The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Yesterday we decided to visit the local Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. We’d never been and since we’re often looking for a deal we chose to go on Wednesday as the entry fee for seniors was only $10 that day.

https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUxNjMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D

118 species, 22 critically endangered species.

The inhabitants of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo are a richly diverse and decidedly unique population for a small-town community zoo. Every single animal has a name and a backstory. No matter their beginnings or their circumstances, they all have a loving and safe home at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

I’m always torn regarding zoos. Upset to see these beautiful animals in captivity yet lucky to to be able to see and learn about them.

There are numerous pros and cons on the subject of zoos. This article contains a video interview with Jane Goodall regarding zoos.

https://netivist.org/debate/pros-and-cons-of-zoos

It was a small zoo, only took us an hour to walk it but we saw quite a few animals etc.

One of the reasons I wanted to go was to take pictures to send to my grandson. He and his parents love to go to the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, New Brunswick.

https://www.zoodemagnetichillzoo.ca/

I shared some photos with them. Not sure what he thought of them. Mainly I took the photos so he could look at them and name the animals.

Being a singer I loved this.

Lunch was in their restaurant, Savanna. The best I can say is that it was mediocre.

But supper was certainly not mediocre. The complete opposite.

A great evening with friends who cooked us an authentic Polish meal. Oh my goodness. So delicious. Polish sausage, pirogies, cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, beets, fermented red cabbage, and sauerkraut. The meal ended with velvety smooth Polish chocolate. What an outstanding meal.

Stimulating conversations ended the evening. Not heated as we all have similar opinions about the latest news.

Going to the Zoo – Raffi

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

The above quote doesn’t refer to today’s blog. But it resonated with me. Especially now. People back home are making changes regarding their purchases. They are the small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens making a change. Bravo.

Now to today’s blog.

Sometime I’m lazy. Or should I correct that and say sometimes I procrastinate.

Not about all things.

I’m usually right on top of things.

But lately I’ve been a bit lackadaisical in my blogging.

So today I’m playing catch-up. I’m doin it right – now.

I often spot things I find new, different, or interesting to me. Well let’s be honest it’s mostly Richard who spots them, shows me, and I run with them.

One Sunday we went out for an early breakfast at Sunliner diner. I’ve previously blogged about this place. It has a fun 50’s vibe. Although of course I’m too young to remember the 50’s.

https://www.sunlinerdiner.com/gulf-shores/

We didn’t take a picture this year so here’s a previous one of us in the convertible.

When we were paying the server gave me this card to submit a review. First time I’d ever seen this. A QR code to leave a review.

Something we’ve noticed down here is Jeeps displaying rubber ducks on their dashboards. Many jeeps with varying numbers of ducks.

Why?

Google had some interesting information.

Jeep Ducking

Jeep Ducking began in Ontario in 2020 when a Jeep owner decided to do something to brighten both her and a stranger’s day. She went and bought a rubber ducky, and put the duck on a nearby Jeep.  

The Wave

…the Jeep Wave is awesome because it’s a great way to let fellow Jeepers know that you like their Jeep or simply a nice way to say hello to other Jeepers. 

The Wave comes in numerous forms: an energetic side-to-side motion of one or both hands, a raised hand waving or two or four fingers being lifted behind the steering wheel. 

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/duck-and-wave-a-look-at-why-jeep-owners-put-ducks-on-other-jeeps-and/article_0fc9f098-f54c-11eb-900f-4bf2dd5471e3.html

Jeep Ponds

A duck pond is a Jeep slang term for a big collection of rubber ducks. If you have owned a Jeep model for a long time, you will start stockpiling these toys and may even need to find a fun way to display them

https://www.darcarschryslerjeeprockville.com/why-do-jeep-vehicles-have-ducks.html

Who knew? Did you? Have you seen any Jeeps with Ducks where you live? Let me know. Oh the things I have learned.

Then I saw this cheeky post. Made me smile.

Yesterday I took these screen shots to compare the weather in Gulf Shores, Alabama to Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

It’s the same temperature here today as yesterday but instead of sunning on the deck in my bathing suit I’m in leggings, a jacket, and wool socks. What a difference the wind makes. But being from PEI I understand.

Some of you might remember this song. Especially those who would go to hear a Summerside band, Trixter (later changed to Under—- how awful I can’t remember the rest of the name, maybe Underfire?) They would do a live cover of it in the 70’s and 80’s at local dances. This recording is The Powder Blues Band, not Trixter.

Leave a comment here and let me know if you remember them.

Doin’ It Right – Powder Blues Band

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Good vibes and Mexican food—name a better combo.

Who out there loves Mexican food? Do you buy it or make it? Favourite dishes?

Last night I carried on with cooking a meal from another country. Previously it was British. This time it was Mexican.

Some of the best Mexican food I ever had was of course in Mexico. First time was in Cancun when my late husband and I went with friends Diane and Bob. We took a taxi into town from our hotel. Found this small spot and if my memory is correct it was attached to a laundromat and grocery store. I like to think it was more of a locals’ spot than a tourist one. But we all know what happens to memories as we age. Then another time we went to Puerto Vallarta with friends Lynn and Garth. We went into the town every evening for supper. This one night the restaurant had delicious margaritas and fajitas. Returned to it years later when my daughter and I visited. Still delicious.

Wonderful memories.

Back to my Mexican meal.

More than 50% of my enjoyment, once I’ve chosen a country, is doing the research. What research? The recipes of course. I love scrolling through various dishes, checking out their recipes, and then creating the menu. I try to choose recipes that I think our guests will like but that also incorporate ingredients that we have. Cuts down on the grocery bill.

Menu

Appetizer: Tortilla Chips with Bean Dip, Salsa, and Sour Cream

Great starter.

Entrée: Chicken Enchiladas with Refried Beans

The plan was to also serve sliced avocados 🥑 but I forgot to take them out of the fridge so they were too hard. (We keep them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life.) The plates would have looked nicer with them but what could I do. Do you have ideas how to ripen avocados quickly?

Dessert: Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies) New recipe to me. I’m always nervous making an untried recipe for guests but I went for it. Turned out ok. A bit hard but heated them up slightly in the microwave before serving.

Meal went very well. Whew. Chips and bean dip were really enjoyed. Enchiladas were delicious. Polvorlones were a hit. They even took some home. Now whether they were being kind or really loved them? I’ll choose that they really loved them.

Issues?

Cooking in someone else’s kitchen.

Making the bean dip? No masher. Had to use a fork.

Enchiladas? All good just had to use two baking dishes as what they have here were too small for the full recipe.

Polvorones? Ahhh. Should have read the directions before choosing this recipe. Needed a food processor. None here. Had to mix by hand. And I really mean by hand. No electric mixer here either. Could that be why they were a little hard?

Drinks? Was late in the afternoon that I realized I hadn’t thought about drinks. Had no Corona or tequila. How could I have forgotten those essentials. Made due with wine.

The worst part of the dinner? I kept forgetting to take plated photos. Here’s the best that I could do.

Another fantastic evening with our lovely Michigan friends, including discussions about the “orange” one. Great that we’re all on the same page. Down here you have to be careful. Wonderful to have friends with whom we know we can discuss our thoughts and concerns.

Today?

18C and enjoyed reading and sunning on the deck. Nice to finally have some nice weather.

Sad part of the last two weeks is we’ve not seen any dolphins 🐬 from our deck. Maybe they won’t swim in the Gulf of America. Haha 😂

Guadalajara – Mariachi Sol De Mexico

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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The wonders of nature are endless…

Walt Disney

Last week we had that bizarre snow storm. I posted a few pictures from outside this house. Nothing compared to PEI storms but a lot for here.

Other pictures from Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.

I’ve often mentioned The Wharf where I get my favourite ice cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter from Kilwins. (I limit myself to one a month.)

I never really gave much thought to the storm (shame on me) other than making sure we kept all hot and cold faucets on with a small, steady stream so the pipes wouldn’t freeze. And it worked. No frozen pipes.

What didn’t cross my mind was the effect of the storm on nature. I have to be honest. I’m not a person who notices things occurring in nature. Richard is that person. He notices just about everything. Me? My head is usually off in another world, usually singing a song. But this week we’ve been noticing some storm effects. There are numerous dead leaves on plants and shrubs. And here’s an extreme result from the storm. This was astonishing and depressing at the same time.

https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/snow-storms-cold-snap-kills-thousands-of-mullet-in-gulf-shores-baldwin-county,249058#//

https://www.outdooralabama.com/non-game-fish/mullet

But someone always enjoys giving you a laugh.

Yesterday brought a change in the weather and out popped this little one to bask in the sun while we were shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall. The wonders of nature.

If you’re ever travelling down this way we’ve always had tasty meals at Baumhowers Victory Grille with reasonable prices.And if you’re a sports fanatic, I am not, you’ll enjoy the numerous TVs displaying various games.

https://www.baumhowers.com/

Nature Boy – Céline Dion

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Satchel Paige

Isn’t that a fabulous quote.

And so true.

In my mind I don’t feel old. Often feeling like I did when I was a lot younger. It’s only when I look in a mirror that reality hits. Oh the wrinkles. Or when these old hips or knees don’t want to cooperate. Ouch.

So today I completed another year. Got to admit 71 doesn’t bother me like 70 did. But what can you do. Certainly can’t turn back the number. Just enjoy life. And act as young as I feel. 😉

So today.

Started out on such a lovely note: a video of my grandson saying, “Happy Birthday to you , GiGi.” So sweet.

Then birthday wishes from my family and friends. I am blessed.

Next did some of my favs.

Went to Starbucks for a Chai Latte. Especially nice as it was my free birthday drink.

Went to Cobalt, a favourite restaurant for lunch.

https://cobaltrestaurant.net/

Enjoyed a delicious Caesar Salad with Blackened Chicken.

Richard had a Sweet Heat Chicken Sandwich with Fries. He also had Crème Brûlée but I forgot to take a picture.

Then off to The Wharf for my favourite Kilwins’ ice cream, ChocolatePeanut Butter.

https://alwharf.com/?utm_campaign=Attractions&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=things%20to%20do%20orange%20beach&utm_content=3375423-e1-ng-mp-c15735804883-g140221861148-a643830568761-uCjwKCAiAkc28BhB0EiwAM001TR87v7gsJN0YT8ncBh_2W2nmpA2qBltyGx36AiL-maAUpf_Wq1tpTBoCNAIQAvD_BwE-cat10411046-kthings%20to%20do%20orange%20beach-mod&gad_source=1

While out driving we began realizing why places had been closed for so many days. The roads. With no snow equipment they really had to wait for the sun to do the melting. Even today there were spots where the roads were still thickly covered with ice and snow. Why? The tall condos were blocking the sun. Might take a few days for that ice to completely disappear.

Got home in time to spend some time outside on the deck. Only 11 Celsius but the sun was quite warm.

And that was my day.

And what a beautiful day it was.

I’m Still Standing – Elton John

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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“If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy but still the same amount of snow.”

Anonymous

Yes we are having a snowstorm. If I was back home on PEI I’d understand but here in Gulf Shores, Al? Unbelievable.

Now it’s nothing like the storms back home, really no comparison, but as people here aren’t used to them it’s something else.

On Sunday it was announced that schools would be closed Monday (Martin Luther King Day), Tuesday, and Wednesday (impending snow storm). Local government offices, library, recreation centre etc closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Stores closed today for sure.

Temperature 0 Celsius (32F) feels like -14 Celsius (8F).

Some info regarding the current storm.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dangerous-rare-winter-storm-gulf-coast-historic-snowfall-texas-georgia-rcna188500

Info about their last snow storm in 2014.

https://www.al.com/news/2024/01/alabama-snowmaggedon-10-years-later-how-it-happened-and-what-we-learned.html#:~:text=It%20was%20Jan.,their%20cars%20in%20freezing%20temperatures.

Many posts about taking precautionary measures.

For the past two days we’ve been having the taps turned on to keep water flowing through the pipes. Don’t want them to freeze. And we’ve been told to keep them running until Thursday.

Went to bed last night with trepidation. Worried about electricity and heat. Figures. Sometime during the night the power and heat went out. The electricity flickered on and off for quite a while but by 6 it finally stayed on. Heat took a bit longer but all is ok now. 🤞🏼

So what to do.

Find the joy in the snow

Be creative

This house has three bedrooms. So……

The front bedroom became our “theatre”.

I had popcorn. Richard had his “storm chips”.

Great way to spend the afternoon.

Then homemade chicken soup for supper. Super glad I made that a couple of days ago. Yummy.

Now fingers crossed that tonight all goes well.

Do You Want to Build a Snowman (from Frozen) – Kristen Bell

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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You don’t stumble upon your heritage. It’s there, just waiting to be explored and shared.

Robbie Robertson

While I was home for Christmas friends invited Richard to a homemade Polish dinner. (One of them has Polish heritage)

Got my brain working. About time, right? 😉

Theme Dinner

So last night, in honour of Richard being British and my British heritage, we invited them to a British dinner.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom

Something I especially love is research. Love love love.

I think if I hadn’t been an elementary school music teacher I’d have some sort of job doing research.

Not a lot to research for this menu. Richard has made Coronation Chicken more times than I can remember. Just added a few tweaks. He also wanted to make Toad in the Hole so all I had to research was desserts. So much fun choosing one.

MENU

Appetizer: Coronation Chicken

Entree: Toad in the Hole accompanied by Peas and Carrots

Dessert: Jammie Dodgers and Solid Chocolate Fingers

Coronation chicken or Poulet Reine Elizabeth is an English dish of boneless chicken traditionally seasoned with parsley, thyme, bay leaf, cumin, turmeric, ginger and peppercorns, mixed with cream or mayonnaise, and dried apricots (or sultanas)…Constance Spry, an English food writer and flower arranger, and Rosemary Hume, a chef, both principals of the Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London, are credited with the invention of coronation chicken. Preparing the food for the banquet of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Hume is credited with the recipe of cold chicken, curry cream sauce and dressing that became known as coronation chicken.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronation_chicken

Note: Usually we serve this as an Entree but this time we created an Appetizer by placing small bites on crackers. We added grapes to our version, plus bits of red pepper and blueberries for colour.

Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy and vegetables.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toad_in_the_hole

Note: We omitted the gravy and served with HP Sauce. The recipe varies from region to region. Where Richard lived, The Midlands, they favoured brown sauce (HP Sauce) over gravy.

Jammie Dodgers are a popular British biscuit, made from shortcake with a raspberry or strawberry flavoured jam filling… Named after the character Roger the Dodger from The Beano comics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammie_Dodgers

Solid Chocolate Fingers are made by The Cambridge Confectionery Company from Cambridgeshire, UK. I found them at Marshall’s and thought what a perfect addition to our British night.

https://cambridgeconfectionerycompany.co.uk/

Note: I separated the fingers into their squares.

What a success!

All courses were devoured. Everyone had seconds of Toad in the Hole and they even took extra Jammie Dodgers home.

I’m always worried whether the food will taste ok and be enjoyed. Thrilled that this meal was so well received.

Can’t ask for better than that.

Good company. Good food.

Cool Britannia – Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Life’s supposed to be an adventure, a surprise!

Anton du Beke

I didn’t begin the day with a blog in mind. You never know when life will throw surprises your way.

Starting with this morning.

Gazing out the patio doors I spied a lot of pelicans. Now a friend had previously mentioned that often means there are also dolphins. So true. There, right in front of me, was a beautiful dolphin pod. Maybe 15- 20, swimming, jumping, playing, and I’m assuming eating. Some very close. Others further out. What a joy!

Off to a new breakfast spot, Duck’s Diner.

Great little spot. Very popular. We arrived at 8:10 and shortly after that the place was hopping with families, couples, and a large men’s group who made me think of how at home some gather at Tim’s, McDonald’s etc.

Comfortable seating, clean, friendly servers, and good food.

Love that they give you options: either fruit, hash browns, hash browns casserole, grits, or yogurt, plus either biscuit, toast,or English muffin.

My only complaint, as you can see from the picture, is my biscuit was very, very well done. I have to admit this was my first experience having a crusty, crunchy biscuit.

Not a fancy place. Plastic plates but much better than paper plates. And they don’t create garbage and they don’t break. I’m ok with that. Not a place where you’d sit and linger a long time. But good food at a good price and we were needing to be finished quickly to be off to our next place.

Foley Snowbird’s Coffee Event

Long line to get it. Should have arrived earlier. Richard’s shouldering the blame. I wanted to leave home earlier but he said we had lots of time.

But while in the line I took this photo for my grandson.

Hmmm. Not nearly as good as last year’s. Fewer displays and gifts. I should be more appreciative. After all there was no cost. We passed on the coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Best part by far.

The man in front of us was wearing this cap.

I nudged Richard wanting him to ask where he was from.

SURPRISE

Prince Edward Island.

What?

Yes yes yes

Imagine that.

Then imagine their surprise when we said us too.

The man told Richard he was from Abram’s Village but the woman told me Wellington. Close enough I guess.

They winter in Florida. Have been since 2010. They stay for four months. Lucky them.

But really. How bizarre to meet others from little old PEI.

That made my day.

On a side note Richard talked to a couple yesterday at the gym from Thunder Bay, Ontario and today we were driving behind a car with a Quebec license plate.

Small world.

Small World – Huey Lewis & The News

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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I continue to be interested in new things that seem old and old things that seem new.

Jaquelin T. Robertson

It’s been cold here. No snow. Whew. But cold.

This isn’t the post I planned for today but sometimes you need to be open to readjusting and trying something new.

We started today with our regular Monday routine: 3 minute plank, post office, yoga, gym workout, and library.

We were also going to do our Monday visit to Happy Pappys but this is where we took a detour and decided to try something new.

In December when we arrived here we saw this brochure on our fridge and said, “Maybe we’ll try it someday.”

Today was that day.

https://www.parlordoughnuts.com/about

Totally new place to us.

What’s special about Parlor’s FAMOUS Layered DoughnutS™?

“Parlor offers their Famous Layered Doughnut, which sets them apart from the traditional cake or yeast style… proprietary product with layers of buttery dough fried to be crisp on the outside and light/fluffy on the inside.  A wide range of toppings are available.  Small batches are made fresh all day!”

Guess these were a case of old things that seem new.

Nothing ventured nothing gained so off we went.

Inside the shop.

You can see from the menu that they in addition to doughnuts they offer breakfast sandwiches.

So sandwiches for lunch.

Richard: black coffee. and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Me: Chai Latte, and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Some errors we made.

Richard didn’t realize there was a choice of bread for the sandwich so he ended up with his on an unglazed doughnut.

I asked about bread choices and chose ciabatta. She didn’t offer me the gluten free option. Oops. My mistake. I should have asked.

Many doughnut choices.

Our doughnuts.

Even though they didn’t have a Turtle doughnut in their display case she said they could have one ready for me in a couple of minutes. They must have the basic doughnuts made and then add the different toppings when requested.

Today was definitely a ‘cheat day’. We made that decision on our way there.

Nice packaging. But if they served the eat in orders on plates they’d have less garbage.

Have a closer look at the cup. Cute idea. Shows pics and names of their various locations.

Verdict?

Coffee? Not great

Latte? Not great. Lukewarm.

Sandwiches? Tasty. My ciabatta bun was very fresh. Richard’s was a bit gooier as it was on a doughnut.

Doughnuts? Very tasty. The texture of the dough reminded me of my mother’s cinnamon buns when she made them from extra bread dough. Delicious.

Price? A lot for what we had. $34

A Return Performance? Probably not.

Worth it? In terms of trying something new – yes. It was worth taking the chance even if we ended up not liking everything. The server was lovely. Very friendly. No customers were there when we arrived and only two takeouts after us so I think she was pleased to have us there. In terms of calories ingested? Nope. But we did venture out of our routine so that’s a good thing. Good to have new experiences.

Salad for supper.

The Donut Song – Burl Ives

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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“Old age is second childhood.”

Aristophanes

Now I realize it’s cold in a lot of places. Cold enough here last night that we had to keep the taps dripping all night so the pipes wouldn’t freeze.

Reading on Facebook this is why.

Yippee. No frozen pipes this morning. Just people. Figuratively not literally. To us it was cold but to the locals it was freezing.

Some morning comparisons.

Morning. Yoga and Happy Pappys.

Their washroom always has creative displays.

Then we went to the Introduction to Mobile Fair.

Lots of booths with information about Mobile and Dauphin Island.

Do you consider seniors and old age to be one and the same? I am a senior but most of the time I don’t feel ‘old’. So is age just a number? We’re often discussing how many years we’ll be able to come down here in the winter due to aging. But as we looked around at today’s clientele my friend Care commented that apparently we have lots of years left. Good to know.

Aristophanes was right though regarding second childhoods. Everyone here displayed childlike enthusiasm while visiting the booths and getting their ‘freebies’. Me included. Discount coupons, pencils, pens, note pads plus entries for gift prizes. On top of things for Richard and myself I also picked up a few interesting items for my grandson. Score.

Such a senior.

By the afternoon we were able to sit on the deck. Still only 8C but no wind so it felt warmer. Richard was fine with it. I wrapped myself in a blanket. 🥶

I’m Still Here – Stephen Sondheim, performed by Elaine Stritch

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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