Will you still need me

Sixty-Fourth Street in Selfietown.

OK listen up.

I am one week overdue to tell you about my triple-threat birthday celebration. So let's get started.

To begin the festivities, Andrew and Brittany, with Baby Ember in tow, arrived at about four o'clock in the afternoon on the Friday before my Sunday birthday.

I had made a pan of those Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches that I told you about towards the end of this post from a few weeks ago.

Dagny peeking in the window of the Doll House at Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina.

To go with them, I once again made Mari's Hot Taco Dip ... sans black olives.

That stuff is good. And so easy! All of these recipes are super-duper easy.

My new pirate ship salt and pepper shakers. It's the Pearl!

We had two kinds of scoop chips for the dip: Fritos and Tostitos. And we put bowls of baby sweet pickles and baby carrots on the table too.

I had also made a Chess Cherry Cake ... the Don't Mix It! kind. It was good. And once again, insanely easy.

Dagny at the Doll House. Hopelands Gardens.

Before we had dinner, however, Audrey and Dagny and Andrew and Brittany and Ember and I decamped to take the children to the park, to play.

We have a pretty great park near our house and Dagny begs to go there. The weather was beautiful.

Ember had traveled and played and eaten and played some more and had a bath and was tired but was still hanging on.

So Dagny (who met a friend from her class at school and quickly paired off with her to run around and enjoy the fresh air) and little Ember had a good time playing for about an hour.

Back home again, TG had arrived and Erica came, and we got ready to eat, and then we ate, and I forgot to take pictures except for one of Ember sitting on her mother's lap after her bath time, all ready for bed.

The ultimate symbol of freedom flies above the Texas Roadhouse on a clear-as-crystal late-winter day.

Eventually we all went to bed, and the next morning TG drove over to Bruegger's and got bagels for us.

We didn't have to be at Texas Roadhouse until four o'clock so it was a non-stressful day.

Keeping Ember happy until our table was ready was the job of her devoted daddy ... and Dagny.

Once at the restaurant, we waited a long time for our table because TR is once again doing full-capacity seating and it is a popular place for families to go.

I ordered the Dallas filet (a trifle more expensive but worth it) along with a salad and a baked sweet potato (hold the marshmallows this time).

Me and Dagny. I'm surprised that TR is still allowed to have the big picture of a Native American Chief on their wall.

But I don't mean to sound artificially virtuous because we did get a Cactus Blossom appetizer for the table, plus two baskets of fried pickles. And then there are those rolls.

Anyway we enjoyed a delicious meal together and then we all went back to our house to put away the rest of the Chess Cherry Cake along with some cake mix cookies I'd made.

This batch involved a Super Moist Yellow cake mix plus Heath English Toffee Bits and Toll House Morsels.

But not before I took a picture of Dagny and me in the garish light of the Texas Roadhouse dining room.

Have you heard of cake mix cookies? Just take a regular cake mix, any flavor, plop it into a bowl and add two eggs and one half cup of oil (I use melted butter: one stick). Then add any mix-ins that you want such as nuts, chocolate chips, and/or Heath English Toffee Bits.

Our friend Andrea came with us to Hopelands Gardens.

Bake for eight to ten minutes at three-hundred fifty degrees. Hint: if soft cookies are your heart's desire, bake them for nine minutes exactly.

If you want a crisper cookie, let them stay in for ten to eleven minutes. Don't leave them in any longer than that, though.

Dagny is always ready to strike a pose.

These are seriously -- ought I to say dangerously -- good, and ridiculously easy to make. You should try them. In no time at all you have about forty delicious fresh-baked cookies and you hardly did anything.

Anyway. I've made those cookies twice now. The picture above is of my most recent adventure with this fantastic recipe.

More on the subject of Little Mama and Cutie Peanut Porter later this week.

That night I made chicken salad and deviled eggs for our birthday picnic the next day. 

After church we came home and changed and packed up all of the goodies, and headed out. Our friend Andrea from church came with us.

Ember wanted to be everywhere at once but she would rather be outside than anywhere.

Once again (a few weeks ago we attempted this and were rained out) our destination was a favorite place of mine: Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina.

It's a one-hour drive from our house.

There was plenty of food. You could have joined us.

The weather was sunny and bright, but cool.

Once we'd all arrived and met up at Hopelands Gardens, we headed for a part of the property that has a man-made pond and a carriage house with a moat around it.

If you are ever on a picnic with me and I've made my deviled eggs, you must try one even if you think you won't like it.

We spread out all of our vittles on a low wall and filled our plates and enjoyed the sunshine and a picnic lunch.

We've stopped drinking Coke products in this house due to Coke's woke critical race training for its employees, and were happy with sparkling flavored water and other beverages not made by either Coke or just-as-woke Pepsi, which we don't buy anymore either.

Ditto my chicken salad. Just saying.

To be white is to be arrogant, Coke told its employees. Be less oppressive. Break with white solidarity. Try to be less white.

I have a one-word answer for Coke: Nope.

And a suggestion: Try to be less stupid.

Who needs Coke? Not the Pirate.

They've seen their last dime from my pocket.

And yes! I know what their products are. I don't need a single solitary one of them.

The cake had my name on it. Sort of.

After lunch, Dagny walked over by the edge of the pond and found a small stone that had been painted and the word LOVE added.

I told her she could keep it.

Dagny's a rock star. And our little love.

Next thing I knew, she and Chad were playing a game of Guess Which Hand It's In, and judging by her joyous leap into the air, she won more rounds than she lost.

Then she dropped her rock into the leaves and before it was over, four adults were looking for it until we realized she had lost interest.

All set.

It's there, for another child to find on another day.

(CORRECTION: TG, after reading this post, informed me that Andrew found Dagny's Love Rock and returned it to her.)

After we'd feasted on the chicken salad (there were rolls for those who wanted sandwiches) and deviled eggs and baby carrots and grapes and color Goldfish crackers and various other fixings, it was time for cake.

Ummmmm ...

Andrew and Brittany, facing a five-hour drive back to Knoxville, needed to get on the road by four.

So we cut the cake and passed around plates of that, and everyone ate and declared it scrumptious.

Whaaaaat? No way!

Cake-and-Present time on birthdays will always remind me of something my late mother did on all such occasions, year round, no matter who the honoree happened to be.

She had a gift bag that was old and rumpled but could still hold a gift. It was medium sized and had a drawing of a birthday cake saying Everybody wants a piece of me.

Dagny could not contain her joy. Or hold onto her rock.

And each time you'd reach for the present that was in that bag, Mom would say: I want the bag back. And we'd all laugh and sure enough, she'd take the bag back once you'd removed the gift it held.

Then you'd see it again on the next family birthday.

Another one-word answer: Chanel. And no I won't give the bag back.

I have not yet plundered my mom's gift wrap closet for that bag, but I plan to at the opportune moment.

At any rate I could see my presents lined up over on another low wall and was pretty interested in opening those, so that's what we did next.

Time to get this baby home.

TG got me a bottle of Chanel Coco, one of my favorite fragrances and one I have not worn in many years.

Speaking of Chanel, Brittany and Andrew gave me a two-sided mirror compact for my purse ... it is as charming as it is chic.

I've got you babe.

Stephanie had plundered my Amazon list for 2021 and bought me the retro keyboard on which I am typing this post. I love it. I've always loved pushing buttons (I'll thank you not to snicker) and I love keyboards in general.

The soft push of the round lipstick-colored keys is delightful. Thanks again, Steph.

But first, a moment with me Pirate Mamaw.

Audrey and Erica collaborated on a larger gift that I had also put on my list ... a Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker.

I love it. I've used it every single day and some days, more than once. It makes having a fruit smoothie for breakfast so easy.

Ember was enthusiastic about getting down. She's too big for her romper, too,

I use almond milk and frozen fruit, and of course no added sugar. For my smoothie bowls I add whole-milk yogurt and use less almond milk for the thicker consistency.

Audrey also gave me a set of coconut bowls with matching spoons. So much fun to eat your smoothie bowl from.

I held on for as long as I could but she's stronger than me. And more determined. Yes you read that right.

Sorry but I did not take a picture of my Ninja. It looks just like the one on Amazon.

Can you believe? My family are too good to me.

This granddaughter is a trifle calmer. Sometimes.

After Andrew and Brittany and Ember set off for home, we took all of our stuff back to the cars and took a long walk around the grounds of Hopelands Gardens. The peace and the live oaks and the crape myrtles -- even bare as they are now -- make it a magical place.

At Hopelands, everything beckons the eye to behold more beauty.

At about five o'clock we left the gardens but before going home, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for a snack and some coffee.

We had a very kind but comically clueless server and that generated some laughs. I mean, we had to ask for plates on which to eat our biscuits, and even had to remind her to bring out some of the menu items we'd ordered.

Pink camellia tree.

And the restaurant was two-thirds empty.

Ah well. Bygones. She was a doll regardless of her limitations. And for all I know, she's sharp as a tack every day of the week except Sunday.

Yuletide camellia.

Before we left the premises I scored a pirate ship salt and pepper shaker set, which TG bought for me in the general store.

It was such a good time and such an excellent day and we made so many splendid memories.

Live oaks with their riot of always-green, ever-reaching, life-loving branches.

Shortly after we got home that night, Stephanie and Joel and the children FaceTimed me so that they could wish me a happy birthday in person.

I'll never forget little Shiloh wagging his tail in the background as everyone crowded onto the screen.

Keyboard cuteness.

He had only a few more hours to live. But we could not have known that, so we were not ready for what happened the next day.

They've received his ashes from the vet, in a very nice container referencing Shiloh's trip across the Rainbow Bridge to live forever in the memory of those who loved him, along with a touching memorial with his paw print and his name, and also his collar and tags. 

The box and ribbon alone quickens my pulse.

Their hearts are healing slowly.

As for the rest of us, who are also mourning the loss of Shiloh, we have nonetheless had yet another party SINCE my birthday parties, and we are planning the next party for this coming weekend.

I totally need the magnified side. Inconvenient truth.

The party we had after my parties was on last Thursday evening, and it was a gender reveal for Cherica's little baby.

I cannot tell you about that quite yet but I will in a few days. It's a funny story that you will probably have a hard time believing.

Those iconic double C's though.

But would the Pirate lie to you? Never.

Coming up this weekend are the celebrations (we are planning a two-parter) for our Audrey's birthday.

It's a Coco Combo. So clever ... and coconutty.

She wants a picnic on Saturday and for us all to go out to eat on Monday, which is her actual birthday.

And of course, we are all in.

Click to embiggen and experience the peace of Hopelands Gardens.

Stay tuned for more party news and revelations before the week is out!

Meanwhile be sure to take good care of yourself.

And that is all for now except to say, I love you and I hope you're having a good day.

=0=0=0=

Happy Monday :: Happy New Week

Comments

[Mari]

I've said it before - you Webers do know how to party!
This sounds like such a fun birthday weekend. Family, food, parks, church, grandkids, more food!!! You couldn't lose.
Ember is growing! I love her red hair, of course I may be a bit partial to that color. :)
Dagny is growing too. Why is she looking so grown up lately?
You know you are killing me. You had a gender reveal and I have to wait to find out?

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... Well you will enjoy finding out the baby's gender more by reading the story, I believe. I truly do. It's just a comedy of errors and we were all like, whaaaa? But then I've never been part of a gender reveal anything before, so maybe lots of them go this way. But YES the long and short of it is, you have to wait! But I will tell you this: It's either a boy or a girl. Haaahaaha we're old school. And YES we sure do know how to party, and we should, since we do so much of it! It's exhausting! Haaahaaha xoxo

[Ginny Hartzler]

Happy Happy birthday!! And boy, you sure did have one! The Oak trees are awesome. The food looks so good, and everyone looks so happy. Dagny looks so much like you! I want to make these cookies!

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... oh DO make the cookies and tell me what you think! Yes we sure did tie one on! It was fun and I love looking at my pictures. If Dagny looks like me, that is a compliment TO me, haaahaha! She is a little beauty. xoxo

[Mari-Nanci]

Happy Birthday!

So many lovely celebrations. So much yummy food! Such delightful presents!

And the Gardens you visited. Gorrrrrrrrrgeous.....

You can get an old fashioned keyboard, for one's computer?????!!!!!!??????? I never knew!!!!!!

Grrrrrrreat Idea! Link to *WOKE* products!!!!! Yesssss!!!!!! And betcha' Duckduckgo has more of such. Your *Town Crier* (me) must look. And post. People-With-A-Brain should know, where not to spend our money!!!

Love Ember's name, which goes so well, with her Very, Very Red Headed Self! -smile- Our second Grand Daughter is a redhead, but the "darker red" hair variety. Red heads are striking. So many people commented on her hair, when she was little, that she grew to dislike it. But with age, she came to realize, that it is a Gift! -smile-

Can't wait to hear new baby's name. -smile-

Have I covered everything???? -lol- Who knows, I might be back with more.

Ohhhhh, I know!!!! I am 83. I could be your Mother! Our first child/Daughter was born in 1959. But I do not "feel" like your Mother, here in Pretty Blog Land. We are just Intelligent Ladies. -smile-

Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci
"Beside a babbling brook" blog

[Jeanette]

Happy Belated Birthday! It's funny but when I turned 64 in January the title song to your post ran through my head all day! You guys sure know how to have birthday parties! I also avoid Coke and Pepsi products, although I didn't realize that Gold Peak Iced Tea was a Coke product! I have to pay closer attention! Your family is very generous with the gifts! I love that keyboard (no snickering here!) and put the Ninja Foodie on my Amazon Wish List in hopes my husband will see it someday! Have a good week my friend!

[Jennifer]

@Mari-Nanci ... YES you are technically old enough to be my mother but what of that? I feel as though you are a beloved sister and YES a fellow intelligent lady. There are more of us than we realize. I too think Ember's name is perfect for her given the red hair, and it is SO cute and as heretofore we have not had a ghost of a redhead in our family, we love what our Brittany has brought to the table! And the blue, blue eyes in that child's head! They are riveting. She is so adorable. And I can't wait to tell you about the new baby's name, when they have decided ... I think it is between two names but we shall see.

Coke and Pepsi can pound sand because I love Dr. Pepper best anyway, and it is a Snapple product. Likewise I love Canada Dry Diet Ginger Ale and A&W Diet Root Beer ... no one will go thirsty at my house! But it won't be Coke ... and I have enjoyed Coke for my entire life so that is really saying something. They can rot as far as I am concerned. I'm sick of all this race-baiting nonsense!

The keyboards you can get ... ahhhhhh! I saw this one on Instagram and it reminded me of a tray of lipsticks at the cosmetic counter! Just so cute so I put it on my list but I never dreamed anyone would get it for me. It is SO MUCH FUN to type on! I have another keyboard that is basically for gaming (which no one here does) but when you strike the keys, the whole board lights up with colored lights and there are lots of different patterns. Really fun to use. Get you one! xoxo

@Jeanette ... The main thing is, will you still feed me? Haaahaaa! It's okay to be sixty-four. Beats the alternative. Yes my family are very generous and I hope they stay that way! Just kidding; they have always been that way, especially since becoming adults and working and having their own money to spend. They basically spoil me. I make every attempt to spoil them in return. I love my little keyboard too; it's such fun to type on. I hope you get a Ninja Foodi! You will love it. You have a good week too! xoxo

[Carla TePaske]

I love the advice you gave Coke and Pepsi. I am all in!
LOVE the keyboard.
Your family is beautiful! I love how you love each other. It just makes me smile.
Happy Happy Birthday to you!!

[Jennifer]

@Carla ... Thank you for your kind words and good for you, sticking it to Coke and Pepsi! Who needs 'em? Haaaaha xoxo

[Barb]

Oh I love that keyboard - it makes me smile remembering my typewriter days. (Though my typewriter keys weren't such colorful fun.) What - you're making us wait for the reveal? Erica looks so lovely in her portrait with the red, grey and black shawl - she's glowing. Lately, your posts make me feel that I must eat something immediately! Luckily, a neighbor brought us some chocolate chip cookies. I read about that cake mix cookie recipe on Pinterest but haven't tried it yet. Bob is kinda a cookie guy. I always have to freeze some so he doesn't eat them all at one sitting! Little Ember is growing so fast. Her beautiful eyes, red hair, and piggy tails are adorable. Also, I see that she now has cowgirl boots! I like seeing the dancing oaks and camilla blooms in the gardens. I'm glad your family spoils you - you deserve it. Great birthday portrait, and I also love the new sidebar one. I just know you're having another happy week.

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... I SO can relate to having to freeze cookies in order to keep from eating them all in one sitting, haaahaha! I love cookies too. You must make some of these cake mix cookies for Bob, though. He will love them. Yes Erica is glowing and I promise you won't have to wait long for the reveal post! Not long at all! Maybe you can have a wee snack while you're reading it, haaaha! I love my keyboard too ... it makes me happy. And Ember ... wow, is she ever cute. I have some new photos of her that I will share next week. Love you, friend. xoxo

[Gayla]

Happy belated birthday! I believe it sounds perfect! Your wonderful family and such delightful food and that gorgeous park! I love those little slider sandwiches and deviled eggs... having a large family is a blessing for sure! Glad you could have this! Way to go on the Coke decision... we really need to look out and use our buying power to counteract this craziness!

[Gayla]

Not sure my comment posted! Happy birthday! Lovely post!

[Jennifer]

@Gayla ... got your sweet comment and was happy to see it! We had a great time and our next picnic is scheduled for this Saturday, haaahaha! I guess we're addicted. I'll share those recipes too since I'm trying some new ones. And Coke is not invited! xoxo

[Jane]

Happy very belated birthday

[Jennifer]

@Jane ... thank you! xo