First went to the gym and yoga for one last time. Important as for the next three or four days there will be none. Small walks but mostly sitting in the car.
Last visit to Happy Pappy’s Coffeehouse. Splurged and had Chicken Salad Croissants. Delicious. Love how they put grapes in it.
Home and did a bit of organizing. But not too much as it was a bright, sunny day and the deck was calling.
So we rotated between sunning on the deck and organizing. Back and forth all afternoon.
Our local heron, George, has been around more often this last week. Might possibly be the lure of some spring breakers fishing and he’s hoping for a fish.
Can you see George? Waiting. And waiting And still waiting
Thank goodness. Car is packed. Few things to add in the morning. Alarm set for 3:30 am. That is early.
Then one last little treat. Mimosas.
Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul, and Mary
Take care and stay healthy.
As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.
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I’m a better person when I’m tan and holding a margarita.
Unknown
What to do? What to do? What to do?
Organize.
And then reorganize.
That was the first part of my morning. Trying to get most things packed and find extra little spaces to fit things. The car will get packed tomorrow afternoon (Richard cleaned it this morning) but I like to have most things organized today.
Off to the gym and then out for lunch. Not much left to eat in the house. Suits me just fine. We did so much better this year. Our first year we had so much food left over. The second year not as much. But this year. Success. Most everything gone.
I rarely order an alcoholic drink but today was the day. I had a Margarita. Strong but tasty. First sip gave me a ‘brain freeze’. Haven’t had one of those in forever. Along with it I had Chicken Fajitas. I knew from a previous visit that this entrée was delicious and it’s so enormous that I’d have lots to take home. Supper tomorrow night. Yay. This meal reminded me of Mexico. I’ve been to Mexico three times. Once with friends Bob and Diane (Cancun). Once with friends Lynn and Garth (Puerto Vallarta). And once with my daughter (Puerto Vallarta). Great memories. Both times in Puerto Vallarta I had the margaritas and fajitas at the same lovely, quaint restaurant. The second time it took my daughter and I a while to find it. Up and down many side streets. But our persistence paid off.
Richard’s entrée order was the Cactus Bowl plus he ordered a coffee. Here’s the insanely weird part. The waitress said they don’t sell coffee. Bizarre right? She leaves. Richard shows me that it’s listed in the menu. But what can you do. She said they don’t sell it. She returns with two waters, my margarita, and a coffee. Says she never knew they sold coffee. That in her ten years of working there no one she served had ever ordered a coffee. Blew my mind.
Meal was great and as I anticipated I’ll be having it again tomorrow. Terrific.
Richard especially loves broccoli.Cactus Bowl Chicken Fajitas Refried beans and Mexican rice (even though I ordered cactus grits) Of course we started to eat before I remembered to take the pictures.
Back home. Laundry and reading. Trying to finish my book before returning it to the library tomorrow. The joys of things winding down.
Back when I taught music in elementary school this was a song I’d often play in June for my kindergarten and grade one classes. They’d love to dance around the room, improvising their movements. Such fun. Hope it brings a smile to your face and makes you get up and dance too.
Hot Hot Hot – Sesame Street (Elmo)
Take care and stay healthy.
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What a quote. Love it.❤️ That’s where I am today. Enjoying every last minute here.
Last Monday of yoga and gym.
Last trip to the library.
Last Starbucks Macha Latte.
Last shopping at Publix.
And most importantly.
Last trip to The Wharf for my most favourite ice cream in the world. (at least for now) Chocolate Peanut Butter.
Oops. Started eating it before I remembered to take a photo.
Again weather app called for rain all day. So far not a drop. So bonus. It’s 3:00 here and I’m sitting on the deck. Not sunny but warm. 26 C. Nothing better. Except my Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream. Haha.
I’m extremely disappointed that this musical won’t be running at the Confederation of the Arts this summer. 😢 For me it was the heart and soul of the Charlottetown Festival. It was named by Guinness World Records as the “longest-running annual musical theatre production” in the world, (over 50 years). A record lost and never to be recovered.
If interested in further information, here are some online articles about it not returning this summer.
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Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.
Oscar Wilde
So apparently I’m unimaginative today.
My weather app said rain beginning today at 10:00 am and continuing all day. Shoot. Oh well. We’ll make the best of it.
We left home at 9:00 to have a walk on the main public beach before the rain. Lovely. People already setting up. Even the seagulls. And no rain.
Brunch at our favourite restaurant, Cobalt, https://cobaltrestaurant.net/ is only offered on Sunday so today was our last chance to go. We love to sit on their outside patio and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Decided we could always sit inside depending on the rain. We had to go as it was Richard’s last time to enjoy his favourite Crème Brûlée.
It opens at 11:00 but we arrived at 10:50. Interestingly the receptionist told us they actually open at 10:30 but don’t advertise it. The “locals” know it though so they can easily get in before the tourists. What? I’ve never heard of that before. We’ll certainly remember that little tidbit of knowledge for next year.
Lucky us. We sat on the patio. No rain. Now weather app changed and said rain to begin at 12:00 pm. Yippee.
I decided to change things up today and instead of my usual cheese omelette I ordered the Potatoes O’Brien and Egg Skillet: Oven roasted Potatoes O’Brien with homemade tasso, three eggs, and topped with melted cheddar cheese and roasted red bell pepper hollandaise. I purposely discussed this with the server as I wanted the white of the eggs well cooked. Too often eggs come with the white undercooked. He assured me they would be well cooked. Ahhhhh. Nope. I should have known better. Stay with the tried and true. Whites were not cooked. Richard chivalrously offered to switch with me. So I got his cheese omelette. Thanks. It was delicious.
Forgive my hair. Last appointment was in December. Looks great.
Brunch over. No rain. Happiness.
On the way home we saw a motorcycle with a sign on the back. Now I realize it’s hard to read but that’s probably just as well.
Ok. I’ll tell you. “ I ❤️ guns and tit_ ies.” Really? Give me a break.
Back to the beach house. No rain. Was able to sit on the deck the whole afternoon. In the lovely sun. Not a hint of rain. Me? So glad the weather app was wrong.
Sorry about the snow PEI.
It’s 6:34 pm here as I post this and it still says rain. You just never know.
Just Like The Weather – Nolan Chance
Take care and stay healthy.
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Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience.
Roy T. Bennett
We’re on the final countdown and today’s quote really spoke to me.
I’m thankful.
Thankful that I’m able to spend these months in Gulf Shores, Alabama with Richard enjoying the warm weather, reconnecting with snowbird friends, meeting new people, visiting new places, and discovering new restaurants. At my age you can’t take health for granted. Who knows what the next year will bring.
Thankful for family and friends back home who I’ve missed but soon will get to see.
So the countdown is on. Hard to believe four months flew by so quickly.
This past week the weather was absolutely beautiful. Highs of 23-26 C. Sorry PEI. Spent afternoons (and some mornings) on the deck simply gazing at the water and reading. Super serene. I’ve discovered, although a bit late in the game, that for reading in the sun large print books work the best. Not as hard on my eyes in the sun. Thursday was particularly wonderful watching dolphins swim by. Mid afternoon we took our beach chairs (actually Richard carried the chairs) down to the beach and sat near the water’s edge. Glorious. I even took a dip in the water. It was shall I say, refreshing. Tried to encourage him to join me but no luck.
Friday really started us on the countdown. It was our last Friday for gym and yoga. For the next week there will be a lot of lasts. But today was also our first Sunset Yoga down here.
Friday was a hot, sunny day. Or it was until we neared the spot for the sunset yoga. It became overcast and very damp. But we stayed. Wow! A lot more people than I expected. There were over 50. Even some families with their children. How wonderful! Can you spot Richard? Me? Haha. Nope. I’m taking the photos.
Standing Back Bend Chair PosePlankDown Dog Warrior 1Warrior 2
And to prove I was there. Poor picture but you can recognize me.
This morning one job to do was sort our shells. Over our months here we amassed quite a collection but not all can go home with us. Some large ones we saved to go on the kitchen window ledge. Some small ones for my crafts. And some for our special wall arrangement. I may have shown this before.
Love to add and delete items.
This morning it was nice out, not sunny but warm. We again sat on the chairs by the surf. Crashing waves. Awesome sound. At times they even encompassed us.
Great wavesAnd in came the waves. And againMineHis Love watching these birds
And now hopefully an afternoon reading on the deck.
The Final Countdown- Europe
Take care and stay healthy.
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This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.
Maya Angelou
We’re down to two weeks left. So now we’re on the counting the ‘last time’ things. Last time buying flavoured cans of water. Last time shopping at TangerOutlets (well, maybe). Etc.
The Arts and Crafts Festival originally started as a tour, planned to coordinate with the Mobile Jaycees’ Azalea Trail and Mobile Mardi Gras celebrations, with the idea that visitors attending these major events would be attracted across the bay, allowing visitors and local residents a chance to see some of the talents of Eastern Shore residents.
Multiple streets were closed to accommodate the 230 exhibitors coming from across the United States. What a variety: Fibers/Leather, Functional Crafts, Glass, Graphics, Drawing, & Watercolor, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Pottery/Ceramics, Sculpture, and Wood. Besides the numerous local restaurants there were also 16 Food Court Vendors. An Entertainment Stage was set up to enjoy local and regional talent including live music and dance performances. A Children’s Art Tent was available where children could make crafts or take art lessons given by local artists. And hundreds of visitors.
There was so much that at times I felt overwhelmed. We didn’t buy anything but enjoyed looking. The downside was the weather. It was cold and windy. Thank goodness we had the foresight to take sweaters.
A few pics from the Fair.
Music Vendors
iPhone holders to amplify the sound. iPhone holders to amplify the sound.Photo with permission.
Instrument came in various keys. He gave me permission to video him.
How exciting to discover this place. And how could we not go here. Although not Acadian having lived my life on Prince Edward Island I certainly know the history of the expulsion of the Acadians.
Small café but full. Has a great reputation. Our server was lovely. How could I not say that. She loved my hair. We don’t often order an appetizer but having discovered Boudin sausage while wintering down here and loving it we had to choose the Fried Boudin Balls. They did not disappoint. Spicy and delicious. I had the Crazy Cajun Burger with fries and Richard had the War Eagle Burger with red beans and rice. These were just ok. The strangest thing was you’re served coleslaw and crackers at the beginning of the meal instead of bread or rolls. That was a first.
On every table. Saw one man put it on his coleslaw. Fried Boudin Balls 8 oz. ground chuck with Acadiana sauce, pepper jack cheese, and grilled jalapeños8 oz. ground chuck with grilled onions, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese
In a past post I mentioned signs on the gym and library doors that said no guns allowed. When paying for lunch I saw the following sign behind the cash register at Café Acadiana. That was a first for me. I wasn’t impressed. If I’d seen it when we entered I don’t think we’d have stayed. Unbelievable! What has the world (or the US) become.
Silverhill – Edward David Anderson
Take care and stay healthy.
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Sometimes you don’t realize the effect a simple gesture can have.
When I was in the play a few weeks ago one of the cast members, who also was a costume mistress, went out of her way to help me with my costume. Me being me, I didn’t want to be any trouble and didn’t want to bother her but she was thoughtfully persistent and I truly appreciated her. For her closing performance I bought her a small bouquet of flowers to show my gratitude. I didn’t realize how grateful she was for my small gesture until this past Tuesday. She invited me to lunch. Lovely lunch. During our conversations she expressed how much the flowers had meant to her. In her seven years of volunteering in productions it was the first time anyone had ever given her flowers or said thanks. What? Blew me away. For me a small gesture but for her it meant much more. Simple things, right?
One day going through a long wait in the Starbucks’ drive through I was told the previous car had paid for my drink and the woman wanted me to have the following card. Simple gesture.
Thursday breakfast buffet at Foodcraft at Gulf State Park. Pricey for us for a breakfast ($22.95 per person) but a beautiful view of the Gulf. We had hoped to sit on their patio but no way. It was way too windy. Oodles of food options. All very tasty. Ate too much. Won’t need to eat the rest of the day. Our fav? Yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh raspberries.
Neat how they do this on their parking lots. Better than just the sand.
I was just sent this pic of my grandson playing with one of his toys. Proud Grammie had to share. I absolutely love getting these everyday. They make my day. This simple gesture of sending photos and videos means so much to me.
Gift To Be Simple – The King’s Singers
Take care and stay healthy.
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Whenever I miss my friends I look up at the sky although I can’t see them there but I feel happy that we are under the same sky.
William Shakespeare
Yes it’s raining. Aptly so. Our friends, Joanne and Jeanne from Michigan left two weeks ago. And now our friend Caroline and Steve from Minnesota head back home tomorrow. We’ll miss them but look forward to next year. We’re so blessed to have made such wonderful friends. Safe travels.
Today we had our last meal with Caroline and Steve
The four of us went to a favourite restaurant Cobalthttps://cobaltrestaurant.net/ for brunch. We’ve eaten there many times but never for Sunday brunch. We will definitely be having brunch there again. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the prices were outstanding. Richard loves Crème Brûlée and says this restaurant has the absolute best. He has it in every time.
We also went to dinner with them on Friday. We ate at Ginny Lanehttp://ginnylanebargrill.com/ at The Wharfhttps://alwharf.com/. This worked out extremely well as there were white capris I had seen at Utopia, a trendy and affordable women’s clothing boutique at The Wharf but had decided to pass on them. No passing on Friday. I bought them. And after a salad for dinner I had an ice cream cone for dessert from my favourite spot Kilwinshttps://www.kilwins.com
And that’s what happens when you get near the end. Buying those last pieces of clothing. Not buying groceries and tired of leftovers.
That’s was them this morning and us tonight. We’re cutting down on grocery buying. Raiding the freezer. Having leftover homemade pizza and a dish of ‘freezer surprise’. Hahaha. Can’t remember what’s in the dish.
Today’s quote says so much. Missing the friends made down here but also excited to see my family and friends back home who I’ve missed these last four months. Three more weeks.
The Sky is Crying – Elmore James
Take care and stay healthy.
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It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
More bits and pieces while down here. I smiled. Hope you do too.
Previously I’ve told you how each Christmas I make Nuts and Bolts for my family and friends. Some people call them Bits and Bites but this was a new one for me. Saw these in Rouses Grocery Store. https://www.rouses.com/
Yesterday we went to Pensacola, Florida for some shopping and sightseeing. Shopped at the Cordova Mall. https://www.simon.com/mall/cordova-mall It’s a nice mall. Smaller than expected but still lots to see. Still much bigger than those at home. I especially enjoyed looking through Dillards. https://www.dillards.com/ I just explored the womenswear. A great variety of clothing, purses, and footwear in multiple price ranges. So much fun looking at the designer stuff too. Way out of my price range but still fun to look. Sadly it rained so no sightseeing.
While walking through the parking lot I glanced across the street and saw this. Too funny. I have a son named Jared. I think it’s a jewelry store. Had to send him a picture of it.
Our Michigan friends Joanne and Jeanne left here and went travelling further west. Messaged me this photo they took of a cowboy across the Rio Grande. Pretty cool.
The following was posted on Facebook posted by South Baldwin Community Theatre. Memory of a fun time.
I often mention how we enjoy going to our local coffeehouse , Happy Pappys. https://happypappyscoffeehouse.com/ Love this sign at the entrance.
You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile – Annie
Take care and stay healthy.
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I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me – like food or water.
Ray Charles
Just a short post today. I had to share this picture of my darling grandson.
It’s in the genes.
My family’s love of music goes back generations. Looks like it’s continuing. Nothing better. ❤️
You are My Sunshine
Take care and stay healthy.
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Debi's Junket Journal 