While I was gone part 2...

While in Charlotte, N.C. we visited one of my favorite people in the world, my cousin Hillary and her beautiful family. Aside from Hillary being one of the most beautiful people I know, both inside and out, she has a beautiful family. I love her husaband Derrick dearly (he's such a great guy)and her children are exquisite. They are lovely and so sweet. She also has a BEAUTIFUL home. I photographed and am featuring it on my blog. The house is about 6000 sq.feet divided among three floors. I took pictures of the main floor minus the children's rooms. I may add that the house is completely decorated by Hillary with no help from an interior designer. Needless to say she has impeccable taste. The house and all its fixtures were designed and hand picked by her.





















Rooster and the girls. The eldest is Finley Grace, the middle is Saylor Rose and the baby is Harper Wren.

Hillary

Hillary and I in the pool.

While I was gone part 1...

We went on our family vacation to North Carolina and had a wonderful time. When we left I was sick and I ended up getting Pink Eye 3 days into our vacation but still my heart was filled to the brim and we made beautiful memories. We visited family, went gem mining, went to the Indian reservation in Cherokee and spent lots of time fishing and swimming. I got to enjoy Richie's wonderful cooking. For those of you that don't know, my husband went to culinary school in Boston and he's amazing.We don't get to eat his cooking too much 'round here because he's so busy with his family business. Needless to say I gained a few pounds. I managed to take some really great pictures with my Kodak. My birthday is on Sunday and I'm really hoping I get the Cannon Rebel.

Happy 4th of July...

Where is the sun? I love living in Florida and I think it's funny that people that are not from here do not realize that summer is our "wet" season. when I was little I remember swimming in the pool or beach while it was raining (as long as there was no thunder or lightning of course). So today being the 4th we hope to celebrate the founding of our wonderful country with fireworks but we will have to wait and see.



Rooster finally played in the rain and he was so excited. I've never let him do that before. He and his cousin had a blast and then the thunder came and they had to come in.

Things we do in the summer...

Hello bloggers, sorry I've not written in a while but things have been busy. Here are a few activities we've been keeping ourselves busy with.

Ice skating. What better way to keep cool in the summer!


catching lizards



and lots of swimming.

I've also been busy baking and cooking. I made banana pudding from scratch which has since been devoured. I also made my famous Ceasar dressing. Last but not least my husband has been coming home to elaborate home-cooked meals.

Here is the recipe for the Ceasar dressing. This was given to me by our cousin Geri who is also a chef in Highlands, N.C.

1 can of anchovies
1 1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 1/4 cup lemon juice
8 cups mayonaise
2tbsp. black pepper
3/4 cup vinegar
1 cup garlic
4 handfuls of powder parmesan cheese

Mix and blend with a hand blender until creamy.