Springing Back to Life
Our patio has gone through many iterations over the past 29 years. When we first moved in, we were poor. Our budget was tight so we had to be content with the grass and shadowbox fences with the neighbors. We knew we always wanted a patio and saved up for it. I want to say we paid $1200 for a paver patio. We picked out the huge 18"x18" slate look pavers from Lowe's and got a patio set that was an ambitious size. It was nice to have a space to relax outside and have a little flower bed where our pooch would happily walk up to smell the flowers. After a year or two of constantly having people catch our eye as they walked their dogs or themselves, we said it was time for a fence with a gate. I think it was around $700 back then. Damn those prices make me nostalgic! Over the years, we had various outdoor area rugs, curtains on the fences to cover gaps, tropical hibiscus trees during our Hawaii years to remind us of our second home. ...
All I can say is those are some awesome recipes for people to enjoy. If you want a real cookout without all the calories and sodium this is the real deal. I am so looking forward to our cookout!!
ReplyDeleteI'm craving those BBQ sliders. I know what we're having next weekend!
DeleteSounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI can't wait to try some of these recipes!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you do!
DeleteI just recently found your blog and am SO encouraged! I too have tried just about EVERY diet out there, but refuse to get the surgery. I think that your way of approaching this is so common sense and long-term. I have begun to have a similar approach and am having success too. Thanks for putting yourself out there....
ReplyDeleteI look forward to trying these Sloppy Joes!
Thanks so much Carol! Hope you like the sloppy joes and keep up the great work!
DeleteYum! That all looks good. Unfortunatley some of my favorite cook out foods are hot dogs and brats. However I've come to love grilled veggies, pasta salads and fresh fruit. Can't wait to get the grill going!
ReplyDeleteHoneysuckle White has some good turkey brats but they're 600mg sodium. Trader Joe's has EXCELLENT chicken dogs for 60 cals and low sodium.
DeleteRainbow Kebabs with Mango Chipotle Shrimp! That's got my mouthwatering right now!
ReplyDeleteI've gotta say, they're pretty dang good! :)
DeleteLove that Lemon Shake Up recipe! But my favorite cookout food will always be corn. Delicious, sweet corn. :)
ReplyDeleteWe're one of the weirdoes that actually cook out all year long. We'll have 3 feet of snow and it'll be 20 below, and we still grill out on the deck. Once the driveway gets shoveled, we do the deck....yep, weirdoes. =o)
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, love the Lemon Shake Up, too...have used that one many-a-time!
ReplyDeleteI always say I'm going to cook out in the winter but we never do. Will have to rectify that this year! So glad you like the lemon shake up. It's one of our faves too!
DeleteI love all grilled foods! Grilled veggies make an awesome cold salad and great leftovers.
ReplyDeleteGrilling rocks! You're right on the leftovers. So good!
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