I would post a picture but ...........

Major, major, major props for the cumin-glazed ribs and avocado-pineapple salsa.... SIGH (or maybe that is my "tummy" elevated over my pants).

Yes - it is a lot of dish washing ... and "things" ... but WOW, WOW, WOW.  I'll be definitely replicating this in BsAs.  Especially as the new house has an OVEN!  And a clothes-washer (I will be writing a post about my love affair with laundry.... it's a "thing" with me).  **Update - I did manage to take a pick of the stack of what would become the 2nd set to be run in the dishwasher**

Alison (my sister), Charles (Al's hubby), Grace (going to be in 5th grade) and Casey (3 going on 15) all were nice enough to drive from their house up to the Mountain... I feel a bit like Billy Gruff Goat when I write "the mountain" ... it might be the wine.  Anyhoooooo....

We soaked corn to grill on the BBQ ... artichokes that I had steamed (~45 minutes), then cored (removed the "gunk" in the inside) and then marinated in a 1/4 cup of various: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh ginger for plus-hour (option to do the evening before and then grill next day - either way - a little nibble of brillance and it was so cute - it was Casey Mac's first time having an artichoke.  Born eater... born sous chef as he helped me on the BBQ ... then throw 'em on the grill when you are finishing out the ribs.  SHEER HEAVEN and HAPPINESS.  No question. 

It made me so happy to spend time with my sister and her family... I will go shed a tear of happiness and finish my glass of wine now.  Cheers and here's to a new week.... as Penelope Cruz so eloquently "told" me in the movie "Vanilla Sky" --- "every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around"  (there are days when I wish I had an accent....  pass the gringa please)

Hope to have exciting news to share with you about next weekend (photo essay rather than written word - it's the whole 1,000 words concept) .... and that is your 'teaser' for the week (and no - I'm not anywhere remotely preggers... thank you though).   Okay - and I'm watching / listening to "Smokey and the Bandit" -- yes... I might possibly own that DVD.   Don't judge... heheheheh.  Just keeping it real....  If I show up with a Trans Am somewhere with Sally Field in tow - then get concerned.