Although the intent was surely different, Robert Cray said it best.

Well somebody called and gave me the word
And I’m gonna tell you people just what I heard
I’m gonna tell you for free and it won’t cost a dime
There’s so many women, so little time

Words to Action

Owing to fate these women and talented authors arrived on my doorstep. Why fate? In short, a week ago I did not have a schedule to host a salon filled with authors, artists and a couple of friends. Yesterday, I found myself drenched in conversations about publishing, cocktails with Matt Damon, secrets of Sundance, a secret garden, life lessons from India and spies in the Magic City.

Even so, one evening of conversation with these intelligent, gifted and entertaining authors would not satisfy my curiosity. A more perfect Q and A could not have been delivered to my doorstep, literally. Over slices of key lime and peach pie, charcuterie and one of my “whip it up” appetizers Hot and Easy Game Day Dip I managed to get a word in between the sips of wine. Many women and little time to read or learn it all.

Sometimes, women get excited to share their stories and journey. So many women and little time to condense it all in one evening of sharing. I was thrilled to listen and discover the secrets of wisdom that found their way to my abode. And crossing my fingers that they would leave some of their pixie dust behind to land on me.

Especially today, I am grateful for the pixie dust, visit and words scattered on my mind. Also, knowing that I can reach out to my favorite book store for more inspiration from these authors is joyous. Before even a day passed, I wanted to share each of them with you. Besides, maybe the pixie dust will land on you as well.

Authors and Pixie Dust Sprinklers

Kathy L Murphy Author, Artist and The Queen of The International Pulpwood Queens & Timber Guys Book club https://www.thepulpwoodqueens.com/

Book- The Pulpwood Queen’s Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life

Anne Kent Rush Author, Editor and Illustrator writing book on preventive health care, human body, yoga and massage

Latest Book with Elizabeth Owings MD- The Clitoris Unveiled

Lovelace Cook Author and Podcast Creator of Bollywood & Books

TK Thorne Author, Artist & Screenplay for Short Film Six Blocks Wide

Latest book-Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days

Tracy Lea Carnes– Author, Playwright & Screenwriter

Latest Book- Excess Baggage

Please check out each of these authors many books. Let me know what you think and how the pixie dust affected you.

Love Mimi

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All of us are busy with work, family, friends, chores and more. We literally don’t have to time to research-to-death every topic. World wide web certainly has a ton of information if you only have the time to sift through the minutiae. And whom do you trust when you read reviews?

My adventures will give you some feedback that is not tied to a commercial transaction. Clearly you may have noticed by now that I have NOTHING for sale. No ugly ads to distract you. Just recipes, words or photos of things I love which include food, travel and music.

Why should I listen to music?

One of my goals is that my words will move you to cook, eat, travel, listen and go. Enjoy an experience, location, recipe, music or festival that you may not have tried before. At times we all need a gentle push to try something new. One of my many joys in life besides cooking and sharing or eating great food is listening to music

Grill Man and I have the standard ways to enjoy music like everyone which include stereo, radio, Alexa, turn-table and Sonic Suitcase. Absolutely nothing compares to listening to live music especially if it is a small venue.

Especially live, music is good for the soul. By watching musicians play directly in front of you it increases your sensory enjoyment. After attending a festival last year I wrote about one food and travel experience titled, Adorable Opelika and Songwriters Festival 2020. This event is next month and they have over 70 artists. Read link above for details.

Subscribe to Dining With Mimi for latest Music that you haven’t heard

If you love a musician’s music there is no better way to support them then by going to a concert and buying their album, cd and merchandise. This monetary exchange direct with the artist helps to support and sustain their creative work and sustains the music.

Our world would be a sad and dreary place without music to lighten our hearts. Musicians creating melody and music improves our attitude and contributes in other ways that we may not realize.

Did you know music is good for your health? If you don’t believe me check out this report from Harvard titled, Music and Health. It is very technical, but the short version is you should listen to more music. You will be happier and healthier. Who doesn’t want more of that?

Music makes us travel. While traveling I experience new foods and spices which make me want to cook at home. This food discovery encourages me to share with friends and family. Dining With Mimi is an extension of my journeys.

While on a journey at 30a Songwriters Festival we discovered a stunning new talent, Liz Longley. Check out Liz Longley her music is soulful and lovely. James Squire described her music this way, ” Seeing her live is an experience to behold. Every song is imprinted with a piece of her soul and stamped with so much emotion. She has one of the most pure voices that resonates within your bones. Angelic and ethereal.”

Listening to music and while I am writing about food and travel please remember anything that I write about is based on my opinion (such as it is) of my experience. Please recognize that this is subject to change at any given time based on new information.

How do I get the latest information?

Jump on board and Subscribe to Dining With Mimi. If you subscribe you will be sure to see the latest recipes and food or travel adventures. As Grill Man and I discover new music or festivals you will be the first to know via the subscription email.

Once you subscribe, a confirmation request will be sent. Confirm acceptance and that is all you need to do. Thank you for supporting my site with your time and attention. I hope to earn your trust and become the go-to Southern girl. Let me know how I may assist.

If you see something you love please share it with someone. If you dislike something please let me know that too. This year I am on a mission to increase my subscriber following and if you share my site, it will help. Pick 10 people, share site with friends that love recipes, music and travel tips.

It’s time, Subscribe to Dining With Mimi or share with your loved ones.

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Growing up in New Orleans the subject of Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday fell into two major groups. Group one consisted of Mardi Gras fans and costumed participants enjoying the daze. Group two worked hard to avoid all things Mardi Gras and hunkered down until the dust settled.

My parents belonged to the hunker down until its all over group which drug me in as a member. In my world of hunker down living with Laisses Les Bon Temps Rouler and origin of Mardi Gras I was unaware. In New Orleans it is just common knowledge that Mardi Gras started in “The Big Easy”.

Yet, when I arrived in Mobile my new friends educated me on the history of Mardi Gras. Like most people I was surprised to learn that in America Mardi Gras was first celebrated in Mobile. Apparently the French Le Moyne brothers introduced this French Catholic tradition to the area.

Do you think that Pierre and Jean-Baptiste had any idea how Mardi Gras would evolve over time? If you’re interested in Mardi Gras history both Mobile and New Orleans have Mardi Gras Museums. This celebration is not limited to these cities because Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana celebrate.

List of Mardi Gras Museums-New Orleans and Mobile

Louisiana State Museum Exhibit Collection- It’s Carnivale Time In Louisiana

Arnaud’s – Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum

Backstreet Museum- Collection of Mardi Gras Indian Regalia

Mardi Gras Museum Costumes and Culture– Features early traditions exhibit and interactive exhibit with costumes for dress up.

Mardi Gras World- Where Mardi Gras is everyday. If you want to take a day tour, call for free shuttle ride 504-361-7821. Although if you want to drive $15 is the parking fee. 60 minute tours are offered 7 days a week all year. Check site for detailed information.

Mobile Carnival Museum- Discover the birthplace

Where is the Mardi Gras Tree?

During my last trip to New Orleans with Funny Girl, we stumbled upon Mrs. Watson and her Mardi Gras Tree. It was one of those days that could have been my version of Lucy and Ethyl show. Mrs Watson is a lovely person and clearly loves all things Mardi Gras.

As your driving around downtown take a slight detour and snap a photo of the Mardi Gras tree. This stop is off St Charles and on your way to any of the great shops or restaurants on Magazine Street. Need a quickie drop into New Orleans for 48 Hours.

Do not head to New Orleans without a plan or hotel for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras New Orleans will fill you in on on dates, routes, tips, history and traditions. Be prepared for crowds. Pay attention to parade routes and schedules to make the most of your time. Time will slip away before you know it.

If you have decided to hunker down at home and enjoy the season. You too may celebrate by cooking some of my favorite New Orleans inspired dishes. Select a few recipes and invite your friends over for a pre-parade party.

Pre Parade Party Recipes

Shrimp Dip with Ruffles

Crawfish Pies

Seafood Gumbo

Spicy Shrimp and Grits

Creole Sausage Crescent City Savory Appetizer

Of course, New Orleans is a city unlike no other. The blending of foreign countries and people have made it the melting pot that it is today. Certainly the food and customs are a combined mix of a multicultural city. All of the blending and whipping into a frenzy creates this magical place. As with all things, it is not perfect and sometimes tarnished.Yet, I love the history, food and music.

Shout out to Professor Longhair. Professor Longhair sings it best.

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With the information overload surrounding us at all hours of the day, it is important to separate the wheat from the chaff. Clearly it is impossible to do everything we should to stay healthy and promote longevity.  I simply do not have enough hours in my day, ever.

Not to mention the difficulty of deciding which source is right. Should I eat eggs or stay away from eggs? Is bread good or bad for you? What happens if I eat meat or avoid it? Is it healthier to avoid red wine or drink more wine? Oh wait, I know the answer to that one.

On the way to Mimi’s Sage Advice

On a clear day when the race of life had settled to a hum instead of a roar, I decided that common sense would rule my day.  Internet-land offers a world of information available at the slightest touch of the keys.  Information  must be researched, contemplated and sometimes ignored.

At the end of the day, you have to decide what makes sense and is best for you. Truly, you will benefit from good decisions and suffer through the “not so great” choices. Although the “not so great”ones teach us valuable lessons even if we scrape our knees learning.

Here is one piece of advice that is good for everyone.  Yet, I do not know where the expression originated. So good that I want to label it Mimi’s Sage Advice. Simple lesson that is so good for what ails ya. Remember to,

Move it or lose it.

Exercise, stretching, walking, running, hiking, paddling, surfing, swimming, biking or yoga, just do it. Move it to keep it or lose it and miss it. Determination is in my toolbox  and I drag it out as needed. On certain days even small tasks are a struggle for all of us.

Finally I discovered an activity that I love. Paddle boarding is a great calorie burn that does not feel like exercise while doing it. Best stress reliever  I have discovered next to a dalliance. Beauty of nature  is everywhere you look when paddling and a great activity to enjoy with friends to enhance sport. If your competitive, join a paddle race and up your game.

Whatever you decide to use as your activity to encourage movement, please use it often for greatest benefit.

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Apparently, Grill Man picked up the flipping flu from either a business trip or drug it home from the Doctor. New strain of flipping flu is a nasty bug that holds on for three weeks which feels like forever for the caretaker AKA Mimi. If you suspect that you have it please listen, GO TO DOCTOR.  Better yet, go get the flu shot before  you get the flipping flu.

If you choose to ignore this sage advice, as soon as you feel bad GO TO DOCTOR. Quarantine and move to a room all by yourself. Otherwise, your partner will catch the flipping flu and then who will take care of you? Saddle up it’s going to be a bumpy ride filled with all sorts of unpleasantness.

For starters a sore throat comes calling complete with  coughing. A whiskey and honey will not cure this. Be ready for foreign unknown substances that come from out of nowhere.  Items that you will not be able to name. Little boys would probably be interested  but no one else.  Locate a case of tissue and keep it handy because you’re going to need it.

Get ready for night sweats and headaches that will make you want to be a frequent shopper at the local hospital.  Fear not, as resigned as you may become for relief at the hospital, the effects are short-lived. The fluids will lure you into thinking that you are feeling better. Just sit back and relax, flipping flu is not through torturing you yet.

Hopefully you have a partner that loves you and will help you through this dire time. If not, get your check book out and call someone. You will need someone to aid you with hot tea, soup, cough drops,  locating the one item that you desperately need at all times, water.

It is important to eat even if tiny portions. Although you clearly may not want to eat anything because you may feel like a passenger on the fast train to the final destination.  Yes, even good food tastes awful. Eat anyway it is about fuel for the body not a tasting event.

A caregiver is imperative. Basically anyone that will remind you to drink water and force you to eat even though food is the last thing on the mind. Good idea to hide any guns or sharp objects, no point in tempting anyone. Three weeks of flipping flu takes its toll on everyone.

Suggestions for surviving when Flipping Flu Comes Calling

1.0 Go to Doctor at first symptoms immediately ( very important)

2.0 On your way home from Doctor buy the following: Lemons, juice, tissues, Flu & cold medicine, Sinus Personal Steam  Inhaler,  grapes, Vick’s Vapor Rub, bottled water

3.0 At all times drink water constantly. If nauseated, take something for nausea so that you may drink water.

4.0 Squeeze lemon into a glass of water and drink daily.

5.0 Apply Vicks Vapor Rub on chest am and pm.

6.0 Take large doses of vitamin c but only after food

7.0 Take a hot shower every day that your able to safely stand in shower.

8.0 Use Sinus Vapor Steam daily to reduce symptoms.

Note to caretakers if Flipping Flu Comes Calling

1.0 Install a large trash can besides patients bed and recliner. This will allow patient to free-throw the mountain of tissues directly into a bio-hazard bag.

2.0 Stockpile everything that they will need on the bedside table. Phone, cough drops, meds, thermometer, tissues, magazines etc. Place extra blanket on bottom of bed for your patient. This may save you a few trips entering the contagion zone.

3.0 Wash your hands with hot water and soap every single time that you have contact with anything that your patient has touched and maybe even looked at.

4.0 Take large doses of vitamin c daily. Take large glass of water with lemon squeezed in to increase your antioxidants. Your body needs a strong immune system, especially now.

5.0 Bottled water is for special occasions and in my opinion this one qualifies. Stock bottles on the bedside table. Monitor how many your patient drinks. This is critical due to risk of dehydration. Otherwise,  expect to drive patient on a direct trip to the hospital. Not a fun travel trip.

6.0 Bring meals to patient. This will prevent patient from exposing the rest of the house with germs.   Soups and hot tea are good for many reasons. Grapes, cheese,  peanut butter and crackers may be tolerated if  your patient has nausea.

7.0 Remember to buy a stockpile of wine. It is important that the caretaker has plenty of fluids  accessible to keep up the Nurse Nightingale act. No one wants Nurse Ratched.

8.0 Use time alone to catch up on all of those things that you usually don’t have time for reading, sleeping, wine-ing.

9.0 After you figure our that patient is doing well enough on his own, plan a night out with your girlfriends. 24 hours after the last fever your patient is no longer contagious. After you have reached this stage without symptoms, meet for a movie or a glass of wine.

Certainly, I would love to say that I was smart enough to carry out these suggestions for when flipping flu comes calling. Too little too late.  Certainly not for lack of trying, I researched all over the internet for flu survival suggestions and  added any practical advice to survive without actually catching the flu. Make use of this list if flipping flu comes calling.

Soup Recipes for when Flipping Flu Comes Calling

Soups are easier for your system to tolerate if your sick. My site has many versions for you to cook at home.  Here are just a few for your cooking pleasure.

Using Turkey Carcass creating White Turkey Chili

Weary Souls Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Corn and Crawfish Chowder

In summary, if you have any suggestions for when Flipping Flu Comes Calling, please let me know.

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Admittedly, I am very sentimental. I value the stories and memories from the past. Loved ones that are no longer with us, live on in our memories even our dreams. Food, aromas and memories are tied together in an amazing way. These memories store away then remind us of all that we love and lost. Cooking a dish that my Grandmother made for us offers comfort in her absence. My recipe box treasures are priceless.

First item to enter my Recipe Treasure Box

The earliest recipe that I remember collecting is ladyfingers cookies. Ladyfinger cookies are everything that I  desire in a cookie. Firm, hint of sweet, tiniest pecan crunch,  buttery flavor that melts in your mouth and leads to a craving for another cookie.

Sadly, the recipe is on a small piece of paper with an orange sharpie that is faded but protected in a tiny plastic bag. I should rewrite this on a recipe card and toss the tiny paper. Memories flood my brain when I see my recipe scrap of paper. A computer generated copy is unable to move me in this way.

When my daughter was little my neighbor shared her ladyfingers cookie recipe. The cookies became one of our comfort cookies that I would make as a special treat. A delicious bite of butter, sugar, flour and pecans. How may you top that?

Over the years of learning to cook, I would add my favorites from family and friends to my recipe box. Occasionally I find recipes with notes for added instructions and comments from the person who shared the recipe. I love the process of scanning through the hidden gems and selecting recipes to cook.

Grill Man has his Grandmother’s version of recipe box treasures.  Enclosed in a paperback cookbook titled “Favorite Recipes of Alabama Vocational Home Economics Teachers”. Stuffed inside with lots of handwritten recipes on scraps of paper in various shapes and sizes. Recipes mostly consisting of desserts, few entrees and holiday recipes.

I smile  when I gaze through the recipes in this collection. A couple of the recipes only have a list of ingredients without the instructions. A recipe so simple, no instructions needed.

In addition,  is the no name recipe that involves cooked chicken, eggs, seasonings and gelatin. A savory meat mold with chicken?  I wonder if the timing of this creation was popular at the same time avocado and orange furnishings were the rage?  I have not attempted this little gem yet.

Where to store recipe box treasures?

Grill Man’s Aunt Theria kept her own version of recipe box treasures except she stored them in a basket, albums and tiny  notebooks. The notebooks and albums include handwritten recipes that she  either created, people shared or discovered in magazines and cookbooks.

Recipes titled, numbered and include origination of recipe. Occasionally, Theria added comments that would include how much she enjoyed the dish or holiday suggestions. Thoughtfully, she added an index at the end of the notebook for easy referencing.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered  a recipe that I shared with Theria. The inclusion in her recipe box treasures was the sweetest. I miss Theria and her infectious laugh. Theria embraced life and learning at every stage of her life. Her recipe treasure box or basket and notebooks offer a connection that I love and enjoy when I  review the collection. The collection is where the value lies not the storage device.

Attending estate sales and garage sales provides an opportunity to buy a collection. Occasionally, I have purchased  “recipe box treasures”. I am always amazed that someone has left treasures out for me to buy. My favorite treasure I found in New Orleans. Details in this post titled  Southern Comfort and Oh That Chocolate Pie

Create your treasures and store them properly

I shudder to think what the future may hold for recipe box treasures. Everything is moving towards high-speed and efficient technology. Easily I imagine how the future may only hold recipes in computers.  Yet technology will not offer  memories or connections that my handwritten notes and collections offer.

Technology erases and minimizes our human interactions if we allow. Use your electronic devices only  as needed. Otherwise you may have a ferocious machine that requires constant feeding to work.

Balance is the key to everything and finding that balance is paramount to living well. On your road to a life well lived,  take time to start your recipe treasure box.  Do you have recipes recorded from your friends and family? Have you shared them with your children or grandchildren? I promise that it will be priceless to someone you love.

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My dear friend Jazz Girl gave two girlfriends and I a gift card for the Beau Rivage. It was a lovely present. The hardest part was selecting a weekend that we were all available to use the gift card.  I will not bore you with the details of how long  it took us to select a date but my card was burning a hole in my jewelry box.

Jazz Girl, Princess, Annie Oakley and I were ready for our overnight adventure including bonus slumber party. When was the last time you went to a slumber party?  My dancing shoes and I were packed and ready to go to start 24 hours Coastal Mississippi.

24 Hours Coastal Mississippi-Shopping

On our first stop for the “24 hours in Coastal Mississippi”, Jazz Girl and I decided to head to Ocean Springs. Ocean Springs is a quaint little town filled with lots of places to shop, eat and share a libation. We walked around Ocean Springs and found a lovely assortment of shops and restaurants.

One of my favorite stores in Ocean Springs is On The Menu Kitchen Store. An adorable shop in a cute yellow house filled with all the items that you would expect to find. The shop has a huge assortment of  everything. The dishes are perfect for a Coastal community with plenty of different options ranging in styles and different types of place settings.

For a Kitchen Gadget Girl, it is a shop made in heaven with pots, pans, napkins, glasses, baking pans of all shapes and sizes, specialty seasonings or fancy peppers and every kind of utensil. Stop by and say hello, if you need it they probably have it. Tell them Mimi sent you!

Jazz Girl and I wandered around until we were hungry. There are plenty of quaint places to have lunch or dinner and a cocktail. FYI, shopping makes you very thirsty. In the South, it is very important to stay hydrated. None of us want any more wrinkles that we must have.

24 Hours Coastal Mississippi Book a Sunset Paddle

After lunch, we discovered Paddles Up shop which rents and sells Bote Paddle Boards.  You may try them out before you buy. In this shop or online you will find things that you would expect a surf shop to sell. And they have skate boards for all of you youngsters.

If you have not attempted to Paddle, you are missing out.  Peace and total calm comes over me on the water.  It is super easy to do if you know how to swim and can stand on one leg without falling over. You may fall , but it is just water. If you wait until July or August to paddle, you will be happy to fall in. After you fall in the first time, the fear of falling goes away.

We continued our wandering through the city. Jazz Girl and I also scored on a great pair of suede pirate boots. It was the “Summer-is-here-my-shop-is-too-small-to-store-until-Winter-Sale”. I am not sure that I needed a pair of Pirate Boots but they were too sexy and too cheap to pass up. And Winter is Coming!

Once the pirate boot purchase after-glow wore off, it was time to cash in our gift card at the Beau Rivage. Our pals Princess and Annie Oakley were waiting for us at the luscious pool. The pool at the Beau is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

24 Hours Coastal Mississippi- Soak Up the Sun

Tons of lounge chairs, bronzed beauties male and female, enough cocktails to look past the cellulite. I will confess to having a bit of swimsuit anxiety before I head to a pool. Then it quickly goes away when I see the variety of shapes and sizes hanging out near the pool. And when I say hanging out, I  don’t mean symbolically.

Great place to lay by the pool with my friends and chat about anything or nothing. We had everything that we needed at our fingertips and only a flag raise away if it was empty. Ice cold grapes and watermelon chunks make a great poolside treat.

The breezes coming off the water were heavenly, perfect amount of heat and cool. Our Princess does not sunbathe normally, even she managed to stay with us to enjoy the sunshine and laughter. Did  I mention the cocktails?

After we soaked up enough sunshine and cocktails we retired to our rooms for a shower before dinner. By that time, I was only so many hours in to my 24 hour excursion but I was drained. I graciously allowed Jazz Girl to shower first so that I could close my eyes for 15 minutes until it was my turn.

24 Hours Coastal Missisippi- Dining With Friends

Energized, dressed and ready to go we all hopped into a cab for a trip across the street to eat at Mary Mahoney’s. Silly as that sounds, the traffic in front of the Beau is busy and we were sporting high heels. Remember, we had to save our strength for later dining with friends is always a fun night out.

Everyone ordered to their heart’s content, Escargot, Double Cut Pork Chops, Lamb and Filet. I believe that we may have ordered an adult beverage or two. One of the managers came by  after our meal and Annie Oakley asked for a joke. Wow, I think he may have shared a dozen or so. Remember to ask for the floor show with your meal.

After a lovely meal, we retired to our home away from home at the Beau Rivage. We finished up our evening with drinks and dancing at the Bar. The band was not as good as I had remembered but we managed to “shake our groove thing” anyway.

The next morning, coffee was what I wanted but I could only manage to grab my book. I really didn’t want to get out of bed because I was reading about a blogger in Paris who had a young child and managed a quick affair. Paris is always on my list but that other stuff sounded like way too much trouble!

Annie Oakley must have known I was in need of coffee and she summoned me from afar. I grabbed my swimsuit and headed for my medicine. We all eventually made it to the pool again. Working down our “24 hours Coastal Mississippi” and we were still at it.

24 Hours Food, Fun and Sun

Annie Oakley relaxed poolside and enjoyed the sights and sounds around her. Princess had a date with the Salon but joined us later sporting lovely locks. Jazz Girl and I sat by the side of the pool watching the people in the water. We were only brave enough to barely dip our toe in.

The breeze was so lovely that the water temperature was too cold for us. A Brazilian woman convinced me to get in the pool. “Es no cold, dunk you’re shoulders”. I dunked my shoulders but it was pretty damn cold. Apparently only a couple of us were willing to brave the arctic water.

I joined her in the walk back and forth across the pool moving my arms as she was moving. Lord, knows I could use the exercise. I enjoyed my conversation with her as she spoke about the Country that she loved, Brazil. Walking in water and moving my arms  all the while wondering how many calories of that frozen drink I had burned? It wasn’t looking good.

My new friend,  a resident of Orlando for fifteen years  and a lover of the United States. Luckily, her Mother, daughter and granddaughter lived near her. She told me how much they all loved living in the United States. Proudly she admitted that she was a Trump supporter.

My new friend lamented on the sad state that her country was in, covered in decline, increased crime and widespread corruption. During the course of our pool walk, she confessed her fears that she may never return. The Brazil of her birth would have to be enjoyed in her heart and memory. We said our goodbyes and I joined my crew hiding under the umbrellas.

We were a happy but tired bunch.  Beau Rivage is a great spot to spend the morning and enjoy the sun. We people watched large and in 3-d living color. As I baked in the sun, I reflected on my conversations with the Brazilian woman. Life, love and home is where you make it.

Our group had tried for a later checkout but it was a no go. We made arrangements to leave our luggage with the front desk. We were all hanging out at the pool all afternoon  and then heading home in our suits. Time well spent with good friends is a precious gift and worth more than diamonds. Squeezing an entire 24 hours in Coastal Mississippi.

In 24 hours we managed a lot of different things. Easily we could have added in gambling of any type and spa appointments for hours on end.  We enjoyed the 24 hours that we spent together. In summary hurry, book your 24 hours Coastal Mississippi trip!

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Most families have Service Men and Woman that are serving in our military or have served in the past. Military families carry a heavy load. The ravages of war are brutal. The losses suffered are damaging and permanent. Certainly this is hard to comprehend in living color unless you have served or  witnessed the first hand effects of military life.

Due to the absence alone of a parent, it would leave a vacancy for the family. The absence is temporary but the day’s loss to the loved one is real. Life happens every day, with the clock ticking day by day, those minutes are lost forever. God forbid, that a death occur and create a permanent loss of life. How many ways would this impact one family?

Instill appreciation for Military’s Service

On Memorial Day, we raise the memory of our military service members that have died in service. Especially relevant, Memorial Day is for remembrance of those losses and confirmation of the continuing struggle to fight for liberty and justice for all. It is time to honor and  show appreciation to those who paved the way. Where would we be without them?

What would the United States look like without freedom? Imagining the answer to this question is not something that I want to consider. Because I traveled overseas, the exposure  gave me a unique perspective on  foreign  countries. I loved every trip, people who I met, cities and countries that I visited, but there is no place like home.

What would the United States look like without freedom? That is a horror movie, I do not want to watch.

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Along with the breezes, our Spring has introduced lots of blooms popping up to say hello. Our garden selectively debuts new colors and blooms depending on the time of year. This symphony of nature is a welcome sight.  Plant perennials in your garden to enjoy your own symphony of color and blooms.

What is a Wine Walk?

The never-ending supply of new blooms are a perfect reason to plan a “wine walk”. What is a wine walk? Grill Man and I enjoy wine walks occasionally through the garden. As a result, it is a perfect recipe to induce conversation, enjoy nature, savor a glass of wine or a bottle.

Wine Walk Recipe
Ingredients

2 people
2 glasses
1 bottle of good wine
Sultry evening
Garden

Substitutions: Favorite beverage may replace the wine for “wine walk”

Select your favorite love and bottle of wine. Retrieve two glasses and wait for the heat to dissipate in the garden. Once the heat has dropped to a reasonable amount, approach your love with a bottle of wine and glasses. Request that your love join you for a lovely stroll through the garden. How could anyone say no?

If your love is agreeable, pour a glass and enter the garden. Take the bottle with you and leave outside. You may find that you both want to linger in the garden or head to the porch to sit a spell. Approach the garden and admire the handiwork of your gardener. (if your love is the gardener this will yield dividends later)

Walk through your garden and appreciate natures beauty. Please take time to smell the flowers and enjoy talking with your love. Listening is an important aspect of the wine walk while admiring the flowers.

And yet, if your garden is missing flowers or a variety of blooms, this is a good time to make plans to discuss changes in the garden. At this point, make sure that you don’t turn the wine walk into a “list of honey-do’s”, subtlety is key.

Wine walks lead to cultivation

Since wine walks are beneficial and pleasurable for many reasons, plan one. Meandering will allow for quality time and conversation with your love. Strolling through the garden will give calm at the end of a busy day and help to reduce stress.  Nature’s beauty should be admired. Take a deep breath, savor the wine and sneak a kiss from your love or more than one.

In conclusion, remember cultivation  and consistency key for a garden to maintain its beauty. Our relationships need the same constant cultivation and attention. Select a bottle of wine, grab your love and go on a wine walk. It will surely give dividends now and later.

“If we sip the wine, we find dreams coming upon us out of the imminent night.” D. H. Lawrence

Therefore, how can you argue with D. H. Lawrence?

If you need an easy meal for after your wine walk, choose one of the soups. The soups are easy to make ahead and pull out of freezer for a light meal on a busy evening. See below for a few suggestions.

Potato Leeks and Flavor  Soup, Oh My

Weary Souls Chicken Soup

Jewels of the Sea Soup

A Walk on the Chilly Side

Spicy Corn and Crawfish Chowder

Plan a wine walk and enjoy a sultry night with your love. Alexa Shout out to Ed Sheeran for Shape of You (speaking of sultry)

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Cautiously I dipped my toes in the water’s edge today and instantly relaxed. The work day evaporated. My buddy had the boards near the water and paddles on the beach. A great way to start the day. The bay was smooth as glass and so very inviting. Calm waters, sunshine and breezes blowing make for a great paddle.

The serenity that I find on the water is priceless. It is a gift that keeps giving. I find peace while watching the birds in flight, the mullet jumping, sunsets dipping down and staying on top of the board. Ultimately, I have been gifted with a dolphin sighting. Daily I am aware of how fortunate I am to live here.

Music at Water’s Edge Weeks Bay

Last weekend, reminded me in a different way. Dr Music invited Grill-Man and I to a house party that was hosting a musician. Dr Music said that the musician was talented and a great performer.  Grill-man was heading for the Appalachian Trail but I was available. Our friend Focus agreed to go with me to the concert.

I love music in most of its formats. Dr. Music enjoyed the musician so that was good enough for me. Dr Music specializes in vinyl, tunes, speakers and all things lyrical. If you’re not in the know about The Sonic Suitcase you need to check it out.

Dr Music’s instructions were to bring beverages, chair and a dish to pass. I decided to bring my Chess Pie. It is an old-fashioned recipe but oh so delicious. Focus picked me and the chess pie up.

Thankfully it was a short drive to Weeks Bay to the event address. I had no idea what to expect or where we were going. I was along for the ride and the music. We were on an adventure.

Focus and I pulled up to a lovely house on the water’s edge at Weeks Bay. We followed the noise into a heavily wooded back yard. Surrounding the yard were gigantic old trees dripping in Spanish Moss. I was in awe of the setting and the peacefulness. We had hit pay dirt with the setting for the music.

Fun, Food and Friends at Water’s Edge Weeks Bay

A long table was covered in food options of many colors and flavors.  We set down our offerings, home-made pizzas and Chess Pie.  Then we proceeded to the back of the yard, set up our chairs and made ourselves comfortable. The social lasted an hour. It was designated for chatting and eating before the music started.

Suddenly, the host announced that the magic was about to happen. Everyone settled into their seats with adult beverages in hand while Steve Poltz sauntered to the stage.  Guitar-man stood center stage with a back drop of Weeks Bay and Spanish Moss hanging down from large trees to greet everyone.

Steve Poltz is a very talented songwriter and musician. He gave a lovely performance filled with genius, humor, skill and grace. I believe that he created several songs on the spot. He dedicated at least one song to “Noseums” which were fluttering.

Even with noseums, Steve Poltz took in all in stride and seemed to love playing by the bay as much as we loved hearing him. Poltz commented on one of his newest tunes “United Divided”  which tells a tale of an airline. Do I need to name the airline? The video says it all.

As the light was fading we all settled in to a magical place. Light drifted away and nightfall replaced it. Musician sang his songs. Guitar matched the soulful performance  wrapped around a dash of humor and strong wit.

In conclusion, a concert at water’s edge is a delicious way to spend an evening. I saw old friends and met a few new ones. Everyone in attendance content in the surroundings and serenade. Joyful in being at the right place at the right time on the water’s edge Weeks Bay.

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