Gadding About This Weekend

Cheerwine float.

I have had a busy and fun weekend.  My friend Jeanette came over on Saturday to spend the weekend (she stayed in the ITB B&B (Inside the Beltline Bed and Breakfast) as she has named it, otherwise known as our "garage suite".  On Saturday afternoon we went to Greensboro to see grandson Tyler play in a AAU basketball game.  Tyler is number 20 and he scores the basket at the end of the video.

Then off to Stamey's BBQ for lunch.  I usually get a Cheerwine float when I go to Stamey's and couldn't resist this time either.

Cheerwine float.

Back home we sat on the side porch enjoying the lovely fragrance of our Confederate Jasmine.

Confederate Jasmine.

Sleeping in this morning was a treat.  We had a reservation at noon for brunch at the NC State University Club.  The food was great as usual. 

Watermelon and strawberries at the University Club.

I needed to get some gas at Costco and Jeanette had not been to Costco so we ventured over there where Jeanette got some croissants, French bread, and strawberries for a French petite dejeuner she is treating her first period class to on Tuesday at Wake Forest High School where she teaches World History and French.

Croissants for petite dejeuner.

It was a very relaxing and fun time.  It's always a good time with Jeanette.

Reunion Weekend

The Wolf in front of NC State Alumni Center.

In the fall of 2011 Dan and I toured Italy with a group of NC State Alumni.  We've stayed in contact with most of the folks who were on the tour, and this weekend we had a reunion here in Raleigh of all sixteen folks who were in the group.  It was pretty special that all sixteen could be here for the reunion.

The entire group.

It was a full and fun weekend.  We began with lunch on Saturday at the Alumni Center over on the Centennial Campus.  After lunch everyone enjoyed the State/Carolina football game via the large screens set up in the bar at the Center.

Gray and Susan Lewis and their daughter Cassia, an NC State sophomore.  We were happy to meet Cassia.

Shelley and Paula at lunch.

 After the ballgame we had dinner over at the NC State University Club.  We had fun reminiscing about our trip to Italy last year, and it was fun catching up on everything folks had been doing this past year.

Barry and Jesse at the University Club Bar.

Caprese salad skewers with balsamic vinegar in keeping with the Italian menu theme.

Dinner at the University Club.

A.D. and Susan talking with Becky and her husband, Frank.

On Sunday Mary Todd, with help from Betty Stagg, hosted the entire group for brunch in her lovely home here in Raleigh.

Hosts Betty and Mary with their aprons they bought in Italy.

Brunch goodies.

More goodies.

Barry and Patsy enjoying Mary's lovely porch.

Barbara and Becky having fun conversation with Barry and Patsy.

 We enjoy each other so much that we hope to travel to some exotic place together in the future or at least get together again next year at some place here in the U.S.

Sweet Potato Wine Dinner at NC State University Club

The sweet potato was designated as the official State Vegetable by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1995, and an annual tradition at the NC State University Club is a specially prepared meal that incorporates sweet potatoes into each course with a delicious wine to accompany.  To add to the ambiance of the dinner last evening, the Paul Ingbretsen Trio Jazz Band provided gentle music.

The Hors D'oeuvres: Sweet Potato and Beet Chips with Rosemary-Garlic Salt and Buttermilk Dressing; Crispy Pancetta Cups with Sweet Potato-Apple Hash; Domestic Cheese Board

First Course: Sweet Potato Waldorf, Baby Greens, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Second Course:  Pan Seared Sea Scallop, Bonita Sweet Potato Grits Cake, Grape Tomato Confit, Chive Butter

Third Course: Lemon Sorbet

Fourth Course: Bourbon Braised American Waygu Beef Short Rib, Red Sweet Potato Cake, Pan Roasted Asparagus

Fifth Course:  Sweet Potato-Gingerbread Waffle, Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote, Spiced Rum Butter creme Frosting.

The dinner was absolutely delicious.  And after dinner, there were door prizes.  Our friend, Mary, won a stuffed Mr. Sweet Potato, and I won a 10 lb bag of sweet potatoes.

Mary and her door prize, Mr. Sweet Potato.