Boating with my Blondes

Pardon my lack of blogging.  Summer is in full swing and that means I'd rather be outside than sitting in front of my computer any longer than I have to.  (Eight hours a day, five times at week at work really makes me hate computers ... Anyone else agree?)  But that doesn't mean I stop reading all of your lovely blogs on a daily basis!

Well TGIF! This is the first weekend since early May that I don't have plans.  I am thrilled to just relax, exercise, cook, shop, and clean!  Although, I must say, I have enjoyed each and every weekend that I have has plans.  Most recently, I had my two best friends from college (a.k.a. "the blondes") and their significant others visit me over the Fourth of July weekend at my parent's lake house.  We had the BEST time.  Everyone gets along so well and the food and beverages were great; and the weather . . . well, we couldn't have asked for better weather.

There was only one bad thing that happened during our fun fiesta - my friend Domestically Deficient, unfortunately lost her digital camera and photos to the bottom of the lake.  ;(  So sad.  But I guess that's what happens when footballs are flying in the air between boats and booze is being guzzled.  Her fiance was fabulous and immediately jumped overboard in an attempt to retrieve the dropped camera; but to not avail, it sunk.

I did take a few photos on my camera:

Tim made the BEST sangria ever!  It's safe to say it was a favorite by everyone.  We had this version of our favorite alcoholic beverage at Atlantic Fish Co., a seafood restaurant in Boston.  Our waiter gave us the recipe and now I'll share it with you because it is really oh-so-good ... and quite strong, I must add! (P.S. Sangria has a special place in my heart for Timmy because it was the drink we both ordered on our first date.  It's also the reason I say I went on a second date with him.)

Timmy's Sangria (adapted from Atlantic Fish Co. recipe):

-4 cups Chiraz red wine
-1 cup Lemon Bicardi
-1 cup Raz Vodka
-1 cup Peach Liquor
-1 cup Sprite
-1.5 cups fresh Lemonade
-Add lots of fresh fruit of your choice to the bottom of the container.  We used pineapple, grapes, peaches, apples, and oranges.
-Lots of ice to keep it cool

(And according to Timmy, eating the marinated fruit after the sangria is gone is part of the enjoyment.  Agreed!)

I hope everyone had a great four-day work week and enjoy the weekend!

~Dining Diva