………….It was so nice to have the girls come up for the day, sleep over, and stay the next day before they had to go. No one wanted to leave, and I didn’t want them to leave either!…….I have to say it was a brutally hot day, but it was one of the most spectacular looking days I have ever seen and that’s saying a lot. We were supposed to get a horrific rain, lightning and thunderstorm that evening. It never happened….. All day the sky had the most incredible cloud formations of big white billowing clouds, constantly changing, but the sun was always there and the sky was a sparkling blue…….Upon arrival, about 1pm, after a 3 hour drive from PA, we started with ice cold white wine, and vodka mixed with lemonade and or ice tea….The problem with these drinks is they go down so easily!!!! I had a lunch ready….lots of finger foods. I got them settled in their bedrooms where I had some surprises waiting for them, and then we went to eat. After lunch we toured the house and grounds. Chantal and Angela had been here before at Christmas time when everything was decorated, but Kate had never been to my house and just loved everything. Of course the girls had never seen the gardens, and outside in the summer was so different from their experience in the winter……About 4pm. Lou came over to take care of Sammy and Lily and he took some videos of us which I have posted. We stayed out side by the water until dinner….it was just so beautiful. The sky was putting on a show, but after TWO…..let me repeat TWO RAINBOWS appeared, we all knew it was Jac who was putting on this spectacular for us, and it was a spectacle……I can’t tell you how every second the sky was changing and how the sun was reflecting off the clouds in a way that they looked lit from within. These lit clouds were in turn reflecting onto the water!..Any moment I expected a space ship to burst out of them…….Very Steven Spielberg!! The girls decided to have a photo shoot. Kate got dressed in a beautiful long flowing print chiffon dress with a halter-ish top with scattered sequins. Chantal and Angela took turns directing and photographing Kate. It was fun to watch from my red rocking chair…..drink in hand…..Then Kate and Angela photographed Chantal and then it was Angela’s turn to be photographed. I must say some of the pics were really incredible and we all gave Angela the award for best photos taken, but it was close. Stupid me was enjoying what was going on so much I missed the opportunity to take candid shots of them! I will have to ask them to send me pics! As it started to get dark we sat on the rockers and the slate steps, Vodkas and wines in hand, and watched the clouds in the distance and the bright moon above. There were lightning streaks in the distant clouds. What a light show! Thank you Jac……. About 9pm we all decided we were hungry enough for my dinner which I cooked!!! Since it was so hot I decided on a cold dinner. I had my three bean salad, cucumber salad, tri colori pasta salad with broccoli, black olives, multi color small tomatoes and tiny mozzarella balls, tossed with a zesty Italian dressing. I also made poached salmon with mayonnaise and dill on the side. Everything was delicious if I say so myself. I think ….no….I know I shocked the girls with my culinary skills…….They were all from Jac’s receipts, but I think I knocked it out of the park. For desert I made my Oreo double chocolate cookie crust cheese cake with fresh whipped cream and cut up strawberries. Chantal made a huge carrot cake with cream cheese frosting….Yummy. The girls had seconds of everything….I was so happy…………….We talked and talked until almost 2am. We know each other for so so long, but we never have the time to really sit and talk. Yes, we had dinners together, but to sit on the floor with our drinks and talk and laugh together, telling lots of stories was really a treat and a closer bonding experience for us all. I wish Jac was there. Jac actually had more opportunity to talk with the girls and get closer to them than I did, so this was a long time coming……Then we all decided it was time to go to bed………not…….Giggling, giggling and laughing filled the house. Kate heard noises and was afraid….the house is over 100 years old….there were going to be noises…..She thought the hissing sound was a snake. She had seen the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” and mentioned the scene when the snake slithers into Diane Lanes bedroom. So they had to investigate, at 2 in the morning, to see what this sound was. The air conditioner was on but the room wasn’t getting cool….very strange. They discovered all of the windows facing the water were wide open. The white linen curtains were covering them so no one realized they were open. Once they were closed the hissing sound was gone [still don’t really know what that was from?], and everyone went to bed……..The next morning I made a pot of strong coffee, and one by one les femme arrived…I had made a big bowl of mixed fruit salad which was so refreshing and perfect for a hot morning…..They had a great day. We went off on an excursion, got home about 1pm, lingered over lunch, and then off they went…..happy as clams!….Boy did my house get quiet quick. My girls had such a good time with their auntie Angela, Chantal and Kate that when it was over they looked at me with the expression of….what happened, where is everyone……..They promised the next trip wouldn’t be long from now…….I look forward to seeing them again at Chez Louie!
What a wonderful memory to be going forward with. YOU, clearly, are the perfect host. I’d have been in bed for two days after all THAT prep work! You all look so happy and relaxed, which is how it should be in August by the Sound with close and loving friends surrounding you. And, yes; Lou does look like he could be your son. He is a great blessing, I’m sure. May we all come out of this storm that has engulfed us into safe port once again. Continue to take good care of yourself.
Looks like a great time was had by all .Thanks for sharing.
Stay safe on the shore with Isaias coming!
Louis
Sounds like you and all the girls had a wonderful time and that you were the perfect host and chef.
I’m glad they will make a return visit.
Sarah
Thank you for sharing this with us! Looks like you and the girls had a nice visit together. I know I’m not alone in saying we miss your shows with the girls, so it was great to read about your time with them and see all the fun pics. 😊
By the way, your menu sounds delicious!
Another fabulous day in paradise. Looks like you’ve found some good, good friends. God bless you, Louis.
Sounds like a visit none of you will ever forget! Thanks for including us fans — it’s great to see the ladies outside the tv studio.
So lovely to see Kate, Chantal and Angela!!! And I think we finally saw a picture of Franco?! Good to put a handsome face to his name. Thank you for all your descriptions and pictures. I felt like I was there too! Love the pics of the girls in their jammies having coffee. So adorable! It sounds like you are turning into a fine cook, Louis. (I am FINALLY making cheesecake today and have planned on it since you talked about yours….but I’m trying it in my Ninja Foodi.)
Goodness, between this and your wonderful Facebook show, it has been an eventful and wonderful few days for all! Lots of love and hugs!
Your visit with your “other girls” must have been so much fun. Reading your description made me feel I was there (it was almost as though I took the trip and visited). Thank you for sharing. Your hot-weather menu excited my taste buds. Somehow, I feel Jac was present, enjoying the moment along with all of you. Great fun!
Louis, Happiness is time spent with good Friends! Looks like everyone was happy!
Loved your post!
Seka.