Happy Monday to you all. I hope your weekend was stupendous. The weather in Atlanta was ridiculously beautiful and we had lots of fun.

Friday night, Eric and I had ourselves a little date night and went to see the movie Red. This was a hoot. Lots of things blowing up and Helen Mirren as an assassin. What more could you possibly ask for? After the movie we ducked into Fox Grille at Atlantic Station for a drink and to catch up on all the games. Did you see the Yankees against the Rangers? Unbelievable.

Saturday, Eric had a haircut scheduled, so we had a cup of coffee together and off he went. I went across the street to take pictures of our neighborhood park being landscaped by our wonderful neighbors. When he returned, we picked up Valerie and took the MARTA to the Little Five Points Halloween Parade. This is always a a great time, with loads of costume ideas to be inspired by.

Eric, Valerie, Curtis, Me at the parade

All ages enjoy the parade. Even little pups.

I love all the colorful costumes.

These giant puppets were fascinating.

Another giant puppet.

Glad to meet him in the broad daylight....

If Mad Max built a Barbie Dream Car, this is what you would get.

Kiss and this clown from a video game. Is that right, Eric?

My favorite photo of the day.

I didn’t know this guy, but I loved his costume. It was simple, but cool. I caught his eye right before I snapped this photo and he got into character for me. Afterward, I introduced myself and showed him the shot. His name is David and he was feeling a bit under the weather on Saturday, but couldn’t miss the parade. I just love the look of him zoning out as he is surrounded by this crowd. Thanks, David!

When the parade ended, Curtis was meeting some friends, so Eric, Valerie, Leila and I all hoofed it to Pure in Inman Park for some mexican food. We saw our friend Katie there (hi Katie!!) and dined on some scrumptious dishes. I had a salad that had so many chips, guacamole and sour cream, that I’m sure cannot be counted as health food, but it was so good. We ordered two types of queso but were too full for dessert.

Valerie and Leila picked up Leila’s car and Eric & I headed back to the MARTA and home. For kicks we watched a zombie movie and called it a night.

Sunday we had planned to smoke a pork butt and have some of our besties over. Eric started the grill at 10 a.m. and rubbed the pork with an amazing secret rub that smelled so good. I whipped up coleslaw, cupcakes (with peanut butter chips, iced with dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt), and homemade cornbread. Clint made some delicious macaroni and cheese and thanks to our good friends Doug and Sharon of Three Sisters Vineyards, we drank up a bit of wine I had leftover while I was pouring for them last Thursday night at Aqua Vino (more on that Wednesday). For an appetizer, I broke out the Pretzel Crisps (more on those tomorrow), luscious dip made by Wesley and everyone devoured everything. It was all so yummy.

Pretzel Crisps and Dip. Hand model - Jay.

Eric pulling the pork.

Pulled smoked pork. So delicious!

Matt and...

Clint. Two of my favorite...

Cupcakes!

Dinner guests included not only Clint and Matt, but Teague, Curtis, Jay and Valerie. The conversation on polygamy was riveting and the wine flowed.

I love all our darlings. They make life fabulous.

See you tomorrow!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Loverboy – Working for the Weekend

Wow, do I have a ton of fun pictures for you all today.  Our sweet Valerie is having quite the year so far – she graduated college on the same day she & Jay got engaged and this past weekend we visited the wineries of North Georgia to celebrate her birthday. Nothing but fun around here!

First stop, Sublime Donuts – nothing gives you energy like a couple of sugar laden donuts, right?  Ohhh, they are so yummy.

Donut Art!

We all met at Sublime Donuts – many thanks to Denise & Rick for picking me up while Eric had some errands to run.

Our first winery was Montaluce – a spectacular Tuscan style villa with a full dining room and loads of wines.  The vistas were breathtaking.

Second stop, and my favorite, was Three Sisters Winery, owned and operated by my good friends Doug and Sharon Paul, who so generously and graciously set up a private tasting for us. Doug regaled us with the history of wine and terrior, French for land.  He also charmed our French friend Benoit, when he told him in his native tongue, “I cannot speak French, but I am tall, strong and crazy!” The wines were the finest we tasted all day. I went home with a case. In the future, I plan on organizing an exclusive tour to Three Sisters, so please let me know if you have an interest in joining us.

Our friends all packed the loveliest dishes and we picnicked at Three Sisters as we learned about the wines. Doug treated us to their splendid port, which we all loved.  Even an impromptu rain shower did not dampen our spirits.

We could have stayed at Three Sisters all day, but we had a plan to visit four in one day and the next winery was Blackstock. More gorgeous scenery. And a foot race for Taruan and Valerie!

And a Brady Bunch photo op.

And some more fun photos.

Our last stop of the day was Frogtown Cellars. We all liked the lively atmosphere, although it might have seemed like a cocktail party because it was the end of the day. No matter! Always time for a party! And more photos!

And the last shot of the day – our beautiful party princess enjoying her birthday.

Happy Birthday, Valerie. We love you!

Thanks to Jay who thought up this great idea and a million more thanks to Doug and Sharon Paul at Three Sisters for the private tasting – it was the highlight of our day. And of course, thanks to Rick & Denise, who allowed me to ride up with them.

And if you didn’t get enough photos, check out the little slideshow I did on You Tube of our day.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to UB40 – Red, Red Wine

I live in the greatest neighborhood in the world. Our neighbors are all close friends and the parties are almost continuous. Especially when the weather turns nice and we are all roused from our hibernation of the winter.

This past week was a divine dinner held at the home of our friends Dave and Sue.  Dave, a pastry chef, and his charming wife Sue had conjured up the perfect warm weather meal, a deconstructed salade nicoise. This was the ideal foil for the sweltering late spring we have been experiencing.

I had visited their home before, but never in the daylight. I was thrilled to stroll through the backyard garden with a pre-dinner cocktail.

A Lush City Escape

I Especially Loved The Tangle of Wildflowers

One Perfectly Dewy White Iris

As Eric and I took in all the deliciousness of the garden, we chatted with friends Teague and Valerie & Jay, who had just landed from a Vancouver, B.C.  That is a testament to the wonderful parties in our neighborhood – even a 3 hour delay couldn’t prevent Jay from being there.

But dinner was calling and I didn’t want to miss a thing!

A Most Colorful Fork Supper for 12

The bounty of the buffet was astounding.  Tons of perfectly grilled vegetables including shallots, yellow & red peppers, artichoke hearts and the best green beans I have ever eaten. Anywhere. Dave – I need that recipe!  The tuna was just-right pink in the middle and the potato salad was scrumptious. Set off with a great collection of wines. Add sparkling conversation and you have a first rate dinner party!

Sweet Hilton Raises A Glass

Everyone Gathers...In The Kitchen Of Course!

Hilton and Sue Smile For The Camera

No One Could Ask For More

Bing and I Share A Giggle

Valerie and Hilton Take It All In

Our Dynamic Host & Hostess, Dave and Sue

Dessert was vanilla ice cream covered with coffee and Kahlua, with chocolate coconut cookies nestled on the side. Scrumptious! So yummy, in fact, I didn’t get a shot. Oops!

Antique Bowls Lined Up For Dessert

Rick and Bing Look On As Dave & Sue Assemble The Last Course

Another stellar night in our little corner of the world.  Many thanks to Dave and Sue for their incredible hospitality. We had an amazing time!

xoxo, Patti

New Feature!  Blogging Music!

Today, blogging to “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga

The best thing about having a blog is the opportunity to toast those you love best.  So if you will indulge me this lovely Monday morning, I would like to tell you about the party we attended Saturday night.

Adorable friend Valerie graduated from Georgia State and we all gathered to celebrate her accomplishment. Our sweet hostess Denise even made a sign:

Congratulations, Valerie!

Jay, Valerie’s sweetheart and best friend had arranged the most wonderful day for his girl on Saturday.  A mani/pedi came to pamper her at the house, but before Valerie’s spa day began, Jay pulled out a tiny, velvet box, declared his love for her and proposed!  Do you have goosebumps? Me, too!!  We all heard the news when we arrived at the party and made Jay & Valerie tell the story a million times during the evening. You know we girls can’t get enough of these romantic stories!

The keg full of Blue Moon was tapped, the bbq Jay and Curtis had spent all night smoking was brought out for ‘que sliders and our friends and neighbors showed up with scrumptious sides. Our host Rick even made the most amazing homemade cinnamon ice cream for ice cream cones. Yum!

But the star of the night was Valerie, glowing and smiling all night long.

And now for the photos!

Newly Engaged Jay & Valerie

Our Star Enjoys A Plate of BBQ With Leila and Shane

In addition to the bbq, Jay and Curtis had also made three different types of wings as well as making the sauce themselves – 4 kinds!

Carrie Admires Valerie's New Ring

Dave and Ryan Catch Up

Merryl Checks Out Valerie's New Rock

Marcus and I Enjoyed Rick's Cinnamon Ice Cream Together

Taruan and Shawn Pose for Photos

Jill and Benoit Share A Moment

Sierra Guards The Keg

Cutie Pie Heather, Who Introduced Valerie & Jay

Curtis, Eric and Joel Take A Break & Have a Laugh

The Always Impeccably Dressed Chioke

Taruan Tries His Hand At Spades

Teague and Bill Exchange Stories

Our Wonderful Host, Rick, Regales Eric With A Tale

Our Beautiful Graduate, Valerie, Takes It All In

Benoit and Michelle Enjoy The Evening

Crystal and I Pause For A Hug

Leila Signs The Facebook Tee We Brought for Valerie

The Bar Is Open!

Our Hostess With The Mostess, Denise

Host and Hostess Rick & Denise Pose On THE Party Deck in Our Neighborhood

Jay With His Fun College Buddies, Brandon and Jared

Curtis and Merryl, Having a Great Time

Joel and Denise Take A Moment

Chioke, Through The Palms

The Giant, Delicious Cookie - We Are So Proud of You, Valerie!

Jay Presents His Fiancee' and New Graduate, Valerie

A Very Happy Couple

Time To Cut The Cookie

Everyone Was There To Applaud Valerie

Ryan And Chioke Stop To Visit

Valerie's Future Sister-In-Law, Heather, Poses With The Grad

Me, With Our Darling Valerie

Cutting Up With Valerie, Chioke and Byron

Byron Gets Smooched By His Sweetie, Michelle

Eric Practices The Neighborhood Handshake With Ashley and Valerie

Jared Enjoys A Blue Moon

Bubbly Miss Keely and Our Buddy Joel

Gorgeous Michelle Always Brings Sparkle To Our Parties

Jay and Valerie, I cannot tell you how thrilled everyone who loves you are for your happiness.  I know there will be tons of parties this summer, but the magic of this special night will not be duplicated.  Best wishes to you both, I love you!!

xoxo, Patti