Book Club Beach Retreat

A few weekends ago I headed out to Bethany Beach for our annual book club retreat. It was wonderful to get to see the water, ride bikes, and enjoy some girl time. Is there anything more fun than flying a kite with your daddy on the beach too? Not sure who these guys were but the idyllic scene set the mood for the weekend.

We visited the beach a few times and caught a few weddings. The gray clouds would make the most striking backdrop for photos.  

I love going to the beach in the fall. The shadows are longer and the quiet is so restorative. My godparents had a condo in the same subdivision back in the 90s. 

The book club babes and I took a ride through the neighborhood and I knew I had been there before, 20 years  ago!!!

I caught this beast leaping off the boardwalk and sent the photo to his owners. 

I stopped into a real live, independent book store as well to look for our November book, which they didn't have in stock.

When I drove down early on Friday afternoon I took a side trip to Rehoboth through Dewey Beach. Any of my DC friends remember this little beauty? This was our rental house a million years ago that we dubbed "The Sixer". So named because there were six balconies. Good times with 32 of my closest friends.

Friday was the sunniest day. There were families swimming.

We stopped into the Henlopen City Oyster House for the best happy hour specials ever.

We found great seats at the bar and I had a delicious pulled pork sammie for $3.00!!! Wine was only $4.00. Thanks Janelle for the great suggestion.

My dream beach house would look something like this.

The fig tree in the side-yard was a bonus.

It was the last day for lifeguards on the beach too for the season. Made me a little sad to kiss summer goodbye but I welcome the fall with all of its glorious colors and chill in the air. I live for fires at Stone Hill.

Book club pals. We did actually read a book and discussed it. Nora Roberts Rising Tides based on the Chesapeake Bay. It was a very easy read and a different genre for this group, but fun nonetheless. I didn't realize Nora Roberts was from Maryland.

Thank you again Toby for your wonderful hospitality. It was the perfect break. Loved getting more time with all of the book club babes, especially Katiecakes who came down from Philly and got stuck in the horrid rain that blocked the road. Janelle and Cheryl, loved getting extra time with you at happy hour. Michelle, Toby, and Katie, dinner at Off the Hook, was just that! I'm praying for all of our East Coast friends on the beach. If Katie was diverted for a small little rain storm I can only imagine what Sandy is going to stir up down de ocean Hon. God save Dewey and all who may be affected by the storm. 

Book Club: Rocket to Venus

Our book club went to Rocket to Venus in Hampden a few weeks ago to discuss John Waters' Role Models. We were hoping to see John, but he was there two nights before and we missed him. I'm on his tail. I swear, one day, I will run into him and try not to jump up and down. We always pair our book with a restaurant that fits the book. Everyone and their brother has seen John Waters at Rocket but me. I'm starting to take it personally.

Cheryl ordered fried pickles for the table. They were so good and way better than the okra of my childhood.

Lane ordered chicken and waffles. The syrup threw me.

There was a gravy over the waffle. I wasn't brave enough to try it.

I had the burger and fries. Horrible photo but a seriously wonderful burger. Seriously, I hate to even say this but it is way better than the one at Woodberry and Bluegrass. I had to send the first one back it back it was so raw, but round two was perfectly cooked, medium rare, the bun was so soft and the flavor was amazing.

EAS at Let the Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore suggested I try the Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Dessert at Rocket. The sandwich is dipped in pancake batter, deep fried and smothered in caramel, whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. I mean seriously? Our group was game.

We devoured it. I'm so glad we had a group willing to try such unique culinary treats.

I look forward to book club every month. It is wonderful visiting with such interesting women.

Two in the group are preggers.

Sweet Susan started the book club years ago. I lucked out meeting Katie and getting invited to join. We are all pretty serious readers but also honest if we don't read. This book was such a trip and only a few got through the whole book.

Lane, me, Susan and Cheryl all bonded last spring at our book club retreat on the shore while dying laughing over our sock monkey making extravaganza. We have a great retreat each year.

I have a little girl crush on Lane. She is my hippy soul sister.

Cheryl was so sweet and brought her coffee table book Weird Maryland that featured a section on John Waters. It was a fun discussion and a wonderful meal.

I was coveting Talley's fun fedora on the way out.

Thank you Susan for letting me join Our Book Club Has No Name. It is one of the highlights of my month. To all the ladies I get to see monthly, you rock!