And the Mermala-Derb-Day Was a Success, with Dominik Taking the Grande Prize and All of Us Stuffed with the Goods of a Grilling Season

I should also mention that Oona's potato salad with bacon was out of this world. Salmon and wasabi, steak tips, dill salad, fruit, coconut shrimp, beer, and bourbon. It was a surf-n-turf for the ages and a perfect, spring day in Connecticut to watch Mage surprise the world.

I gave myself half a day. I said, "Grade what you can, Crandall, and cook the rest of the day away," including a mermaid cake for Pam's birthday and another year without a win for her. Shoot, I'd like to win the pot, too.

Today, I will get back to grading, and as soon as I'm done, I want to head outdoors for soil therapy. I'm ready to get dirty, to plant, to landscape and to do outside work. The temperatures are suppose to be in agreement.  

Patrick and Stephanie win the day with the Mae-Mae tropical attire and derby hat (not pictured here is a very floral Ethan, too). 

A lot of preparation for a two minute race, but an absolute great reason to get together for fun, down time, and high energy.

That potato salad, though. Superb!