Old Friends, New Homes, and Grilled Pizzas

It's official, Summer (and Fall) are over and done, here in our part of the country.  We were hit with 12" of snow this weekend which was much needed due to our surrounding fires.

Lawn mower has retired for winter and "big red" as my husband calls our snow blower, made its appearance several times over the past few days.

We were (once again) scrambling to get the plants covered, deck furniture put away and hoses shut off and insulated.  It was a full day that started from sunrise and we didn't stop until sunset.

As we were covering roses, I noticed one of our neighbors come out of their house.  They are a darling young newlywed couple.  Did I mention they were young...and gorgeous couple.  She came out to cover their vegetable garden, in her size 2 leather pants, stiletto boots, and autumn cashmere sweater.  She looked like she just came off the Milan fashion week runway.  

I turned and looked at my husband, and then I looked down at my current outfit...and I wanted to cry right there.  Neither of us had time to shower that day and I was in my "finest" work/painting clothes, covered in various paint colors from the past 3 years.  I had three layers of sweatshirts on because the storm front was moving in quick and I was freezing while cleaning up outside.  My hair was in a clip with just enough odd pieces of hair sticking straight up sky high. (I think you get the picture).  Oh to be young again!

Awhile back, I learned that one of my high school friends has been living 20 minutes from us the past 8 years, and I didn't even know it.  We connected and met up for drinks, appetizers, and meet each other's spouses.  They recently purchased a new home and invited us to their open house, which we were happy to attend.

Of course, I could not show up empty handed and found this wonderful idea for housewarming gift basket.  I printed out the card and included it with their goody basket, so they wouldn't think that I just randomly cleaned out my pantry (which, for the record, I did not do).  

We were also blessed to get in the last good weather weekend for our infamous Grilled Pizza Bar party with friends.  We love to do these gatherings for everyone to be interactive and enjoy some delicious pizza creations.

Continue to stay safe, healthy, and sparkly this week.  Enjoy!

Grilled Pizza Bar

(ideas for your consideration)

Stonefire Authentic Naan Flatbreads

Pizza Sauce

Alfredo Sauce

Pesto Sauce

Stubbs BBQ Sauce

Pepperoni

Cooked Italian sausage crumbles

Shredded cooked chicken breasts

Cooked ground beef

Mushrooms

Basil leaves

Artichoke hearts

Kalamata olives

Green olives

Black olives

Tomato slices

Red onion slices

Mozzarella cheese

Feta cheese

Parmesan cheese

One Year Ago:  Care Packages For My Pumpkins

Two Years Ago:  Carole's Granola

Three Years Ago: No Post

Four Years Ago:  Apricot-Gorgonzola Crescent Appetizers and Senior Gifts

Five Years Ago:  Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili...Pull Out The Blankets

Six Years Ago:  Fall's Cobb Salad

Seven Years Ago:  Suzie's Pumpkin Bread

Meanwhile back at my "office", my coworker is also dealing with our chilly weather and likes to nap directly under my chair (while I am sitting in it of course).  I have a bad habit of kicking off my shoes while working and Kylo Zen likes to protect my bevy of footwear.