Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What’s for dinner?

Picadillo - (pronounced "pee-kah-dee-yo")

This is what Cubans do with ground beef instead of making hamburgers. There are many different versions of it, but this one is most authentic, so I hear:

2 Tbsp cooking oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, chopped coarsely
S & P to taste
½ tsp MSG (I leave this out)
1 lb lean beef, ground
1/3 c dry, white wine (and some for the cook)
2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or one 15 oz. can chopped tomatoes)
½ c dark or light raisins, pumped up in hot water
1/3 c pimiento-stuffed olives, sliced in thirds
1 seeded green pepper chopped in half-inch squares (I leave this out)

In the oil, sauté the garlic and onion for five minutes, stirring frequently. Add the seasonings, the meat, the wine, and stir again. Add the tomatoes, raisins, olives and stir. Add green pepper and cook only long enough for it to get thoroughly hot; it should retain crispness and color.

One of Picadillo’s charms is that all the chopping and slicing can be done in advance, the cooking requiring only a few (10) minutes’ time. The Cubans serve this dish with plain white rice, either in a separate dish, or with the Picadillo on top of the rice and its juices trickling down. (Enough for 3-5 people)

Easy peasy and good, y’all!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Goodbye, Sarge

I am trying to focus on happy times with our friend Sarge, and Blogger's Cruise 4 was just that--fun! And lots of smiles.

Happy sailing on heavenly seas. We will miss you very much, but shall meet again. Love to your gal, Miss Bee.

Thanks for your service to this great country. RIP, healed at last.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Sweet morning!

What a way to begin our day...chocolate covered strawberries! Yum. Followed by egg casserole, hash browns, ham, and cheese blintzes. And lots of good fellowship.

The park has a tacky tourist contest this afternoon (no, we don't plan to enter), with food, music, and games. To iChat our group has its own steel drum entertainer during our private dinner.

Having fun, even the kitties. The squirrels are entertaining them daily. More great weather. WYWH!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Rally fun

Great music by the Margarita Boys, good food, good friends! Another group dinner tonight. Weather is perfect. What's not to love? WYWH!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Friday at the rally

 

great white heron

This Great White Heron has visited us a few times, but yesterday morning I grabbed my phone to snap a photo, trying to figure out what was of interest to him.  Or her.  How do you tell the difference?  Anyway, a jiffy quick moment later, our plant bed was one lizard less.   Help yourself, sweetie.  We have a good breakfast buffet!

So we had an enjoyable trip up to Kissimmee, stopping once at a picnic area so I could make some sammies for lunch.  Our hosts had a nice turkey dinner catered in, then afterward a bingo game.  Um, we don’t play bingo, but we stayed because we are good sports…and Dick won a game!  It is a W/M gift card, he thinks for $50!  Wowza…he may become a bingo fan.  Hmm, mostly NOT.

After breakfast this morning we’ll have free time to wander around this busy area, then meet back for happy hour, dinner and entertainment tonight.  Friend Dave, still snowbound in MT and merely READING the blog, we are missing you!!!  WYWH!

What are you doing this weekend?  We are having fun in another paradise, y’all!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thursday stuff

 

table, chairs

Pretty, huh?  Those chairs are very comfy.  Sweet!  The side table has four tiles on it.  And is short.  We put the bistro table and 2 chairs on our lot next door, easily accessible to ‘borrow’ whenever we need it.

No time to use the new table, however, because we leave today!  We two are taking the moho north to Kissimmee for an RV rally, but we won’t be gone for too long.  Bob and Lynne plan to meet up with us on Monday for a few days with sister Carolyn and hubby Don.  Love being with family.  And friends.

Dick and I have our moho duties down to a good routine on who does what to get us ready to roll, so that is what we are doing this beautiful morning.  And then re-doing this afternoon in a new location to settle back in.  Two turtles in one shell.  That’s us.  With two kitties. 

Happy birthday, Jennie!  Wish we could celebrate with you.

Have yourself a smiley day, y’all!  On the road again…

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Wednesday work


New tables, chairs
I have been wanting a nice table/chair set where we can eat dinner, play games, etc. (notice the singular “I").  Dick thinks our wooden picnic table with the attached benches is fine.  I don’t.  It isn’t comfortable for any lengthy sitting.  Period.

So Dick relented and went shopping with me, and then did one better—found just what we wanted already gently loved by someone else.  In the bargain, we also got a matching bistro (high top) table and 2 chairs, AND a matching side table. 

3 tables; 8 chairs…all for cheaper than the new price for 1 table and 6 chairs at the local store.

Did I mention bargain?  We love to save (cruise) money!

Today was already cleaning and laundry day, so now there is more to clean, but I’ll be smiling!  Mama’s happy.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday, y’all!  And while you are at it, please say some prayers and send some bloggy love for our good friends Bee and Sarge.  They sure need them. 

Thank you very much.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Rain, rain!

We were thankful for both our awning and the patio umbrella as the six of us sat down to dinner last night...a light rain began falling...and it is still coming down this morning.  We need it, but not two rainy Mayberryweeks of that stuff like what has been happening back in Mayberry!  No.Thank.You.  Amy/Jason’s backyard is slowing resembling a lake!  They are, at least, grateful that they are not dealing with forest fires.  Everything in perspective.

It’s there; we have to go.  It is John G’s time!, but it will be for lunch today.  The four Bells will meet up with a sweet couple, Fran and Neal.  Dick and Bob’s parents were godparents to a few of their children, so these two knew our big boys way back when they were wee boys.  It will be good to connect with them again.  Getting to see old friends is just another perk of coming back to this area each year.

So that will probably be the highlight of this overcast day.  And that is perfectly OK.  Kicking back with a good book seems like a mighty fine plan for later on.  But we may first have to shop for a patio table and chair set after lunch.  We stay flexible in our planning.  Or NON-planning.

That’s life in paradise on a damp Tuesday, y’all!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Sunday quarterbacks

 

P1020961

Pretty intense, huh?  Our New England relations were doing their best to get the Pats on to victory yesterday!  And it worked.  It got scary during those last few minutes, but these folks were happy campers by the end of the game.

Then we had to skedaddle down the road (Ivana, that means hurry!) to meet us with these friends:

P1020962Sweet Jose and Sarah.  Jose worked for Dick and Bob for a very long time.  Great people…Jose normally has his eyes open.  I don’t like those flashes either.

Son Joe normally joins us but was too tired after working yesterday.  Dahlia and Rosie (their “baby”) graced P1020963us with their beauty…and good company.  And brought along a photo album of Jose and Sarah’s 50th wedding celebration.  Thanks for a special evening!

Love these folks.  They are special to our whole family.  I know the kids will enjoy seeing these photos.

So today it is back to regular life:  laundry, drop off glasses for new lens for MM…and no telling what else we shall find to do on this beautiful day here in paradise.

Nothing but sunshine and smiles, y’all!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sunday smiles

 

old friends, new friends

This sounds like a fine plan to me, friends!

Who is joining me???

I’ll furnish the name tags…if I can hold on to this thought!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Saturday in paradise

scrabble tile

Words with Friends – 3 games going:  Lynne, Carrie, and Brian

Putting away clean, mostly air-dried laundry washed yesterday

Getting KC hugs and kisses

Being ignored by Missy

MM working on Bob/Lynne’s TV cable problem

Listening to Paula and watching (!) Jamie cooking flank steak (Joy and I saw Jamie in Savannah a few years ago—he is easy on the eyes.)

Wondering what to fix for our supper

So, it is sunny and beautiful, but I will still stay inside awhile and try to create another online scrapbook layout.  If the internet cooperates!

Life is good here in paradise, y’all!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Kiss my frog! Ribbit

The Frog Leg Festival...How it all began:

In 1990, several members of the City of Fellsmere were very concerned about the fact that there was no funding source available for the recreational needs of the children in Fellsmere.  The Frog Leg Festival wasP1020946 a result of that concern and the brain child Fran Adams.  She and local residents guessed frog leg dinners might be unique to entice folks to the city.  Not realizing the draw of this event, some committee members helped set up the event and then went to the movies.  Several Hours and 400 dinners later the frog legs were sold out!  Growing pains were there!

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Dick and Bob got the combo plate:  frog legs, gator tail, coleslaw, fritters and grits.  Lynne and I had the same thing, minus the gator tail (too much food for us).  Of course we did try some of their gator (which was better than the frog legs…that needed some spices added—too plain!).

There were crafts, rides, and the normal games to P1020950entice folks to spend their money.  My fave spot was this one, with all the bling.  I wonder why?  His prices were awesome.

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But this was the fella that caught my eye.  I know two wee boys who would have been fascinated to see him!

One guy was walking around with a hat on his head that had a funky looking chicken on top of it!  It was so dark that my photos didn’t do the man nor the chickie justice, so there are none to post.  Bugger.

Would we go there again?  No, not unless we were already in the area.  It wasn’t an event that warranted the 3 hour drive (up and back), but what the heck.  It was Thursday.  We didn’t have a thing on our dance card, and so we went.  Plus, we always love doing our part to support children’s events.

It was another adventure.  Go out and make one for yourself today. 

Happy birthday, sweet Haley A!  Life is good in paradise, y’all!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Florida stuff

 

old John G's

The whole old building at Lake Worth beach has been torn down, and this is the new one, obviously still under construction.  I have no idea what businesses will be back in there.  John G’s has no plans to go back.  It used to be right there on the end.  Out with the old…who knows about the new?!  At least we have lots of good memories of this area…and will create even more memories at the restaurant’s new location.  Come on down!

Our girly shopping was moderately successful.  No new dress (for either of us), but Lynne and I both found a few household items…….and had a good time.

After dinner on the patio, we played marbles…at last!  It’s been way too long since Dick and I have played.  The guys beat us twice, but just barely.  We WILL have a rematch!

So today we four are off to a nearby town to see some frogs……or eat some frogs…….or something.  Anyway, stay tuned.  Bob heard it is a fun festival, so we’ll go check it out.  I think there will be music and crafts.  Count me in!

Later, gator…um…froggie!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Guess where?

Yep, four Bells (and Max and Kathy) at John G’s on the Beach…….that is now OFF the beach!

4 Bells

Cinnamon-nut French toast is to die for…seriously.  And their fresh fruit cup.  Love it, love it!  This place has been doing a booming business now for almost 40 years.  We shall take Joy and Cathy J there next month when they come down here.  Alert to Empress Bee and Sarge for February 17!

So Dick is heading out for an eye exam, Bob is piddling around at their moho………..and Lynne and I are going shopping for a wedding dress.  This time she is a wedding guest, not mother-of-the-groom like the last time when we went wedding dress shopping (successfully).  Jennie P, too bad you aren’t back down here to join us this time.  We need your dress shopping mojo!

It’s a beautiful day here in paradise, y’all!  Life is very good…

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tuesday in paradise

P1000960

The palms aren’t swaying this morning and the sun is shining.  Love it, love it………but don’t love waking up too early as I did this morning.  Bugger.

So Dick is all better with that sinus drainage thingy and the good news is that he didn’t share with me.  I am still trying to get used to my short ‘do’ (emphasis on short) and have a “palm tree” or two of my own that I am trying to tame.  Curly/wavey hair is not always a plus, let me tell you.  As Macey says, it is just hair and will grow out!  And so it will.

Bob and Lynne arrive today (he is MM’s brother) in their ‘new’ moho.  We are definitely looking forward to their visit.  They are happy to be out of NH for awhile, well, except for leaving their own kiddos behind.  And so we shall all go see sister Carolyn in Orlando…soon!  We love having our condo on wheels.

That’s life in paradise, y’all!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Windy Monday

We got good news this morning...the spot on MM's noggin is fine. We like that. Not that we were worried, but it is good to have the confirmation.

He is feeling back to normal and is already gone to help a friend with a fridge problem. He needs to go to the park office and work on our Internet problem. We are on the outer range of the multiple towers, so our signal is frequently weak, plus we seem to keep getting transferred from one tower to the other. I so miss our DSL.

We are very saddened by the cruise disaster in Italy. We were on a beautiful sister ship on almost this exact route in October. There is much speculation on the cause of the grounding, but that is all that it is at the moment--speculation.

Cruising is still very safe, but this has made me aware of some things to do differently on future cruises. Number 1 is to always have ID on my person. I normally leave my cabin with only my key card, chap stick, and a book. That key card may not be good for much in the event of total electrical failure. The passports in the cabin won't do us any good if we can't get to them. I will at least have paper copies in a plastic bag with me...and a flashlight. MM always has his wallet with him, so he at least could be identified. And he would be in the thick of trying to get other folks to safety. And so would I.

So it is helpful to be a bit prepared...but not scared. Yes, we will cruise again without fear, but with a little more awareness.

Count your blessings. Happy Monday. Life is good, y'all!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sunday thoughts…

Never make someone a priority if they only consider you an option.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.

And a final one:

God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

Have a great Sunday, y’all!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Lazy, cool Saturday

Well, the Internet is what is lazy to non-existent! I know it is free, but still. I couldn't even launch a photo-less blog for today. I am not a happy camper...my post for today won't launch. Bugger.

Dick and kitties are beached on the couch, enjoying the new TV. I now won't be able to finish the online scrapbook layout that took forever to get uploaded yesterday. Bugger. Tomorrow is another day.

So pulled pork is in the crockpot. Johnnie and Susan are coming over for dinner, but methinks we will be eating inside, rather than on the patio. It is dang chilly today, but that is definitely not a complaint...merely an observation.

Maybe there will be a game or two of marbles. It's been way too long since we've played. WYWH!

Life is slow, but good, y'all! And I am grateful for alternate electronics, yes sirree.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, January 13, 2012

Sweet stuff

Check out this proud smile...our boy was SOOO happy that he totally dressed himself for school! Amy had him pull up his pants to show off the orange socks. Gotta love the independent spirit...and hide those stained pants!




This same guy called me last night and announced "it's snowing!". I am happy to miss that. But I do miss my sweet kiddos.

I couldn't stand my bushy hair any longer, so I called JJ yesterday morning and she got me in for a cut, just ahead of Miss Bee so that we could visit! It was great chatting and hugging and catching up on everything and everybody. We will have a beadfest...one day soon.

So we had about 30 at dinner last night. Awesome crowd, and good food.

Tonight is beer and wings night, but with only the small Friday group, after a scrap booking day.

Friends, food, fun...now that is a perfect recipe!

MM honking his nose and kitties running a marathon so early this morning...not such a good recipe, but that's life here in paradise, y'all! Smile!!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Snip, zap

flowers

So Maytag Man is sporting a small spot bandage on his bald head.  The doc decided to take a wee snip to send off to the lab, but he doesn’t think it will be anything.  MM got zapped with the freeze stuff in several places on the backs of his hands and arms, but he’ll be OK.

My single arm spot zap was nothing, compared to taking one on the edge of my upper lip.  Ouch!  Probably by tomorrow I will look like I have one of those ugly cold sores on it.  Lovely fashion statement, but good health comes first.  We are good to go for another whole year.  Check.  And we liked the new doc.  He had a good sense of humor.

So today we are back to warm and sunny.  Love it, especially after yesterday’s gloom.

Maryan was very pleased with all her nice birthday greetings, and sends THANKS to everyone!

Enjoy your Thursday.  We are having dinner with Dick’s high school group tonight.  FUN!!!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

No sun day

sky
It is overcast and gloomy, with rain on the way this afternoon.  Bugger, well not to the rain part.  But that’s OK.  We don’t have any wonderful outdoor plans anyway.

We will both go see the doc this afternoon.  It’s time for an annual skin check up that is long over due for both of us, since we didn’t go last year.  We each have a couple of spots that need attention, but it should be no big deal.  Just routine.  Routine is good.

And wear sunscreen every day!  That’s your handy dandy tip for today.

Go out and enjoy yourself and share a little happiness wherever you are.

A very Happy Birthday to my friend Maryan, who reads the blog every single day, bless her heart!  Dick and I love you bunches, sweet lady!!!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Before/after

Brown showed up...and this is what the vacant spot looked like yesterday morning:




We huffed, we puffed, we sweated...and I did hear a swear word or two...but finally:




Success, although this photo doesn't do it justice. The TV picture is good, but this was taken last night with the light not so good......and the temp in that area went from 108 down to 84! Huge difference! And this morning, it is only 70 degrees after being on for awhile.

UPDATE:  Barb asked about the temp difference--the old TV monitor was a heat monster.  Hot, hot, hot.  We would sometimes turn off the monitor and just LISTEN to whatever was on, since the speakers were controlled through a different box there on the L.  That way, we didn't generate heat, especially on a hawt day.  This  spiffy new TV is an LED one, so it doesn't generate all that heat, nor use up as much electricity, which is also a plus, since we pay for our electricity here in this park.  And we try to be good stewards anyway.  So now you know.

Of course there is now the learning curve of a new remote...and the necessity to learn a new way to go from local cable to satellite TV. Sigh. I am remote challenged. I admit it. Have patience, MM! Or I will hide the remote!

Have a terrific Tuesday. I will, just as soon as the vacuuming is done! 

That's life in paradise...for today!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday misteaks

 

make mistakes

Amy got MM’s spelling genes, so she saw this and thought he would get a kick out of this poster.  Bless his heart, he is gifted with lots of other good qualities, as is Amy.  Good one!  Does this come in blue?

Today is already full of blue skies and balmy temps here in WPB.  Our favorite color today will, however, be BROWN…that is, if BROWN delivers our new TV.  MM is ready for it!  I hope his assistant is also ready (me!).  Lift, fetch…

Hopefully there won’t be any misteaks of any significance today.

Happy Monday, y’all!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Lazy Sunday

Only one of us went to church this morning.  churchAny guesses which one?  You would be right.  MM was a “heathern” this morning, and only redeemed himself a bit by removing the trim around the TV in preparation for the arrival of the new one…hopefully tomorrow.

I stopped and shopped at Tuesday Morning on my way home from church, and found a few items.  I love that store—you never know what you’ll find there.

MM has been beached on the couch reading a book all afternoon.  Our two babies have been sleeping after playing hard, while I have been working on photos and playing Word with Friends with Brian.

Venison is marinating in the fridge, and MM will at least get off the couch and grill it later on.

That’s our lazy, almost over, Sunday in paradise, y’all!

I read that retirement has 6 Saturdays and 1 Sunday.  I like that a lot!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Traffic jam

 

Road hazards

This is how laid back our life is here in the park.  This is a no-worry, no-traffic zone.  Love it!

KC has been chasing around a pink plastic Easter egg half for the last 20 minutes or so.  He bats it; he chases it; he picks it up in his teeth and totes it around, drops it and begins the process all over again.  Missy is sleeping in my chair.  Been there, done that, she says.

Dick has been following the path of our new TV as it makes its way down south.  It was in Nashville yesterday, Orlando early this morning.  I suppose it will find WPB on Monday.  Did I mention not only did we save sales tax, but it was free shipping?  Love it…and don’t mind the wait.

What shall we do today, now that it is warming up?  Hmm…corn hole?  Marbles?  Come on over and play!

Life is good in paradise, y’all!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Keeping watch

 

Missy, KC keeping watch

Missy and KC are perhaps watching for the Three Wise Men?  After all, today is Epiphany…hmm, I think they are just hopeful to see some critters.  These two are co-habiting quite well in our small quarters.

Yesterday never warmed up enough to go outside and play, dang it.  We did get some errands and piddly stuff done.  Just normal life around here, but in a different setting.

I need a cup of motivation today to get back to working on photos, getting them labeled, touched up, and organized so that I can do some online scrapbooking!  Project Friday…without my wee helpers…….maybe?

What do you hope to accomplish today?  Whatever you do, do it with a smile, y’all!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Successful shopping!

 

Union Co. Snow

But first, here is a reminder of what we are missing in nawth Georgia!  Brr…

At the second big store yesterday, Dick found what he thought would be just the right size TV for our space.  Of course he had to come back and double check out this and that on how he would get it installed, making sure it would fit, and that all the connections would be in the proper place and stuff…….then check online to see if he could find a better price anywhere.

Score!  And……the other good news is that it will be delivered right to our door in a few days; no need to go back to town and wait in line.  Easy peasy.

Another added benefit of the new TV is that it is LED and will be a much cooler unit than what we now have.  Of course on a chilly day, we don’t mind the extra heat! 

So today should be nice…and I’m thinking it is time to drag out our corn hole game and give it a go.

Who wants to join us?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Wednesday stuff

 

IMGP0636

Let’s see now, 14 back in Mayberry this morning, and 38 here.  Yep, we’ll stay HERE!  At least it is sunny and will warm up and the wind has slowed way down.  That wind was a bugger all day yesterday.

So it looks like we have to buy a new TV.  The one in the living area is actually just a monitor that has a receiver to change all the channels and stuff, and the receiver is what is dead and can’t really be replaced.  It is old anyway and TV technology has changed a lot since it was made, but still.  Of course the major problem is that the TV that is in here is built in, and finding just the right size to go back into that slot…yep, major hassle.

A shopping we go, with a handy dandy tape measure.  Wish us luck!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Howling winds!

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Boy howdy do we have wind blowing today!  Even the critters don’t want to fight the high winds, and I don’t blame them.  This is no day to fly anywhere.  We will bundle up a bit…48 now and only 52 expected for the high.  Brr…the winds will make it feel much, much colder, but at least there is none of that white stuff around here.  It is not allowed!

It is a great day to enjoy fisherman’s stew for lunch with friends Judie and Neal back up at Schooner’s.  Yes indeed-y.  And a crockpot of venison stew cooking all day will be mighty good for our dinner on this chilly night.  Those one pot meals are easy…and filling.  The cook likes that!  As I was chopping up onions for last night’s sauteed mushrooms and onions, I went ahead and chopped up enough for this next meal.  Easy peasy…and one clean up.

So what are YOU having for dinner tonight?  Stay warm, y’all!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Monday stuff

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This photo shows our short guy was indeed at dinner, all gussied with us on the Dream…although you can’t see how cute he looked.

But this story isn’t about this sweetie.  It is about daddy Jason.  Oh my, his year thus far has been not very good.  Well, it is good because he is OK.  But still…

Saturday night he had a major, I mean MAJOR bellyache that landed him in the ER, followed by the removal of his appendix yesterday!  He had to wait for the surgeon to go teach his Sunday School class before the surgery could begin.  Only in Mayberry!

Amy got to take him home last night to sleep in their own bed.  You know how hard it is to sleep in the hospital!  Hot off the press—he had a good night last night and is up and walking around this morning.  Praise God!  Another blessing we count.  He has to take it easy for a few weeks.  Yeah, right!

So it is another beautiful, warm day here in paradise, but a cold front is heading our way tomorrow, with the high only getting up to 55.   I know you feel our pain!

Barb, I posted the cranberry salsa recipe here, since it was pronounced a “keeper.”  And it wasn’t too spicey, even for me.

I hope your New Year is going great.  Ours sure is, out reading on the patio.  Life is good, y’all!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

2012

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.
Irish Toast

Life is an adventure.  Enjoy it to the fullest.  Thanks for being a part of my friendship circle. 

Blessings to each of you.  Happy New Year, y’all!