?! How is he DEALING with having a son headed to Bama???????

KBeau said...

I'm with Keetha. I totally missed the Auburn connection as well. So are you in a "mixed marriage," or is it just your son who's a Bama fan?

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

Loved it! Sounds like you had a great time and I can't wait to visit the recipe blog and get the Greek recipes....also my food of choice. My best friend from high school was Greek...as was one of my singing partners and dentist....love that food! Mrs. Drosakis...gave us all lessons in making perfect baklava when we were in 7th grade....it was tough...I made it once for a faculty thing....had a gazillion orders for the stuff...and have not made it since....LOL....overkill will do it to you everytime.

Mari said...

What a wonderful weekend you had. Glad you were able to reconnect with family and friends!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

HI, Linda at Lime in the Coconut! Thank you for your kind sentiments. Yes, indeed. Bittersweet.


Hi Denise ! I am so glad you are having a good weekend! My husband's family is from Indianapolis. I hope to be making a visit soon. I love Indiana, beautiful country!


Sweet Keetha & Sweet Kbeau-It's true. Big Daddy went to Auburn!! Check back to football season and is Auburn getups....sadly enough, it's all there. (search Auburn). Yes, he IS sending his son to Bama on his dime. Bama was "raised" as an Bama fan, being well versed by my brother. I too am a Bama fan. IN love, you have to overlook the shortcomings and focus on what is important (snicker). I have forgiven his allegence. His education did help him get a good job so I cannot fault him to much. LOL. Big Daddy does not take issue to Bama's choice of school. It has always been about eductaion for us. Where-whereever. So, the answer is yes. I AM indeed in a "mixed marriage". And come football season it is a fun competition and smack talk banter between the two. They have a very special relationship with one another and in the grand scheme, the football almost always falls to the wayside. Smile. Almost.


My dear STILLMAGNOLIA you must check out the recipe blog and get the Greek recipe.It is delicious!!!You and I need to get together during the summer and meet at Tzaki's on 280. Great Greek! If you ever get another hankering to make baklava make enough for me. Overkill....still. Smile.

Mari, it was a wonderful weekend. And I thought of you my friend and your son who serves this country so proudly. I know you did too. You are in my thoughts my friend.

j said...

Such a long time since you've visited with Big Daddy's family! I am so glad y'all got together. Looks like a good time was had by all. Congrats to Bama for finding a "dream job" for the summer.

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Oh girl...we've got 2 years to go until my oldest baby graduates, and it's already getting to me! Congrats to you for raising such a wonderful son. Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend. Now, have a great week!

~Misti

Chandy said...

Leigh, I don't know what magic your camera has but those pictures have such great vibes oozing out of them! Great shots, dear lady and I didn't know you and Bama Belle lived nearby. How wonderful is that? You are having so much fun, you might get arrested! (Just kidding!)

Big Hugs, Chandy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Great pics, you have the cutest kids! Cindy