Spring?...are you there?

Pretty sure the 21st marked the official first day of Spring.  Now that being said I am not unrealistic and do not expect 80 degrees with clear skies.  However a bit of climatic compensation is in order.  Forecast puts a few upcoming evenings back into the thirties...brrr.  My plants will once again be hauled back into the shed for the cold nights ahead.  Hibiscus really don't like to be too far into the 50 degree range for any amount of time.  They are however somewhat hardened so dipping into the 'chillies' isn't an issue if it's short amounts of time.  Just when I thought things were warming up Mother Nature reminds me who is really in charge.  Easter is approaching and regardless of cold evenings the days are bringing sunshine and blue skies which makes for a happy plants' day.  Seafood in this area is in full swing with Oysters and Crawfish on the menu.  Firing up the boiling pot outside with some family and friends is really amazing.  Fill up the ice coolers with beverages, get some corn, potatoes and live Crawfish and go at it!  When boiling is done I love the flavor that the corn cobs and little potatoes have absorbed.  Baked or on the half-shell are both great ways to enjoy fat gulf Oysters.  One good way to cook them outside on open flames/grills is to shuck properly and set the 'cup' shell directly on the grill.  Small dollop of butter a pinch of herbs and a squirt of fresh lemon will set that baby on the path to delicious.  When the Oyster is good and bubbling in the newly added juices, remove from the flame and add some hot sauce (if you dare) to that tasty treat and enjoy!

Possum Kingdom

Last week was amazing...the girls and I make a small road trip to Possum Kingdom Lake for a week of cabin camping.  Weather is a bit chilly at night but the days are nothing but spectacular.  With us for the week are my cousin, her husband and their daughter.  Our cabin is retro to say the least and I fail miserably by not getting pics of the interior.  Next time, I promise.  My cousins' husband rents a boat for a day so he and I can get away and do some fishing.  We catch nothing...none the less water and scenery are enough to keep our interest even though fish could have cared less.  Being on the water is such a great time.  Cruising the lake in a pontoon boat while kicked back getting plenty of sun.  My legs still glow like white sheets on the clothes line.

 


My @BigGreenEgg was not with us this trip and I will not lie and say it doesn't upset me a little bit.  As we pull up to the cabin site there sits in the yard a barrel smoker.  'This' makes me very happy.   All meals are prepared outdoors since I have my Coleman stove, turkey fryer/boiler, dutch oven, hibachi and new found barrel smoker.  Cooking food outdoors fills the air with amazing aromas and sizzling sounds while keeping the heat and mess away from the kitchen inside.  Needless to say many different proteins and dishes are made with my arsenal of seasoned cast iron pots/pans.  Some of these pots and pans are older than I am and have a season in the metal that creates a distinct flavor in anything you cook in them.  Of course one evening we trek down to the beach with our little hibachi in tow.  Hot dogs and smores on the beach with family while watching the sunset is true happiness.

Monday...Warming Up!

Weatherman says it will be a cloudy day with highs around 81-82 degrees.  Sweet! I can work with that and not complain even in the slightest.  My daughters fourth birthday is fast approaching and we scheduled to celebrate it the day after we return from a little family-time vacation.  We are going to Possum Kingdom lake which is said to be gorgeous and lots of fun.  Fishing, grilling, playing with the family are all 'major' activities that will occupy my time at the Lake cabin.  Really excited to spend some quality time with my ladies.  My cousin, her husband and their one year old daughter are meeting us at the cabin.  These excursions really gets those important (psychological) connections of fun, relaxation and good-times going.  Who knows what kind of weather we will have to endure/enjoy but it really doesn't matter, we will have a blast anyway.  Nonetheless it's exciting to pack up the family and head out somewhere away from your everyday surroundings.  Days can start to really round-out too close to monotony when our work, school and other schedules drag on.  Making time away from these normal days will prove positive and productive to our relationships.  We bicker and fight with each other like everyone does.  Sometimes I get stressed out and start focusing on work too much and this leads to poor attitudes towards other things.  Sometimes my stress has an indirect effect on my personal relationships.  It is important for me to realize when its time to get some good ole fashioned family vacation time.  This will also include a nice little road trip up to the lake from Dallas.  Our daughter gets bored after about thirty minutes so I am sure we will have PLENTY of dialogue during the car trip.  All the foodstuffs will be planned and executed by yours truly so it will be delicious and fun for all.  Today begins the gathering process of ingredients that we will need for the week long lake cabin stay.  Have to make a menu, figure portions/amounts and decide on what will be on the grocery list.  Three nights and four days does not sound like much but their will be no food whatsoever in the cabin upon our arrival and we need to be ready/stocked for the week.  Every meal and snack will need to be carted in by us or we will not have it.  This is a bit tricky when thinking about children's needs.