This morning during my overcast and rainy commute to work, I could think of a million places I’d rather be. Isn’t that always the case after returning from a vacation or long weekend? Nevertheless, I do enjoy my routine—even if it involves a 5-day work week.

This past weekend was just the right amount of family time and relaxation.

Shortly after we arrived at the in-laws’ house Thursday, our other guests showed up before we loaded up the barbecue for our Fourth of July feast. Though it was pretty humid, it was nice enough for us to enjoy spending much of our day outside on the deck. Mark and I even spotted a rainbow during our post-dinner walk through the neighborhood.

 

Mama Miele, Mark, and I slept in Friday while poor Papa Miele had to work. We ate lunch at Sweet Peppers Deli in the Renaissance and walked around a few shops before making the essential Berry Berry Good pit stop for froyo. I love that place!

Friday night we took it easy at the house and ate some of Mark’s red beans and rice (the ones that stole my heart years ago, haha).

Saturday afternoon we visited the flea market and a couple shops in Fondren (the historic part of Jackson where much of The Help was filmed), where I bought my new favorite t-shirt and a photograph for the kitchen.

We then ate some lunch at Keifer’s just outside of downtown, which is one of my favorite restaurants in Jackson.

We shopped a little at the Renaissance (again) and drove down to the reservoir and enjoyed a couple beers and a cup of gumbo on the deck of some restaurant I can’t remember the name of “on the Rez.” The weather was absolutely perfect! It was cool and breezy, not feeling like July at all. And there were plenty of geese to keep us company.

Sunday morning came too quickly, but we did manage to squeeze in breakfast at Another Broken Egg. I didn’t snap a picture, but trust me when I say my omelet, which came stuffed with portobellos, onion, red pepper, basil, and parmesan, was delicious.

Our drive home wasn’t too bad (especially since it involved frozen custard), but it did start raining before we made it into Alabama. Popcorn, cereal, a little vino, and some True Blood on TV wrapped up our marvelous weekend.