Eating our way across the Florida Panhandle.

Thursday

Waffle House (Bacon Lover's BLT)

Water Street Hotel and Marina (Great suite, two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, screened deck over creek, etc.)

Papa Joe's (dozen oysters on the half-shell - steamed, butter/parmesan, another kind)

Friday
Caroline's (brunch, oyster cakes, scrambled eggs, toast)

Up The Creek (dozen oysters on the half-shell - steamed, Mediterranean with chopped olives and capers, salad)

Saturday

Café Con Leche (Venezuelan coffee shop, arepas and coffee)

Pepper's (Port St. Joe) (restaurant picked because of smells wafting out while shopping - Mexican place - ceviche)

Tamara's Café (best meal - two appetizers - about a dozen fried oysters, oyster stew)

Sunday

Sharon's Café, Mexico Beach (waffle, just a good local breakfast)

Ezell's, Phenix City (fried catfish, slaw, hushpuppies)

Unlike some folks ( mentioning no names) I didn't take pictures of any of the dinners. LOL

The food was SO good, and I finally found the way to have oysters - just steamed, fried, or in chowder (I don't do raw) - the other stuff just overwhelms them.  This was a great laid-back weekend with good company.  Sue & Margaret got to do some shopping and some beach-walking/shell-hunting. I got some beach-sitting and knitting done.  As an extra bonus, Randy got me my very own ugly jug.

When do we go again?

Home again

I'm home.  Sue and Margaret gave me a great weekend - lots of good weather, lovely beach areas, and wonderful seafood (oysters every night!).  Margaret got me home a little before 7 tonight.  I'm headed to bed, and will write more tomorrow.

Sunday Stealing

How Are Ya Today Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

1. Okay, here we go. How are ya today?

Terrific

2.  Have you ever been so happy you felt invincible?

Nope

3. Would you ever refer to something as ‘bitter sweet’?

Of course

4.  Is there a person in this world you don’t think you could ever figure out?

Probably myself

5. When was the last time you were freaked out?

I don't know exactly what you mean.

6.  Do you learn from ‘every’ mistake you make?

I haven't so far, although it's a great goal to have.

7.  Do you sometimes think that you’re too nice?

I don't think so - I think I've mostly gotten over that.

8.  Is there something you’re dying to tell someone?

I still have things I'd like to tell John

9. Do you think you have a unique name?

        First name, no.  Last name, definitely.

1.  Do you usually try to find the good in people?

        I do, but some people make it really hard to do

1. Do you look back on embarrassing moments and laugh about them?

        Of course.

1. Have you ever laughed just to save yourself from humiliation?

        Doesn't everybody?

1. What are you doing in 2 hours?

        Sleeping.

1. What is the last thing you ate?

        Fried oysters and oyster stew.  YUM!

1.  Do you love your job?

         Being retired is a wonderful job.

1. When is the last time you showered?

This morning 

2. Who is the last person you texted?

        Kate

1. When is the last time you were in a hospital?

As a patient, in 2014.  With John, in 2015. 

2.  The last time you went out to eat, what did you order?
   Fried oysters and oyster stew. 
3. Do you tend to have a lot of those moments where you forget something that you wanted to say?
   Of course. Unfortunately, it happens more often as you get older. 
4.  How long have you known the last person you text messaged?

All her life 

5. Will this week be a good one?

        I hope so

1.  Anything happen to you within the past month that made you really happy?

Yes, taking a trip to the Gulf with Sue and Margaret. 

2.  Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?

       Morning

1. Have you been to New York City?

           Yes, three times.

---------------------------------------------

I have no idea what happened to the numbering in this thing, and don't care enough to try to fix it.

Apalachicola

Greetings from Apalachicola, FL - part of the "Forgotten Coast of Florida".  Sue and Margaret brought me along on their long weekend.  We're staying at the lovely Water Street Hotel and Marina, in a great room.  We drove around this picturesque little town for a while, then ate at a great seafood place.  The oysters truly are wonderful here!

Another day of exploration tomorrow.

Soon...

Lots of rain and wind today, but nothing severe (unlike some of the poor folks east of us).  We dodged this bullet. 

I got some things done after swimming this morning - haircut and closed safe deposit box, but that was it for the day.  Margaret came in this evening, and we'll head out early tomorrow for our long weekend. 

Anticipation!

Tuesday questions

Which is more fun?  The Republican presidential nominating primaries or severe weather heading your way?

Which is more dangerous?  The Republican presidential nominating primaries or severe weather heading your way?

Which is crazier?  The Republican presidential nominating primaries or severe weather heading your way?

Which would you prefer is over faster?   The Republican presidential nominating primaries or severe weather heading your way?

Slooooowwwww Sunday

Slow, grey, rainy day - nothing but laundry, newspaper, nap, and knitting. 

Sunday Stealing

Puzzler Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

1. What time is it?  11:15 pm ET
2.  Quick. What’s the first green thing you see? A plant and a pot
3. Do you like those Sudoku puzzles? Don't do those - just word puzzles
4.  Do you own a plaid shirt? No
5. What’s your favorite kind of pie? Mincemeat, lemon meringue
6.  Have you read a book today? Not today, just a few pages
7. Do you like going to museums? Of course - love them!
8.  Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? Or your nation's capital? I've been to D.C., and some other national capitals.
9.  Have you ever been to the state of Washington? Yes, it's a wonderful area.
10. Do you like apple juice? It's okay - not my favorite
11. How cold is it outside? About 60 degrees F.
12.  Have you ever taken a course in Chemistry? Yes
13. Do you like to draw? I'm an artist, so I can draw, but it's not my favorite thing to do or my best skill

14. What do you put on your french fries? Salt, maybe dip in catchup
15. Do you like everything to match? Don't care.
16. Do you like mustard? Yes, especially brown mustard
17. Would you ever work at a movie theater? Not now
18.  Do you have a phone charger in your car? Yes
19. Have you ever slept through an alarm? No, I usually wake up before the alarm goes off. 
20. Do you like pineapple on pizza? I don't even like the idea of pinepple on pizza.
21. Do you like to hold hands? Yes
22.  Do you want a tattoo? Definitely no
23. When is the last time you ordered from a catalog? I can't remember, but I ordered online a couple of days ago.
24.  Do you know anyone who has a collection of old records? Probably
25. What’s the name of the gas station you last stopped at? Murphy, at Walmart.
26. What was the first song you heard today? I can't remember which one, but it was an oldie when I turned on Sleepless in Seattle
27.  Have you ever gotten a magazine subscription as a gift? I don't think so.  If so, it would've been years ago.
28. What was the last video you watched on YouTube? One about Zookinesis. 
29. Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love? I don't remember specifically, but I would, of course.  It's not something I'd keep score on.
30.  Have you ever had your picture in the newspaper? Yes, but not recently.

Week's end

A manicure/pedicure is a pretty good way to end a week - or begin a weekend.

Thursday numbers

1. I went to Silver Sneakers.
2. I had an appointment with the CPA to get the tax work underway.
3. We had a fire drill at the Terrace.  The alarm is awful - so shrill and piercing and painful to the ears.  A staff member knocked on my door and escorted me outside.  We all stayed there until the alarm was turned off.
4. The foursome played bridge.  My partner and I had awful cards.  It got really funny and we did lots of laughing.
5. I watched An American in Paris on TCM.  I don't know what's best - Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, or Gershwin's music.  I had forgotten how long the American in Paris ballet was - almost 30 minutes.  It's amazing how much has been cut in the usual TV showings.

It was supposed to get to low 50s today, but I don't think it got there - the cloud cover never lifted.  Missy was in from out of town, and I met her at Renna's house for pizza this evening.  It was a fun time, but an early evening so I could get home before dark.  I almost made it, too. 

Nothing much on for tomorrow - just meeting with the CPA to get the tax stuff started...a first time for me. I hope I haven't screwed things up too badly

Exciting?

The big excitement for the day was that I got my new driver's license in the mail.  Look out world - another old broad driving.

Not a bad day

We've gotten lots of rain today, but with temps in the 30s, we're just lucky it's not frozen precipitation.  And they're talking about getting into the 60s by the end of the week.  Crazy. 

I got some new shoes this morning - sneakers/tennis shoes/trainers - whatever they're called now.  In any case, although I'm definitely not in my granddaughters' league with shoes, these may be the most expensive shoes I've ever gotten.  I got them at a local sports shoe store, with lots of personal attention and fitting. I've gotten shoes there for years, wear them daily for a couple of years, and then get another pair of whatever style/brand/color works at the time.  These are, like most of them, pretty ugly, but they are really comfortable and fit wonderfully. 

I had some pretty good cards at bridge today - so that's always a good thing.  All in all, not a bad day.

Sunday Sloth

Sunday is laundry.

Sunday, breakfast, newspaper.

Sunday mostly sloth.

Six on Saturday

1. I slept until almost 8 this morning.
2. Margaret came over and hung the rest of the art work.  And she got my land line phone to work again. Thanks SO much!
3. Comcast went out again.
4. I spent about an hour on the phone with a tech.  She was unable to get things going and made me an appointment for a tech to come to the apartment on Tuesday. She said to keep the appointment even if the signal came back - since this was the third time in a week it had happened.
5. An hour later, the TV, internet, and phone were working again.
6. The death of Antonin Scalia was reported. I don't think I ever agreed with any legal opinion the man made.

Friday Fun

Mostly just the usual stuff going on around here.  I didn't go to swimming Wednesday or this morning - the water in the pool has been unusually cold (should be 81-83, and it's been 78 +/- ), and I'm just not going to do that.  I hope they'll get something fixed by Monday.  But I'll call first. 

Today, I went with a couple of friends to a tea/lunch given by our financial counsellor.  It was a good lunch and a good time to talk and chat with buddies and the financial gal (although not about business).  The Terrace was having a Valentine's Day "dance" this afternoon.  I went for a little while.  There was a DJ, and refreshments - not much dancing since many of the folks are "walking-impaired".  But it was fun - at least for a little while. 

I got my new passport today (hooray!) - good until 2026.  That certainly ought to last me - or OUTlast me. LOL  Also, I ordered a humidifier from amazon, and it came today.  I've never used one before - always been more concerned about removing humidity from the air.  But the static electricity this winter has been driving me nuts, and someone suggested that as a solution.  I'll give it a try. 

More cold and precipitation coming up this weekend.

.

AGAIN

I went out to substitute in a bridge group this afternoon.  When I got home, the TV didn't work … AGAIN!  First I checked all the connections, then turned off the system at the power strip and turned it back on.  Then I called Comcast. I got a a live person quickly this time, but she couldn't fix the problem remotely.  So we set up an appointment for early in the morning … AGAIN! 

Then I went to supper, and played bridge for a couple of hours.  When I got home, I turned on the TV - just to check.  And, of course, it came back on.  I watched a while, then called Comcast to cancel tomorrow's appointment … AGAIN. 

Oh, I do hope the Terrace can get to an arrangement with the local fiberoptic company so we can get rid of Comcast.  Actually, there are things I really like about Comcast and Xfinity.  It just arbitrarily decides to stop working.   Grrrrr.

Pool conditions

I didn't go to swimming this morning.  With the moisture on the roads, and the temperatures in the 20s, I didn't want to go out in the dark and risk getting on some black ice.  That was my excuse, and I'm sticking with it. As it was, it didn't get out of the 30s today, even though the sun finally came out.  I did go out at 9 to go to coffee.  It turns out the water in the lap pool was only 78*,  so they didn't have the regular class.  They went into the therapy pool (88*).  And the temperature in the pool area room was only 64.  That's just unacceptable.  I'm going to check on Friday morning, and I won't go then if conditions haven't been corrected. Nothing much else exciting today.

 Tomorrow is going to be mostly bridge.  I'm subbing in a group in the afternoon, and playing here at the Terrace after supper.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Woke up to about 0.5" of snow on the deck.
2. Then it started snowing hard - big and fluffy.
3. Volunteers came to the Terrace, and I early-voted for the 1 March presidential primary.
4. The wind started blowing, and by lunchtime, most of the snow had blown away.
5. I went out to see the ENT.
6. They tested my hearing and did the Epley maneuver for the vertigo.
7. Doc said I had some hearing loss - to be expected at my age. Not nearly enough to consider hearing aids.
8. It's going to be BRRRR cold in the morning.
9. I'll skip swimming tomorrow.  Don't want to chance getting on black ice driving in the dark.
10. Not happy with, but not surprised by, the New Hampshire results.

Monday snow

Swimming on Monday.

Actual shopping and bridge.

Then colder and snow.

Strange day

It's been a strange day.  I got up, got dressed, and took the laundry up to get  started.  Then I had a good breakfast in the dining room.  It was a good time to do laundry, get a good breakfast, and get some newspaper read.  I got finished just in time for Sunday Morning to start.  And that's when it started… 

Comcast wasn't working.  C'mon - seriously?  I fiddled with the on/off buttons.  I unplugged and replugged the control box.  Then I checked the internet.  Nothing there, either.  So then it was on the phone with Comcast.  The recording told me they would take over and reset it and that it would take about 30 minutes.  If it wasn't back on by then, I should call them back.  It wasn't, and I did.  That's when I got a real person. 

So with the person, I unplugged and replugged again.  Nothing.  I turned the power strip off and on - twice.  Nothing.  So they set me up with an appointment for 8 a.m. tomorrow.  Well, that'll make for a fun day.  I did get the iPad and ultimately the laptop hooked up to the Terrace WiFi, so it wasn't a total loss. 

About 2, I clicked on the TV, just to see what would happen.  And - it was working!  What??  The internet wasn't, though.  But by suppertime, even the internet was up and running.  I waited a while to be sure, but then I cancelled the service call.  Hope springs eternal. 

Oh, yes - something else WAS going on.  Congratulations to the Denver Broncos, and our very own Peyton Manning

Sunday Stealing

Carry A Tune Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

Do you own a tablet of any kind?

I have an iPad

What’s something people always assume about you that isn’t true?

I don't know what people assume about me…or much care

On a scale of 1-10, how much do elevators scare you?

Zero

When you’re upset, do you vent to people or do you keep to yourself?

It depends on who's around, but mostly keep it to myself

Have you ever watched a meteor shower?

Probably

Do you tend to put things off until the last minute?

Not too much

How do you react to random strangers suddenly trying to make conversation with you?

It depends on the situation, but I'm likely to respond.

Do you have a lucky number?

No

Would you go out to dinner with Oprah?

Of course.  It would probably be at a great place, and she's an interesting woman

Did you ever play sports?

Definitely not - unless you consider playing bridge a sport.

Do you feel guilty if you throw food away?

Not in the least

Do you think you could make it as a baker?

Definitely not

Are you one of those people who are wearing scarves with everything?

Nope, but I like them, have several, and wear one occasionally

Have you ever been in a castle?

Yes, in Russia and other places.

When you were little, did you ever play with Playdoh?

It wasn't invented when I was little, but I loved playing with it with our girls. 

Would you rather write a mystery or love story?

I'm not a writer, but I like mysteries better

Tell me about your worst fashion mistake.

It happens every morning when I get dressed

Do you hate it when people smoke around you?

I do now.

How are you wearing your hair right now?

Very short

When’s the last time you were sick?

Just before Christmas when I had a bad cold

Would you rather have OJ or milk with your breakfast?

To drink, OJ; on my cereal, milk

What were you doing thirty minutes ago?

Computer stuff, watching TV

Do you own any school related clothing articles?

Yep.  UTC Lady Mocs and UT Lady Vols

Would you rather call people or have them call you?

No preference

Can you carry a tune?

Sometimes

Who was the last person who unexpectedly texted you?

My realtor to remind me of the closing on the house.

Who do you text the most?

Probably Margaret or one of the swimmers

Another milestone

I am no longer a homeowner!!

What a wonderful feeling.  The money is in the bank and ready for investment.  I got to talk to the buyers a little, and they are US.  They're about the same age we were when we bought the house 30 years ago. Their children are grown. They've just had their first grandchild. They knew this was the house for them as soon as they saw it. The first question was about the screened porch. It just felt good.

My laptop is in the shop getting de-virused, so I'm writing this (slowly) on my iPad. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

A very good day!

Miscellany

The storms roared through about 3:30 this morning.  My phone's weather alert went off, and the thunder started.  I turned off the alarm, rolled over, and went back to sleep.  So much for swimming this morning.  I did make coffee, though.  And then went for a massage.

I've gotten some stupid page that come up covering my Edge window.  It tells me to "Click OK" and I'll win an Apple iPhone6.  Right! - like I'm going to do that.  But I can't make it go away.  I've done a "restart"; I've done a complete shut-down.  It still won't go away.  I guess I'll have to take it to Staples or Best Buy and get somebody to fix it for me.  I had put an IE link on my task bar, so that's what I'm using for this.

Residents' Council for the Terrace was this afternoon.  I always try to go to these, just to find out what's going on with management.  Corporate has passed out some money, and there will be some infrastructure improvements made, some new furniture purchased.  There have been some new job assignments in the staff and some new hires.

But, IMHO, the biggest news from the Council meeting was that the County Election Commission is sending staff here to the Terrace next Tuesday to conduct early voting for  the residents.  I am SO impressed.  That's wonderful.  And I will vote here, instead of one of the other early voting locations.

Weather!

It's February.
It was cloudy and cool this morning.
Then the sun came out.
We broke an all-time temperature record for 2 February at 76 degrees F.
Then the wind started.
Then the rain started.
All with a tornado watch in our immediate area, warnings west of us.
Prediction for rain up to 2" overnight, with possible thunderstorms.
It's February!

Sunday Stealing - better late than never

Laundry Day Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

Do you know any couples that have been married for a very long time?

We were married almost 60 years, and I know at least two other couples who are getting close to that.

What are you tired of people telling you?

 Can't think of anything

Which type of ice cream do you prefer?

I like vanilla and butter brickle.

Do you have a little sister? What’s her name?

I was the "little sister".  My older sister, Carol, died at age 66.

What was the last movie you watched on TV?

I can't remember.

If the internet was not available right now, what would you do instead?

I'd be knitting and watching TV, and have a call in to my internet provider

Do you complain a lot?

I don't think so.

Name a movie that your favorite actor is in.

I see so few movies, I don't really have any favorites any more.

Do you like your toes?

Hahahahahahahaha!

Would you rather go to an authentic haunted house or an ancient temple?

No contest - an ancient temple.

Have you ever had champagne? Did you like it?

I've had it, but not recently.  It's not one of my favorites and, in any case, I don't drink anymore.

Are there any seashells in your room?

No, but I got rid of a lot of them when we cleaned out the house.

What was the reason for the last time you went outside?

I left this morning to  go to the Y, and to do other Monday things.

Do you like fruity or minty gum?

I hate all gum.  Yuck!

Are you looking forward to any day of this month?

The 25th, when I leave with Sue and Margaret to go to Apalachicola.

What was the last graduation you attended?

Sarah's high school graduation about 8 years ago

Do you rummage through the $5 movie bin at Walmart every time?

I don't buy movies.

What day of the week do you usually do laundry?

It used to be Sunday, but I don't have a special day now.

Do you like using air fresheners?

I don't use them - don't like scented things.

Are your nails ever painted red?

They are now

When you were a baby, did you have a favorite blanket?

I don't think so

Ever been on a cruise?

Yes, mostly on river cruises, but one ocean cruise - all on small boats.

Would you rather go to Alaska or Russia?

I've been to both.  I don't care anything about going back to Russia, but would go back to Alaska in a heartbeat.

Strawberries or bananas?

Strawberries

Are you wearing socks?

Not right now, when I'm in my pjs.  But I always wear them when I'm dressed.

When’s the last time you went to the mall?

I loathe shopping, so don't go to the mall.  Having said that, I went into the end of an anchor store (but not the mall proper) today to return something I had ordered on line.