Three things are certain for us on Memorial Day:

Rain
War movie marathons
The annual neighborhood Party in the Cove

I’m not quitting my day job to pose as a meteorologist, but I can say for sure that if it’s Memorial Day weekend in Austin, Texas there will be rain. It’s just so. The showers; however, always give way to a sticky, hot afternoon for celebrating and remembering.

While the rain does its thing outside, providing much needed relief to our parched and dusty land, stories unfold inside our home on flat screens. War movies like Midway, The Battle of the Bulge, and Platoon loop throughout the house. It’s husband’s way of remembering. Connecting to the past and honoring the the memory of the fallen soldiers serving in our nation’s wars.

The rhythm of the weekend continues. Showers subside. Movie credits roll. And the weekend culminates with an annual tradition near and dear to my heart.

For more than forty years, neighbors in the ‘hood have gathered on Memorial Day in our quiet cul-de-sac tucked off the main street. The Cove Party is such a beloved tradition in our neighborhood that when we closed on our house nearly a decade ago, the original homeowner made us promise we would continue the Memorial Day picnic.

Neighbors set up folding chairs, roll ice chests, and bring treats made in the kitchens that line our street. Our neck of the woods is still multi generational. We are blessed to have the history of those who built these homes and I’ll never tire of the tales of ‘the firsts’. The first waterline, the first house on the block, the first day of school when the ‘new’ elementary school opened. We’ll share new stories and nod and smile at the ones told year after year. We’ll wonder why we don’t gather more frequently. We’ll mourn those who’ve passed this year and celebrate the new life springing forth in strollers and beautiful bellies.

I’m bringing a watermelon feta salad to the Cove party this year. This sweet and salty salad featuring summer’s quintessential fruit is a perfect addition to a potluck or picnic.

Week 19 Menu

Watermelon Feta Salad

From Susie: When to use the fine china