We don’t do a lot of balloons and fanfare for birthdays around our house, but we do celebrate the lives of those we love with a birthday dinner and that’s what we did for my dad last Sunday, the 14th for his 86th birthday. I wanted to host at my house this time, since we just finished up the porch and it only seemed fitting to have the party right there on the porch, enjoying the fruits of our labor. Last year, I wrote a whole post about my sweet Daddy, so if you missed that, go back and catch up. I know he has a lot of fans on my blog!
I finally got my dad on video too, so don’t miss that at the end of the post, it’s a good one! Short and sweet!
We decided to do a simple Summer fare of hamburgers on the grill. I just got a new grill out on my little deck and it’s cute as can be. Thanks to my Lowes giftcards, I was able to get myself a grill just the right size.
I wanted to share my dad actually relaxing now that most of the porch is done and it was a happy day to be able to gather on my new porch and eat a meal together outside. Dad was enjoying his iced tea.
Southern style, on the porch in the rocking chair.
I brought a box fan out there to add some breeze to the day, but it actually ended up being a nice and breezy day after all. Very comfortable on the porch. My dad likes how I decorated the porch, but he thinks I have way too much stuff out there. I told him I love it just like it is and he’s glad for that! He just wouldn’t want it on his porch.
Here’s my new little Char-Broil grill from Lowes. It’s a perfect fit out here, just the right size for me and my little deck.
My brother-in-law, Bruce, was manning the grill for me. He’s a pro at grilling!
My sister, Renee and my roommate, Rhonda, relaxing and talking. Renee brought Buster, their Boston Terrier over to play with Cody and they got along great.
Here’s Cody, the rascal dog and he belongs to Rhonda. He loves me and waits for me to get up every morning! Isn’t he a cutie? He’s a Bichon/Yorkie mix and really fun.
We had all the fixins ready for hamburgers, with fresh sliced homegrown tomatoes.
Mom and dad fixing their plate. Do ya’ll say “fixing your plate”. I know that is a Southern thing, but that’s what we say around here. It probably makes no sense to anyone else but us.
Eating around the table. We had hamburgers, roasted in the oven red herbed potatoes, cole slaw, and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Yes, it was yummy!
Renee and Rhonda wishing I wouldn’t take their pic while they were eating. You can see by the striped curtain what a breezy day it was.
Bruce and Renee.
That delish peach cobbler that my mom made. I know you all are going to want her recipe, so I promise I’ll find out how she makes her peach cobbler. It really is so good!
Peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.
Dad is a sweet-aholic and really enjoys his desserts and my mom happily obliges his sweet tooth.
Dad and mom laughing on the way out the door. They were headed up to their mountain house for a few days to work in the garden up there and enjoy some time on their mountain house porch.
Happy Birthday to the best man I’ve ever known, my sweet Daddy! I took a short little video of him on the spur of the moment, so you all can see the personality behind the still pics. He’s quite the character, our dad and can make everyone laugh at the drop of a hat. Enjoy the video!
Happy Birthday to your Dad! I miss mine every day, so enjoy him!
I don’t think “fixing their plate” is a southern thing as much as “I am fixin’ to *insert what you are going to do here*” is. My New Jersey born and bred grandpa said it all the time.
Oh my goodness you need to put that video somewhere where you will never lose it! Priceless! Your daddy is a precious, precious man! And still goin’ strong at 86! The cookout looked so fun and I know he enjoyed it. That video was also the first time I have heard your voice as well, Rhoda! Just loved it. I’m a Georgia girl, too, and still am, and yes, we always say “fixin’ to do this or fixin’ to do that.” Love your blog and your porch has turned out just fabulous!
Happy Birthday to your awesome Dad! May God continue to bless him abundantly.
Vanessa
So nice! Happy Birthday Mr. Rhoda’s Dad!
What a treasure to have that video of your parents! They are so blessed to have such good health and you are so blessed to have them. I hope that he had a very happy birthday!
Your mom & daddy are real sweethearts. And yes….I do say “fixing”, that’s just a good old southern word.
fixing to rain
fixing my plate
fixing to go to bed
As always, you have a wonderful family and thank you for sharing them with us.
I just had to say how very sweet both your Dad and Mom are… I just love when you post about them and see you Dad helping you like he’s a 25 year old young man. You are so lucky to have such wonder parents. I have not seen my Dad since christmas day when I was 16 years old, and my Mom passed away 2 years ago the very day I moved to Georgia from NJ to live closer to her. You are so very blessed to have such wonderful parents. Enjoy every moment of everyday with this wonderful couple. Thank you so much for sharing your journey of making your house a home with the help of this wonderful man!
It seems like you never really “know” someone until you’ve heard their voice. What a treat to have gotten to finally “meet your folks”, Rhoda! Celebrating on that wonderful porch of yours was the perfect end to a really great house renewing project. I’ve enjoyed every step of the journey right along with you! Happy Birthday to your Daddy and may God Bless you all abundantly!
You are very blessed to still have both your parents. I loved listening to your dad visit with you. My parents were from Arkansas, and I so loved to listen to southern accents!! Thank you for sharing your special day with us!
Happy Belated Birthday to your sweet Dad!! My family also says “Fix your plate” so I definitely understand what you are talking about. We are from KY so it definitely is a Southern thing.
What a great man, lucky you! Love your blog, love you for keeping it “real”. You always seem to make my day a little brighter.
Happy Birthday to your Dad from the Big Apple! (Love the video!)
What a great day! The peach cobbler sounds wonderful so I’ll look forward to that recipe for sure! Yes, I say “fixing your plate” and my boyfriend laughs me every time!
LOL!!!! Your Daddy is a “hoot” 🙂 I know you feel so blessed to have such wonderful and supportive parents! Such a blessing to still have them in your lives. I feel the same way! I still have mine and I’m grateful for everyday I get to be with them. What a wonderful celebration and Happy Birthday to your Daddy! p.s. we say “fix your plate”, too!!!!!! It’s a wonderful southern thang, ya know! 🙂 Take care, Cindy
Rhoda,
Thank you so much for sharing your Dad’s “special 86th birthday” with us as well as the precious video! He is such a sweet, sweet man and reminds me so much of my Dad who I lost almost 5 years ago. Our families are truly “treasures” and we must “celebrate” with them as often as possible. We never know when God will decide to take them “to that glorious place”. God Bless you and your family and please wish your Dad a happy belated birthday from me. My birthday was July 7th so I have a special place in my heart for him. Hugs, Deb
Rhoda, how great to see you all finally RELAXING on your wonderful porch! The video of your dad is such fun! I look forward to your doing little videos more often!
And I’ll take some of that peach cobbler that your precious mom made!
So nice to see him “not” working for a wee while! Fun day, eh? Glad he enjoyed it.
How blessed you are that your parents are healthy and active at their age. I really enjoy your posts about them. And for the record, I’m from KY, now in TN, and we definitely “fix a plate” of food here!
That video made my day. He is such a clever minx. You are such a lucky lady to have your parents in your life. I know you treasure every moment. I love the porch!
Happy birthday to your Dad! Your parents are wonderful.