Fishing, Tranquility and Patty Melts

We left yesterday for a quick 24 hours at the farm and honestly, I could have used another day or two... the beauty is that it's only one hour away so we can enjoy trip after trip when the boys' sports schedules allow us to go.  We fed horses, rode dirt bikes and four wheelers, pet the horses, watched the chickens, hiked the trails, fished, enjoyed a glass of wine on the front porch... We did all the things that make us all unwind from the craziness of city life.  Yesterday afternoon Brooke and I walked down to the pond where the boys were fishing...

 

 I love this picture because it reflects how quiet and tranquil it really is. 

 

Brooke and I were frolicking along the bank looking at the fish that Matt and the boys were reeling in.  Then very quickly, Brooke felt heavy on my shoulder as she fell asleep.  I found a shady spot on the bank and enjoyed watching her sleep in my lap.

 

I'm a busy body by nature.  My mom genetically handed this down to me.  We have a hard time sitting still, she and I...this is the case for me unless I am exhausted (which is often) - and then I can really sit still - which usually leads to sleep.  Anyway - I soooo enjoyed sitting on the bank with a sleeping Brooke and watching and listening to the boys fish.  I was forced (happily and willingly) to sit and enjoy my surroundings.  First of all, it's so quiet up there at the farm.  No traffic, no planes, no noise except for the sounds of nature (and the occasional gun shot of nearby hunters)... Have you ever had your power go out and you suddenly realize how loud all the sounds of your house were?  And before the power went out, you didn't even realize how much sound was filling your ears - that's how being at the farm is... it's God's country, really... and just as the landscape is so peaceful, so does this peace fill your spirit when you're there. 

I watched the boys cast line after line and reel them in - sometimes catching a fish, sometimes not.  When they'd catch one, the other would run over to help get it off the line.  I love this picture of the boys working together....

I was filled with peace and joy yesterday afternoon sitting on the bank with my family.  And Papa, if you're reading this, I must say a big THANK YOU for sharing this wonderful and amazing place with us.  Even though most of the time when we're there, you are in Atlanta, everywhere we go, your spirit is there and we think about how much you must enjoy your time at the farm.  Our boys are slowly becoming men at Whispering Pines Farm - they are learning how to do all these outdoorsy type things like fish and drive a four-wheeler, drive a dirt bike, ride a horse, etc. - but they're learning life lessons like what they can accomplish when they work together, what it means and involves to take care of their things (washing the dirt bike and four wheeler when they're done), what it means to respect animals - they're size and power...

They're learning what life without technology is like.. and I'm loving that they're experiencing and FEELING that.  They're learning to think beyond just themselves.  Papa, thank you for these memories that we're making and for all the growing up that is taking place when we're there.  Our experiences are priceless...

 



 

 



Back at home now - laundry going, pouring down rain outside, Matthew is on the baseball field and Champ, Brooke and I are heading out shortly to watch him.  Life is wonderful - it truly is...

This rainy weather reminds me of a dish I made a few weeks ago - Patty Melts!  They were easy, delicious, comforting, and GREAT for a weeknight meal.  Instead of regular whole wheat bread, I used our Rudi's brand gluten free bread and we devoured them.  First, I sautéed the onions.

 

Then I made patties out of hamburger meat, Worcestershire and salt and pepper.  We grilled them but with patty melts, usually you cook them in a skillet.  Then we added Swiss Cheese and onions and cooked the whole sandwich (buttered) in a skillet...

 

Look at how golden brown the bread is!  DELICIOUS, I tell you!  Enjoy!

 

Click here for the recipe.