Entertaining by the Pool!

In just a few months, or perhaps a little longer, we will be in the new Texas house. This is our going to be our very first time to have a swimming pool, which we are so looking forward to. I mean, after living in Texas for twenty years without a pool, we knew this was a must have on our wish list. I have already been gathering inspirational ideas for our new outdoor living space and plan to look back on these ideas for planning purposes. From the front porch or outside foyer, to the cool oasis in the back, it's going to be a welcoming place to gather....with family......at last!

Lady Banks’s roses atop the cabana make it a secluded and shady spot.

The flagstone terrace is both neutral and natural. Allowing the foliage to look a bit

overgrown adds a dash of romance

Clematis vines  provide a sense of enclosure. Mother always had a Clematis growing.

You can mask the chatter of neighbors and drown out road noise with running water.

The trickle of running water can also make a space seem cooler that it really is, and a simple fountain may be all that is needed to get the same effect.

Randomly placed stepping-stones crafted from local granite lead to this front porch’s wide steps. Hand-hewn posts and railings, along with graceful brackets, are crafted from regionally harvested locust wood to further enhance this cottage’s connection to the land. Local fieldstone clads the porch walls. The Perfect Texas Ranch Style look!

Estelle's has reminded me of a few old Mississippi southern family favorites to serve on a hot summer day! We can't wait for a summer birthday and a pool party! Oh lord.....I better get in shape for bathing suit weather! Times a' wastin'!

 

CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE

1 stick of butter

2 sticks margarine

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

6 eggs

3 cups sugar

3 cups cake flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons brandy extract

2 teaspoons rum extract

2 teaspoons lemon extract

Cream butter and margarine. Add cream cheese and continue to cream. Add sugar and cream until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and flavorings. Bake 1 hour and 15 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

STRAWBERRY BANANA TOPPING FOR POUND CAKE

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ cup light rum

3 medium bananas, sliced

10 fresh strawberries, cut in half

Melt butter in a skillet or medium pan. Add sugar, lemon juice, and rum; stir well. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves (2 to 3 minutes). Add bananas and strawberries, and cook until bananas are soft, but not mushy.

TEA PUNCH

7 regular tea bags

2 cups sugar

1 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate

1 12-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate

1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate

Brew tea according to directions. Pour into 1 gallon container. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the 3 fruit concentrates and stir until dissolved. Add enough water to make 1 gallon.