California Surcie Box with a Living Surprise in it!

16 years ago

Guess who jumped out the box!

I would list all the surcies but you may not read the entire thread if I did that. Just know that it took me an hour to open the box. Jessica should go to work for the postal service! She can really pack a box. We will be enjoying all for a very long time!

The family had been in New Orleans and gleaned a few beads from the Big Easy! Notice the Boa...Jessica's fav color!

Yep, Jessica and family arrived a few days after Christmas and stayed with us for a few nights. We really had a nice visit and it seems that Charles and Jessica's DH hit it off just like Jessica and I have. Her children are a joy to be around. I must say that I miss the exchanges that teenagers have in a home. They were so much fun and filled the house with excitement. Jessica and DH, you have raised young men that will be great adults. I have to warn you that I didn't get many pictures. Jessica has more than I do.

The night they arrived I prepared Arley's No Peek Lamb (OMG good) along with a cold broccoli salad, rosemary potatoes, bread and a New Orleans Praline Pie for dessert.

The next day, we took off on a road trip, after a breakfast of Huevos Rancheros. We drove to see the wet lands and the community (Cameron Parish) that was hardest hit by Hurricane Rita. The re-building is just beginning to start after 4 years. I think Jessica and her family got the idea of how Cajuns live their life through fishing and hunting. We had a quick lunch of catfish poboys, smoked brisket poboys and I had my usual hamburger. Jessica's DH also had some chicken and bleeping gumbo! I then took them to our historical district and to the Mardi Gras museum. We have the second largest Mardi Gras in the state so the costumes in the museum are a delight to see. After a long day on the road we decided to take the family to a semi Mediterranean restaurant where all could choose anything from steak to fish and duck. Jessica has pictures of the food from that dinner. After dinner we came home to enjoy a very special bottle of Ice Wine that I have been saving, from one of our very own CFers :-)

{{gwi:1480699}}

My daughter, Carey, arrived with my Maggie that evening and Jessica hit it off with Maggie. Also, her boys got a lesson on how little girls like to show off and talk! LOL!

Maggie asked me the next day where her new friend was. "You know Bubbe, that lady that looked at Christmas ornaments with me.

And where are the boys"! LOL! She now has a picture of the family that she will remember them by. Jessica and her family brought Maggie a great surprise! 5 California T-Shirts!

Maggie was psyched, especially by the pink sparkly one.

The next morning I prepared Gouda Grits and scrambled eggs. We took pictures and then they left to go back to New Orleans. I was sorry to see them go. We enjoyed each other tremendously and I can't wait to meet again with her family. Very special people that live to darned far away! Oh well, that just means that Charles and I have to go to California. Ho hum! LOL!

Oh, also we had to write a special note to Fed-X to let one of the boys accept a box of alcohol! LOL! We came home just in time to receive the box of wine that Jessica and DH had shipped to us. I need to go find that picture.

Jessica has lots of photos of this very special visit and the time they spent in New Orleans.

Jessica and family, please come back! We enjoyed you guys so much.

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Comments (27)

mustangs81
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
How fabulous! Jessica is way too generous and that works out well because Karen is way too good of a hostess.

I have no doubts that you all had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing this CF family get together.
BeverlyAL
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
How teriffic that Jessy and her family could bring the surcie's in person. Sure wish I could tell what all of that stuff is. I know all of you must have had a really big time. I would call that boa "electric blue."

I can't believe how big Maggie is. Seems like she was only born last year. And what a cutie too. Thanks for sharing so much of your fun with us.

Beverly
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caliloo
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
HOW TOTALLY AWESOME!

Sounds like a wonderful time was had and I love hearing about the get-togethers too!

Alexa
centralcacyclist
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
How wonderful!
chancesmom
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What a great report. Sure looks like you all had a good time. I have gotta find out more about about that lamb dish, off to search now!

janet
doucanoe
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What a wonderful holiday surprise! Sounds like you all had a blast and that box of goodies is to die for!

Linda
wizardnm
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Karen, what a nice visit and visitors you had! I met the boy's a few years ago....very special young men!

Maggie sure is a doll!!!!

Nancy
shaun
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Jealous!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing the pics!! Very sweet.
Gina_W
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'd recognize those fingernails anywhere! LOL. Sounds like a smashing time and I look forward to more pix when EJ gets home!
dedtired
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Holy smokes, now that is a surprise -- a wonderful surprise. You guys had a fantastic time. I can't wait to see EJ's pictures.
annie1992
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Oh yeah, Jessica is certainly livening the place up, with the electric blue boa and those pink nails. (grin)

That's a great box of goodies and Maggie and her "baby" look right at home there with Jessica. So Jessica got a lesson in Christmas ornaments from Maggie, did she?

it doesn't seem like that long since Jessica came to Michigan, but it's been (I think) five years. Sigh. Visiting CF friends is such fun!

Annie
compumom
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
So much fun! I can only imagine all the witty conversation and good times that were had. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall! Enjoy your goodies and report back.
sally2_gw
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
It looks like a great time was had by all. Maggie is so cute! Thanks for sharing.

Sally
jessyf
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'm home and I have to compose my post, I was supposed to do that on the plane! I'll do that today!

What a GREAT time we had with Karen and her DH!
foodonastump
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Ah, now I see the foreshadowing on the lamb thread! Sounds like everyone has a good time when they visit Karen. I'm thinking with Jessy being the guest it's x2.
User
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What a great time you must have had! Knowing first hand what generous hosts Karen and Charles are , I know that Jessy and family had a wonderful time!

Maggie has grown so much! Tell Carey Miss Sharon says its time for number two! LOL
riverrat1
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
We really did have a great time! Darling Husband Charles has said "Karen, you have introduced me to some mighty fine folks on that forum of yours"! He is the one that turned me onto the CF and I thank him at least once a week (wink).

I'm typing up a list of contents that were in the box...and going to post a picture of the wine that Jessica and family had delivered. Lot's of typing! LOL!

If you ever get a chance to visit Jessica and family you should do so. We have adopted them into our little family just like so many of you CF'ers. You know who you are!

Ahhhhh, life is good!
jessyf
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
(BTW Do any of the Canning Campers recognize that red apron? Also I mailed that box - cheaper than paying United to take it on the plane, and probably better treated by FedEx. I know its a BIG box, but I also know how much work goes into hostessing! )

Karen had arranged for three of us (not DS #1) to go on a duck hunt the morning after we arrived, holding real guns and shooting real birds. Ive gone target shooting before, but I was really looking forward to duck gumbo! We got to Walmart to purchase one day hunting licenses - ooops - $200 EACH. On to Plan B, which was our touring around with Karen, keeping her out of the kitchen, LOL.

I have to say that the Huevos Rancheros, for our first breakfast, were delicious. DS #2, my PICKY kid, ate the entire plate. Karen will share the link for the recipe, my brain didn't retain it. I didn't get a picture of everything plated, I thought someone did, ACK!

This is the ranchera sauce. Loved it.

The second morning she made us grits with smoked gouda and scrambled eggs. I have been dying to try properly prepared Southern grits instead of guessing from a recipe! Once again, PICKY DS #2 ate them all (I got his scrambled eggs). Now I have an idea how to proceed in my own kitchen !

Grits and eggs:

Dinner photos from the Mediterranean restaurant: Lots of fish dinners! I cant remember the names! Three fish dinners:

DS #1 and I had duck - Ive been getting used to it, DS #1 discovered he loves it, LOL

DS #2 had a ribeye. Not a fish kid.

Dessert! Dessert!

Grand Marinier (sp?) souffle

MLCs! (DS #2 is following my tradition of reaching fingers in the photos, no polish sorry)

Karens home is absolutely beautiful and guest-friendly. Hey I got to sleep in the same bed as Sharon and Clive, LOL. I wanted to sit out on the porch where Peppi sat and enjoy the river view but it was raining.

My only complaint is I didnt get to spend enough alone time with Karen. Come on out to California!
sheshebop
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Jealous, jealous, jealous is all I can say. Waaaahhh. I want to see Jessy and Karen!
mustangs81
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You would be hard pressed to find more gracious and creative hosts than Karen and Charles. I'm glad the DS's expanded their food experiences.
arley_gw
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sounds like a great time! Glad you folks liked the lamb.

Janet, you can find the recipe I posted in the thread at the link. It's called 'gigot a sept heures'. It's the 19:28 posting on 12/22/09. Nothing fancy, just simple unfussy hearty stuff. One caution: if the leg of lamb you buy has a lot of fatty connective tissue, do trim the excess before cooking it; whatever gaminess lamb has is concentrated in that tissue.

The cold nasty weather prompted me to make it today. Yum.
lakeguy35
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I thought I felt an Evil presence in the south....LOL! Gina, I thought the same thing about those infamous nails.

Looks like y'all had a great time! Thanks for sharing the pics and all that good looking/sounding food.

Guess it was a little early for any twist, pull, squeeze, and suck.....maybe next time. LOL!

David
trixietx
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sorry I had to respond after David, I know nothing about the,

"Guess it was a little early for any twist, pull, squeeze, and suck.....maybe next time. LOL! "

just kidding, sounds like you all had such a good time. I love the pictures.
User
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
LOL David.......first time I heard that was from Karen's Monsignor! He went on to say it was the only time a Catholic could...oh never mind but I laughed till I cried! I will never forget that dinner in LA as long as I live!

Yes Jessy, Karen and Charles are great hosts and their home is so lovely and welcoming. I just hope you behaved yourself in "our" bed!
riverrat1
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
LOL Chase! Your bed is still in good shape! Come visit again.

Gang, you are all invited any time you want to come.

Picture of the Huevos Rancheros we had first morning! Meh, just ok.
{{gwi:1480715}}

Contents of the living box that we will be enjoying for a long time. Love this!

Penzey's Seasoning
Lemon Grass Chinese Cassia Cinnamon Singapore Seasoning Lamb Seasoning Bangkok Blend Northwoods Seasoning (can't wait to try this) Tuscan Sunset Salt Free Mural of Flavor (Yum) Used already Szechwan Pepper\-Salt Roasted Trader Joe's ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Harvest Grains Thai Style Lime Pilaf (tomorrow) Lime and Chili Mixed nuts Wasabi Peas Pound Plus Dark Chocolate Roasted Green Chilies x 2 Tomato Chutney Thai Green Curry Simmering Sauce (for tomorrow night) Premium Fish Sauce Blue Agave Sweetener (great in coffee) Fleur De Sel Caramels (Carey is a thief) Steamed Chestnuts (AnnT what is that recipe)? French liquid soap\-Orange Blossomed with Honey (Charles loves this)
Graber olives
Fettuccini Rice Noodles
6 in 1 Ground Tomatoes
Pinot Grigio
Salami (great in Chopped salad)
Chianti Salami

Whew!

Nice box huh?

And if that were not enough Jessica and DH sent by Fed-X three bottles of wine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LaFonda Syrah
Cade Sauvignon Blanc
Donati Pinot Grigio

{{gwi:1480716}}

Thank you Jessica, DH and boys for a great time and a great box of goodies! We really enjoyed your company and I can't wait to see you all again!
compumom
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Wow what a foodie & fun bonanza! I wish I could have joined you, but I know you're going to love all the goodies that Jessy & family left with you!
diana55
16 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
All I can say is WOW !!! Diana55