Alright. Who’s the one who took this picture of me in our kitchen!? It’s pretty clear it’s me, right down to the blue fuzzy star robe and slippers. The cute black dog attached to hims momma’s hip kinda gave it away too. This is literally what my slow mornings look like at home. Messy bun, crazy face while sipping on some hot tea. Fresh flowers and a bible to start my day. I love the slower mornings like this. Kids are still asleep, while my hubby watches his shows in the living room. Mornings at home with family are the best mornings.
My most favorite mornings look a little like this, though. It’s a hot summer day. OK, let’s stop right there. I don’t DO hot. That’s not my favorite, but it’s just a part of the season. I wake up to the sound of a boat riding up the Susquehanna River. The birds are chirping, and the sunbeams are shining through the camper windows. I can start to feel the warmth of the sun on the window above my pillow. Time to get up.
Chris is sipping on his coffee up on the riverbank. I throw my muumuu on, put on flip-flops, and head up to see him and Bear. You really didn’t think I was going to walk out in a thick fuzzy robe in July, did you? Girllllll, if you never tried on a muumuu, now is your time to start. Heaven in summer. So light and cooling. Plus, you don’t need pants! I mean, helloooo! Winner, winner chicken dinner baby! Our river neighbors? Meh. We have seen it all. We are all like family up there. I mean, once you see someone in a bathing suit all summer long, what’s some pjs? Am I right or am I right?
Can I just say quickly, though, that we are very, very blessed with the best river lot neighbors!? I have had a few different river lots growing up. My grandparents’ river lot, which was ours until I was in my twenties. That molded me into the river rat I am. Born and raised. They had nice neighbors, but gave it up as they got older. When Chris and I got married, we had two different lots, but our neighbors were meh — nothing to rave about. Plus, the parking was AWFUL! Then we finally moved to this perfect spot we are in, and I have to say it’s my favorite. I can’t believe we have had our lot for thirteen years now. Hard to believe, but we have made some amazing friendships throughout the years. The Flicks are right next door to us, and they would do absolutely anything for us. Our kids are the same age, too — truly great, genuine people.
Then next to them is our crazy, fun family bunch! The Lukowskys, Smiths, Kiesslings, and the Caverlys. They are the warmest, most welcoming group of people you would ever want to find, and we just love them to pieces! I’m going to share a story later on about how we met, and a hilarious story with the Smiths right after we met them. Maybe next week I’ll share that. But even clear down from them, we just enjoy everyone on our lane. We really have the best spot and are so thankful to the Dunlaps for this little piece of property that we love so much.
Now, as I walk up to my hubby in my muumuu, I love our quiet mornings along the river. It’s truly heaven on earth. Before it gets too hot, we like to start our brunch. Man, do we love our breakfast! On weeks we are up there longer, I tend to make things ahead, but most of the cooking is done on our Blackstone. There are so many different menus we enjoy having, and I want to share a new one with you. As we are in summer, some mornings are a little slower for people. Others may be busier. So whatever your schedule, this truly is a great, easy recipe.
We really need to slow down. Stop. Grab a hot cup of joe. Wear the muumuu. Read the bible. Pick the flowers. Watch the sun glisten off a body of water on an early morning. Listen to the birds chirping while enjoying a picnic breakfast at your favorite spot, wherever that may be.
Your back patio. Beside your pool. On the riverbank. Lakeside. Picnic table near your beautiful garden. Listen, we pick our joy in life. Others may not get the waking-up-along-the-river therapy as I do, but it’s what brings me so much joy. Others may be waking up to the ocean! That for sure doesn’t do it for me, but that’s why each of us has to CREATE our own happiness. Why do simple things like this bring us joy? Life is what you make it. Don’t take this summer for granted. Slow down. Make time for family and enjoy our happy place. Life is too short not to. Thank the Lord for each day given. Tomorrow is never promised. Happy Summer, everyone!
Breakfast Bars
Ingredients:
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups frozen Southern-style hash browns
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 lb. cooked loose sausage or 2 cups of cooked ham
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/7 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350.
Grease an 8×11-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Mix hash browns, eggs, meat, cheese, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Spread evenly.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until the top starts to brown, about 40 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
