Solstice Party Recap

We hosted a summer solstice party at our seasonal campsite yesterday. It was an item at our church auction last November, so I had a long time to pore over Pinterest and get ideas.A struggle with depression this spring combined with all those wonderful ideas left me overwhelmed.I finally pulled the menu together over the last couple of weeks, and since at the end of the evening someone suggested it was such a success we turn it into an annual event, I figured I'd better document what I made.

• Garlic rosemary fingerling potatoes with Lemon garlic aioli
• Beet, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts with basil vinaigrette, served in Belgian endive leaves (you have to scroll down quite a way, and I substituted toasted pine nuts because I don't care for walnuts)
• Fruit skewers (watermelon, strawberry, red and green grapes, pineapple)
• Caprese skewers (grape tomatoes, pearl mozzarella, sun gold cherry tomatoes, basil from my camper herb garden) with a balsamic vinegar reduction drizzle
• Shrimp, red pepper, and pineapple skewers in a teriyaki marinade
• Teriyaki tofu, red pepper and pineapple skewers, also in a teriyaki marinade
• Veggies and dip
• Chicken breast skewers with peanut satay sauce
• Crackers with an incredible pepper relish made near our hometown in North Dakota

We pre-mixed Mojitos (plain and strawberry-rhubarb) in jelly jars so people could add the club soda right before drinking. Left some non-alcoholic so that people could enjoy that as well, and add the rum if they wanted to.

We served beer Rob brewed, Spring Grove soda, and lots of water.

Fun, fun night! I never took one picture, but it was lovely, and I was grateful to share the night with such a great group. I typically hate that night because it is the beginning of the dying of the light, but it was less painful surrounded by friends.

All in all, a resounding success.

Me time

It's no secret here that I am a girl who needs her alone time. March has not been so accommodating of that. 

I love that my boys are involved in extracurricular activities -- one in track, one in dance and singing, one in Model UN this year -- but it has me feeling more than a little stretched right now.

This month, with its Mayo Clinic visitors, a kid in driver's ed, and me at the center of a church service for today (which went off without a hitch), has been busy.

So busy that, aside from the new Cosmos, I haven't seen much TV -- even the news. So much that I still have not even downloaded the book group book. So much that I vowed to dye my hair on Thursday, and the box sits on my bathroom counter, as yet unused.

I am ready for some me time -- preferably with a book. We all choose how to spend our time, but with my job , the boys, church, friends and a wet basement, I have had few choices. It's, frankly, been a drag.

March has been cold -- today's high was supposed to be 62, but a stiff breeze and cloudy skies left it feeling colder. We are all frustrated. I am looking forward to a trip tomorrow, the first college visit. Just me and Garrett, in what I hope will be fun and eye-opening and inspiring for him, as I guess all parents hope when they embark on such trips. We 're not going south, but a change of scenery will do me good regardless of the temperature .

March. There's one day left of you, and somehow I have a vague, unsettled feeling that you'll get your licks in until the last possible minute. You have not been pleasant, and I will be glad to be rid of you.

I just hope that whatever you have up your sleeve is something I can handle.

April, come on in. Bring your showers, as long as temps are closer to 60 than 30. I'll take it -- and my camper (and a few good reads) are waiting.