Babs Just A Babblin' Blog

A bit of Gardening, baking, blogging, knitting, sewing, family, friends and discovering hidden treasures along the way.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Licari's

The restaurant has been opened for two years. Loved the charm inside. It was very empty on a Sunday afternoon. That was fine by us. We enjoyed conversation with one another.

 

We enjoyed Bloody Mary's for starters.

And then, out came our appetizers. We all ordered Arancini. It's a crispy rice ball with the center filled with meat and cheese. Served in an marinara sauce and fresh basil.

Our entree was beyond fabulous. Penne Gambretti...pasta with fresh tomato, wilted spinach, mushrooms and succulent shrimp in a white cream sauce.

We ordered their version of garlic bread. Thin bread with frsh garlic, olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

We were so full, absolutely no room for dessert. We'll have to forego the bloody mary's next time so there's room for tiramisu.

Sue and Lee

Proof that dinner was fabulous is evidenced by smiles!

 

 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Sunday


I've been informed by a viewer, I won't mention any names, that he prefers that a post something more often. He was tired of looking at herbs for many days. Thus, his suggestion was to post something, anything......

 

Thus, I am doing so. I had a post ready and posted but there was some technical difficulty. (Thanks Lynne!)

Today, it is a nice sunny, breezy day. We are headed to Grand Rapids with some friends to try out an Italian restaurant. First up, we'll have a few cocktails at Blue Water Grill. It's located on a little lake and has lovely outside seating. Perfect day to enjoy a cocktail under an umbrella table.

The restaurant is Lacari's. A silician style restaurant. I'll be back with pictures and a review.


 

 

 

 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Happy Birthday!

 

Can't believe my little Joslyn is three already!

Happy Birthday Missy!

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Little Nashville

Our Inn for the Night.

Dodged a tornado today. We were driving through Indianapolis and received a warning to take cover via my iPhone. I looked west and saw dark clouds but no funnel clouds. A bit later, Ginger Zee @ Good Morning America tweeted that there was a tornado NW of Indianapolis with damage. YIKES!

Stay tuned for more excitement!

 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Herbs A Plenty

My sister works for an assisted living facility. They planted an herb garden and it is so abundant. I was there for my weekly volunteer duty...manicures. On the way out, she asked if I wanted some herbs. They were growing and growing. The cook could only use so many. Thus, I obliged.

Basil

 

Chives, parsley, oregano, thyme, sage

Wasn't totally sure what to do, so I googled it and ended up freezing them for soups and stews, etc. used the food processor for the basil, chopped it up, added some evo and froze it in ice cube trays. When frozen, plopped them into a freezer bag. Made the chives into a log, froze and just need to slice to bottom off as needed. Same thing with the parsley. It was easy, peasy. Will be excited this winter.

Received a recipe from my hairstylist today. Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup. Michigan berries are in now, I have my source for basil. I'm making a batch this weekeknd. Yum. Strawberry lemonade or a little simple syrup with a dash of vodka and club soda or sparkling water....oh my!

 

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Father's

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's in my world.

My dad with niece Jackie

Our Father, Bruno...head of our household. Family was so important to him. He insisted that we all get along and not fight among one another. He instilled that in all of us. We heeded his word.

And it carried on....

The next generation...all close...all great buds...cousins...all with good fathers too!

Dad with his sons-in-laws....who are awesome fathers to our kids. And another great father....

Michael....father to my kiddos....Leah and Jacob.

 

My brothers.....fathers....

Brother Phil..so good to his daughter...giving, caring, reliable, loving!

 

And my brother Mike. A great dad to the boys and girls. Again, instilling the value he learned from our Dad. Keep family close.

And, it continues on with Dad's grandchildren.....another awesome Dad in the family....Joffrey carrying on the importance of a family bond...togetherness, love.

To all the Father's in my family...thank you for the love, support, guidance, patience, and importance you add to each of the kids lives and to mine!

 

 

 

Ludington

We met up with ourcamping friends this week for the annual camping outing at Ludington State Park. The weather wasn't good.

Lake Michigan

Rain, fog, mist. Cold. Mud.

We were able to find some beauty. Late one afternoon, Richard took me for a bike ride. This was his destination.

 

Really?

It was worth the climb.

It's a beautiful walk along the top of the dunes.

We then continued our bike ride to the dam.

Here's my honey!

Along the way, there were plenty of these four legged creatures hanging around.

So peaceful and tranquil.

We did pack up early and head home. The frosting on the cake was sitting outside bundled up with a tshirt, jeans, sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, and blanket. We also had an electric heater on our feet under the picnic table.

Maybe the next adventure will be a tad warmer!

 

 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

What to do....

We're camping at the State Park in Ludington and it's been raining all day. After taking a few naps, reading and relaxing....we head to town for lunch.

I drop off the hubby at a "watering hole" and I head to the local coffee shop.

Redolencia Coffee Shop

Nice atmosphere, classical music, folks just hanging out.

 

For me, the best french pressed coffee I've had in a long time! Ahhh.... Sitting, relaxing and catching up on my blogs! Perfect afternoon in the rain!

 

Monday, June 9, 2014

Nature's Finest

 

My Poppies popping
Begonia in my pots!
More poppies
Wisteria a few miles away
 
From my mom's garden

My peonies are so close to popping.....YAY!