We are in a happy place. Snowbirds are flying north. Endless days of low 80s, sunny weather, soft breezes. And I’m in a panic. Our days are numbered here. Of course, I can’t wait to hang out with my kids and grandkids, but I need to get to the beach. I can’t return a pasty white girl.
My entire life I have loved the beach. It’s calms me. Just put up an umbrella and open my latest read and I’m in heaven. My problem is every umbrella I’ve ever opened flew away as soon as I sat down.
Two years ago, Buff Honey went on Amazon and bought a Coleman beach canopy that measures 12 feet by 12 feet. We’ve never used it. His kids have and insist that it is ridiculously easy to put up. The one that erected it is an engineer. We are not.
And that’s the primary reason we have never used it. Last week, we bit the bullet, wheeled the thing down to Nokomis Beach, took out the instructions and the reading glasses. Never in my life have I ever been able to follow directions in any area, so I was content to keep my mouth shut (one helluva feat) and be Vanna.
BH is no engineer but he is nothing if not persistent. We tried a myriad of ways to get that thing up and after several fits and starts, we prevailed much to the amusement of our fellow beachgoers. After setting up our beach chairs (which I am finally getting the hang of), we opened our books and breathed in that fabulous gulf air and sighed deeply…..ahhhh, this is why we’re here.
Our next set up will be a breeze, but the initial confusion reminded me of years ago when my father bought a tent for our family’s road trip from Florida to see his family in Minnesota. I think he was a bit worried about setting it up, because he invited my uncles and aunts over for a trial run in our living room. You would think an airplane mechanic would have it under control. Not a chance.
He was a fairly reserved man. When he was annoyed, which was seldom, he would utter his version of a curse, “Gee, Christmas!” I never remember him being angry. The total opposite of my mother who was nothing if not on the vitriolic side.
Her family was not reserved. They were good natured with enormous senses of humor and loud. In a good way. Naturally, I say that because those are the genes I inherited. Anyway, the living room was filled with the men yelling out directions and the women and children getting a kick out of the whole scene. After an hour or so, the tent was standing.
The next day, we set out for Minnesota, leaving very early in the morning with minimal stops along the way to our destination in northern Georgia. My father like many was obsessed with making time. Bathroom breaks? “Hold it,” was his refrain until my mother gave him what for.
If it was up to her, we would’ve taken the back roads, stopping at all the historic markers along the way. But, he wasn’t into history. He wanted to get there. And when we finally pulled into our campsite, it was getting dark and he had to get that tent up.
As my mother was admiring the gurgling creek, he set out the tent on the flattest area and discovered to his horror that the tentpoles were still in our living room. My mother and us three children were ecstatic! OMG, we can stay in a cabin.
About this time, two young men appeared to inquire about helping us. When they heard our dilemma, these two teenagers started searching for sturdy tree limbs that they could whittle into tent poles. They worked like a charm.
Our cabin dreams were dashed and we carried those tree limbs to our campsites through the south and midwest to our destination, Albert Lea, Minnesota. As crazy as it started, it was far and away our best family vacation.
That pretty much ended my camping days. Just give me a beach front room at the Marriott or the Hyatt. That’s my idea of roughing it.
And, now, we have this canopy that’s the size of our living room. Ahhh, nothing like beachin’ it!
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Florida Foodie
Eating is among life’s greatest pleasures, although I was very late to that party. I grew up in a house filled with tension and meals were no different. I could barely eat; my stomach was in knots. My mother was no Julia Childs, more like a Chef Boyardee type. Straight out of the box.
Fresh herbs? Spices? Farm to table? What were those things? My family grew botanical plants and tropical flowers and even fruit trees. No vegetable garden. For the most part, vegetables at dinner were out of a can. In FLORIDA??!!
Needless to say, cooking did not come easily to me. My philosophy was basically ‘If you can read, you can cook.’ This was long before Food Network and Rachel Ray. Yes, Julia was a big hit on public television but her recipes were way out of my league. What compelled me about her was the huge amount of wine she was pouring into those sauces and her hearty laugh.
Marriage and kids came along so popcorn would no longer suffice for dinner. I had a few standards, thanks to The Joy of Cooking, one of the best wedding gifts I ever received. While my New England friends were lapping up The New York Times Cookbook, I was struggling to make sense of Joy. My philosophy was inadequate, to say the least.
Fortunately, I managed to marry men who were undemanding. They were pretty handy in the kitchen, although not so much around the house. In fact, Kevin did all the dinners when he started working from home.
My kids were pretty picky eaters. When they were really small, they didn’t like the meals we ate so they grazed. Platters, we called them. Stone wheat crackers, cheese, grapes, carrots and raw broccoli (little trees, according to them).
When I lost my mate, life got crazy out of control. Working long hours, driving the kids to soccer and every other sport and event. Afternoons were hectic and sitting down for a home cooked meal was rare. Yes, I know the family should eat dinner together but it didn’t happen.
Instead we frequented the drive-thrus at various fast food establishments and held the record in Columbia, Maryland for the most pizza takeout orders from Domino’s. I am not proud of these facts and I count it as one of my greatest shortcomings as a parent. However, my children love me anyway and despite my poor example, they are great cooks and ridiculously healthy eaters.
In retirement, I have seen the light. Finally. I enjoy cooking more than I ever have, although it’s still not a nightly activity. I still like my happy hours and apps. But, living in Florida makes it possible to go to farmers’ markets every week of the year and pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. I’ve gotten some fantastic recipes using fresh produce from the Florida Department of Agriculture website, Fresh from Florida.
I have two absolute favorites: Steak in a Bowl and Ambrosia. Both are fast and easy….my requisites. Here they are.
Steak in a Bowl. Layer the following ingredients: black beans, cooked fresh corn, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the layers, then add a little bit of hot sauce. Top with sliced, grilled steak or substitute with fish, chicken or nothing at all. It’s all good.
Ambrosia. Peel and cut four fresh oranges into chunks, add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, dice one large apple, 1 small can of crushed pineapple, drained, and sliced strawberries. Toss and refrigerate for an hour or more. This can be a side dish or dessert for any meal. No yogurt or whipped cream. Just fresh fruit for full flavor.
My kids are probably thinking….’You couldn’t have done this 20 years ago??!!’
Fresh herbs? Spices? Farm to table? What were those things? My family grew botanical plants and tropical flowers and even fruit trees. No vegetable garden. For the most part, vegetables at dinner were out of a can. In FLORIDA??!!
Needless to say, cooking did not come easily to me. My philosophy was basically ‘If you can read, you can cook.’ This was long before Food Network and Rachel Ray. Yes, Julia was a big hit on public television but her recipes were way out of my league. What compelled me about her was the huge amount of wine she was pouring into those sauces and her hearty laugh.
Marriage and kids came along so popcorn would no longer suffice for dinner. I had a few standards, thanks to The Joy of Cooking, one of the best wedding gifts I ever received. While my New England friends were lapping up The New York Times Cookbook, I was struggling to make sense of Joy. My philosophy was inadequate, to say the least.
Fortunately, I managed to marry men who were undemanding. They were pretty handy in the kitchen, although not so much around the house. In fact, Kevin did all the dinners when he started working from home.
My kids were pretty picky eaters. When they were really small, they didn’t like the meals we ate so they grazed. Platters, we called them. Stone wheat crackers, cheese, grapes, carrots and raw broccoli (little trees, according to them).
When I lost my mate, life got crazy out of control. Working long hours, driving the kids to soccer and every other sport and event. Afternoons were hectic and sitting down for a home cooked meal was rare. Yes, I know the family should eat dinner together but it didn’t happen.
Instead we frequented the drive-thrus at various fast food establishments and held the record in Columbia, Maryland for the most pizza takeout orders from Domino’s. I am not proud of these facts and I count it as one of my greatest shortcomings as a parent. However, my children love me anyway and despite my poor example, they are great cooks and ridiculously healthy eaters.
In retirement, I have seen the light. Finally. I enjoy cooking more than I ever have, although it’s still not a nightly activity. I still like my happy hours and apps. But, living in Florida makes it possible to go to farmers’ markets every week of the year and pick up fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. I’ve gotten some fantastic recipes using fresh produce from the Florida Department of Agriculture website, Fresh from Florida.
I have two absolute favorites: Steak in a Bowl and Ambrosia. Both are fast and easy….my requisites. Here they are.
Steak in a Bowl. Layer the following ingredients: black beans, cooked fresh corn, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the layers, then add a little bit of hot sauce. Top with sliced, grilled steak or substitute with fish, chicken or nothing at all. It’s all good.
Ambrosia. Peel and cut four fresh oranges into chunks, add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut, dice one large apple, 1 small can of crushed pineapple, drained, and sliced strawberries. Toss and refrigerate for an hour or more. This can be a side dish or dessert for any meal. No yogurt or whipped cream. Just fresh fruit for full flavor.
My kids are probably thinking….’You couldn’t have done this 20 years ago??!!’
Saturday, April 2, 2016
I Can See Not So Much
It’s over. Both cataract surgeries done. No, I’m not reaching for my glasses before I even get out of bed. Yes, I can see so much better. However, it’s not perfect. Not like everyone I ever talked to who got their cataracts done. Well, there is one exception and that’s my friend, Tim.
He had his done several weeks ago and he’s still seeing flashes. Not as promised. And he got the Gucci cataract surgery. For my younger readers who are clueless, that’s surgery that implants progressive lenses. Let me tell you, Medicare does not pay for that. It’s out of pocket about $3000 for each eye.
When I initially started this process, this was one of the alternatives they discussed with me. “Do you think this is something you would be interested in?” Uhh…NO. If I was going to spend that kind of money, it would be on a facelift.
My right eye with the distance lens is perfect. I can watch television, go to movies, drive. The left eye has the computer/dashboard lens and it’s a little blurry. The brain is supposed to mesh them just like it did when I tried the mono vision contacts. The brain worked perfectly. I’m thinking it must be something with the lens. I go back for a check up on Tuesday. Trust me, I’m hoping for an easy fix….for once!
Of course, the problem with being able to see better is looking in the mirror! OMG! Where did those wrinkle and jowls come from? So glad I’m serious about the weight loss thing.
The 5:2 fast diet is working like a charm. Mostly. The biggest issue is that life gets in the way, occasionally. A couple of weekends ago, Buff Honey and I flew back to Maryland for a long weekend, primarily to surprise his youngest at her engagement party. She was so stunned when he showed up, she burst into tears! It was worth every penny to be a witness to such joy.
We flew on a Thursday and arrived at a freezing cold house with no food and no Verizon to watch the NCAA Tournament. Around 6, we bundled up and arrived at the local Green Turtle to a packed house. Why? It was St. Patrick’s Day! We are retired people who have zero concept of dates and times. Fortunately, they took pity on us and seated us almost immediately. We were grateful and went back almost every night.
There was dinner with my grandchildren in Pennsylvania on Friday and brunch with the rest of my children and grandchildren in Baltimore on Sunday. How’s a girl to fast?!
This past week I fasted on Monday but then the Orioles were playing their last home spring training games the rest of the week. Being the huge fans we are, of course, we were going! I do not go to a ball park to fast. Yes, I love to watch the O’s but I love the hot dogs and the Cuban sandwiches almost as much!
So, guess what today is? A fast day. I’ve ingested a trail mix bar, a cup of coffee and a 100 calorie bag of Skinny Pop. I also walked three miles and cleaned the whole house. I am no neat freak but things are a little out of hand here. Had to break out the broom and Pledge. My impetus? We’re being treated to a house cleaning….is there any better gift than that??!! Gotta clean for the cleaners. I know. Crazy.
I’m a little obsessive about this diet. After years of trying, I am totally determined. I weigh myself first thing in the morning (now without my glasses) and I keep a log of my results. So far, I am averaging two pounds monthly. I’m under 120 for the first time in over 10 years. I’m psyched! Only 10 more pounds to go….then I”ll get that facelift!
He had his done several weeks ago and he’s still seeing flashes. Not as promised. And he got the Gucci cataract surgery. For my younger readers who are clueless, that’s surgery that implants progressive lenses. Let me tell you, Medicare does not pay for that. It’s out of pocket about $3000 for each eye.
When I initially started this process, this was one of the alternatives they discussed with me. “Do you think this is something you would be interested in?” Uhh…NO. If I was going to spend that kind of money, it would be on a facelift.
My right eye with the distance lens is perfect. I can watch television, go to movies, drive. The left eye has the computer/dashboard lens and it’s a little blurry. The brain is supposed to mesh them just like it did when I tried the mono vision contacts. The brain worked perfectly. I’m thinking it must be something with the lens. I go back for a check up on Tuesday. Trust me, I’m hoping for an easy fix….for once!
Of course, the problem with being able to see better is looking in the mirror! OMG! Where did those wrinkle and jowls come from? So glad I’m serious about the weight loss thing.
The 5:2 fast diet is working like a charm. Mostly. The biggest issue is that life gets in the way, occasionally. A couple of weekends ago, Buff Honey and I flew back to Maryland for a long weekend, primarily to surprise his youngest at her engagement party. She was so stunned when he showed up, she burst into tears! It was worth every penny to be a witness to such joy.
We flew on a Thursday and arrived at a freezing cold house with no food and no Verizon to watch the NCAA Tournament. Around 6, we bundled up and arrived at the local Green Turtle to a packed house. Why? It was St. Patrick’s Day! We are retired people who have zero concept of dates and times. Fortunately, they took pity on us and seated us almost immediately. We were grateful and went back almost every night.
There was dinner with my grandchildren in Pennsylvania on Friday and brunch with the rest of my children and grandchildren in Baltimore on Sunday. How’s a girl to fast?!
This past week I fasted on Monday but then the Orioles were playing their last home spring training games the rest of the week. Being the huge fans we are, of course, we were going! I do not go to a ball park to fast. Yes, I love to watch the O’s but I love the hot dogs and the Cuban sandwiches almost as much!
So, guess what today is? A fast day. I’ve ingested a trail mix bar, a cup of coffee and a 100 calorie bag of Skinny Pop. I also walked three miles and cleaned the whole house. I am no neat freak but things are a little out of hand here. Had to break out the broom and Pledge. My impetus? We’re being treated to a house cleaning….is there any better gift than that??!! Gotta clean for the cleaners. I know. Crazy.
I’m a little obsessive about this diet. After years of trying, I am totally determined. I weigh myself first thing in the morning (now without my glasses) and I keep a log of my results. So far, I am averaging two pounds monthly. I’m under 120 for the first time in over 10 years. I’m psyched! Only 10 more pounds to go….then I”ll get that facelift!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)