Fort Marshall in North Charleston?

I love the show Army Wives. It airs on Lifetime on Sunday nights. It is about a group of spouses, four wives and one husband, who deal with army life at Fort Marshall, a fictional army base in Charleston. It is fictional, as I mentioned, but I do like the fact that it does shed some light on the trials and tribulations of army life. Army life is about building a network of support with those who know the sacrifices made for the greater good of our country and our freedom. With the harsh realities, there is also great joy and celebration, friendship and family. This is the Hollywood view of army life, but it is a show about army life period. It reminds me, at least, of how proud I am of people like Brent Bond and Stephen Barnes, and Whitney and Britney Boland. Brent and Stephen and so many others sacrifice their lives, but there are silent heroes too, who stay while they are gone.

On Tuesday, I went to North Charleston, to the old Naval Base, where they film the show. Besides just seeing the outside of the houses where these characters "live," I explored RiverFront Park and the Naval Base Memorial. While my goals were selfish, to see the film sites, I thoroughly enjoyed walking down by the Cooper River and reading about Charleston's history, its place during war time, and about the Naval Base and Naval yard.

The Flags at the Memorial overlooking the Cooper River. Sometimes, in the show, characters are filmed running or training near the river.

The Homecoming Statue. What a great moment in real life, right?

The Memorial.

The Administration building in Army Wives. There is a parking spot with two stars for 2 Star General Holden at the front. Many ceremonies are held on the lawn in front.

General Michael Holden and Claudia Joy's House. You can just drive up, as if this were your house, just like they do in the show.

Side of General Holden's House. The gazebo/ arbor area is seen many times in the show. Most recently, this is where the characters gather for Gabriel's wedding shower when they first hear of Jeremy's death.

Col. Frank and Denise Sherwood's House, with their signature door.

I think this was Chase and Pamela's house before they divorced. Or is it Joan and Roland's?

All houses are boarded up, as filming is complete for this season. It is strange. You can tell these places are "Army Wife" houses because they are (1) boarded and (2) have a rope around the lawn/ grass that says "Keep Off Grass." Other than that, you can walk where you like.

This is Roxie's Hump Bar. It is seemingly far away from the Noisette neighborhood, where all the other houses can be found. I found it by chance. I am assuming the "Hump Bar" sign has been taken down until filming resumes. A few episodes back, Roxie comes out of the wooden gate with the star on the right.

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN (and not ashamed of my solo Army Wives tour).

Haley

Numbers.

My life is all about numbers these days.
*I turned 24 on 5.7.11.
*Countdowns until the end of extern/ three weeks in NY/ summer vacation/ weddings...
*Money and Financial Aid.
*Ages.
*Births and Birthdays.
*Engagement Dates.

I hope my life is more than just a number, but alas, that's all I feel it is adding up to these days. :) I am beginning to wish I could live in two, three, four different places at once. Again, numbers. Eh-yi-yi.

Saturday, April 30, 2011
*Key Lime Base.
In JP:
*Cut Cake.

I took a picture of this in the Pastry Kitchen and just thought I would share it. It's a Showpiece by Chef Larry. It is so Kiawah Island/ Sanctuary Hotel/ Beach/ South Carolina, right?

Sunday, May 1, 2011
I prepped and worked service.
*Milk and Honey Base x 3 (baked 150).
*Lemon Lace Tuile.
*Mac. Baskets.
*Pecan Tuile.
*Pecan Pie.
*Creme Brulee.
*Lunch Cookies for the next day.
In JP:
*Dipped Pretzels.
*Cleaned Ice Cream Cooler, my new favorite task. :)

My mom wants me to post more pictures of wedding cakes. Here ya go, mom. Chef Larry piped this free-hand.

Monday, May 2, 2011
I prepped early but we were not busy enough for me to stay and plate. Chef Larry let me stay to help with a plating for a Banquet function.

For the meal, I helped put crab cakes on the plate. Then, Robert and I plated desserts. The white chocolate mousse made this plate up incredibly frustrating. It was a mushy mess. Needless to say, by the end, I was thankful for Jasmine Porch. And, with a thankful heart, I went for drinks at Kings after work. :)

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Berry Sauce, White Chocolate Mousse, and Fresh Berries.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I came in to work to plate but we were not busy. So instead, I prepped downstairs from 4 until 10 or so. Temperance wrote a list and Robyn made a list.
For JP:
*Milk and Honey Base.
*Ricotta Cake Base.
*Cut Praline/ Croissants.
*Tuile Batter.
*Unmolded Key Lime.
For Banquets:
*Pralines for Beaches.
*Creme Brulee Base.
*Cornbread for Muffins.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
OFF

I woke up, did some laundry, got dressed, and awaited Dad and Shirley's arrival. Once they got here, we got a quick bite at Zia for lunch and then headed to Kiawah. I gave them a tour of the hotel, some of the golf courses, and other hot spots. They were both very, very impressed. Then, we went to get their key to their villa on the island, explored their villa a bit, and then got ready for dinner.

Ocean Room Dinner, complete with rose petals for my birthday and a stool for my purse:

First Course
Asparagus (Haley)
Lobster Bisque with Marshmallows (Dad)
Field Greens Salad (Shirley)

Second Course
Pork Belly and Crab Cake (All)

Third Course
Barrel Cut Filet (H)
Italian Ribeye (D)
Filet (S)
Tots (Shared)
Potatoes (Shared)
Mushrooms (Shared)

Fourth Course
Bourbon Ice Cream Sundae (H)
Banana Pudding (H)
Bette Noir with Bourbon Ice Cream (D)
Lemon Steam Cake with Basil Ice Cream (S)

My Birthday Plate and Sundae. Bourbon Ice Cream is my favorite and Boo Bear's Bourbon Ice Cream is, um, well, the best!

This girl is amazing and amazingly talented (I mean she is THE Pastry Chef, at 22, of a Four Star/ Four Diamond Restaurant, not that I am bragging on her or am proud of my friend, at all :)), and Kiawah/my extern/me as a person would not be the same without her! Heart you, Boo Bear!

Thursday, May 5, 2011
OFF

Dad, Shirley, and I spent the day exploring Charleston. We walked down King, through the Market, down by the Riverfront (to see the Bridge, Fort Sumter, etc.). We ate a small lunch at Magnolia's on East Bay. We shopped a bit. It was a low key day, but seeing as Dad and Shirley have never been to Charleston, it was a great day.

We ended the day by driving through the V gate to the Ocean Course. We had a cocktail on the putting green. We spent some time in the Pro Shop, where Dad bought some Kiawah wear to take back to Georgia to make all his golfing buddies jealous. And, finally, we ate dinner at the Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course Clubhouse, while watching the sunset over the water (which doesn't happen many places on the East coast, because, ya know, the sun sets in the West).

Ok, the sun is "real" bright in this picture, but it's a cute pic of me and Dad, nonetheless.

The 18th hole at the Ocean Course. Hopefully, this is where I will hug my love, Rory, in August 2012 after he wins the PGA Championship. Wishful thinking?

Atlantic Room Dinner:

First Course
Shrimp and Softshell Crab (All)

Second Course
Oysters Rockefeller Gnocchi (H and D)
Wild Mushroom Risotto (H and D)
Shrimp (S)

Third Course
Salmon with Haricot Verts (H)
Haddock (D)
Seafood Stew (S)

Fourth Course
Dessert Sampler of White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Bourbon Cheesecake, and Blueberry Buckle (All)

I wouldn't mind having this view at dinner every night.

Friday, May 6, 2011
This was Dad and Shirley's last full day in South Carolina. Shirley and I decided to visit the Spa one day on their trip and this was the lucky day (and we were lucky to go). Shirley went for a massage while I opted for a paraffin pedicure. We went about an hour or so early to enjoy the amenitites: mineral whirlpool, steam room, sauna. Our treatments ended with a bit of time in the salarium, complete with blankets, tea, petite sandwiches, and a water feature. It was a glorious experience, and I fully intend on going back before I leave.

The worst part of the Spa? I had to go to work a few hours later. I only had about an hour and a half between spa treatment and work, and I needed to eat. Shirley and I met Dad in the Hotel parking lot and we drove just down the street to the Town Center Market for a light lunch of sandwiches, pizza, soda, and chips.

In JP:
*Scooped Truffles.

Dad and Shirley came to my restaurant for dinner that night while I was working. They were treated extra special by my friends and Dad had a dinner experience like never before. Fried green tomatoes, a cheese plate, bass, shrimp and grits, etc. I, also, of course, wouldn't let them even see a dessert menu and sent them out a few of my favorites and what I knew they would love.

Key Lime Pie and Bourbon Bread Pudding with a side of Lemon Basil Ice Cream. My Dad still won't be quiet about the Lemon Basil Ice Cream and how he can get some more.

Saturday, May 7, 2011
HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY TO ME, officially.

Dad and Shirley wanted to take me to lunch before they left. We decided to go to the Charleston Crab House, near Folly Road and Maybank. The grits appetizer was my favorite but the coconut shrimp weren't too bad either. Thanks for coming to visit me; I had a blast.

Remember this drawbridge that I used to cross every day on my way to work, before I moved? Here it is, in the air, from our table at the Charleston Crab House. AHHHH.

Thank you, Pastry Team, for my birthday plate. You sure know the way to my heart, the real deal, OREOS.

*Milk and Honey (75).
*Lime Chantilly.
*Lemon Lace Tuile.
In JP:
*Cut Cake.
*Made Truffle Amenity for In-Room Dining.

After work, a big group of us went to Twist in West Ashley for about an hour and a half for birthday drinks. Thanks for the love and drinks, Charleston/ Kiawah friends!

Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!

*Lime Chantilly.
*Mac. Baskets.
*Pecan Tuile.
*Milk and Honey (25).
In JP:
*Cut Cake.

Monday, May 9, 2011
I prepped and plated.
*Pralines.
*Lemon Lace Tuile.
*Milk and Honey.
*Pound Cake.
*Key Lime.
In JP:
*Unmolded Key Lime.
New Desserts:
*Chocolate Glass Tuile.
*Cookies Crumbs.
*Vanilla Creme Brulee.
*Glaze for Chocolate Torte.

We replaced one dessert on Jasmine's menu for Spring/ Summer and added a whole new dessert. Our creme brulee option now, instead of caramel with mascarpone whip and pretzels, is vanilla bean creme brulee. Most people like to see a chocolate dessert on a menu, and we did not have one. We put chocolate chips in our pecan pies, but nothing that screamed CHOCOLATE. So, Temperance added the chocolate torte to the menu to satisfy that late-night chocolate craving. Can you say sugar coma?

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with Pineapple Salsa and Vanilla Shortbread.

Flourless Chocolate Torte with Chocolate Soil Crumbs, Chocolate Caramel Mousse, and Chocolate Glass Tuile.

I wanted to see how the new desserts were listed and described on the dessert menu and asked a server to bring me one to see. I thought I would share it...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I prepped and plated.
*Blackberry Sauce.
*Milk and Honey (125).
*Cut croissants.
*Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies.
*Creme Brulee.
*Lime Chantilly.
*Pecan Pie.
*Mac. Baskets.
*Lemon Lace Tuile.
*Pecan Tuile.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
My friend, Amber, from In Room Dining, came to Jasmine Porch on her day off to eat with her boyfriend, who was in town visiting. JD asked me to make her a special plate, to try to make it small, because they probably wouldn't have any room for dessert (Thanks, JD!). We were not very busy so I piped some chocolate butterflies and played around with the plate. I was so proud, and I think Amber and her bf were pleasantly surprised.

The plate pre-dessert.

My best freehand butterfly of the night. I broke it before it made it to the plate. Dang it.
The final plate. Vanilla Creme Brulee and Bourbon Praline Bread Pudding. I even got to serve this to them. So fun.

Apparently, unbeknownst to me, the bread pudding at Jasmine used to be Bananas Foster bread pudding, made to order (nightmare!). One lady was so upset to see that we changed our bread pudding and Chad, her server, asked me to try and satisfy her in some way. So, I added some brulee-d bananas to her plate. Here's a pic.

Thursday, May 12, 2011
I plated and played around with some treats.
*Oreo Truffles.
*Golden Graham Puppy Chow.

Friday, May 13, 2011
OFF

I woke up at about 7 on my day off to shower, pack, and hit the road. Four and a half hours later and I was in Athens, eating at Doc Chey's on Graduation Friday (It's been a year, 365 days, seriously, since I graduated with my degree(s)?!). After a quick lunch, I met the new graduate/ bride-to-be/ birthday girl, her family, and Katy Capers at Cali and Tito's. After chatting for a bit, Katy and I headed to do a little shower, food, decor, etc. shopping. We worked all afternoon until about dinner time, when Katy headed back to Athens.

Jess, Greenie, and I went to Asia Cafe in Winder for dinner, where they apparently are regulars. We watched a little tv at Jess's house before calling it a night. Do you know the things that I miss most about Athens? Hanging out with these two girls and sleeping in my room, in my bed, with my furniture and favorite things around. Truth.

Saturday, May 14, 2011
I woke up early to start preparing for Katie's Shower. Katy joined me soon after. We cooked, we cleaned, we prepped games, we wrapped gifts. It was fabulous. My sis was such a help too, not only with simply letting us host the shower at her house.

Menu
*Fruit Kabobs
*Chicken Croissants
*Oreo Truffles
*Grape Salad
*Chocolate Muffins
*Shrimp and Grits

The Spread.

The shower was a complete success. The games were great. The food was a hit. Katie received some awesome presents. Her mom and grandmother, who live in Washington, were able to attend. Katy and I love Katie Weiser a lot, and this shower was just a simple gesture in telling her how much she means to us. I cannot wait for July when Weiser becomes a Mooney!

Katy, Katie, and me. We didn't even try to coordinate. We are just bffs and are that good!

Saturday afternoon, I went to Greenie's to see her nephew, Aidan, who I haven't seen in forever. He is such a little boy now, almost two years old. His blue eyes will make you melt, and he bats his eyes at me, which is precious. Thanks for the quick trip, Greens.

I haven't seen Jessica Condit in I don't know how long. Problem! I met her, Katy, Katie, and Nicole, Katy and Katie's old roommate for three years, at Cali and Titos for dinner on Saturday night. Two orders, both with the number 36 (numbers theme?), and we were eating good. After dinner and much "OMG-ing" about our friend and their other old roommate's engagement, we headed to Yoforia for some dessert. Did you know that M&Ms are heavy and when you pay by the ounce probably not the best choice to add to your yogurt? I probably got twice as much yogurt as JCon, but my cost was two dollars less. How was that $7.50 worth of yogurt and M&Ms, JCon? We witnessed a girl adopt a dog. Katy was fun to watch back in her element, the South (miss that girl). It was an interesting night.

Sunday, May 15, 2011
I woke up early to drive back to Charleston and Kiawah to work on Sunday. I made it, barely.
*Lemon Lace Tuile.
In JP:
*Unmolded Key Lime.
*Cleaned Ice Cream Cooler.

Monday, May 16, 2011
I prepped and set up in Jasmine. We were not busy enough for me to stay and plate.
*Milk and Honey.
*Pineapple Salsa.
*Mixed Berry Sauce.
*Chocolate Sauce.
*Chocolate Caramel Mousse.
*Lemon Ricotta Cake Batter.
*Glazed Chocolate Torte.
*Cut Croissants.
*Cut Pralines.
In JP:
*Unmolded Key Lime.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
OFF.

When you don't know anyone with the same day off as you, you relax and rest and explore things by yourself. Sad? I don't think it is sad. I love days when you have nothing to do and nowhere to go. You create your own fun and get to have "me" time. I know most people are not like me, but I guess I am fiercely independent when it comes to my personality.

What did I do on my day off? Well, I will post all about it. Check out my Army Wives post.

Alexa, my roommate since March, finished her extern and moved out of the apartment. Two new roommates, Maddie and Kate, one from Missouri and the other from Wisconsin, who both attend Iowa State and will be working at Night Heron Grill, moved in.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
OFF.

Trevor's brother, Justyn, who just graduated from Penn State and turned 24, flew to see Trevor. Trevor's plan was for them to eat at the Ocean Room on Wednesday night, before he flew out on Thursday. Unfortunately, Trevor worked a fifteen hour day and couldn't make the dinner plans. I didn't think it would be fair for Justyn to fly to Carolina and NOT see Kiawah and eat at a restaurant, and therefore, I agreed to accompany him to the Ocean Room, while Trevor was working.

Ocean Room Part II at the same table (crazy, huh?):

First Course
Lobster Bisque (Both)

Second Course
Pork Belly Sandwich with Kimchi (Both)

Third Course
Risotto (Haley)
Filet (Justyn)
Foraged Mushrooms (H)
Potato Mash (J)

Fourth Course
Banana Pudding with Bourbon Ice Cream (H)
Peach Tasting Dessert with Ginger Panna Cotta, Blueberry Lemon Sorbet, and a Caramelized Peach (Is this right, Boo Bear?) (J)

Thursday, May 19, 2011
*Lime Chantilly, and I broke the Kitchen Aid mixer. Oops.
*Bourbon Anglaise
*Pecan Tuile.
*Lemon Tuile.
*Mac. Baskets.
*CC Cookies.
*Milk and Honey.
*Pecan Pie.
*Pound Cake.
In JP:
*Unmold Key Lime.

Friday, May 20, 2011
*Mac. Tuile Batter.
*Shiny Glaze
In JP:
Two parties.

Friday was a great day in JP. We had two parties of fifteen, with a set menu of three possible dessert options, meaning I plated thirty desserts just for these two tables. I don't think I would have enjoyed these platings if I had like 8 million other orders, but for each table, they were my only desserts at the time. It was so fun. I really did enjoy it. It was exciting, when most work can be repetitive.

Saturday, May 21, 2011
*Pralines for Bread Pudding.
*Creme Brulee Base.
*Lemon Tuile.
In JP:
Wedding Reception Plating.

Ms. Dwan and Mr. Eugene were just married and wanted this cake delivered to their room. Apparently, they did not like the raspberry cake/ filling inside. They wanted chocolate.

I started plating the desserts for the wedding and then I received word that they wanted them to go. Eh.

Sunday, May 22, 2011
I work today. All my friends are off. I'm sad. However, I planned to meet Christine and Eric (a recent graduate of the CIA, who externed at the Ocean Room and is working at Kiawah until he starts the Bachelor's program in August) at Zia for lunch on their day off and before I went to work. Of course, who pulls up while Eric and I are waiting for Christine? Erin x 2 and Heather. It's Sunday. Ocean Room is closed. Of course, lunch at Zia! I loved eating with all five of them, even if I did have to leave while they headed to the beach/ golf and I am headed to work. I guess that's how the cookie crumbles?! :)

Now, I'm watching some regional NCAA Softball action before work. Go Dawgs.

I'M OLD

Haley "I need a massage" Rehberg

*Happy Belated Birthday to my best friend, Katie Weiser. You turned 23. You'll be 23 when you get married. OMG.

*Congratulations, Kristy Swann, on graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Architecture. Seriously, my favorite cuzzy buzzy (that's Kristy) is THE most talented and most non-lazy (hardworking?) person I know/ have ever met! I cannot wait to see where "the real world" leads her, and secretly (maybe not so secretly?), I hope the near future leads her to Charleston! I love you, best friend! War Eagle, just for you, this once! (P.S. I cannot wait to see you in a few days in Charleston!!!!)

*Congratulations, Karen Swann, on graduating from Brookwood School with a high school diploma. I apologize again for not making it to celebrate YOU and your Senior year, but please know that my heart has been there every step of the way. Baby Karen, I love you, and your journey has just begin. Good luck at Baptist College of Florida. Oh, and just know, if I could switch places with you and it be the summer before I started the best FIVE years of my life, I totally, selfishly would! Love you, Kiwi.

*Congratulations, Kellee Swann Roberts and BT, on their little baby GIRL. My grandmother has two daughters, five granddaughters, and a great-granddaughter on the way. What would we have done with a little boy? :) I cannot wait to welcome this precious gift, blessing, little butterbean into the world, our family, our hearts in October!

*Congratulations, Jessica Rehberg, on being Apalachee High School's Teacher of the Year and a semi-finalist for Barrow County Teacher of the Year. I am so proud of my big sister, who is only 28 and been teaching for like 5 years! Oh, and Azure, the yearbook (she is yearbook advisor), is phenomenal. Keep up the good work, best cat (get it? like WildCAT/ Panther?).