Summer Fun

It is already Tuesday!  Time is going by so fast lately.  I have been enjoying some fun outings and visits with friends!  Last Friday was my turn to host The Knitty Biddies.  We had a big turnout, with a tight fit around the table. 

Everyone isn't in this photo, but there were 8 that day.  I served a taco salad and everyone brings goodies.  It is usually a food fest more than a knitting and crocheting session.  We laugh and have the best time.  I love these ladies!!!
Here is Jen modeling her scarf all finished.  It is made out of the same yarn as I am using, and showed in my previous post.

Last night, I went to a party at my friend Viki's house.   Where we enjoyed a relaxing evening and had facials!!!!  So nice!
No  pictures, but they would have been pretty funny with our faces void of makeup and our hair slicked back into headbands!!
Today, I had some friends here for a day of swimming and lunch.  It was so much cooler today that I was worried it might be too chilly to go in the pool. But it was just perfect.  Warm and sunny, with a slight breeze.  We even ate outside and it wasn't too hot.  I didn't take photos while they were here, but I did take them as I made the salad. This is a salad that my Mama has been making for years.  It is a family favorite, and every time I make it, it is enjoyed by all.   I hadn't tossed the croutons in too well here yet.

You will need:
1-2  heads of Romaine Lettuce
1 rotisserie chicken
1 8oz. package of penne pasta
Two generous handfuls of good parmesan cheese
Grape tomatoes, or in my case, cherry tomatoes from the garden
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 to 2 handfuls of either pine nuts or roasted and salted sunflower seeds
I wash my lettuce the night before, removing each piece, and then laying onto a large tea towel to drain.
Blot dry, and then starting at one end of the tea towel, begin to roll the lettuce up into the towel, forming a sort of burrito.  Tuck sides in, and place into fridge over night to crisp.

This morning, I cooked the pasta, al dente, and then drain it under cold water to stop the cooking and chill.  Drain well and add pasta to large bowl.  Remove meat from chicken, and tear into bite sized pieces and add to bowl.

Cut romaine, add parmesan, and halve the tomatoes.  Toss all, and chill until ready to serve.

Just before serving, add sunflower or pine nuts, and salt and pepper to taste.  Toss in a good creamy caesar salad dressing, and top with crunchy croutons.

I like to use pine nuts in this salad, but last night when I was picking up the things I needed, I refused to pay 7.99 for a tiny bag of them.  I really do like sunflowers seeds in this just as well.  But if you use pine nuts, lightly toast them just before adding them to the salad.  This really brings out their flavor.  I sometimes add fresh basil to this as well.
I served it with fresh buttery croissants, and a big bowl of chilled watermelon.
We had a really fun day, that would have been absolutely perfect if my next door neighbor were not having  his gigantic sycamore tree cut down today.  We normally have such quiet yards, and today we had to listen to chain saws and "TIMBER" all day long.  Sorry gals.  Next time, I promise it will be quieter!!!!
For the rest of the week, I have Knitty Biddies tomorrow at Joyce's house.  And then probably going to head up the hill for some fishing this weekend sometime.
What is going on in your neck of the woods?
XO  Kris