Welcome to the Bistro!

​And, another fine week it has been!  A nice mix of rain and shine has been welcome. Because of the high temperatures and ozone days I‘ve had an excuse not to mow the grass or work too long in the garden. My poor veggies are full of flowers but alas they’re not getting much past that stage. Thank heavens that I decided to do more flowers than food bearing plants this year as the blooms are growing like crazy. And, I am fortunate, as we all are, for the farmer’s markets to meet our produce needs, plus much more.
I always love to have my bird houses full and to listen and watch as the fledglings grow, which they do fast. They are the most vocal in the cool morning hours and I’ll often catch a glimpse of tiny beaks poking out waiting for mom or dad to drop off their catch. But, the last few days there has been “the sound of silence.” All the little ones have “flown the coop” so to speak. Wow, is it quiet. Sometimes there will be a second family and I’ll be thrilled to be greeted with enthusiastic chirps once again. Even if only for a few weeks. Butterflies and hummingbirds are abundant and I make sure there are colorful flowers to attract them. I awake each morning to watch a doe and her twins moseying around. The twins romp, jumping and twisting, sometimes 3 feet off the ground in play. Mom is ever watchful so I have not been able to get a picture yet.
I had a great 4th riding Z, bonding with the pups and doing some cooking for a gathering at my sister Jo’s. It was a brutally hot ride as the skies opened just as I pulled up to the barn. By the time I saddled up and got on it was 90% humidity and sizzling. Both Z and I had a good work out session and he was rewarded with a nice cool spray down and menthol rub. With this weather he, and Picasso, also have salt licks and are given electrolytes to encourage hydration. The horses and dogs are all very freaked out with the fireworks.  My poor Z was so startled by a big bomber going off he was shaking like a leaf. A 1500# leaf. I didn’t, but almost, decided to dismount “just in case.” We re-grouped and all was good.
As a side note, Kensington Park did not do fireworks this year mainly because of the discord that it causes wildlife. Good move…
Our family get-together was really nice. My nephew John and his girlfriend Erica, and law school buddy Romeo were in from D.C. It was a very relaxing day and I did a mini cooking lesson for them on how to grill romaine, which was a hit. From that point I was the designated griller of Mahi and sausages. Susie, Jo’s sister-in-law and much loved part of our family, made a mean guacamole and is an amazing baker… see the cake … and my mom in 7th heaven taking that and some rhubarb pie home.  I picked the rhubarb and had it in a pie crust within an hour. Wow, so good.

Sharon and crew have some AWESOME  Chalkboard Features including: Maine Lobster Mac-n-Cheese Studded with Grilled Corn; Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Seared to your Preference and Served over Brown Rice with a House Made Veggie Roll; For our Veggies a Thai Sweet Potato Topped With Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper, Edamame and a Yellow coconut Curry Sauce and Last But Not Least—A Grilled 12 oz. Pork Chop Basted with Mushroom Butter, Presented over Parmesan Polenta with Skinny Green Beans. YUM!!
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WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO AND,
                         WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!                         
XXOO, MARY, NIKI, PICO, MADDIE, PICASSO AND Z