The Best in Service

Hey, I'm back!
My A.D. Amy came up with this grand idea to get the equipment I need to type lying down. I am also using my TV as a computer monitor so it's big enough to see and now I can write to you.

Keep in mind last week's column was a repeat so if we confused you as to my condition I'm sorry.

I still cannot sit. I cannot stand or walk without a walker so things are a bit constricted. I won't be typing a lot today either because I'm still getting use to this keyboard. I think the keyboard hates me but we'll make friends soon.

I have decided to have surgery so that will take place at the end of the month.
Stand by. I hope to be standing soon!

The 4th of July party went on with or without me. The "with" part was I was there with the guests. The "without" me part was I had no hand in cooking any food. Not one lick of it! I'm confined to the second floor and the kitchen is downstairs.

"Why did you not cancel?" was the question from most.

Here was my reasoning.

1. The fireworks were going on with or without me and that was a main feature our guests were coming to see.

2. Some folks traveled from as far away as Denver and for some of the kids, this was part of their summer vacation. I wanted no part in spoiling their fun.

3. Besides, once people have had a drink or two, and made a new friend or two, who needs me? I am usually just flipping from one project or group to the next anyway; making sure everyone is having fun.

Instead, this year, people came over to my pillow padded chaise lounge said hello and got on with the partying. I kind of liked that. They seemed to handle it very well.

I had two more pieces of "ammo" that made the party go splendidly:

1. My family. We picked a couple of Zola recipes and they did the shopping and made the dishes for me. They also made a couple of beautiful Zola desserts. They cleaned. They straightened, they bought the booze, set up the bar, you name it; all while I laid around or napped. They are invaluable and I thank God for them everyday.

2. BJ and his buddy. BJ is this whirling dervish I met at a restaurant. He waited on us several times. If I had owned a restaurant I would have stolen him to work for me. Charming, fast and everything else I could ask for. I love this guy; He brought a friend to help who's a chef.

For the first time in my life I also ordered food out! Imagine that! That would qualify as a "sin" for me in some sectors. I even ordered from a place I have not been to! I have been trying to get there but have failed so far but the reviews are grand. I ordered simple things like pulled meat for sandwiches, coleslaw, corn bread—just Southern stuff. Who doesn't like that? My family made my corn pudding which is on my website (www.dinnerwithzola.com) and we bought a couple of extra beautiful desserts. We were ready. The chef made a few extra appetizers that my family had already prepped in advance. He also decorated the other stuff as it came out and just plain kept things organized. After the party the kitchen was completely cleaned.

Those guys will get hired again.

The drink of the day is your recipe for today. It was the only "cooking" I could do. I highly recommend it because that and the corn pudding were the first two things we ran out of.

It's a light drink and great for a warm day party. You can make this as individual drinks but my recipe is for a full pitcher.

Watermelon Sparklers

1 can limeade mix
2 cups silver tequila (clear, not gold)
1 cup watermelon-flavored schnapps (Pucker is one brand. Don't worry. This won't taste like mint. Just watermelon)
club soda
Watermelon slices

Take a big pitcher and make half of the can of limeade. Add the liquors. Then top off with club soda. Add a cup or more of club soda depending on how strong you want the drink. Stir. Garnish each drink with small wedges of watermelon.

This can also be served in a punch bowl. It's a beautiful light pink drink.
You can also leave out the club soda and serve it as a flavored margarita or as a martini.

It's quite lovely and the guys liked it too!
I called it a Watermelon Sparkler because of the club soda and it was the 4th of July but you can call it whatever would suit your occasion.

Enjoy!
Cheers, Zola