A Memorial Day to remember

We remembered ... on purpose

Surprise! The parties, soirées, events, gatherings, get-togethers, and celebrations continue unabated at Chez Weber this summer.

Oh wait. It isn't officially summer for another week.

Well you'd never know it here. We are awash in bright sunshine with breezes breezing, cicadas trilling, hummingbirds humming, crape myrtles blooming, temperatures and humidity vying for the top spot, and other equally delightful summery conditions.

The weekend started with a Saturday-night spaghetti supper

We have hosted a huge, long-anticipated event since the one I am about to tell you about, and are about to celebrate again in a massive way, both tomorrow and this coming weekend.

Hint: There is a birthday. And then there is Father's Day.

But you will have to be patient; I have not yet reported on our celebratory doings on Memorial Day.

Four of our six grandchildren were with us at church on the day before Memorial Day

During which, for the most part, the weather was decidedly winter-like.

Yes! I said winter! As in, on the Saturday before Memorial Day, the high temperature was in the low fifties and there was a driving rain all day.

I'm pretty sure that some meteorological records were broken for the Midlands of South Carolina, where we live.

My decorations included adorable popsicle salt-and-pepper shakers

It warmed up slightly for Sunday, but the rainy conditions hung around, although less enthusiastically.

By Monday it was hot and humid, mostly sunny, but the pool was still cold.

The kids swam anyway.

Ember was practically twinning with Nicole, our pastor's eldest daughter

And by kids, I mean grandkids. And I mean every last one of them except for Melly, who opted to remain on dry land. These days, she mostly observes.

One of said grandkids had in fact been with us since the previous Wednesday.

On that day, TG and I drove up to Anderson, South Carolina (two hours) to hear our son-in-law, Joel, serve as guest speaker for the midweek service at Oakwood Baptist Church.

Four out of six (soon to be eight) ain't half bad

His good friend since Bible college days, Michael Jones, is the pastor there.

We arrived in the afternoon and had a scrumptious early dinner at Earle Street Kitchen in downtown Anderson before tooling over to the church for prayer meeting.

When we left to head back home, we had (little) Andrew in tow. You may remember him as the one who turned eleven in February.

There was cheese for the cheeseburger lovers amongst us

For the next three days, Andrew stuck with his Papaw, learning how to work. And a hard, diligent worker he is.

Andrew and Brittany and Ember arrived on Saturday afternoon, having endured the rain for the last half of their four-hour drive.

They got settled in and then everyone came over for a spaghetti dinner.

The chip supply was deep for our Memorial Day feast

I had made the sauce the day before so that all I had to do was cook the pasta, whip up some spicy toast using my homemade bread, and throw together a salad.

For dessert I had (also the day before) made our (big) Andrew's favorite: Strawberry-Pretzel Salad.

We hung out and ate and talked and enjoyed and got thoroughly tired out.

Three of my four babies ... with two honorary ones

As I mentioned, the next morning dawned rainy (still), but we all got up and went to church.

The weather had calmed down enough that we were able to take family pictures outside after morning services.

One grandchild representing each of my four children was there: (little) Andrew for Stephanie, Dagny for Audrey, Rhett for Erica, and Ember for (big) Andrew.

Our beverage station was well stocked with sweet tea, waters, and soda

Then there were the two yet to be born: Guy Preston Weber in late August or early December, and a player to be named later for the Porter team, in late September or early October.

They were there but you couldn't see them.

Melanie and Allissa missed that photo opportunity, but they'd be along later that night.

You'll have to try adding frozen lemonade cubes to your sweet tea ... just pour lemonade into ice trays

Everyone was hungry but no one wanted to cook, so we all headed for East Bay Deli.

You may recall that we went there on the last day of August 2022, for Dagny's Cast Off Party.

I love their salad bar and if you don't want that, there are endless other options.

I collected these cups from empty seats the last time we were at Wrigley Field

After a cloudy, overcast afternoon, we all traipsed back to church for the Sunday evening service.

I noticed that our friend, Nicole, the eldest daughter of our pastor, was wearing a pretty lavender summer dress just like Ember.

And as they have identical strawberry-blond hair, I asked them to pose for a picture.

Precious faces

Stephanie and Joel and the other two grands, plus their dog Piper, arrived in town late that night, but we didn't see them.

Allissa was dropped off at Audrey's to spend the night with Dagny, while the other three went on to Erica's house and spent the night there.

The next morning, after coffee, I got busy organizing for the meal.

I can't imagine Memorial Day without deviled eggs

It was slated to be standard-issue casual and delicious: burgers, hot dogs, and chicken cooked on the grill by Andrew and TG, accompanied by an array of chips (including Mission tortilla strips with salsa) plus barbecue beans, baked macaroni and cheese, and deviled eggs.

Cold beverages included sweet tea in the dispenser with frozen lemonade cubes, plus the big bucket full of ice and flavored, fizzy, and still water, plus an assortment of soda pop.

These cute napkins were left over from last Fourth of July

Dessert, which would be served with coffee, was a great big gorgeous birthday cake from Publix Bakery, provided by Chad and Erica.

Because her birthday was the next day. We always have her party on Memorial Day.

Henry, about to turn 91 in August, drove down from Greenville for the meal.

Cherica provided the delectable birthday cake

After lunch, at three o'clock, we stopped everything we were doing so that TG could lead us in observing the National Moment of Remembrance.

Our pastor had reminded us of that the day before, and urged us not to get so busy having parties, that we would forget.

We talked about Sandy Hilly Porter, the first cousin of our Chad's father, Greg Porter.

There was salsa and plenty of it

Sandy died in Vietnam at the age of twenty-one. We have visited his grave in Williston, South Carolina.

It was sad as always to remember the loss of Sandy, who, if he had lived, would turn seventy-five this year.

Then it was time for the kids to swim some more while the adults talked around the table outside.

I usually assign bun-buying to my girls because they pick luscious ones

Eventually Erica said she was ready for her cake and presents, so almost everyone went inside. The kids, who weren't ready to get out of the pool, played on while an adult (I don't remember who; I only know it was not me) supervised.

Erica was happy with her birthday gifts, which mostly consisted of cute clothes for her to wear throughout the rest of her pregnancy, and beyond as a nursing mother. She also got some pretty jewelry.

I love bringing out my patriotic summer decorations

Then it was time to serve cake and coffee, and we all went back outside to watch the children splash, and to talk until time for everyone to go home.

And now, Memorial Day 2023 is a memory. A sweet and wonderful one, poignant in its way for the fact that it will never come again.

What did you do on Memorial Day? Can you remember that far back? It's been more than two weeks.

The birthday offerings for Erica piled up

As for me, I am looking forward to the next party, which is set for tomorrow night.

No; I don't have to plan that one. We're going out to celebrate a special person.

Then on Saturday, here at my house, we will have a big party for the same person.

No birthday party is complete without at least one balloon

And later that evening we will also celebrate TG for Father's Day, because we figure we will all be too worn out to do it the next day.

Besides, he will attend the annual Father's Day Breakfast at church, and he'll be too full for a special lunch.

At any rate we will get it all sorted out and no occasion will go unrecognized and no event unplanned and no loved one uncelebrated.

Happy Birthday to our pastor's wife, Miss Ann

Speaking of loved ones, I wanted to share a picture of me with our beloved pastor's wife, Miss Ann, taken last Sunday. It was her seventieth birthday.

Yes! Hard as it is to believe, one of the ladies in the above picture is seventy. The other is sixty-six. I will thank you not to sneer.

For her birthday, TG and I gave Miss Ann a big box of Moon Pies and a two-liter bottle of RC Cola. If you're a southerner, you will understand that.

I'll tell you all about the next round of celebrations in a week or so ... but only after I tell you about a major event that took place a week ago.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Tuesday

Comments

[Mari]

Jenny! That first pic of you and TG with the grands is just stunning! Little Andrew looks so dapper in his suit, and you look beautiful.
It was another successful Weber party. I love seeing you all together.
I would never have thought your pastor's wife was 70. My goodness! The person next to her is also lovely - inside and out!
I'll be looking forward to hearing about your other event. I have a great event scheduled to be posted for Thursday.
However - We have not seen our girlies since returning home. They have all been sick, and Heather actually had pneumonia. And now Bob is sick... Might be a quiet weekend here.

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... GROAN ... I am so sorry to hear of sickness in the family! The girlies! Pneumonia??? And Bob now too? That's awful and I hope to hear soon that everyone is feeling well again. Summer illnesses are the worst! Yes, our Miss Ann is a treasure and so lovely, and we adore her. Thank you for your kind words. I'm looking forward to that post on Thursday! xoxo

[Lori]

Everything and everyone looks amazing as always Jenny! I love that you posted the two restaurants links so I could see what delicious food they both offer. I agree that Deviled Eggs are a requirement for most parties, especially in the summer. I can't believe your pastors wife is 70! She looks fabulous. I always love seeing how you celebrate all of the special moments and people in your life. Can't wait to hear about your next one.

[Maryellen]

You always have such fun parties and I enjoy reading about them. I have gotten in the habit of going to my brother's home for most holidays. While my two children live at a far distance and do not always join in, family is family and it is wonderful to make memories together. Nieces, nephews and the next generation of grands came over and we made a day of it with pizza and lots of salads. I went to Walmart in advance to buy inexpensive toys for the grands - large balls, bubble blowers, and chalk. I so enjoyed playing with them and watching them have a grand time. (Soon, in July, I will be traveling the 9 hours to visit my daughter; can't wait for that!)

[Donna]

WE just stayed home on Memorial Day. But our Fallen are never Forgotten...
Our Sloane would be All over that spaghetti!! Lol It looks Wonderful...
and I love the S&P popsicle shakers! Too cute.
Beautiful Babies All! With a big Happy Birthday Erica!! The cake is pretty.
Love the Iced tea container...and the lemonade iced cubes! Fun idea...And You are beautiful for a 66yr old kid! Not even old enough to have granbabies! lol
I love you sweetheart...
hugs
Donna

[Jeanette]

I get dizzy keeping up with your coming and goings and parties! Those popsicle salt and pepper shakers are too cute! Your pastors wife is beautiful and looks remarkable for 70 years old! You do too at 66! Looking forward to hearing about the major event! I suspect it involves another fantastic blogger! XO

[Jennifer]

@Lori ... girl YES I love to read about restaurants far away, and study their menus! At Earle Street Kitchen we had the Loaded Redskin Potatoes for a starter and WOW so simple but so good! Then TG ordered the Meatloaf Sandwich with a side of Three Cheese Grits, and I had the Peaches 'n Cream Salad ... WOW every bite was so delicious and we were in no hurry so we ate slowly and then actually ordered DESSERT~ nearly never happens but I had to try the Banana Pudding (which was exceptional although extremely sweet, haha) and TG had a slice of Key Lime Pie! It was truly a marvelous meal and the young man who was our server was charm itself. Such a wonderful memory! I like it when you post pictures of your favorite place to dine with the big guy too -- Firefly Grill? -- those FRIES! And I think I spied a burger on a pretzel bun, which is always a win. We do tend to celebrate a lot but I don't know how to get out of it so we will keep doing it, haha! Yes our Miss Ann is quite the sweet lady and we love her dearly. I think you will like our next "do" very much indeed! Have a good end of the week, Lori. xoxo

@Maryellen ... so good to see you! I love that you went to Walmart ahead of your visit with the grands and bought them some simple but fun toys. I'm sure those kids adore you and would even if you came empty handed -- but we don't want to do THAT, haaaha! Your trip sounds great and I hope you have a good trip and a truly wonderful time with your daughter. xoxo

@Donna ... well that little Sloane can eat spaghetti at the Pirate's house ANY TIME she wants! But I see that you already made her some! I know you look forward to the days she is with you. You MUST try the lemonade cubes for your tea! Everyone just lights up when they see them. I have a whole bagful left in the freezer and TG likes grabbing a few for his tea, to make an Arnold Palmer. One gallon of lemonade almost fills four ice trays for me, and that makes a lot of cubes! Fun to have on hand for parties. I hope Larry is feeling much better today, and you as well ... love you more, friend! xoxo

@Jeanette ... I know, right? I got on this merry go round at some point and now I don't know how to get off! Hahaha I guess we'll keep on celebrating ... BIG weekend in the offing and I am excited about it and of course I'll share. Are you and Rich and Brad and Shauna gearing up for a nice Fourth of July celebration with Max and Levi? I think you should have a cookout, haahaa! And make sure to post all about it! xoxo

[Carla TePaske]

Hi Jenny,
We attended our local Memorial Day services in the city of Rice Lake. Last year the city started a new tradition, along Veteran's Drive they have flags with photos of local veterans and their stories. We walked along, read each one and said a prayer of thanks.
I am looking forward to your next post.
Take Care Jenny!!!
Love, Carla

[Jennifer]

@Carla ... that sounds perfectly awesome. I'm so glad you and Jeremy had the opportunity to participate! Have a great week my friend. xoxo

[Debbi]

LOVE your Memorial Day post! Love those outside family pictures by the tree at the churchhouse.....everybody looks so nice all dressed up! Wow, all the good food and fun at yalls celebrations and birthdays, so fun to look at your table decor and all the yummy things. Makes me feel like I am really there. Ya'll using the pool much? Its sure been HOT HERE. Nice summer thunderstorms every morning, and usually another in the early evening as well, Heck, sometimes, the thunder starts rumbling once again at 3 am and in comes ANOTHER storm, LOL. Did you plant flowers in your pots by the pool this year, I always like to see what you planted! Yes, I love lemon ice cubes too, and if I don't have them, I put a splash of lemonade in my sweet tea sometimes. Y'all go to East Bay Deli.???.....oh we love that place and we used to go to the one in Charleston all the time. THEY HAVE THE VERY BEST BEST BESTEST REUBENS!! And I love their yummy cold "tater" salad. When we are in Charleston, we still eat there. Love the pic of you at church in your pretty blue dress......you ALWAYS look pretty, my friend! HAPPY HAPPY SUMMER!!

[Bijoux]

How is Miss Ann 70 years old?? She looks like she's 37!!! And you don't look too bad yourself, Miss Jenny! I enjoyed your decor and celebration pics as always. We visited my dad and father-in-law/MIL's graves at the Western Reserve National Cemetery. The Boy Scouts put a flag at each grave and it is a sight to see!

[Jennifer]

@Debbi ... yes HOT here finally, with lots and lots of thunderstorms! Rizzo is scared to death three quarters of the time, hahaha ... and now he will have to contend with the firecrackers for several days! Are your fur babies terrified of the loud noises? They don't affect my feline baby but Rizzo can barely deal. Yes we love EBD and I just can't get enough of the salad bar. Thank you for your always-kind words, my friend! xoxo

@ Bijoux ... I know, right???? Miss Ann defies age. I told her that if the saying "age is just a number" was meant for anyone, it's her. Yes the flags at national cemeteries always bring a tear to my eye. So touching and the magnitude of the sacrifice many have made, almost stops the heart. Have a great July 4th weekend! xoxo