Aperol Spritz

Here's a refreshing summer aperitivo:

Left- right Aperol Spritz, Campari and Soda

Several Italian regions lay claim to the origins of the Spritz. In fact, the proportions and the ingredients differ vastly from area to area. While Venetians might use Aperol and Prosecco, Paduans might mix still white wine with Campari. Here is a version with Aperol and sparkling wine. Whether you use still or sparkling wine, or your bitter apéritif is Aperol, Campari, or Cynar, top it with soda water and you’ve got a Spritz.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Aperol 3 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled Sparkling mineral water or club soda, chilled 1 lemon or orange slice In an ice-filled rocks glass, stir together the Aperol, Prosecco and club soda. Garnish with the lemon or orange twist.

The Cottage Restaurant

Breakfast with my cousins

One sunny morning two weeks ago I met up for breakfast in Laguna Beach with my cousin Pati from Vermont and her daughter Emi. We planned to rendezvous at "The Cottage Restaurant".*

The outdoor patio looked inviting but we chose the cheery, sunny enclosed

porch area of the cottage.

Pati and Barb

Emi just completed her year long adventure in Portland Oregon and is now heading home to Vermont for grad school.

We three had a lovely few hours catching up before they departed on their cross country drive home to Vermont.

Goodluck as you begin your graduate studies Emi!

As I left the Cottage I walked through the pretty neighborhood to my car.

Love the bright colors of the bouganvillea.

So many lush tropical plants...

and of course there is nothing lovelier for my eyes than to see the blue waters of the Pacific ocean on a lovely summerlike morning.

*The Cottage Restaurant

308 North Coast HighwayLaguna Beach, CA 92651-1628

http://www.thecottagerestaurant.com/menus.html

The Cottage Restaurant is located in a historic beach cottage that was built in the classic style of 1917. In 1964 this residence became the home of the Cottage Restaurant. It is situated in beautiful Laguna Beach California.

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"Slow down and enjoy life.

It's not only the scenery you miss

by going too fast--

you also miss the sense of where you are going

and why." -unknown

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""Everything that slows us down and forces patience.

Everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature,

is a help.

Gardening is an instrument of grace."May Sarton

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“I could eat you up I love you so.”
- Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are

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"Women don't care if it's paper or scissors,
Rock always wins!" -Simon G