It's Spring. Let's Go To The Beach!

Sean and I had a day to ourselves today. This doesn't happen very often. Okay, it never happens. We were thrilled to just go where WE wanted and not have to listen to any whining or complaining.

We took a ride down to Bath and stopped at Beale Street Barbeque. The BEST meal I've had in so long.

All fresh, local food cooked to perfection. Delicious!

Then, it was off to one of our favorite places. Reid State park. It was a partly sunny day and pretty cool at the beach but, surprisingly, there were a lot of people there. I guess there are others like us that just can't wait to get to the beach. (There is still snow on the side of the road.)

Next, we had a chance to play with my new Christmas toy. At first, we were both very shy, then, we got a beep. How exciting! And so quickly!

We dug, and searched, rechecked and dug some more.

We ended up with a pocket full of pennies.
Okay, we were hoping for more but, it was fun trying.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We started our day with green pancakes this morning.

The family thinks I am weird.

But....they ate every bite!

Riley Meagan wore her green today but was not ready for pictures.

Happy Oatmeal

Yesterday morning, I cooked my oatmeal in the microwave. When I took it out, there was a happy face. Maybe we should call it in to Letterman. "The Wal Mart happy face appeared in my oatmeal!"

Snow Day Fun

Monday was yet another snow day. We decided to make soft pretzels. It turned out to be a nice way to stay warm and cozy. To make this beautiful, soft as a baby's bottom, dough, we used this recipe for

German Soft Pretzels:
1 pkg dry active yeast
1 cup warm water
2 1/2-3 cups flour
2 T melted butter
1 T sugar
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, butter and sugar. Beat for 3 minutes to make a smooth batter. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead until smooth and satiny (about 5 minutes). Place in greased bowl. Turn to grease top. Cover and let rise until double (about 1 hour). Punch down, divide into pieces. Roll and shape. Place on greased baking sheet. Let rise for 1/2 hour.
Fill pan, 1/2 way with water. Add 6 T baking soda and bring to a boil. Place pretzels in pan one at a time. Let simmer for about 15 seconds on each side. Return to baking sheet. Brush with egg wash made from one yolk and a few drops of cold water.
Sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake at 425* for 12-15 minutes.
These must be eaten while they are still warm, soft and chewy.

Mmmmmm.....