the last couple weekends have been filled with my first hunting experiences - dove hunting! some friends of ours generously invited us out to hunt, and taught us how to clean and prepare the doves we'd shot.

j got a total kick out of it, while i was content to snack in my chair. it turns out dove hunting is a pretty inactive form of hunting. we posted up in a couple spots - once near the river, and again aside a field of sugarcane, and waited for the doves to fly within range. we had so much fun, and the experience even convinced j to buy a new shotgun (not that he needed that much convincing...) but we can't wait for future trips!

after our successful trips, we were told one of the best ways to prepare dove is to place it atop a jalapeno, with a strip of cream cheese, then the piece of dove, and wrap in bacon.

we marinaded the dove overnight, followed the instructions above, secured our little jalapeno creations with toothpicks, and grilled over medium-high heat until the dove was cooked through and the bacon was crispy.

according to everyone the dove taste deliciously like steak - no gamey taste. i had a hard time getting over the organ-look of the meat to try it.

each year, junior leagues across the country welcome their newest members, called provisionals, to their chapters. a provisional class functions a bit like a pledge class (minus any hazing or keg stands that may be called to mind), who complete an introductory course on league taught by an active member, and a service project together during their first year. upon successful completion of your provisional year, you and your classmates graduate to being full fledged, active members who can cast votes at meetings, apply for chair and leadership roles, and choose what committee(s) you would like to participate on!

i lucked into what i think was the best provisional class ever [but of course i'm biased], we had so much fun and our friendships quickly extended outside of league. our husbands also became pretty close - it was the most positive experience i could have hoped for.

the jlm year begins in june, however league takes somewhat of a hiatus from regular meetings over the summer, so as a way to welcome our newest members back into the fold in the fall it's become tradition for the sustainers ("retired" members) to host a tea and champagne reception for our newest ladies. it's a pure social event generously held by a more senior member of league, as a way for the provisionals to get to know each other, the leadership team, and sustaining members we don't get to see as often.

i don't have many photos from my class of 2015-2016 tea party [was too busy sampling yummy food and talking to people!] but oh so luckily, i had the pleasure of being able to tag along and document this year's gorgeous event.