Holiday Wins and Vacation Prep

Warning - this post is going to be a bit haphazard. I have pre-vacation brain trying to remember all the things I need to do before we go and what we need to take. I have to keep reminding myself we are not going on safari - not everything needs to go and there will be a Walmart nearby.

Before I forget  - Cajun Shrimp update:  I pulled the last foil packet out of the freezer and threw it directly on the grill. I did cook it a bit longer to make up for it being frozen, but maybe a bit longer than needed. Unfortunately I didn't keep an eye on the clock, so next time I will time it. I will definitely make these again and put packets in the freezer for quick and easy meals.

Some rude beast left this on the deck for me. The deck is on the opposite end of the yard from the garden, so whoever it was went out of their way to let me know.  For a minute, I thought it might have been Millie, but when I tried to get her to eat it she wanted no part of it. I got some advice to put Irish Spring shavings around the garden to repel varmints. I put some out - fingers crossed. 

My sister gave me a new flamingo towel for my collection. It is ginormous and so soft.

Fourth of July swim. I was coming off a "pool all to myself" high from my last swim. I thought it might happen again since it was a holiday. I was ready to swim 5 minutes before the gym was even supposed to open. Now I kinda get why my husband likes to get there early.

Turns out, I was not alone. (I hope these people are far enough away that I am not invading their privacy.) I was the first one there so I jumped in the lap lane with the idea that if I saw a serious swimmer come in I could give it up. Within minutes there were about 8-9 other people in the pool. I felt just a tiny bit guilty hogging a quarter of the pool as I slogged through 12 laps. When I got to my running laps, I did offer the lane to a couple other people who looked like they were really trying to exercise. Most of the people seemed to be chilling and chatting. When I finished, another guy came in. He didn't want the lap lane because he was pulling him self along the ropes every few strokes. Is there something to that - anyone know?

I got home and had my yummy breakfast.

This tomato variety is called "Fourth of July" because they are supposed to mature by then. Well, they missed it by a couple days. I picked them on the 5th, but they need to finish ripening a day or two more.

I am not sure what is going on with this tomato, but I see Gru from Despicable Me.

Random flower I planted in the garden. Love the color.

Just in time for vacation, my little yellow tomatoes are coming on. I hope my house-sitters enjoy them.

I don't understand what is going on with the grape tomatoes. I feel like they have looked like this forever and none are turning red yet. I think it is time to consult Google. I love to mix red and yellow tomatoes in our pico de gallo.

My 4th of July harvest. (This morning I picked about 10 cherry tomatoes).

Poor lazy Zommie celebrating the Fourth with red, white and blue pillows.

I hid a few of the rocks we painted. This one was by the gym. I posted it in the "rockers" Facebook group and a short time later a car pulled up, a little girl jumped out and grabbed it, then back in the car and mom sped away. I hid another one nearby there and last I checked it was still there - maybe I need to post a better clue.

On the way home from hiding I stopped at the grocery store and noticed this little guy peeking out from a patio chair display. My first find.

And here is the reason I swam and ate good food for breakfast and lunch on the 4th. My friend always has sundaes with ALL the toppings at her 4th of July BBQ. the brown at the bottom of the picture is one of those banana "ice creams" with banana, coconut milk (or was it almond?), cocoa and peanut butter. It was good, but not really ice cream. I am a vanilla girl :)

Finally, I baked a bit batch of my turkey/veggie meatloaves to take on our trip. I might be sick of them by the end of the week, but they will travel easily and save us money and calories :)

I hope to get in a little update while we are gone. We are staying at a friend's house in Denver while she is out of town. I've never been to Colorado. It will be quite a drive, but free lodging is irresistible.

Until next time....hope you are happy and healthy :)