September planning weekend in RI

Another summer comes to an end and another weekend is spent in RI with my book group planning our year. Always a good time with good friends and lots of wonderful food. We started the day with a lunch spread of various salads- egg, tuna, ham and chicken (with cranberries and walnuts), three bean and wild rice salad and a yummy fruit salad. Chocolate chip cookies finished the meal. We then went to the beach which was quite nice for about an hour. Then the clouds rolled in. The waves were of good size and fun to jump. When everyone was chilled we went home for showers and happy hour. We started with a special drink - peach nectar with prosecco and blueberries and raspberries.

. It was a big hit and I think it will be the signature drink for our annual September gathering. Then we had our appetizers- cheeses, fruit,sliced pepperoni, stuffed sweet peppers (another hit- thank you Pinterest!)and kettle corn. One of our group always makes California rolls which not only looked beautiful but were incredibly delicious!

. There was a wedding at the Weekapaug Inn and we could hear the music which was a nice touch! When we finished our special drinks we sampled a couple of wines- strawberry rhubarb from Prince Edward Island, a chardonnay, a sauvignon and a rose. I loved the rose bottle and it has a home on my shelf with other wine bottles with intriguing labels.

. After my husband took the "annual" group picture we moved inside to a yummy meal of BBQ chicken (courtesy of my husband), a variety of salads and fresh bread. For dessert we had two pies, a cake and a peach galette. Stuffed! We did get our books selected and hosts determined and talked books. I had ordered book marks for each member and had tucked them at each napkin. Well received. There were even fireworks at the Weekapaug Inn which was a great way to end the evening. My husband was not only cook but waiter and dishwasher and made the weekend so easy for us. After stuffing ourselves we relaxed a bit before heading off to bed. Breakfast was carb loaded- ginger scones, apple cider donuts, fruit and yogurt and an oatmeal coconut blueberry bake dish. We decided that the oatmeal dish was good but would be even better with vanilla ice cream (for dessert).

. Another great, fun weekend with wonderful friends, food and conversation. We started our group in 1998- 18 years. Here is to another 18!