Memorial Day from Stem to Stern

 

 Memorial Day kicks off Boating Season at the Lake!

A reprise of our Memorial Day Fun from last year’s celebration~

I hope you don’t mind weighing anchor with me again :-)

In anticipation of boating over the course of the long holiday weekend, I decorated the pontoon for fun. . .

. . .from Stem to Stern. . .

 including a few stems in a mason jar!

A few pillows. . .

Some Red,White & Blue to dine with. . .

A beverage tub filled with drinks to keep us hydrated. . .

 A breezy day as you can see, with the wind whipping the flags~

Of course Memorial Day has a much more important significance than boating & picnics. . .  it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in military service.

First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

A day to recognize, reflect, and remember

how fortunate we are to live in freedom.

We’re celebrating with a flag formation of Watermelon, Feta, and a side of Blueberries~

The creamy, salty cheese is the perfect partner to the sweet, juicy melon.

I found this idea in Southern Living Magazine where Foods Editor, Scott Jones, fondly remembers the BBQ Sundae served at the Rebel Barn BBQ in Oxford, Mississippi.

 An entrée, not dessert, the sundae layers pork, slaw, and baked beans, all covered in thick, sweet red sauce, or Lexington-Style sauce in our case.

Perfect and portable for tailgating or picnicking~

My husband smokes a “Boston Butt”, “Picnic Roast”, “Pork Shoulder” or “Shoulder Blade Roast” ~ all names for shoulder cuts that make great pulled pork.

Our pork shoulder is brined for 24-48 hours, depending on the size & how organized we are :-) . . . in a mixture of ½ cup of pickling salt (which dissolves in cold water), 2 quarts of water and ¾ c of molasses.

 Remove from the brine, blot with paper towels, brush on olive oil, and liberally add a dry rub/seasoning blend of brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder etc.

Smoke at 225 degrees over lump charcoal with some soaked hickory or apple wood chips for about 1  1/2 hours per pound. Remove from smoker, wrap in foil and let stand an hour. It should fall apart, with all the fat melted away :-)

Stem to Stern Boating Details:

Picnic Caddy, Salt & Pepper Napkin Holder/ Pottery Barn, last year

Napkins, Plates, Cups/Kohl’s, last year

Flatware & Placemats /HomeGoods, several  years ago

RW&B straws/ Dollar Tree, last year

Beverage Tub/ Target, last year

However you celebrate, spend a few moments to remember and give thanks for those who serve & protect us . . .

Wishing you a Safe & Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you for your visit!

Sharing with:  Metamorphosis Monday,

The Scoop, Wow Us Wednesdays, Tablescape Thursday,

 Feathered Nest Friday