Retirement Party

Yesterday my husband and I threw a garden party in our backyard to celebrate our retirement this year. We had about 70 people stop by to extend their congratulations and enjoy old fashioned hotdogs, snocones, salads, drinks, and sunshine. It was so fun to greet friends, people we have worked with, and family. Our backyard is very shady and was perfect for a warm summer afternoon. The snocones were a great cooling dessert. How fun it is to be able to eat all the snocones you could possibly want. We also had beer, lemonade, and of course iced tea. I made several gallons of Monk's Blend iced tea. Someone said that is the best iced tea they had ever had. Tim, our son, was the chief hotdog cooker and snocone maker. Friends could have their picture taken sitting behind the red convertible. On each table I placed a vintage tablecloth from my collection. I love seeing them out in the yard for special occasions. This was a special occasion.

In the bowl you will see Martha's (Stewart) Watermelon Salad. It is always a hit on a summer afternoon.

1 teaspoon peeled and finely grated ginger
Juice of 1 1/2 to 2 limes (about 1/3 cup)
1 tablespoon honey
1 whole seedless watermelon cut in 1 inch chunks

In a small bowl, combine ginger, lime juice, and honey.
Place watermelon in a bowl or serving platter, and
drizzle with lime mixture. Serve immediately.