Saturdays have always been synonymous with rest and recovery after long work weeks. However, these days, our Saturdays have taken on a delightful new rhythm. They’ve transformed into quiet, slow-moving days, where we have the luxury of setting our own agenda. Ever since it has become just the two of us, we’ve embraced a leisurely introduction to the weekend. But this Saturday we had a different pace. Kyndal was home, and Kenny made a special visit all the way from Chicago. To add to the joy, Dyson and Clara came over for a lovely visit as well. Our home was filled with laughter and warmth as we caught up with each other’s lives. And as the evening unfolded, we gathered with dear friends on the porch, indulging in homemade ice cream and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. This Saturday was a beautiful blend of togetherness, love, and the simple joys of life.
Our Saturday adventure began at the beloved Athens Farmer’s Market—a true local gem that never fails to delight. We eagerly explored the stalls, drawn to the vibrant array of offerings from nearby vendors. With supper and Sunday breakfast in mind, we carefully selected an assortment of delectable treats. Scones, fried pies, and a fragrant sourdough rosemary focaccia bread were destined to grace our table. The bounty continued as we filled our bags with cucumbers, squash, and zucchini, ensuring that our meals would be bursting with farm-fresh flavors. And of course, no visit to the market would be complete without indulging in jars of creamed honey, golden honey, and a tantalizing jar of peach bourbon jam. Our haul was a testament to the vibrant local food scene, capturing the essence of community, sustainability, and the pleasure of savoring nature’s bounty. Another favorite of the Farmer’s Market is running into so many familiar faces and catching up with people. It’s a challenge to go to the Farmer’s Market and need to be somewhere else at a specific time, especially, with our Mr. Mayor, but we had tickets to the 2nd Annual Tomato Festival and we needed to leave.
Sweet Pea Bakery- Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Moon and Stars Honey- Cinnamon Creamed Honey, and Orange Creamed Honey
Our next stop took us to the Maplewood Farms’ 2nd Annual Tomato Festival, where they entertained around 250 people. The sight of familiar faces brought smiles to our hearts, and we were thrilled to introduce Kenny to new friends he had yet to meet. One highlight of the festival was witnessing Kenny’s first taste of a classic tomato sandwich, a culinary delight that never fails to capture the essence of summer. As we explored the grounds, it became evident that Scott and Tammy had created a captivating oasis of mini-farm life. The vibrant array of vegetables, blooming flowers, and the cheerful presence of chickens and goats added an enchanting touch to the festivities. It was a joy to immerse ourselves in their world, spending precious moments in their neck of the woods while reconnecting with familiar faces and weaving new threads of friendship.
By the time lunchtime arrived, we had already experienced a day filled with adventure and connection. Upon returning home, we were delighted to find that Dyson and Clara had arrived, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Our conversations seamlessly transitioned to the porch, where we soaked up the warm afternoon sun and shared stories and laughter. Eventually, the decision was made to head to the gym, but Clara and I decided to stay back at the house. As we settled in, Mameese paid us a delightful visit, bringing an extra sprinkle of joy to our day. The afternoon unfolded in a leisurely manner, with porch sitting becoming the centerpiece of our activities. It was a treasured time of reconnecting, catching up, and simply enjoying the company of loved ones in a relaxed and cozy setting.
The perfect finale to our Saturday was a delightful treat of homemade ice cream. One of my favorite summer pastimes is experimenting with new recipes, and this week, we decided to indulge in the refreshing flavors of Orange Dreamsicle. As the evening settled in, the Cooks joined us for a visit and, of course, a taste of the creamy creation. The air was filled with laughter and warmth as we savored our ice cream, cherishing the time spent together, as we always do. The simple joy of sharing delicious treats with cherished friends made the night even more special, creating memories that will linger in our hearts long after the last spoonful of ice cream was savored.
Orange Dreamsicle Home-Made Ice Cream Recipe
