On July 4th, Ammon and I took a little road trip with my mom down to Gulf Breeze - for a quick little vacation at Chez Salmon. As my dear friend told me long ago: “I will feed you well and entertain you even better.” And she couldn’t have been more correct.
We arrived in time to enjoy a divine dinner with the Salmons - rotisserie chicken (a throwback to our recent trip to Orlando with Amber, which you, my readers, may read about before 2057), yummy potatoes, green bean casserole and watermelon - followed by fireworks over the bay. And before bed - there was that homemade strawberry shortcake with home-whipped cream and ice cream. Yes ... you read that right.
The next day threatened rain - but ended up favoring us with sunny skies. A lazy morning, blueberry muffins for breakfast and lasagna and salad for lunch, with the ‘look of love’ courtesy of our favorite Mr. Darcy in the afternoon - made for just about the most perfect day.
After naps, we packed up and headed back to the bay for Eleanor’s 1-year photo session. As my mom and Amm built castles in the sand, I spent some time with the two most gorgeous girls on the beach. It’s hard to believe that Eleanor is 1 already. My how time flies. She is, quite simply, the sweetest and funniest 1-year old that I know. How I’ve loved watching her grow, and watching my friend embrace her role as a mother. There’s no one like her. I’m honored to know, and love, them both.
Before we knew it, it was time to leave. And I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t want to do it. I contented myself with the PF Changs that was in my future for dinner, but it was still a bittersweet departure for me. We bid adieu to Russell and Eleanor, and followed Amber to Destin for dinner. Of course, being the day after the 4th of July, we ran into hairy traffic and a horrendous wait-list. It was decided that Amber needed to head on home sans Changs. Mom, Amm and I decided though, in the end, to stay - with that decadence being our only option for dinner before our long journey home. The wait ended up not being too terrible, though it was well after 10pm when we sat down at our table. And thus began our interesting travel back to Alabama ... in true Thomas fashion. My home didn’t welcome me back until nearly 3am - but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Our short stay was everything it promised to be - and more. What a wonderful time we had. And how could we not? With that shortcake and Mr. Darcy; with staying up too late talking and laughing; with Russell being caught reading Mockingjay rather than studying. Heck, I was even sent home with furniture.
But more than that, the Salmon home is always in whispering distance of heaven, and I love it for that. I reveled in the sweet spirit and perfect calm that resides there ... right down to the fresh flowers on my nightstand. Amber’s promise held true: We were fed well and entertained better (and that proved to be a tall order). I went home recharged - and ever thankful to have this dear family as my friends. How I look forward to seeing them again.
Should you be in the neighborhood, I recommend Chez Salmon. Wholeheartedly. But only if you take me with you.
Enjoy.
