Country Cottage Hearts

The weekend flew by so rapidly.  We were very busy every minute.

Saturday night we went to a friend's home for a Mardi Gras party.

All the guests were in the spirit of the holiday.  We all live just a

few hours drive from New Orleans and we have such a love for the

Big Easy and it's rich culture, beautiful architecture, and the most

delicious food so we Texans celebrate Mardi Gras in a big way too!

Our hosts Dolly and Jim spent several years living in New Orleans

before returning to Victoria, so they are the perfect couple to host this

party.  Everyone wore lots of beads and most of us wore our masks

for at least part of the evening.  

The dining room table was loaded with the most delicious variety of 

Cajun favorites.  Jumbo Gulf shrimp shooters, glorious shrimp etoufee,

red beans and rice, a variety of gumbos, crusty French bread and more.  Of

course there was the King Cake.  In case you don't know the story of the

King Cake, it's a pull apart kind of confection iced in the Mardi Gras

colors of purple, green and gold.  Hidden somewhere inside the cake is

a tiny plastic baby.  Whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby inside

must make the cake the following year and should host the party too.

Our friend and neighbor Jim (another Jim) who lives down the street

was the recipient of this year's baby.  Jim is a chef so I trust that the party

next year will be complete with delicious cuisine too.  

If you want to read more about the King Cake and Mardi Gras history,

read more here.

Yesterday morning David was in a golf tournament.  His partner

was another neighbor and good friend.  The weather yesterday

was absolutely picture perfect.  I had a few hours alone to enjoy

the garden with Bentley.  Then David came home, showered and

we took off for our friend's Myra and Clayton's home for a big

Super Bowl party.  The evening was so lovely and we were all 

cozy on their beautiful covered patio with a big fire in the outdoor

fireplace and watching the game on a big screen outdoor TV.  

Myra's chili and her red beans and rice were so yummy.  

Baby Tucker arrived with his proud parents.  Tucker is the tiny

little one we all prayed for last weekend.  He has completely

recovered from the flu and RSV he suffered.  Myra, Clayton and

Tucker's parents are so appreciative for all your prayers.  Thank

you so much once again!  By the way, Tucker just turned one

week old this weekend.  

I am sure many of you were disappointed when the Panthers

lost, but we are all Broncos fans so we were thrilled.  I am a big

Bruno Mars fan, so I enjoyed half time.  However, I did not 

enjoy the commercials as must as in the past.  I did remember to

TiVo Downton Abbey.  I have watched it already today!  Perhaps

I'll talk about that tomorrow.  

Hope you enjoyed seeing my country cottage hearts in my

vintage wooden bowl.  I will be sharing them at these 

parties today:

Metamorphosis Monday

Tweak It Tuesday

Inspire Me

The Scoop

Thanks for stopping by!  Bentley and I really

appreciate your visits!!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley