Surprise Party

 Today was a busy day and it started early. the tables had been set last night but I didn't post picture of them as I was afraid Aunt Jinnie would see the picture.

I had beans soaking to make ham and bean soup. They had to be used today so a big pan of water was put to boil with the big ham bone and lots of beans. There was no walk as Diane and Rachel left early for Gulf Shores and Ruth was coming later today to bring mom over to the barn. Right after breakfast I went to the barn to start preparing the lunch but had to stop to see the huge mushrooms Mark found in the yard I put them in salt water then went to the barn. Berlica and Mackenson came with the mowers.

Berlica found another big handful of mushrooms while she was mowing and took those to her mom to cook. Today was the surprise welcome back party for Aunt Jinnie. LuEllen picked up Aunt Jinnie and no one said a word to her. Joan, Bethany, Ruth and Rhonda helped get the food on the table. 

Joan told us that they found mushrooms on the way over to the barn between the drive and the field. Then Spark came in carrying more mushrooms.

The weather has been perfect to grow them large and delicious.

The quilters quilted until after 11:00 am then told Aunt Jinnie, there is no coffee or treat today and all of them quickly drove away. Aunt Jinnie was a little shocked that they were quitting so early but thought maybe this is the new schedule. When they pulled up she could see there were people inside and came to the door a little hesitant, asking, "am I invited!" Just then everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!" The party is for YOU!  Skip had the prayer and then it was time to feast.

A good time was had by all. I asked them if anyone wanted the bouncy house blown up and right away Daisy and Anni raised their hands.

They had fun on that while the women cleaned up the kitchen. We took a couple golf cart rides for those wanting to see the new foals. After everyone left Berlica brought Missy and Cookie out to the round pen. Joshua and William both climbed to the top rail.

I went in to finish the soup but found I had no carrots. I thought about asking if anyone had some then decided to just drive to Aldi and pick up a couple pounds along with some coconut milk for Mark. I met Joan N on the way in. She too had just stopped in for a couple items. The mushrooms Mark found this morning were dipped in an egg and milk mixture and fried up in cracker crumbs for our supper along with a bowl of soup. That soup was finished, it had been simmering most of the day and was ready to eat.

I took a quart over to mom's house, then put the rest in quart containers to cool down quicker so they could be put in the fridge tonight and the freezer tomorrow. It is now after 9:00 pm and I am more than ready for bed. Thankful for another wonderful day.