“Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds.”

Regina Brett

With the mighty St. Lawrence River as my backdrop, summer is my favorite time of year to watch the most awe-inspiring sunsets. I am grateful for the long quiet evenings, cherishing their infusion of peace. This time of year, I try to make every evening feel special and regard each dinner as a celebration.

I’ve included a few simple dinner ideas that my husband, Steve, and I have incorporated into our joyful lifestyle. These meals are simple yet elegant. Additionally they do not heat up the whole house.

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Easy Appetizers

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Salad Meals

When it comes to salads, I prefer to use the broader Merriam-Webster dictionary definition – a hodgepodge. We just throw some of our favorite cold foods onto a serving platter. These meals are easy and nutritious. The ingredients are easily available this time of year, fresh from our garden!

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Dessert

Um, let’s face it. If you know me, you will also know that I prefer to drink my dessert. I usually go for a Cabernet Sauvignon out on the deck, facing the sunset on the St. Lawrence River.

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So it is that easy to give those hot summer evenings a peaceful vibe with a little extra pop of ambience. I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am!

Thank you for reading! – Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)

Feel free to reblog or share anything I post. I welcome all comments and discussion.

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• Creating Happiness Each Day
• Creating Happiness Each Day
• Creating Happiness Each Day
• Creating Happiness Each Day
• Creating Happiness Each Day