pretty, happy, funny, real

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, over at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

Cherry Clafouti topped with freshly whipped sweet cream...summer on a plate!
It's so pretty and bursting with flavor.
You can find the recipe HERE!

{happy}

Where I start my mornings in the summer...on the back deck in the morning sun,
with a cool breeze, a hot cup of coffee/tea and God's word.
So Happy!!

{funny}

Taken at 6:30 a.m. this morning...more proof she is her father's daughter.
Arm up, snoring sweetly with her stuffed puppy Frieda watching over her.

{real}

This is as REAL as it gets. Me, cleaning out the fridge after a lovely sticky spill.
Thanks J-man for capturing a moment of true domesticity.
Yay - Two thumbs up!

tasty tuesday ~ the best spaghetti and meatballs...

On top of spaghetti...all covered with sweet basil sauce...my tummy's so happy!

My guys are HUGE spaghetti and meatball fans. I have tried many recipes over the years torturing them with dry overcooked hamburger or other meat combinations, flavored with various dried spices and different variations of breading added to them. I have baked and deep fried the meatballs. I have sautéed them in grapeseed oil and olive oil. I have made them the size of golfball and softballs. Oh the meatball disasters I have served with a smile and a kind "Hey, beggars can't be choosers, so eat!" 

Yes, I am a kind and benevolent dictator sometimes. Then in the midst of an extremely stressful week my husband asked me to make one of his favorite comfort foods, meatballs. I sighed and told him that he had better enjoy whatever "meatball" version I came up with this time, no complaining.

Well, the meatballs god's smiled down on me this time cause I hit the meatball jackpot! This version netted the most scrumptious, moist and delightful meatballs I have ever made. They were a hit with the boys and will be my go to recipe from now on. 

So join me in meatball heaven. It's magnifico!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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This weeks recipe is being shared with A Wise Woman Build's Her Home, Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, This Chic Cooks, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green, The Lady Behind the Curtain as well as the Hearth and Soul Blog Tour @ A Moderate Life. Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

************************************************************

The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Ingredients:
2 slices high-quality sandwich bread

1/3 cup buttermilk

3/4 pound (80 percent lean) ground beef

1/4 pound ground pork

1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

2 TB minced fresh parsley

1 large egg yolk

1 garlic clove, minced

salt and pepper

vegetable oil

4 cups Quick Tomato Sauce 
(recipe to follow)

1 pound spaghetti

Directions:

 Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot for the spaghetti.

Discard crusts from bread and tear into small pieces.  mash the bread pieces and buttermilk to a smooth paste in a large bowl, using a fork.

Add the beef, pork, Parmesan, parsley, yolk, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper to the mashed bread.  Stir the mixture gently until combined and uniform.  Gently form the mixture in 1 1/2 inch round meatballs, about 14.

Pour the oil into a 12-inch skillet until it measures 1/4 inch deep.  Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.  Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.  Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel lined plate and discard the oil in the skillet. 

Place the skillet with any browned bits over medium heat and add the tomato sauce.  Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.  Reduce the heat to low and add the meatballs.  Continue to simmer, turning the meatballs occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

While the meatballs are simmering, add 1 tablespoon salt and the spaghetti to the boiling water.  Cook, stirring often, until the spaghetti tastes almost tender but is still firm to the bite.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, drain the spaghetti, and return it to the pot.  Stir in several large spoonfuls of the tomato sauce (without meatballs) and toss to coat.  Divide the pasta among several bowls.  Loosen the remaining sauce as needed with the reserved pasta cooking water.  Top each bowl with more tomato sauce and several meatballs.  

Serve, passing the Parmesan separately.
*************************************************
Quick Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Salt


Directions:
Cook the oil and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant but not brown, about 2 minutes.  Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes with their juice.  Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.


Stir in the basil and sugar.  Season with salt to taste.  When tossing the sauce with pasta, add some of the pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the consistency of the sauce.

so many blessings...

This past week I was really challenged to look at everything in my life to find the little nuggets of gold sprinkled though out my life. As Winston Churchill said: "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." He was so right. No matter what is going wrong (and believe me in this house there are days when not much goes RIGHT!), we need to look for the little jewels that God has left for us to encourage us and keep the hope in our hearts alive. Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. 

So many blessings to count on this day...

#339 ~ spaghetti and meatballs piled high all covered with cheese

#340 ~ fresh sweet whipped cream gently laid across cherry clafuti warm from the oven

#350 ~ hugs and snuggles from a freshly scrubbed teenager who wants nothing more than to be close to her Mama...so much love...

#351 ~ chocolate ice cream cones dripping in the heat

#352 ~ The Holy Eucharist raised high on Corpus Christi Sunday...lifted with sacred prayers and song

#353 ~ safe travels for those we love dearly

#354 ~ zucchini blossoms promising future delights

#355 ~ blueberry bushes brimming with fruit for the first time...sweet!

#356 ~ the blessings of bleach and all it's magic powers

#357 ~ new pictures of Grandma surrounded by 17 of her grandchildren

#358 ~ colorful pictures in a new cookbook that inspire time in the kitchen creating wonderful dishes

#359 ~ books that inspire and educate

#360 ~ new stationary waiting for words of love and encouragement to be sent far and wide

#361 ~ a clean refrigerator that smells like lemons and is filled with "clean" healthy food

#362 ~ dusted bookshelves

#363 ~ vacuumed carpets 

#364 ~ scrubbed kitchen floors

#365 ~ sweet cherries by the bowlful

#366 ~ Little girls who grab the arm of a wheelchair so that everyone is included

Lilly and Courtney shopping together...

Join Ann Voskamp today and share in the Multitude of Monday Blessings!

mary's book basket ~ "double take" by melody carlson

"Double Take" the new Inspirational YA by Melody Carlson reminds me of "Freaky Friday" without all the witchywoo or maybe even "The Parent Trap" without the parents.  It's a light hearted book with romantic elements where two young woman from two very different worlds to try and find what each is searching for in their individual lives in a very unique way.

How does this happen? Well Anna and Madison look very much alike. During a chance meeting in a rural town, they decide to switch places for the week with spoiled little rich girl Madison VanBuren venturing into the Amish life of Anna Fisher and heading to Manhattan.

There are lessons to be learned on both sides and it was refreshing to read a more realistic spiritual journey that each girl makes. There is lots of laughter and much confusion but they make it work, well almost. You'll have to read to find out what happens.

I enjoyed this read. The characters were well fleshed out and the dialogue both funny and sweet depending on the circumstance. My only complaint is that I wish the author had stayed with the characters a bit longer. The ending was too short. If your looking for something safe and sweet for your younger teen, look no further. "Double Take" by Melody Carlson is the book for you.

Happy Reading,
Mary

oh sweet sunday...

so much going on today...Corpus Christi Sunday filled with lots of pomp and circumstance...a Eucharistic procession through our town from one church to another...smells and bells and my daddy used to say...it was a bit challenging for the family to remain together since Miss Courtney can't be out in the sun for too long...so daddy kept her in the shade and waited and the end point while J-man and I walked in the procession...it's a profoundly Catholic moment...celebrating the source and summit of our faith...I didn't even  mind the bright sunshine and accompanying heat...God provided a breeze at the right time...every time...He is good that way...now I am home in the AC...another one of God's miracles...dinner is done and the boys are doing the dishes...I love when the boys do the dishes...it allows time for me to contemplate dessert on this great feast day...I'm thinking chocolate...or maybe coconut...it's Sunday...there are no calories...did I mention I LOVE Sunday's...

a new look...

So yesterday afternoon I was feeling brave. I have been wanting to cut my hair for awhile but was not feeling really confident about that choice given all the craziness lately. Finally I had a little time where everyone else's needs were taken care of and I had enough time to meet with my favorite hairstylist, Miss Sandy.

I showed her pictures and we talked about what I was going for. The words I gave her were sassy, youthful, fun and easy to take care of. I have had my hair short for most of my life and then in the last ten years I have had it longer. I have hesitated with cutting it because of my weight gain. I just didn't want to look fatter than I already was.

I know, I know, I am being ridiculous but it's how I feel. So I said a prayer, took a deep breath and over the next hour a new me emerged sassier, younger with a little kick.

What do you think?

BEFORE

AFTER

It's a new day...so go girl go!

five minute friday ~ wonder

Thanks Gypsy Mama for hosting this little meme once more. I have my timer set for five minutes. There is no editing (thank goodness for automatic spell check) and when the timer goes off, I promise to stop!

Today's writing prompt is:
WONDER

Dear God,
What were you thinking when you gave me these two children? Did you know how many tears I would shed with worry and anxiety? Did you know how many hours of laughter and joy we would share? Did you know how addicted to chocolate I would become in my hours of serious stress. Did you know how many days I would start and end on my knees begging for wisdom and seeking answers to whatever the most urgent questions of the day were? Did you know how completely overwhelmed we would be trying to parent such different children? Did you understand how inadequate I would feel to make sure they had everything they needed to know they were loved NO MATTER WHAT? What were you thinking? This is ME we're talking about. What do I know about being a parent to two individuals with such diverse personalities and capabilities. Seriously??? What were you thinking??

But some how I have to WONDER if...

You knew. You had to know didn't you being omnipotent and all? You knew and yet, you gave them freely knowing how much Jerry and I needed to be their Mama and Daddy. You knew they needed us to love them and fight for them. To guide them and encourage them on the journey's you sent them on. You knew we would NOT be who we are today, still fallen but grasping for you at every turn to hold us up and keep us afloat in the insanity of our world, without these two anchors of love.

I WONDER everyday what my daughter is thinking and feeling. Some days you give me the great joy and challenge of watching her express herself any way she can. I WONDER if I am doing everything I can to make her world the most stimulating, exciting, loving, peaceful place it can be.

I WONDER everyday at the creativity, intelligence and gentle spirit my son has within him. I WONDER what you have in store for him and his future. So many hard lessons he has had to learn. So much mercy, grace and an incredibly unbending will comes forth from this one that I am overwhelmed with gratitude even if it laced with frustration from time to time.

I WONDER at their stubbornness born of necessity to not give up. To keep moving forward through each challenge. I WONDER where you will take them and how they will get there.

I WONDER...

Ooh drat...my five minutes is up and I feel like I was just getting started. But we are not supposed to edit just freely write so there you have it. I am wondering a lot these days.

Head on over to Gypsy Mama and see what others are wondering on this Friday morning.
Happy Writing,
Mary

revealing what she's made of...

It's been a tough few weeks here in Chez Lenaburg. I have struggled with life and everything it's thrown my way. Courtney is losing weight once more. The wheelchair van required a mortgage payment in repairs. Jonathan was in a fender bender. I got a speeding ticket. Courtney's seizures have increased with the weight loss. Jerry's job has become a wee bit more stressful hence he is a wee bit more stressed. There are deadlines for writing assignments, both personal and professional. There is a house to clean and keep up. There are meals to plan and cook. There is a marriage to tend to. Courtney gets sick. Mama gets sick. Rewind...Repeat...

Are you exhausted yet? I am. But you know what's funny? God really doesn't give us more than we can handle even if we don't know that at the time. Believe me I did not know I could get through all this when I was in the midst of it. I was simply surviving each and every day, one hour at a time. Some days I was able to smile and laugh and other days I didn't leave the house and wished bodily harm on those who annoyed me by simply standing to close. Oh yea...good times!

The last three days though have sort of taken the cake and made me realize that just because my daughter can't speak, doesn't mean she does not get her point across.

 Jerry had to travel so it was just me, Court and her Big Brother who helped me with the heavy lifting. The first 24 hours nothing unusual happened. Miss Court had a seizure but that's not out of the ordinary. Day two dawned and things went swiftly downhill. She was agitated. That second night she barely slept and had four seizures in six hours. I was completely baffled as to what was going on. She wasn't sick, her diet had not changed, her weight was stable...what the heck??

Wednesday dawned in a fog of sleepless agitation. I had slept only two hours so I hooked myself up to the coffee maker and began cleaning the living room to prepare for my hubby's return that evening. Miss Court was not a happy camper. She refused to eat. She would not let me change her position stiffening her body and complaining. I did my check to make sure nothing was pinching or pulling. I moved every joint and she did not seem to be in pain, just annoyed. It took me 20 minutes to get her in her wheelchair and settled. I had to change my clothes I was drenched with sweat. Still no idea what she was so upset about.

I finished my cleaning and then decided to take Miss Court out to meet some friends at the mall. We would get out of the house into an air conditioned environment with lots of distractions. Court enjoys the mall at least she has every other day but Wednesday. She was NOT happy. She kept trying to turn sideways in her chair. She would shake her head and then fling her headband off at EVERY opportunity. It pinged off of clothing fixtures and window displays. She was throwing a full blown fit without saying a word and I had no idea why.

We came home and within an hour of our arrival Jerry arrived home. He came in and gave me a kiss then headed over to Miss Court. What happened next made me smile...then scream...then throw my hands up in the air and want to run away.

Jerry got up right next to her and whispered "Hey Pickle. Daddy's home."

My daughter turned toward his voice and began to laugh. LAUGH! She giggled as he held her and told her how much he missed her. She was a smiley, giggly, drooley mess. Jerry was laughing, Mama was smiling and Miss Court was in heaven.

Then I tried to feed her dinner. She clamped her mouth shut and turned away. Jerry tried and...you guessed it...she was a happy little bird, mouth open and eating everything. Now I was getting irritated.

I was getting her ready for bed and she started fussing at me. Daddy came in and everything was fine.

I was done...done...done! My daughter was throwing an absolute tantrum. She was completely pissed that her Papa was gone and somehow it was MY fault!

Why is it always the Mama's fault? Sheesh!

She proceeded to sleep through the night without one seizure. She ate the next morning and then slept for another six hours...all because Daddy was home now.

As we were preparing for bed tonight Jerry started to laugh. I asked what was so funny.

He looked at me and said "How awesome is it that our daughter can throw a fit and let us know that she is irritated and annoyed. She missed her daddy and disliked the shake up to her daily routine AND she made sure we knew it. How great is that? She's in there trying to figure out how to tell us what she's thinking and feeling and boy you couldn't miss this one. She behaved just like any teenage girl would. I love it!"


Well when you put it that way honey...gotta love those teenage girls don't ya???

I think I need a time out!

pretty, happy, funny, real #9

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, over at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{pretty}

This was taken after walking a Civil War Battlefield Father's Day weekend.
He thought he'd be funny and switch hats with me.
He looks awfully pretty doesn't he??

{happy}

My Goddaughter Lilly during a visit to the new American Girl Doll store.
She was so happy to show me and her Mama everything on Kit's table.
It was so much fun to be a little girl for a few hours. 

{funny}

Miss Lilly decided to help Kit with her household chores.
Ironing never looked so easy!

{real}

Miss Courtney's opinion of her Daddy's idea to walk a battlefield.
SNOREfest 2012...just keepin it real...

tasty tuesday ~ barefoot contessa's crunchy noodle salad

Look at all those crunchy fresh veggies that just make this salad sing!

I can always count on the Barefoot Contessa to save me on a hot summer evening when I have no idea what I will be making for dinner. I grab a cookbook head to the Food Network site and tadaa...magic happens. This little number is form the website and it's just what the doctor ordered. The fresh veggies provide the crunch to this noodle salad. The creamy peanut butter adds a little Thai flare . It's cold and crunchy filled with lots of little surprises. Perfect for a hot summer night! Give it a try.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with A Wise Woman Build's Her Home, Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, This Chic Cooks, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green, The Lady Behind the Curtain as well as the Hearth and Soul Blog Tour @ A Moderate Life. Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

**********************************************

Barefoot Contessa's Crunchy Noodle Salad

recipe adapted from Ina Garten

Ingredients:

Kosher salt

1/2 pound thin spaghetti

1 pound sugar snap peas

1 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1/3 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons dark sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

3 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds, divided

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded, and thinly sliced

4 scallions (with and green parts), sliced diagonally

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring another large pot of salted water to a boil, add the sugar snap peas, return to a boil, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender. Lift the sugar snap peas from the water with a slotted spoon and immerse them in a bowl of ice water. Drain.

For the dressing, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and peanut butter in a medium bowl.

Combine the spaghetti, sugar snap peas, peppers and scallions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the parsley and toss together.

rhythm of the home...a new look and a new attitude

Outside My Window~

It's dark and very quiet at 10 p.m. I am a little behind in posting this today. So instead of looking outside lets celebrate the new look here at Passionate Perseverance. So, do you like it?? The lovely Kristi of Creative Kristi Designs took into account all of my likes and dislikes, was extremely patient with all my questions and between the two of us we now have a new look. I am so excited. It's clean and modern with a little French twist. My favorite colors are red, white and blue and they never looked so good. I am still adding content so thanks for your patience in the coming weeks. So grab a button and join in the fun.

I love new beginnings!

I am Listening To ~

My sweet girl snore like a trucker! It's amazing the noise that child can make when she is deeply asleep. She looks so beautiful when she sleeps so it's a bit startling to listen to the racket. LOL!

The dishwasher is full and running and the washer and dryer are going as well. It is less expensive to run them after 8 p.m. so I take full advantage of that. 

I am Wearing ~

Yoga pants and a tank top, my summer evening wear. Comfort and coolness are the name of the game. 

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#326 ~ #338

*cell phones that work in the middle of Civil War Battlefields

*sweet smiles from sleepy girls who still like to snuggle with their Mom's on a hot summer afternoon

*a shelf laden with good books to read 

*a light summer skirt that dances in the breeze

*a lazy Sunday afternoon spent with the love of my life

*old family photographs displayed with love and pride

*a son who offers help without his Mama asking

*a clean kitchen counter ready to greet the day

*clean laundry folded and lied high, ready for a new adventure in wearing

*a lovely graduation ceremony celebrating three very special young adults

* a CSA box delivered weekly bringing new textures and favors to our family table

*beautiful music shared in the house of God, uplifting and inspiring

*letters received from dear friends

I am Pondering ~

LIFE - FORGIVENESS - FAMILY - MERCY - GRACE

I am Reading ~

The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer

The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter

Double Take by Melody Carlson

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

Miss Courtney will have a few new pairs of summer capris by the end of the week. I am also looking for an embroidery pattern to make up a few Easter basket linens so that I am prepared for next year's Blessing of the Food.

Next up some new pillows for the sofa in the living room. 

On My iPod ~

I am listening to Pat Benatar, Van Halen and the GoGo's. Yep, it's "80's Rock week while I dig through the attic and clean my house from top to bottom. 

I am Writing ~

nothing...trying to work my way through some difficult revisions...I'll get there eventually...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

Tomorrow begins the Great Summer Clean Up. It's time for some new paint in some of the main living areas so I need to clean the walls, de-clutter a few bookcases and get things ready to go in a few weeks. Lots to do...always.

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

I am trying to stay in the daily rhythm of praying the Rosary and studying the daily readings. When I am successful my day goes well. When I don't take the time...well let's just say I need to take the time. Life is better with prayer and study.

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*for perseverance with my new weight loss regimen...for patience with myself and my learning curve.

* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. 

"Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa

* for my cousin Anne and our friends son Mark, who are deployed to Afghanistan as well as our family friend Gerard a newly minted Marine and my cousin Eamon at Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.

* for my sister-in-law Nancy who is expecting my new NEPHEW in September. That God may protect both Momma and little one. 

*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice. 

* for Elizabeth

"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" ~ Padre Pio 

In the Garden ~

There are rabbits and deer that are currently eating their way through my lovely vegetable garden. My hubby is not happy and we are now taking steps to keep the critters out. Oy Vey! This is crazy!

We do have our first zucchini making it's appearance. It's going to be scrumptious!

In the Kitchen ~

Prep work is beginning for my August canning. Shelves are prepped and jars are ready to go. Right now I am going through pickle recipes trying to decide which ones I will try this year. I love trying new things in the kitchen.

The delightful greens with surf and turf I grilled for Father's Day. 

Courtney's World ~

Summer vacation began today and we have two weeks home before the start of summer school. She has been holding her own lately, only seizing once a day. She still weighs in at 99 pounds so we are focused on getting some weight on her. She has been smiling so much lately. It has been so lovely...truly. I pray it continues.

A Picture Thought:

Me and my eldest on Father's Day!

Please join Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience to celebrate the little gifts given each day by the ONE who loves us most!

mary's book basket ~ chasing sunsets by eva marie everson

Eva Marie Everson has given a valiant effort in her latest fiction novel "Chasing Sunsets". It is a rare occasion when I review a book that I struggle with the review. All the components are there, emotion, compelling dialogue, a mothers journey of self discovery, healing and new beginnings. It contains a wonderful inspirational element that brings the hero and heroine together to finally face their happily ever after at sunset.

There was one drawback though,  every time I was drawn into the story the author would have a flashback trying to fill in the back story when it wasn't really necessary. I kept flipping back and forth between character POV even though it is written in first person. I was confused at times as to where we were and what was happening.

Great story but confusing at times. I really enjoy this authors other work. She is a compelling writer whose description of the family dynamic is one of the best I have ever read. I just wish I had seen that in this novel. Maybe next time.

Happy Reading,
Mary

lead me...

an accidental navy wife...

circa 1986

Today over at Betty Beguiles we are sharing our engagement stories. I knew that I couldn't do that without telling the tale of how I and the Man of My Heart met some 25 years ago.

On a blind date!

Yep, you read that correctly. It was April 1986 and my friend Kim called to ask a favor. She was dating a young Midshipman at the time and was going to be driving down to Annapolis to visit him. It was an hour drive from our town and her Dad didn't want her to drive alone so he asked her to take one of her "responsible friends". I asked what I was supposed to do while she and R were fawning all over each other?

"Oh, don't worry. We can't leave campus because he has duty but we can meet over at Dalgren Hall for the mixer. He promises to bring along a few of his friends so you and Christy (her other friend tagging along) won't be bored."

"A blind date? No way, no how. I will get stuck with some egotistical loser who loves his own reflection.  Not happening my friend!"

"Oh no Mar. You know R's friend all have such great personalities." she said trying to sound convincing.

Oh yeah...I had heard that one before!

After an hour of listening to her talk all bout how much she missed her guy and how her father was a tyrant and wouldn't let her go (smart Dad now that I am a Mom!), I finally relented but warned her I would not be happy if this guy was a dud.

A few days later, dressed in my most conservative "responsible" clothing (because I knew I would NOT be meeting the man of my dream so I didn't really care what I looked like) the three of us headed down to Annapolis for the evening.

Kim commented that I looked like a librarian. What...ever...

Upon arrival, R met us and escorted us to the mixer (for you young 'uns, this was back when there were very few female midshipmen so they bussed girls in every Saturday night from the local colleges to "mingle and mix". Nowadays they are left to their own devices).

circa 1987

That's when things go interesting. My blind date didn't show up but my friend Christy's did. He was a handsome, tall, blond and blue-eyed stud. What took me by surprise was how funny he was. He didn't mind at all that there were two of us. He was a midshipman after all and "planned for all contingencies". He laughed and couldn't believe his good fortune. He took turns dancing with each of us and we were having a blast. He told us all about this foreign land called Oklahoma where there were cows and horses. After about an hour, he grabbed another friend of R's and introduced him to Christy, who went all gaga over the new tall dark and handsome.

I was stunned that he wanted to spend the rest of the evening with ME! The responsibly dressed librarian. Oh be still my heart...

We danced and laughed and had the very best time. He was such a gentlemen, holding out my chair, offering his arm, and he looked quite hot in that uniform I must say! At the end of the night, he walked me back to the car and sweetly gave me a kiss that turned my knees to jello. I found out later, it was his first kiss and he knew I was the "right one" to give it to. I was stunned. The man was 21 years old and not only was I his first kiss and I only met him because my blind date didn't show up! Hah!

Best luck ever!!

Over the next two years, he courted and wooed me. We won't discuss how my six brother's did not speak to him for the first SIX months. They just stared and grunted occasionally. Then one Sunday we were all having dinner and my brother Chris asked him to pass the mashed potatoes.

Jerry looked at me and said "I guess I finally passed the test."

To which my brother said "You must be one stubborn dude cause we figured you'd be out of here in a few weeks and you just kept coming back. You must like her."

Ya think moron! Gosh I LOVE brothers!

We won't discuss the first time my father met Jerry, he simply stated "Son, I was in the Navy and I know what your thinking. Not with my daughter you won't."

Upon my immortal embarrassment, rolling of eyes and the quintessential "Daaadddd, please stop embarrassing me." he leaned and and told him "Don't get any ideas son. My wife was in the navy as well and she is still a better shot than I am."

Miracle of miracle the man still wanted to be with me! See, God does have a plan!

Then one cold December night in 1987, while he was visiting from Flight School, we were babysitting one of my neighbors little ones and he got down on both knees and asked me to be the mother of his children and to grow old with him. I started to laugh uncontrollably because I knew if I didn't I would cry and that might freak him out. He presented me with a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring that looked like Princess Di's, only a wee bit smaller.

The theme song of the "A-Team" was playing in the background on the TV. and after I screamed "yes, yes, yes" and he placed it on my finger your could hear Hannibal's character say "I love it when a plan comes together!"

I could NOT agree more! What's so stunning though is that when we were sitting there that night talking about our future together I asked him directly what he would do if one of our children were handicapped or disabled in some way. My best friend's brother had special needs and he came to my mind in that moment.

My future husband looked at me and said "Well I think I would have a really hard time if they couldn't speak or see. But I guess we would do the best we could to love them."

And love her he has...oh the story God has written...amazing...

We have been through much in 25 years together (23 years of those married) but one thing remains the same...we laugh as often as we can.

tasty tuesday ~ roasted shrimp and orzo salad

this makes a lovely lunch served on a bed of fresh greens

These past few weeks have been steamy hot here in Northern VA. I have searched for recipes that were simple, flavorful and required very little in the way of prep time. Ina never lets me down. I roasted the shrimp early in the morning so I wouldn't heat up the house. I used dill and parsley from my own garden and an english cucumber from the Farmer's Market.

This was such a lovely elegant salad. The simple lemon and olive oil dressing applied when the orzo is hot allows it to soak in and assures each and every bite is packed with flavor. This will be making another appearance at our summer table very soon

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with A Wise Woman Build's Her Home, Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, This Chic Cooks, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green as well as the Hearth and Soul Blog Tour @ A Moderate Life. Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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the dressing clings to the shrimp making sure each bite is spectacular!

Roasted Shrimp and Orzo
adapted from Barefoot Contessa at Home
Ingredients
Kosher salt
Good olive oil
3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
1 cup chopped fresh dill
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
1/2 cup small-diced red onion
3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.
Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!
Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.