The Cousin, The Beach & Goodbyes...

Another weekend bites the dust...it was a good one. I got off at 3 on Friday, which was completely awesome. I picked Shane up and hit the Food Kitty and then headed on home. Rob's cousin Billy and his wife Linda were visiting for the weekend. So, when they arrived at Rob's parents house, we went over and had a drink with them. We headed back home to have Matt & Teresa over for dinner...we had the most fabulous tuna dish--I wish I had taken a picture of the tuna all laid out on the platter, it was gorgeous--I made a garlic-tomato-rosemary topping for it and it was delish. I also made some amazing potatoes, White Cheddar & Tarragon--I'll share the recipe:

GRATIN OF POTATOES WITH WHITE CHEDDAR & TARRAGON

3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/8" rounds
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. grd. black pepper
2 1/2 tsp. dried Tarragon

1 1/2 c. (packed) grated white cheddar (6 oz.)
1 c. whipping cream
1 c. dry white wine
Preheat oven to 400. Spray 9 x 13 baking dish. Layer 1/3 potatoes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with 1/3 salt & pepper. Sprinkle with 1/3 Tarragon, then 1/3 cheese. Repeat layering 2 more times. Whisk cream & wine in bowl to blend. Pour over potatoes. Bake uncovered until tender (about 1 hr.) Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

The tarragon went awesomely with the tuna. I think this dish will go on a regular rotation when we have guests. It was simple and easy...I guess pretty much anything that has wine in it is okay in my book :) On Saturday, I got some chores done in the morning, then we headed over to the beach. Nancy & Marty were there, so we hung out with them. Rob & Billy did some clamming...they caught more clams than I can remember anyone catching that close to the shore since Rob got his rake. Shane had a blast with Linda, Billy's wife. She played with him nearly all day long! Saturday night, we had dinner with Billy & Linda and Rob's parents at their place. Rob cooked a fabulous london broil on his charcoal grill--in the rain. We stood and watched a storm develop right over us--it was an awesome sight! The clouds were rolling and swirling and there was thunder and lightning---a pretty cool show...Shane fell asleep at the dinner table, so we finished our plates and went on home and hit the sack. By Sunday, we were so worn out! We lazed around in the morning, then Matt & Teresa came to say their goodbyes...Sad for us, but I know they will be back! I hope they know they always have a home in Bavon with us :) After they left, we decided since it was so nice out, we should hit the beach for a few, so we went over for a couple hours and hung out with Marty & Nancy. Then back to the house where we watched the Incredible Hulk and the first Harry Potter movie. And now, here we are, Monday again...ugghh! I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Shane & Cousin Billy

Storm that come through on Saturday night (taken with my cell, so not that great)