Yesterday while enjoying our last meal at De La Vega restaurant in Deland, Florida my lovely husband informed me that we will be leaving Welaka on March 12th...three days earlier than we had anticipated. Can I get an AMEN? LOL
We've been researching campgrounds on the east and west coasts of Florida. Comparing prices and checking for 'it factors' is something we haven't had to do in over a year! South of here the prices still reflect the season. The snowbirds won't head north for another month or so. But weekly rates are 'OK' and it looks like we'll travel south and hit a place on the east coast for a week then head over to Hudson, Fl on the 19th for our window repairs. We've both agreed on the campground but no final arrangements have been made so you'll just have to wait for the location. Don't want to get our plans dashed because there's no room for us!
Our lunch at De La Vega was delicious as usual, I had avocado rellenos and Jim had the paella. Of course we had a lovely Argentinian white wine to wash it down. If you're ever in the area and you like good, Mexican food with a Spanish flair you must try this restaurant. Chef Nora and her staff are wonderful and I promise you won't be disappointed.
Another bit of good news I'd like to share with you concerns my blood pressure. Huh? Did you know I've been battling it? I've been pre-hypertensive for years (since the 80's) and trying to combat it with diet and exercise. Well, not so much with the exercise, I could do better in that department. So far I've avoided medication for it.
Do you believe everything you read? Me either, I like to read more and try things for myself.
When Jim gave me the essential oils for Christmas I started reading up on how to improve your health with these oils and I started using several of them. I also use Young Living's NingXia Red dietary supplement,about 2 ounces twice a day. In this drink I put a drop of two oils (Copaiba and Ocotea) said to help with blood pressure diabetes (I'm also pre-diabetic, but that's a story for another blog). I'm also using other oils for lowering cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure but I don't want to overwhelm you with everything. If you want more information I can help with that and give you sources to read up on these conditions.
Since I started with this protocol of oils I've been keeping track of my blood pressure daily. Every morning when I get up I check it and keep track on line with the help of My HealtheVet a resource for disabled vets. Since January 6th I've had normal blood pressure readings 10 times. Three in January and seven in February. For the last three days I've been in the normal range. Hopefully this is the start of a trend for me!
I will continue doing all of this as I can while we travel. Mail and package delivery being what it is for full timers I may not get supplies when I need them. I won't be able to have my numbers checked for cholesterol or diabetes until I'm near a VA facility which might not be until next December when we get to Kerrville, Tx for the winter.
I will blog about my blood pressure once a month so I won't bore you with my journey.
If you are interested in reading more about using essential oils, for what ever ails you, I can send you to a website so you can research it. Just let me know!
If you want to purchase anything I've mentioned just click here. Thank you for your purchases!
17 days
- 1,468,800 seconds
- 24,480 minutes
- 408 hours
- 17 days
- 2 weeks (rounded down)
This past week has gone by quickly! Last Sunday we both worked, Jim cleaning cottages and me doing housework. I also baked some Lemon Poppy seed muffins
Monday Jim worked but I can't recall if it was all day or just a cleaning day. When he cleans everyone is off when the cabins are done. If he works in the office he doesn't get home until after 1700. Don't have a clue as to what I did...couldn't have been all that exciting
Tuesday we drove to Jacksonville for another eye procedure. This time it was my right eye and it was as easy as the last time. Jim also had his eyes examined and he ordered new glasses. I have to go back Tuesday for a followup and with a lot of luck I won't need new glasses. Maybe Jim's glasses will be ready and we can skip going to Jax for a few weeks! We also had lunch at Whole Foods followed by some shopping for groceries.
Wednesday was a slow day. Jim putzed around outside doing a few things. Nothing strenuous because we had dinner plans!
Because I signed up for emails we learned that De La Vega would have a Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) dinner. We rarely eat out at night, mostly because it costs more than the lunch menu. But this was special and we made reservations for 1800. We both like Latino food and eager to try this restaurant again.
It was a set menu and everyone got pumpkin soup, a pupusa (thick corn tortilla with a queso/onion filling topped with mole sauce), choice of entree and pumpkin flan for dessert. There were three entrees to choose from, Jim chose the chicken and I chose the chipotle glazed salmon. All of this was delicioso! We started with a glass of Merlot from Chile and with our meal I had a Chardonnay and Jim chose Sangria (which turned out to be two for one!). We also enjoyed the guitar music and singing. Interesting to hear a Latino singing Neil Diamond and other pop songs. But he did sing some Spanish love songs and even did a mariachi tune.
It was a lovely evening that lasted over two hours. We had a good time chatting with the couples on either side of us. We met and talked with Chef Nora and learned she is from Mexico City. How she landed in the college town of Deland is a mystery that perhaps we'll learn another time because I'm sure we'll go back. She said they plan on doing evenings like this again and mentioned New Years Eve. Now that would be fun!
Our Saturday started out dismal...I was up early and knew we had a chance of cloudy skies and rain. And it lasted most of the day. Not sure the sun ever came out.
No matter, we had a date with Sonsearae and Chris. After doing the dishes and making the bed I got dressed for out lunch in DeLand. The last time we were down there I noticed a Spanish Tapas restaurant, De La Vega.
http://www.delavegart.com/
Sonsearae and Chris were going on a cruise and we made plans to meet at the restaurant so we could visit.
They were already seated when we arrived and had ordered chips and dips. Pico de Gallo, tomatillo and a habenero, along with queso and of course guacamole. All were yummy and we had to order more chips.We had a leisurely lunch that included Sangria for three of us. Everyone enjoyed their order, but more importantly we enjoyed each others company. Sonsearae ordered the Banderrillas while I had Avocado Rellenos. Chris had Taquiza Gringa and Jim had a similar dish, Taquiza de Camaorn. If you go to the website you can read about these delicious dishes. We all had leftovers and lucky us, we got to bring them home!
After lunch we strolled up and down the street checking out the craft show. It was nice the rain had stopped. I didn't know the Quilt and Craft show was going to be there, but I lucked out because because I like craft shows!
Soon it was time for us to part and after we exchanged hugs, they headed south while we headed north. We did drive through another shower.
Walked in the house just in time to feed Boo and enjoy our afternoon coffee. Watched some of the LSU Georgia game....it was real interesting with the score going back and forth and LSU taking the lead in the fourth quarter only to lose right at the end
I sat outside for a bit enjoying the cool breeze and watching the birds. Must have been six cardinals out there flitting from feeder to feeder. A couple of wrens showed up too. Since filling the feeders we've had blue jays a woodpecker, the cardinals, doves, wrens and a titmouse or two show up. The rain and clouds cleared out and it was a lovely end to the day.
We spent the evening watching TV and Netflix. When we finally got hungry I fixed some soup...it was all I needed and Jim said it hit the spot.
It is now 0800 on Sunday and time for me to start my day....Jim needs to get up for work, Boo needs to be fed and I think I'll go for a walk since we have sunny skies
