Good ole' fashioned barn raising!

I have a great back yard space (for an apartment). It is about 12x14 feet and aside from the time that I had the roommate the turned it into a beer brewery, it has been completely under-utilized space. That, combined with the fact that several times a year I host events at my house with 20+ people, I decided that the back yard needed to be set up properly so we could use the space. So, I bought a gazebo and some patio furniture a few weeks ago but when it showed up in 8 huge boxes, I realized that there was no way I could put this together by myself. Since I haven't started my "rent-a-man" company yet. (my million dollar idea that I thought of way back then) I decided I needed to have a party - a "build Tamara's back yard party". I have to say, that was one of my best ideas yet!

I invited both of my community groups to come over after church to help me build everything. About 15 people came over and the back yard was done in about 3 hours. Other than making food for everyone, I didn't have to do anything, it was brilliant! This afternoon really was community in action. I am so thankful for such great friends! And here they are working hard while I "supervised".

And here is the finished product, well, semi-finished. I now have to buy a light to hang from the ceiling of the gazebo and some decore, I am thinking some candles and succulents and I am not sure what else but I am sure I will be inspired when I go to Pier One and World Market! When I sat on the couch when we were all done I noticed that there is a nice sized wall area where I could hang a sheet and use for an outdoor movie. Ooooh... the possibilities!

And here is the finished product.

The day time view:

And the night time view:

Since no entry is complete without a recipe, I will post the "Lemonies" that I made for dessert today. You have probably seen them on Pinterest, they are everywhere. They are the texture of a brownie but made with lemon. They are not quite as rich as traditional lemon bars, I really like them. They are kind of a refreshing dessert. 

Lemonies

Bars:

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 stick butter, softened

2 eggs

juice from 1/2 lemon (about 1Tbs.)

zest from 1/2 lemon (about 1 tsp.)

Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbs. lemon juice

Directions:

Bars:

Grease and flour an 8x8 pan. Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Mix in the softened butter. In another bowl whisk the eggs with the lemon juice and zest. Add to the larger bowl and mix well.

Pour into prepared 8x8 brownie pan. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. You can double the recipe and bake in a 9x13 pan for 30 minutes.

Remove and let cool, then glaze.

Glaze:

Stir together and pour onto cooled bars.