Don't you just love Fridays?

I was out running errands today, and everywhere I went I could see "signs of Friday." I think the warm weather (we had temps in the lower 70s today) got people even more anxious for that five o'clock whistle to blow.

I saw the all-American, hard-working man leaving the store with a case of beer. You could tell that he was looking forward to a night of relaxation and good times. Maybe with family? Maybe with friends? I love the idea of getting together with family and friends for a little R&R on a Friday night to unwind after a long week.

I also saw a group of guys hanging out with their motorcycles at the local barber shop. I imagined that they were getting ready for a weekend road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I'm not sure of their story, but I want to believe that they were eager to welcome the weekend with a fun adventure.

People all throughout our neighborhood were on their front porches, slowing down to take in this fabulous Friday evening. One of our neighbors invited us over to their porch while some of our other neighbors joined, too. I love those impromptu get-togethers - spending a few moments connecting with others.

After hanging out with our neighbors, we came home to a little Friday evening celebration of our own. We made homemade pizza. I use that term lightly because it was Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough, Ragu sauce, cheese and pepperoni. Nothing fancy; just the kind of ease I was looking for. And Little Man seemed to have a fun time making it.

First the cheese.

Let me explain Jerry's laugh. When he showed Alex how to put on the cheese, he sprinkled it around and said, "ahhhh," in a whisper-like tone. You know, just like how you say it after a refreshing drink of an ice-cold soda. So naturally, Alex followed his lead, sprinkling cheese and saying, "ahhhh." We got such a kick out of his enthusiasm.

Then came the pepperoni.

Once again, the best part of being a sous chef - getting to taste test as you go along. He takes after both his momma and his daddy here. We love to nibble along the way.

And finally, here he is putting the taste-tested pepperoni directly onto the pizza in its half-eaten state.

Yep, that's how we roll around here. Half-eaten pepperoni on our semi-homemade pizza. Still yummy just the same. And the perfect way to start our weekend.

Happy Friday, all. Hope your weekend is full of all your favorite things.