A Day Of Firsts...

 The weather was perfect yesterday, perfect I say...providing us with an awesome day of firsts.

The first of our firsts was a picnic at the Point Pleasant Inlet we dined on delicious BLT sandwiches.

We saw four large fishing boats, it seems the boats come in around 3 pm.

It was "a little" windy, (understatement) 

and I had to decide whether to take pictures of the boats or hold on to my sandwich, I chose the later.

Although the wind did get it once, 

it blew onto the "dirty" picnic table and the hubs said to follow the three second rule and eat it, so I did.

There were a lot of Gulls hanging out on the sea wall. 

After our picnic and a ride around Lake of the Lilies, we went for ice cream.

Our first of the season and it was delightful, and also so nice that we were able to sit outside and enjoy it.

Point Creamery

I had Cappuccin- O - Friar Cone

Soft vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, wet walnuts and whipped cream, the hubs said it was delicious.

And here are a few of our first fun photos of the season!

They Are All The Rage...

and there is good reason for that...

Onion Ring Chips

With only 3 main ingredients, olive oil, onion and parmesan cheese, 

the recipe said they are fun to make and "delicious" to eat.

I used a shallot, I think they are a little sweeter and you can add whatever spices you like on top.

Onion powder, garlic powder, italian spices, smoked paprika, pepper...

anything but salt, there is enough salt in the cheese.

Be sure and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Parmesan Cheese

I used shallot, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and fresh cracked pepper.

I had these dips on hand, we tried dipping in both, the dill was better than the ranch.

My honest opinion, these were not great.

But, I'm sure they were overcooked at 15 minutes, the recipe said 18 - 20 minutes, 

I'm so glad I checked on them.

I found this recipe for Crispy Parmesan Potatoes on Pinterest and I am going to try them next.

I'll keep you posted.

Painting With Watercolors

I am a little too excited about today's post...

 About a year ago I purchased watercolor paints and paper.

I was excited to try something new, something I viewed to be challenging, that I have never done before.

Both items sat in my "to be crafted bucket" for a full year, begging me to work with them,

but I did not have the self confidence I needed to get started.

I saw an advertisement on Instagram for this book and decided it was just what I needed.

The book opens up to this...
Having a picture guide to follow, provided me with some much needed confidence.

I read the "how to work with watercolor" introductions, 

watched a few YouTube videos and I felt like I was ready to start.

The articles I read said your hands should be light with soft strokes...

to use a lot of water, often, and how to blend the colors.

One blogger friend suggested I put all my supplies in one basket...I did that.

You may remember, I made this basket in one of the classes I took with Liz this past summer summer.

Get all of your supplies out and ready to go...

I painted the Hydrangea first, in the colors I like best.

Many of my Hydrangeas have several colors in one flower.

I don't love the flower but I thought the leaves came out pretty good.

The Peony was second...

I painted the Lilac third...

I am having fun but I am not quite sure I like the outcome.

I think I need to be looser and use more water.

They have a lot of different themed books, I also ordered Birds, that did not come yet!

I am adding a link for the book here, the book is $ 24.00, when I ordered it was on sale, half price.

I saw my first hummingbird yesterday, it's true, spring has arrived!

Wise Words On Sunday

 

Saturday Critters #592

It has finally warmed up here at the Jersey Shore,

 it feels like spring and has allowed us to get out for a few nature walks.

All of the landscape is waking up and the critters are returning to Lake of the Lilies. 

Mockingbird

Coots

Red Winged Blackbirds

Egrets and lots of Turtles.

This pretty Purple Tulip Magnolia was in bloom at one of the homes there.

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturday Critters

More From Longwood Gardens

On April 18th we were lucky enough to visit Longwood Gardens.

 I posted a peek into the gift shop here, and a look at all the beautiful flowers here.

But...as always, 

I have a few more I would like to share and then we will move on to critters tomorrow.

We have been out and about some but the smell of smoke is everywhere.

The fires you may have been hearing about start about 18 miles from where I live.

We have not seen the flames or smoke, but are definitely aware of the fire.

At different times of the day, the air quality is worse than others.

At last check, the fire is 50% contained and has destroyed 13,250 acres of land.

I think constantly about the animals that lived in those wooded areas,

our brave firefighters and those people who have been displaced.

Have a wonderful day and be thankful for everything and especially clean, fresh air!

Sights At The Jersey Shore

 I often wonder if other towns have the same type of "artistic" sightings I see at the Jersey Shore.

Wharf Rat

by Seward Johnson made in 1993

This is the only one that was recently placed in Bayhead...

as you may know, he is famous for creating these traveling statues.

When I have seen them in other towns there were always at least 10.

This is outside the municipal complex, right by the ocean.

Bayhead is a very charming town, with a lovely seashore vibe.

Every Holiday, "a special someone" visits my favorite beach...

Howe Street Beach in Bayhead.

Each special event and season the beach is decorated  with shell sculptures.

This Easter Bunny is what our special someone designed for Easter...

This tree is the same,

always changing with the seasons.

This may be the prettiest Red-Bud Tree I have ever seen.

The day ended with this gorgeous sunset!