"Don't you miss a white Christmas?" I am asked since I left Illinois in 1996. I wanted to share my Florida Christmas this year. It began with a long bicycle ride accompanied by my neighbors the Schauers. We started at 7:15 a.m. and it was delightful with the early sun rays and the quiet neighborhood streets. Mid morning I headed to the beach to take advantage of firm sand for walking as the low tide would be 1: 15 p.m. There were few others walking that beach and the strong winds created beautiful breaking waves. After the walk I enjoyed a picnic lunch and watched as more and more people came to stake their territory on the beach. A kite surfer was entertainment in itself.
Returning home I headed for the pool where the water was warm even for me. My dinner plans were cancelled due to an illness but I enjoyed my leftovers eaten by candlelight followed by a romantic comedy movie, "Kate and Leopold", I recommend palm trees for Christmas and would welcome company in 2009. You only need to learn the Florida version of the 12 Days of Christmas where the traditional verses are substituted with the following:
1st Day A seagull in a Sabal Palm Tree 2nd Day 2 Turtle Eggs 3rd Day 3 Cracker Cows 4th Day 4 Spanish Ships 5th day 5 Key Lime Pies 6th days 6 Gators Grinning 7th Day 7 Shuttles Launching 8th Day 8 Dolphins Dancing 9th day 9 Ospreys Nesting 10th Day 10 Flamingoes Flapping 11th Day 11 Grannies Golfing and 12th Day 12 Panthers Purring.
Thanks to my water exercise instructor and her grandson's preschool. By the way we had class in the pool on the 24th and 26th. It's a wonderful life! Happy New Year!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Christmas Elf bakes cookies
Tis the season as they say and I guess today I worked my way into it a bit. To start with I forced myself to concentrate on cleaning/straightening the house including washing the kitchen area floor. I put up a few holiday trimmings. Perhaps I’ll photograph the elf I brought back from Rockford. We had divided up the Christmas decorations but the elf was all I took. Somehow he really appealed to me though I can’t say I have any childhood memory of his role in childhood Christmases. Then I put some Christmas CD’s into the player including the German one I bought there last Christmas. Listening to some of those songs brought back wonderful memories of last Christmas in Germany.
While it wasn’t brought about by the time of year, I made a batch of cookies which is really the reason I decided to write tonight. It all started with a jar of peanut butter. Earlier this week I finally finished the Smart Balance Peanut Butter that traveled all the way to Newfoundland and back. The jar on the pantry shelf, Smuckers Natural, had been there quite a while. I would not get the oil to blend in. The date of suggested “use by” was Nov 13, 2008 so perhaps that was the problem. Cookies: that was the answer for this jar. So I “googled” Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. The recipe I chose out of the 400,000 choices did not have chocolate but I added it any way. They turned out so great and were so simple I wanted to pass it along. It might work to make with kids too.
1 16 oz jar Natural Peanut Butter room temperature
½ cup dark brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
Cocoa powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
With a large spoon, mix up the peanut butter with the sugars until well blended(I already cut the sugar quantity in half and used brown instead of all white). Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Add cocoa powder. I didn’t measure but it was probably ¼ cup or less. Mix well. Add vanilla and soda and mix again.
Form into small balls and place on a cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper. After placing as many balls as will fit on the sheet, gently press a fork across the each cookie to make a cross pattern.
Bake 10 minutes in a 350 degree preheated oven. Cookies will be soft when they come out and should stay on the cookie sheet for at least five minutes before being transferred to a rack for more cooling. Yum! I would guess it made about 3 dozen small cookies.
While it wasn’t brought about by the time of year, I made a batch of cookies which is really the reason I decided to write tonight. It all started with a jar of peanut butter. Earlier this week I finally finished the Smart Balance Peanut Butter that traveled all the way to Newfoundland and back. The jar on the pantry shelf, Smuckers Natural, had been there quite a while. I would not get the oil to blend in. The date of suggested “use by” was Nov 13, 2008 so perhaps that was the problem. Cookies: that was the answer for this jar. So I “googled” Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. The recipe I chose out of the 400,000 choices did not have chocolate but I added it any way. They turned out so great and were so simple I wanted to pass it along. It might work to make with kids too.
1 16 oz jar Natural Peanut Butter room temperature
½ cup dark brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
Cocoa powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
With a large spoon, mix up the peanut butter with the sugars until well blended(I already cut the sugar quantity in half and used brown instead of all white). Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Add cocoa powder. I didn’t measure but it was probably ¼ cup or less. Mix well. Add vanilla and soda and mix again.
Form into small balls and place on a cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper. After placing as many balls as will fit on the sheet, gently press a fork across the each cookie to make a cross pattern.
Bake 10 minutes in a 350 degree preheated oven. Cookies will be soft when they come out and should stay on the cookie sheet for at least five minutes before being transferred to a rack for more cooling. Yum! I would guess it made about 3 dozen small cookies.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Florida State Parks
December 3, 2008 Mike Roess Gold Head State Park Keystone Heights Florida This was one of the first state parks in Florida. It was created from land donated by Mike Roess and developed by the CCC from 1935 to 1939. A sign I found said they were expert craftsmen working with a crew of 18-25 year olds. The picnic benches they created are a work of art. I photographed one of them.
The park has over 2300 acres on rolling sandhills in an area known as the Central Florida Ridge with remnants of ancient dunes formed over thousands of years by rising and lowering sea levels according to the informative brochure handed out with the registration. There are a number of types of vegetation here including a spring fed ravine. The spring eventually empties to form Lake Johnson near my campsite. The park lakes are very low with reoccurring droughts. There are nice rental cabins in the park with screen porches overlooking the lake.
After arriving this afternoon, I biked around the park. It was a great ride with gradual hills. The day had started chilly and was in the upper 50’s but I shed my jacket before long. On my return another camper from near Beaver Dam Wisconsin came over to visit intrigued by my rig. “Never saw anything like it” was the opening line. Of course I went into my sales pitch.
The facilities here are really great and look quite new from picnic benches to the bath house which includes a baby changing table and washer and dryer. Unfortunately there is no heat.
This morning I stopped to photograph the St. Augustine lighthouse. It’s such a beauty. Then did some shopping at Camping World, took a look at the Gander Store but it was very “hunter” oriented, and made a couple of clothes buys at a Liz Claiborne outlet store. Have to help the economy along, don’t I? I paid 1.73/gal for my fill up and I’d averaged over 14 miles to the gallon! Down the road I saw $1.69 natch.
I stopped at Green Cove Springs and ate my lunch overlooking the St. John’s River in a boat repair facility. I was surprised how wide the river is there. I would love to cruise the river someday. We had hoped to do it on Hunky Dory’s maiden voyage but were interrupted by a hurricane.
The trip here via Rte 16 and 21 was through some scenic countryside and few towns. I saw a sign for Bear crossing. Oh and I spotted a deer on my bike ride. Tomorrow I’m off to Payne’s Prairie near Gainesville.
Friday, December 05, 2008 Payne’s Prairie State Park The last two days have been busy. The primary thought I’ve had is the comparison to this trip last year. Many of the same people are here and the activities are much the same, but I feel so much more comfortable with the group and with handling my van. Last year I didn’t have nerve enough to drive into Gainesville nor to offer to ferry people to activities outside the campground. This year I did both without hestitation.
Thursday my trip to Gainesville went smoothly and I particularly enjoyed the countryside on the two lane roads. I was in Gainesville shortly after 11 and managed to get the GPS to find the Museum of Natural History which had been recommended. Arriving there I was stumped by the parking and parked in a tow zone in order to walk over to a parking kiosk to ask for advice. For $3 I was admitted to the small parking area but told I would find more space around the building. Another Roadtrek was there with an Obama bumper sticker—two positives. I later learned that it was the vehicle belonging to the rally organizers and at the rally there was another Roadtrek with an Obama sticker.
The museum is really great. It is free except for two exhibits, one aimed at kids “Gagology” and the Butterfly House with an incredible array of species mostly from the rain forest of Brazil. It was wonderful to watch them. A staff member said they were more active this day then they had been. Today someone went and said they were not active at all because of clouds. They prefer sunny warm days just like me!
I also visited the exhibit on the Florida natives before heading for the Art Museum next door where I had lunch and saw an exhibit on Post War Miami design that was very interesting.
My friend Susan arrived at the campground right behind me. The evening was cold but the campfire helped as we reacquainted and met newcomers. Friday I volunteered to be one of the drivers as we headed for our nature hike about 5 miles down the road but still part of the park. Susan and another solo, Lorraine, rode with me. Four Roadtrekers bicycled but I had already decided to drive. It was a great two hour walk searching out birds. We also saw the wild horses but no bison or deer.
After lunch Susan, Lorraine and I headed out to the park visitors center and then to the small town of Eviston (pronounced just like Illinois’ Evanston). Located there is one of the oldest continuously operating post offices with fresh vegetable in the small store. I bought some fresh arugula picked that morning.
Tonight was our potluck, always a gastronomical treat. Stories of travels in Roadtreks were told many of which involved a trip to Alaska a number of them had made together. I’m supposed to visit the town of Chicken (don’t miss the ghost town and read the book Tisha before the trip.) Look for Mukluk Bettys for good food are some I remember.
Monday Dec 8 Back in Stuart and trying to catch up on mail etc.
Saturday at the rally was overcast as we walked to the trail for more bird watching. In total 35 species were spotted during the rally. Certainly I did not see that many but still was thrilled I saw more than last year. High lights of Saturdays walk included watching 3 eagles go after a fish that an egret had caught. The eagles won. Also spotting a large night heron somewhat blending into his surroundings. He was close enough to see without glasses but hidden enough that we missed him on the first pass. Also a pair of white pelicans.
The park has over 2300 acres on rolling sandhills in an area known as the Central Florida Ridge with remnants of ancient dunes formed over thousands of years by rising and lowering sea levels according to the informative brochure handed out with the registration. There are a number of types of vegetation here including a spring fed ravine. The spring eventually empties to form Lake Johnson near my campsite. The park lakes are very low with reoccurring droughts. There are nice rental cabins in the park with screen porches overlooking the lake.
After arriving this afternoon, I biked around the park. It was a great ride with gradual hills. The day had started chilly and was in the upper 50’s but I shed my jacket before long. On my return another camper from near Beaver Dam Wisconsin came over to visit intrigued by my rig. “Never saw anything like it” was the opening line. Of course I went into my sales pitch.
The facilities here are really great and look quite new from picnic benches to the bath house which includes a baby changing table and washer and dryer. Unfortunately there is no heat.
This morning I stopped to photograph the St. Augustine lighthouse. It’s such a beauty. Then did some shopping at Camping World, took a look at the Gander Store but it was very “hunter” oriented, and made a couple of clothes buys at a Liz Claiborne outlet store. Have to help the economy along, don’t I? I paid 1.73/gal for my fill up and I’d averaged over 14 miles to the gallon! Down the road I saw $1.69 natch.
I stopped at Green Cove Springs and ate my lunch overlooking the St. John’s River in a boat repair facility. I was surprised how wide the river is there. I would love to cruise the river someday. We had hoped to do it on Hunky Dory’s maiden voyage but were interrupted by a hurricane.
The trip here via Rte 16 and 21 was through some scenic countryside and few towns. I saw a sign for Bear crossing. Oh and I spotted a deer on my bike ride. Tomorrow I’m off to Payne’s Prairie near Gainesville.
Friday, December 05, 2008 Payne’s Prairie State Park The last two days have been busy. The primary thought I’ve had is the comparison to this trip last year. Many of the same people are here and the activities are much the same, but I feel so much more comfortable with the group and with handling my van. Last year I didn’t have nerve enough to drive into Gainesville nor to offer to ferry people to activities outside the campground. This year I did both without hestitation.
Thursday my trip to Gainesville went smoothly and I particularly enjoyed the countryside on the two lane roads. I was in Gainesville shortly after 11 and managed to get the GPS to find the Museum of Natural History which had been recommended. Arriving there I was stumped by the parking and parked in a tow zone in order to walk over to a parking kiosk to ask for advice. For $3 I was admitted to the small parking area but told I would find more space around the building. Another Roadtrek was there with an Obama bumper sticker—two positives. I later learned that it was the vehicle belonging to the rally organizers and at the rally there was another Roadtrek with an Obama sticker.
The museum is really great. It is free except for two exhibits, one aimed at kids “Gagology” and the Butterfly House with an incredible array of species mostly from the rain forest of Brazil. It was wonderful to watch them. A staff member said they were more active this day then they had been. Today someone went and said they were not active at all because of clouds. They prefer sunny warm days just like me!
I also visited the exhibit on the Florida natives before heading for the Art Museum next door where I had lunch and saw an exhibit on Post War Miami design that was very interesting.
My friend Susan arrived at the campground right behind me. The evening was cold but the campfire helped as we reacquainted and met newcomers. Friday I volunteered to be one of the drivers as we headed for our nature hike about 5 miles down the road but still part of the park. Susan and another solo, Lorraine, rode with me. Four Roadtrekers bicycled but I had already decided to drive. It was a great two hour walk searching out birds. We also saw the wild horses but no bison or deer.
After lunch Susan, Lorraine and I headed out to the park visitors center and then to the small town of Eviston (pronounced just like Illinois’ Evanston). Located there is one of the oldest continuously operating post offices with fresh vegetable in the small store. I bought some fresh arugula picked that morning.
Tonight was our potluck, always a gastronomical treat. Stories of travels in Roadtreks were told many of which involved a trip to Alaska a number of them had made together. I’m supposed to visit the town of Chicken (don’t miss the ghost town and read the book Tisha before the trip.) Look for Mukluk Bettys for good food are some I remember.
Monday Dec 8 Back in Stuart and trying to catch up on mail etc.
Saturday at the rally was overcast as we walked to the trail for more bird watching. In total 35 species were spotted during the rally. Certainly I did not see that many but still was thrilled I saw more than last year. High lights of Saturdays walk included watching 3 eagles go after a fish that an egret had caught. The eagles won. Also spotting a large night heron somewhat blending into his surroundings. He was close enough to see without glasses but hidden enough that we missed him on the first pass. Also a pair of white pelicans.
Photos of the camping rally taken by leader Hugh can be seen through this link http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/IRgMHQnC/1088091/3105644
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Back to Camping
St. Augustine Beach. It was a hectic turn round from returning home after 4 p.m. on Friday to departure at 11:30 on Saturday. Big Mama needed fuel. Interesting I paid $1.84/gal. Last time, in September was $3.79.
Checked the air in the tires, (yeah they were still properly inflated!) loaded any food available, clothes, computer and various items which hopefully will carry me through a week on the road.
The reason was a rendezvous with in laws Bob and Sara Larsen who were spending the Thanksgiving holiday in the St. Augustine area. They had been touring with daughter Melissa and son in law Jordan from Tampa. Melissa & Jordan headed west as I headed in. We had a fun visit together despite a lot of rain on Sunday. We even had our cocktail hour aboard Big Mama Sunday night.
They headed out to catch a flight home at Orlando’s airport. I had a great bike ride around the Anastasia State Park where I camped. I decided this is such a great place I would stay two more nights. The temperature is supposed to drop near freezing and my hope is that it will be warmer near the water. This park is on the Atlantic and the beaches have a white sand. It’s a very attractive park with lots of live oaks. Most sites are quite private and there are good restrooms though unheated.
From here I'll head inland tomorrow toward Gainesville where I'll attend a Roadtrek/birdwatching camping rally from Thursday to Sunday. I really enjoyed the gathering last year and look forward to the Paynes Prairie Campground. Sunday I'll finally return to Stuart but only for 3 weeks when I head back to Chicago on th 27th to attend a bridal shower and accompany my friend Ginny as she drives to her winter home in my neighborhood.
Checked the air in the tires, (yeah they were still properly inflated!) loaded any food available, clothes, computer and various items which hopefully will carry me through a week on the road.
The reason was a rendezvous with in laws Bob and Sara Larsen who were spending the Thanksgiving holiday in the St. Augustine area. They had been touring with daughter Melissa and son in law Jordan from Tampa. Melissa & Jordan headed west as I headed in. We had a fun visit together despite a lot of rain on Sunday. We even had our cocktail hour aboard Big Mama Sunday night.
They headed out to catch a flight home at Orlando’s airport. I had a great bike ride around the Anastasia State Park where I camped. I decided this is such a great place I would stay two more nights. The temperature is supposed to drop near freezing and my hope is that it will be warmer near the water. This park is on the Atlantic and the beaches have a white sand. It’s a very attractive park with lots of live oaks. Most sites are quite private and there are good restrooms though unheated.
From here I'll head inland tomorrow toward Gainesville where I'll attend a Roadtrek/birdwatching camping rally from Thursday to Sunday. I really enjoyed the gathering last year and look forward to the Paynes Prairie Campground. Sunday I'll finally return to Stuart but only for 3 weeks when I head back to Chicago on th 27th to attend a bridal shower and accompany my friend Ginny as she drives to her winter home in my neighborhood.
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