Gadding About with the Ridge Rovers

I happened to be in Cleveland County recently when the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Seniors were planning a trip to Strawberry Hill in Chesnee, South Carolina, and my friend PJ invited me to go.  It's always fun to go with the Ridge Rovers as the Pleasant Ridge Seniors are known.

The bus. 

Pat (left) and PJ perusing the menu.

My friend Sue was along.

The menu. 

It's not surprising that the first sandwich selection on the menu was a Bologna Sandwich, and the last time I had that sandwich was as a child.  For old times sake that's what I ordered, and because I was ravenous it tasted pretty darn good (actually I'm not a fan of bologna.)

Bologna sandwich with mayo, mustard, and slaw. 

Across the road from the restaurant tractors pulling trailers loaded with strawberries were bringing in the morning's bounty. 

A really full gallon of strawberries.  

There were zucchini and squash fresh from the field as well.

After loading our purchases, we went back across the road to the restaurant for our dessert.  My choice fresh strawberry ice cream.  Delish!

It was a perfect day to enjoy the morning with the Ridge Rovers. I even threatened to climb aboard a John Deere for a photo, but I was strongly encouraged to just stand in front. 

I'd enjoyed Strawberry Hill vicariously in the past, but it was fun to experience it in person, and it was especially enjoyable to visit with friends of Pleasant Ridge.  Taking home fresh strawberries just picked from the field wasn't bad either.

A "French" Brunch This Morning

A "French" themed brunch on a lovely May morning.

What a wonderful way to start the Memorial Day weekend with a "French" brunch courtesy of our friend Jeanette.  She brought the most beautiful and delicious croissants that we warmed and served with Bonne Maman strawberry preserves.

Jeanette arrived with a basket of goodies.

"French" croissant with strawberry jam.

Bonne Maman jam.

Jeanette had stopped by the Lyon Farms Strawberry Stand to get a basket of beautiful and tasty fresh strawberries to which I added blueberries for a fruit cup. 

Fresh strawberries from Lyon's Farm.

Jeanette and I made coffee using the new Verismo coffee maker out in the guest suite---once we figured out how the machine worked.  Dan and I aren't coffee drinker, in general, but with this new machine that will make a cup at a time I may become addicted.


A cup of coffee hot from the machine.

In addition to providing brunch, our friend brought us a selection of tea napkins.  The Carolina ones for when I have one of the UNC grands over, and the Keep Calm and Carry On ones that are appropriate as I frantically prepare for a trip to Ireland.  The others are reminiscent of France. 

Cute collection of tea napkins.

Dan particularly enjoys visits from Jeanette who is fluent in French.  He can have a bit of conversation in French when she's here. 



Dan and Jeanette enjoying brunch.

After brunch, we sat out on the back patio, and it was a near perfect May day.  By mid-afternoon, we decided to have another cup of coffee (I enjoy my new toy) and I happened to remember I had these little chocolate crepe cookies that carried out the "French" theme for the day.


These are delicious little cookies.

Thank you Jeanette it was a perfectly delightful day!