Tyler Returns to Boston

 Evie's Birthday Dinner

7:00

It's another spectacular late, late summer morning, low overnight, 37º,  probably the same as I paddled for forty-five minutes, my hands stiff with cold as I paddled, especially into the light wind. It's 8:20 as I write this, both Tyler and Evie are still sleeping.  Today ends our grandson, Tyler's stay with us.  It's been fun to have him with us, forcing us to change our routine, to go more with the flow, allow someone else into our lives for ten days.  He's easy to live with, helps out, loves to cook, and pays attention to his exercise every day, eating healthy foods, a shining example for his grandparents.

Kayak Morning

Hanging Out

Yesterday was Evie's birthday and I am not sure it was as nice as it could have been.  It was more like a typical day as she was busy on and off during the morning, finally was able to relax during the afternoon until it was time to get ready for dinner with our friends, Linda and Ron.  My Saturday was more of the same, paddling, blogging, then gathering the trash from the week and driving off to the Transfer Station. I also picked up a baker's dozen of corn from our favorite spot on Hunt Road and Big Tree Road intersection.  

Heron Saturday Afternoon

Heron This Morning

While I was gone, Tyler started the birthday cake for his Granny, putting together the ingredients for a carrot cake, then baking them until done. It turned out well, with a bit of help from his Granny who gathered all the ingredients from the pantry.  By lunchtime, the teriyaki pork chops were marinating, Evie was out in the side yard enjoying the sun, and Tyler was off for a seven-mile run, a good boy. And I was eating a Turkish omelet for lunch, compliments of the birthday girl.  The afternoon went quickly, reading and a nap for me, a long walk for Tyler around 3:00, and for Evie, talking with our kids and grandchildren, wishing her a happy birthday.  By 4:00, we were all busy.  I cleaned the porches, vacuuming the living room, got the grill ready.  Evie and Tyler made the frosting for the carrot cake, then Tyler frosted it.  It looked like it should be in a bakery. Evie prepped the salad, got the out the appetizers, shrimp and Tyler and I both made a sauce, mine the typical ketchup and horseradish, Tyler's a blend of soy, siracha, mayo, and sweet chili sauce, a recipe he made up.  

Linda and Ron arrived right at 6:00 and unfortunately, it was too cool to sit outside so we had the shrimp appetizers and beer or wine in our living room.  They enjoyed talking with Tyler, a bit of a change from our usual talk of health and politics although all five of us were still depressed by the passing of RBG.  Both sauces were great, the shrimp devoured and by 7:15, it was time to make dinner,. Ron and I grilled the pork chops, about 12 minutes because they were an inch thick.  Tyler microwaved the cauliflower rice, while Evie made rice and finished off the salad.  The dinner was fine, the teriyaki pork chops one of Tyler's favorites.  We all were surprised how much we liked the cauliflower rice and will have it more often.

Carrot Cake In The Morning

Although we all enjoyed our dinner, we could not wait to get to Evie's birthday cake.  The carrots cake was just as good as it looked, a moist cake with nuts, pineapple, raisins, coconut, and of course carrots,  The frosting was just sweet enough to make the cake to die for.  Tyler felt it was his best carrot cake ever and we had to agree.  Linda and Ron left around 9:15 and Tyler pitched in and helped us do up most of the dishes.  Once we finished up the kitchen, we watched two more episodes of American Crime, both intense and depressing, hard to watch.  

What Can You Say About A Husband Who Gives His Wife A Butter Dish For Her Birthday?