Yesterday morning, Connor pitched in to help me make a simple Father’s Day breakfast for his dad.

I was already working on an early afternoon dinner for 8, so I didn’t want it to be some big elaborate morning meal. These pancakes are about as light and fluffy as it gets.

Plus, with the two of us working together, it was a breeze to get on the table in less than 20 minutes.

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Happy Father’s Day…

… to all you wonderful dad’s out there.

Photo: Me with my dad, Gene Otter, on our way to a family wedding in 1986.

Especially big wishes for a super-duper day to my own dad and my husband, Dave.

January, 1988 photo of us at Marissa’s baptism.

Dad with his eight grandchildren in 1992, on Connor’s first birthday. Standing: Benjamin, Joel, and David. Sitting on chaise: Marissa, Dad, Connor and Raina. Sitting on cool deck: Race and Jeremy.

Dad and me making Christmas dinner in 1996.

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When we left for Hawaii on May 22, the peaches on my tree looked as if they would be ripe any day.

Connor would be coming home on the weekends while we were away and Marissa was home one short weekend for the wedding shower of her college roommate, Paige.

The wedding is in August and Marissa is a bridesmaid.

I told both the kids and my dad to keep and eye on the peaches and to please please please pick and eat them. I hated the thought of the luscious fruit going to waste.

If not picked, they’d either fall off the tree and rot, or more likely, the bugs would get to them as soon as they ripened. The idea of it made my stomach actually ache.

When we arrived home on June 3rd, surprisingly there were still peaches on the tree! My dad said that they were always hard as rocks when he checked and I never did remember to ask the kids if they had any.

The little fruit flies, gnats, or whatever those nasty little bugs are, had already been to work on more than 2 dozen of the peaches, but I was able to pick a decent boxful! Joy!

I made a delicious Peachy-Chicken entree one night (coming soon to a post near you) and today I am using the last of the peaches for this dessert.

It’s a partially-make-ahead dish. I’m starting it today and we will be enjoying it on Sunday for Father’s Day.

Of course, I had to make one serving from start to finish so I could photograph and post it for you today.

The things I do and the sacrifices I make for you people!

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Dave never left the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai during our four day stay. He loves laying out in the sun, swimming, and reading by the pool.

The “adults only” Palm Grove Pool was just steps from our patio door. His idea of the perfect oasis.

That’s our room, lower level, on the far right.

I did spend a little time out there, my heavily sunscreen-lathered feet are a testament to that! The pool, cruel harsh sun and all, was hard to resist, it was so quiet and relaxing.

Especially if you have fruity cocktails on hand! Yes, the cocktails helped lure me out there.

Other times, while Dave was sunning himself, I was inside, formatting photos and writing blog posts…

…or outside exploring the property.

This is a Grey Francolin. They are everywhere! With babies! Loved them.

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Connor requested two things for his birthday dinner – Grilled Pizza and Baby Back Ribs.

I can easily do that and was more than happy to fulfill his modest request!

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I made Connor a special breakfast to celebrate his birthday. As I’ve mentioned before, Connor loves lobster!

This lobster dinner, 13 years ago in Maine, was to celebrate his birthday too.

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Happy 22nd Birthday to my fabulous son, Connor!

Please know that even though I’m not with you today, you are in my heart and on my mind.  I love you from here to the moon and back! xoxo

Here is the classic and easy to make chocolate sheet cake I made for my boy. With lots of pictures showing each step. I was camera happy this day!

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Yesterday afternoon, I stopped in for a last-minute pedicure, before hopping on a plane for our first vacation of the summer.

We’re going to a location where pretty toes are a must.

How about a little guessing game as to just where we are jetting off to?

Hint #1 – It’s one of the 50 states.
You have a 1 out of 50 chance to get it right.

Hint #2 – It is bordered by an ocean, gulf, or bay.
1 out of 23 chance

Hint #3 – It’s the Pacific Ocean that this state borders.
1 out of 5 chance

Do you really need me to narrow it down a bit more?

OK…

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Wishing each and every one of you a joyous weekend!

And for those of you celebrating Mother’s Day, may it be wonderful. Hallmark holiday, or not… You deserve it.

I’ll be spending mine with my son and husband and missing my daughter, but knowing that I am in her heart.

I know this, because she always goes out of her way to make sure I know and feel it.

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My Mother’s Day menu was featured in yesterday’s Food & Drink section of the Arizona Republic.

Here are photos and links to the recipes.

Layered Lemon-Berry Angel Cake

Mixed Berry Parfait

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