Saturday Critters #656

 It's been hot and humid here at the Jersey Shore.

I have not been out and about much but recently took a drive around the 

Lake of the Lilies

I found this...

Great Blue Heron

I think this a young Heron, because of its coloring, what do you think.

As I was photographing the Heron I could hear the song of a 

Red Winged Black Bird

happy as can be, singing his little heart out.

Sharing today images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters

How In The World Did I miss This?

I would like to preface this post by saying, "I know everything"!

Not in the smarts category, 

but if there is a craft show, art show, festival, or an event of any kind, 

I know about it and I am there.

Car shows, a special train ride, a garden show, or a movie on the beach...I know.

So how did I miss this?

These Large Boats came to New Jersey for the 4th of July parade in New York.

They gathered and docked in the water at Sandy Hook prior to the parade.

Sandy Hook is about 40 minutes from home and we certainly would have gone to see them, had we known.

Click on - Sail4th 250 Guide - to read more about the parade.

The boats left Sandy Hook on the 4th and traveled...

this path to New York City for the parade.

The following 5 pictures I took as the story aired on our local news station.

I found these 5 picture's on-line and decided to share them as well.

More than 100 tall ships participated in the celebration.

I am so sad I missed this, it looks to be a wonderful event, one I would have really enjoyed.

I will have to keep an ear out for next years parade...I hope this becomes an annual event.

I really wish I had seen it!

Peddler's Village Again

 Back in June, on the 25th, you may remember that we visited

Peddler's Village in Bucks County, Pa.

It was an intentional visit to see the sand sculptures and for a walk around their summer gardens.

We enjoyed dinner at Earls American Restaurant

We shared a Ceasar Salad with Pickled Onions, Parmesan Cheese and Croutons

We both ordered the 5 Hour Short Ribs cooked in a personal sized cast iron skillet,

with Scallions, Crispy Lotus Root, Snap Peas and Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This. Was. Amazing.

We shared the Creme Brulee' for dessert.

Peddlers Village

is an adorable, well curated shopping village, with beautiful, well maintained gardens.

They have amazing restaurants, festivals, sweets and a pretty carousel for the kids.

Peddlers Village is located in Bucks County, Pa...about 90 minutes from home.

If you are ever in the area, be sure and stop by.

Eat at Earls Newa American Restaurant, their food is the best!

The Dazzling Daylily

 Daylilies?

What are your thoughts on those dazzling flowers?

I myself have a love/hate relationship with daylilies...as hard as I try, I can't seem to shake my love and subsequent hate for them.

Each plant produces as many as 10 - 15 flowers.  

They bloom in many different colors, but they only bloom for one day 

and then need to be deadheaded. 

I'm just not sure they are worth the work anymore!!

Cracker Barrel

Have you ever been to a 

Cracker Barrel?

It is such a cute place...to enjoy what feels like a "home cooked meal".

They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can enjoy breakfast at any time of the day or night.

Attached to the restaurant is an adorable gift shop that sells clothing, accessories, personal care items, home furnishings, candles, music, books and so much more.

We visited back on June 14th and this is what we walked in on...

- Halloween Decor -

I want that tree and I did not buy it while we were there.

Oh well...we will have to return to get it...

and that means another home cooked meal!

All of the decor was spooky, beautiful and fun.

I really love Halloween...I would like one of everything.

And what do you think, a little early for this, right?

 

Wise Words On Sunday

 

The All American Barbecue

oooooh to go to a barbecue serving this spread... 

- yes please -

or a hot dog hut that serves this.

These hot dogs are from a chain restaurant in New Jersey called

"WindMill"

We had hot dogs, french fries and onion rings, theirs are the best.

This is a picture of the mural inside the hot dog restaurant.

Yesterday, we stayed in and I made us... 

Deviled Eggs...

and Chicken Salad...ooops, I forgot to take a picture of the finished salad.

These are the ingredients, diced chicken, celery, onions, and sliced almonds,

 it was delicious once I mixed in the mayonnaise.

Right outside my back door, there is a Pink Hydrangea, I cut a few stems and brought them inside.

June's Bucket List Calendar finished up well...

colorful and fun.

17 butterflies emerged in June, they are all noted on the calendar.

You can read more about the very talented Brooklyn Swenson here.

She sells these beautiful calendars and much more.

It's A Heat Wave...I Am A Happy Knitter

 Is it hot where you live...is it hot everywhere?

I went out yesterday, I had an appointment and the heat was oppressive.

I can assure you I will not be going out tomorrow.

I have a few meals planned for here at home, nothing that will require the oven.

We will use the grill - "maybe" - or the toaster oven.

I have a chicken from Costco and I plan on making chicken salad tomorrow.

We enjoy chicken salad sandwiches for dinner with fries or pasta salad.

We also enjoy fresh vegetables cut up with a good dip.

I have been dreaming about a good deviled egg, I think I will make some.

In other "news"...

I started a new knitting project many moons ago.

I started this 3 times and had to rip it out 3 times...the 4th time was the charm.

I am knitting this with yarn I received in my 

"Beat The Winter Blues" swap box from a girl in the knitting group, Mary Ellen.

Thanks so much Mary Ellen!

I am knitting with this swanky dk yarn in the color "Velvet Underground".

This is beautiful yarn and I am really enjoying working with it.

I have vases of these blue hydrangeas scattered all about the house,

they really brighten up our space.

They elude joy and happiness... 

I feel like they are a big contributor in making a house feel like a home!

My blue hydrangea bushes are in the backyard and the flowers are so heavy they have been hanging over.

I have cut a lot of them because their stems can't hold them up, 

they are not in the front yard and passer-bys can't see them anyway.

I have been watching a few older movies on television.

Do you remember "Turner and Hooch"...

I love this movie and enjoyed it just a much this time as I did the first time I watched it.

I also watched "Still Mine", a movie from 2012.

A Canadian romantic drama, based on a true story, this was a little sad but very endearing. 

Be sure to have those tissues close by!

The USA won again.

We are in the knockout round of the games so you have to win your match to stay in the tournament.

This is so exciting, I have to be honest and say I forget about the other countries.

I have only watched the USA games as I know a little bit about the team, 

and so son Mike and I can share the excitement together.

That's a wrap...I hope it is a little cooler where you are!