Thursday, July 17, 2008

Porches!

Being the foodies (lovers of good food) that we are, Ronnie and I were thrilled to hear everyone's rave reviews of a local restaurant called Porches. We have learned that small town voices are prone to exaggeration so we wondered if it was really all that it was made out to be. However, when we visited it a few months ago, we were thoroughly impressed! In fact, we returned to visit it again today with Ronnie's parents.


Porches is located in an old southern house complete with big sweeping porches, stained glass windows, hardwood floors, picket fences, hydrangeas and lots of charm!

Hungry visitors enter though an inviting gate.

In true southern fashion, a welcome is issued from the yard.

Diners can choose from an intimate table in one of the indoor dining rooms or for one on the big veranda surrounding a lush courtyard. We opted for the porch since it just seems fitting to eat there in an establishment with that name!
The entree choices included Pineapple Brined Pork Loin, Baked Chicken Casserole and Shrimp and Fried Eggplant Croistini. I choose the shrimp and it was delicious!
Each meal includes Tea, an entree, your choice of three sides, corn bread or yeast roll, and dessert. A lot of food for a mere $8.75!
Something new we tried today was a fresh tomato cake. Imagine a crab cake only substitute the crab with tomato...very yummy! Other side options included: fried green tomatoes, black eyed peas, pasta salad, garden salad, and hot pineapple. Each day the options are different. On our last visit they had lemonade green beans that were amazing.
Dessert was your choice of bread pudding with almond sauce or pear cobbler.

The pears were fresh from the tree out front!
The visit is completed with a stop by the gift shop full of pretty and interesting antiques! The owner will ring you up herself and offer all kinds of little interesting tidbits about the history of the community.
If you want to experience southern cuisine at its finest then this is the spot! Come visit and we will take you there!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Youth Trip

We are off to a week at the beach with the youth! It should be fun and challenging all at once. Pray for us if you think about us please!

Antiquing!


While our town hardly offers anything in the way of shopping (excluding the WalMart and Dollar General) , it offers some great spots for antiquing and junking. I enjoy wondering through the wide expanses of stuff and searching for some great treasure. I never know what I might find!

Recently, Ronnie and I walked downtown and wondered the aisles of an old building now full of vintage goods. I think I probably made about four full laps all around the store taking everything in. It was definitely worth the exploration; I came home with a few new (old!) treasures of my own!
This tea/coffee pot from the 1950s instantly caught my eye. I love the color and thought it would be a fun addition to my teacup collection.

Months ago I spotted this glass pitcher and set of eight matching glasses with flowers etched into them. I refrained from purchase as I couldn't really justify the price. However, as I admired them again the elderly man who runs the shop noticed and offered to come down significantly on the price. I couldn't pass up the offer!

Apparently I inherited my mother's love for pretty china and dishes!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

This Good Day!

We love the water! Ronnie grew up by the ocean and I have always loved being by any large body of water. So today was a particular treat for us as we got to go boating with some good friends! The weather was beautiful and there was hardly a cloud in the sky!


We tubed!
Played!
Laughed!
And enjoyed a good day!

I can't help but think of this Fernando Ortega song that I love:

Morning sun and morning glories
Pouring down the hill,
Through my window
I can feel the ocean breeze.

Noisy sparrows fill the oak trees
Swallows can't stay still.
And in the glad commotion
Lord, You speak to me.

Chorus:
If rain clouds come
Or the cold winds blow,
You're the one who goes before me
And in my heart I know

This good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
Because You made it to.
I lift my voice
To sing a song of praise
On this good day.