Our Flame Tree seems to have changed overnight. We had an early summer this year and I think we are getting an early Fall, too.

Today the Queen of England reached the milestone of being the longest reigning Monarch in U.K. history. She doesn’t want any fanfare.

We stood outside Buckingham Palace in September of 2013 on our trip with Josh and Laura. Long live the Queen! We were hoping that she’d make it to this milestone day.

Today is also Dear’s birthday and he would probably like a little fanfare so those of us on this side of the Cascade Mountain Range are getting together for a dinner celebration tonight. Our second MGCC cookbook Celebrations is opened to the pages that have my Sirloin Stroganoff with Buttered Noodles so I can follow the recipe…

Instead of green beans tonight we are going to have zucchini since we have one from Dan and Jamie’s garden to still make use of. That way something from their side of the mountains will be with us at the table.

Dear is the longest reigning King at this old house!

Happy Birthday Dear! Long may you reign with your love and kindness!