This Memorial Day Weekend had tough, cold, rainy weather for most of the time. Friday night I had fun hanging with some besties at Crystal Springs Minerals Tiki Moonshine Bar. Saturday morning I continued my annual Memorial Day tradition of doing a Facebook Live video from Green Valley Farms at The Green Valley Farms Professional Rodeo. We tried not to let the rain dampen our spirits. This definitely put a damper on many of my plans with my parents visiting me here in New Jersey this weekend. Many things I normally love bringing them to we couldn't do due to the cold rain. My parents always joke back and forth with me because for years I've been saying that Jersey is the Capital of kicking off Summer Weekends! They were less than amused when I had to turn my heat on after they arrived here Saturday afternoon. It was raining hard and only 48 degrees outside. We waited out the rain to unpack. We then ventured over to Industry Kitchen & Bar in Sparta. We were able to meet up with Girlfriend Brooks, and our Bestie Marky joined us. I'm happy to say we went five for five with our meals, they were all fantastic. They now have a Maine Lobster roll back on their menu. Last summer the very first day they added their lobster roll on the menu, was when I brought Madre and Padre here last year. We all agreed it was a sign from my late sister Suzanne, who absolutely loved lobster rolls. Madre got one to honor Zannie. It came out well.
I had a 14 oz NY Strip steak rare, and they nailed it. Redder is better for sure, and my steak was excellent. Padre and Brooks got RIGATONI BOLOGNESE which is Pat LaFrieda Blend, Rustic Tomato Ragu, Herb Whipped Ricotta, Aged Parmesan, Garlic Toast Points. Success! We had a great time at Industry. Friday afternoon I saw them in person making our reservation for 4:15pm that way it was dinner menu time, and it gave my parents just over a couple of hours to stretch out after their long car ride from Mansfield, Massachusetts to Vernon, New Jersey. Last year my reservations honestly weren't needed, as Memorial Day is typically a quiet weekend for restaurants. I was grateful that we did have reservations! Industry was pretty packed. The rain ended up being a good thing for some of our local restaurants at least.
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Saturday after Industry we were able to see some of our besties at Minerals Kite's. While we were bummed that it was too cold and raining for Tiki Bar, we were still able to enjoy time with friends at Kite's.
Sunday I wanted my parents to see where Girlfriend Brooks lives in Hackettstown. This was a two fold trip. We were able to show my parents where we like to grill and relax, and then we all went to lunch at Marley's Gotham Grill in Hackettstown. My wings were excellent. Again, everyone had great luck with their meals. Success. We then were able to go next door and get a couple jars of Kilhaney's Spicy Garlic Pickles. We LOVE them!
Sunday afternoon I was able to bring Madre and Padre to The Irish Cottage Inn and see several of our Cottage regular buddies. We had a great time, and even stayed for one round of Music Bingo.
Sunday night we were able to wrap up our weekend at Kite's seeing more besties. Great times with Sally, Douglioso, Brendan, and more!
Monday morning while I was sleeping my parents got to see a big bear walking by my deck. I'm very happy they were able to see one while they were here, especially at a nice, safe distance away.
Monday the big project wasn't too bad at all. We brought a bureau from my Grammy's home to my place. This worked out fantastic, the maple matches my other bureau and it looks like they have both always been there.
When I was at my Grammy's house during their estate sale recently, I saw a beautiful American Flag. This was given to my late Uncle Joe for his service. I wanted it immediately, even without knowing exactly where it would fit at my tiny, cozy place. Now with the new bureau, the American Flag fits there perfectly. I'm very proud to honor and preserve his memory all at the same time, while I have a really cool new American Flag.
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My weekend started with a Facebook Live video adventure with my friends at Bearded Baby Que. You can enjoy that video and me making a mess of myself like usual. I highly recommend them!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Epic Weekend In Pictures. Time to start planning next weekend!