Well, I figure it's about time that I close out May, 2009. It was a good month and a busy month, that's for sure, and it ended on a good and busy note, too.
Near the end of the month, of course, was Memorial Day and on the last weekend of the month, my parents celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. So, like I said, it was a good and busy ending to the month and a nice wrap-up for May.
Here are just a few pictures from the Memorial Day parade here in town. The Bristol Police were at the beginning, followed by the town's high school marching band. One of the other marching units was the Colonial Navy. At the end of the parade, the high school band assembled into a stand-still formation to perform the Star Spangled Banner before the formal Memorial Day ceremonies began. (The last photo features my cousin's daughter, Jenn, in the background.)
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My mom and dad happen to love fruit...and chocolate. Instead of my brother sending the usual gift of flowers or restaurant gift certificate and instead of me giving the usual gift of sweet goodies or a restaurant gift certificate, we opted for doing something a little bit different. So, my brother, Edie, and I all pitched in for one of these edible fruit bouquets, which just so happened to include chocolate in it. As you can see, there were plenty of pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew, orange slices, grapes, and strawberries, but there were also dark chocolate dipped strawberries and dark and white chocolate dipped bananas. You would not believe how big a hit this gift was! Mom and Dad dug in so fast that I couldn't/didn't get a picture of it first...and they continued to pick on it until I suggested that maybe they should store some away in the refrigerator to enjoy at a future time.
Although this is not a picture taken of my parents on their anniversary day, I am posting a picture of the two of them to show them off.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!
posted on June 22, 2009 10:39 AM ()
Honestly, the entire bouquet is assembled shortly before the time of delivery or pick-up, making the arrangement as fresh and at peak perfection as possible. Inside each bowl, box, can, ceramic piece, vase, or whatever is a block or piece of that foam stuff florists use. Layers of greens (usually kale or similar, large leafed) cover the foam so it doesn't show, adds a barrier between the foam and the fruit, and helps fill in any gaps that may occur after assembly. Fruits are arranged on wooden skewers, but they are embedded only as deeply into the fruit as is absolutely necessary to support it. Each skewer with it's piece(s) of fruit is then stuck into place by sticking it through the leafy layers and into the foam. A chart/map/pattern is followed to achieve accurate recreations of each arrangement's appearance. The "spikes" are skewers with three or so grapes on them. In some cases, other colors besides the natural fruit colors are achieved by dipping some or all fruits in dark or white chocolate, adding colored sprinkles, or rolling in cocoa or coconut. The actual fruit found in an arrangement, what chocolates or other effects are used, if any, and the size and/or shape of the arrangement all depend on the specific arrangement selected. No, the recipient never has to assemble a thing. The completed arrangement is delivered in a special non-tipping box-type holder. It is entirely enclosed in clear cellophane so that it looks more like a gift basket with a bow on top. All the recipient has to do is remove the wrapping, pull the box away from the bottom, and the entire arrangement is now revealed. If, however, the recipient does not have a large enough refrigerator space to place the arrangement in if the entire arrangement isn't consumed, he or she will have to dis-assemble it in order to transfer the remaining fruit into bowls, containers, storage bags, etc. for storing in the fridge.
Best wishes to your Mom and Dad! 
Nice pictures and of course good post.
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