Celebrating Three!

June 20th...three years old! Today, we celebrate the birthday of Grandbaby Luke! This child has brought more joy to us than we can possible say. Although we could not be in Atlanta this year to join in the festivities, we will be celebrating next month when Luke comes to The Maine House! Grandma and Papa presented Buddy Boy with a new outside play grill as he loves to imitate his Daddy in all things, from lawn equipment, to power mowers, tractors, drills, diggers...to golf clubs and carts...to the basement workshop...to cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers during football season! Then it's" Mommie and Me" time for reading, cooking, cleaning and bathtime! Everyday we give thanks for this darling boy and all the laughter and love he brings into our lives!

A Maine House Mosaic

Estelle's makes a delicious Cocoa-Cola cake and

 we plan on having one ready when the gang arrives

 from Atlanta and from Texas.

This is a perfect dessert for summer and for taking along on picnics!

Estelle's Southern Cocoa-Cola Cake

1 cup butter

1/3 cup cocoa

1 cup cola soft drink

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/3 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Remove from heat. Combine flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl; stir in butter mixture. Add eggs, and stir until blended. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, and marshmallows. Pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350º for 25 to 30 minutes or until a pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven; spread Chocolate Coca-Cola Icing over warm cake.

Chocolate Coca-Cola Icing

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa

1/3 cup cola soft drink

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, and pecans. Spoon immediately over warm cake.

The Divine Miss M provided us with the fabulous and most

 delicious summer Potato Salad.

It will be the perfect accompaniment to our

hamburger and hot dog picnic by the Maine shoreline!

Estelle's Summer Veggie Potato Salad
2 1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup whole buttermilk

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise with olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 carrots, grated

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup sliced radishes

1/2 cup steamed, cut fresh green beans

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 garlic clove, minced

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 Bring potatoes and salted water to cover to a boil in a large saucepan; reduce heat, and simmer 7 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Place potatoes in a large bowl; sprinkle with vinegar and oil, and toss gently. Cool completely (about 1 hour). Whisk together buttermilk and next 3 ingredients. Stir in carrots and next 6 ingredients; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon buttermilk mixture over potato mixture; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours before serving.

 

Pooh says that he can read things if Christopher Robin explains what they say first. This seems to suggest that perhaps Owl's spelling is not as good as we had previously thought.

So Owl wrote...and this is what he wrote:
HIPY PAPY BTHETHDTH THUTHDA BTHUTHDY

Pooh looked on admiringly.

"I'm just saying 'A Happy Birthday'," said Owl carelessly.

"It's a nice long one," said Pooh, very much impressed by it.

“If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart,

 I'll stay there forever”