we had company

we enjoyed a quick visit from my mother (donna) and sister (valerie) this week. charlie found an unexpected playmate in my mother. we made a pamida run, saw a nifty weedeater, courtesy of our neighbor, and had some excellent grilled chicken and strawberry pie. a good time was had by all - though we won't mention scrabble for awhile...they left yesterday morning on the next leg of their trip - sioux city to visit my brother (aaron). i'm taking it for granted that they had a good time there, as well.

this is for andrea:



this is for donna:




today, among other things, the lawn got mowed, charlie swam in the canal and tim experimented with some of his fresh basil. we have garlic roasting on the grill as we speak (so to speak)
(be sure to "click to enlarge" so you can see the lovely grill lines and basil flakesmmmmmm)

this is grilled sirloin featuring a basil/garlic marinade and a dipping sauce (served warm) made from:

steep together:
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
6 fresh basil leaves

add:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tomato pureed
2 tbsp fresh grated parmesan
1 tbsp minced garlic
flavor with a sprinkle of paprika, red pepper flakes, simmer to reduce to a thickness similar to barbeque sauce. mmmmm