Weather

We had some pretty cold nights with that last front and I'm hoping that's the last of our winter.  It sure messed up the azaleas....they look pitiful right now.

Three weeks ago the azalea's were gorgeous!

Do any of you use coupons?  I print some and I take advantage of store sales.  Did you know that most grocery stores have a card you can get?  Depending on where you are you can get coupons from their website loaded on your card...no clipping!  It does mean you have to check before you head to the store.  You can also earn rewards such as money off your gas purchases.  With fuel getting more and more expensive this may be a good thing!  For the past couple of months I've been tracking my savings and with coupons and store savings I've saved enough for at least one lunch out a month...$30 or so.  I just wish I could find more coupons for produce, they're out there but few and far between. Of course the Sunday  paper has coupons also and this is where you can find restaurant coupons.  Who doesn't like eating out? Fast food and chain restaurants put out coupons to entice you.

I have found a local produce market, Viva la Verde and I'm enjoying their selection and affordability.  I concentrate on getting the locally grown and organic produce.  This week I'm getting organic celery, a pound of baby bella mushrooms (not local, but so very good!), a pound of green beans, a pound of tomatoes, 3 pounds of russet potatoes and a pound of beets, all locally grown and it will cost me just over $20...

Last month I tried a new Key Lime Pie recipe, I made it for Sonsearae's birthday when she and Chris visited.  It was a big hit!  It took month for me to gather all the ingredients again and I made another one yesterday.  Oh my!  We both love it and I know I'll make it again.  This time we have to eat it all!!!!  I'm thinking it's a good thing I have to drive to St Augustine for some of the ingredients!  It's all non dairy so for me that's great.....unfortunately it's still loaded with calories.  If you're interested in the recipe just check out the Mori Nu website

No-See-Ums

Are you familiar with these itty, bitty blood suckers?  I can't begin to tell you how many bites I have on my feet, ankles, lower legs and arms.  But mostly my feet!  Those little critters do not like me!  Where are they on the food chain?  I need to find something that will eat them.  If you have ideas on how to keep them from biting me, please tell me....I'll try anything.

Not sure if I showed you our new site.  Looks the same, only different!  We have a wooden deck and those &%)* no-see-ums still found me...We're right across from the pool and so far that's hasn't been a problem...to cool to swim!

Wednesday we tried a new restaurant, Woody's Bar B Q, not the worst we've had, but it won't bother me if we don't go back.  The onion rings had to much batter.  I tried the chicken and it was tasty if a bit on the dry side. On the table there were two sauces and neither one stood out.  Mixed they were ok.  The beans were tasty, we both enjoyed those.  I also had mashed potatoes and gravy but I didn't care for the gravy, it was to salty.

We use our phones for wifi and for the most part it's great.  This is what we use for Netflix and if the signal is good we can watch movies and shows without a problem.   Every now and then we do experience problems with streaming.  We can also use our iPads to watch and it works better on the tablet.

Thursday a cold front gave us some rain for our pot luck get together.  No matter, rain or cold weather doesn't deter those looking for good food and friends.  There was chili and clam chowder, key lime cheese cake and  a sheet cake.  Salads, pizza and watermelon...do you like watermelon?  I do and I bought a big one to share so if you need some, come on by!  I still have lots to share

Yesterday was Jim's 70th birthday.  He celebrated by washing windows, taking out the trash, fishing and a wee nap.  We also went out to dinner at Belle's Bistro in Crescent City.  First time we've been there.  We had Paella that came with a salad and Jim had an ice cream dessert (what else?).  On the way home we were treated to a lovely sunset.  Good way to end the birthday boy's day!