Category Archives: Food

Fun Saturday in New Smyrna

22 Monday Jan 2024

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On Saturday morning, I went for a bike ride around the neighborhood. Then we drove to the beach and walked around for a little.  It was too cold and windy to stay too long.

In the afternoon, I took a dip in the freezing pool of the complex.  They are having issues heating it, but I believed that the cold water would be good for my sore knee. 

For dinner we went to Spanish River Tapas and Wine.  It was good, but I was a bit disappointed that the menu was completely different than what I had seen online. I had in my mind what to order, but there was none of it in the menu.  So I just chose a few things. 

We had feta cheese with honey and pita, a grilled mushroom dish, patatas bravas – spicy potatoes, and fish skewers.  For dessert we had Olive oil cake and cheesecake. The food was good and the service very attentive.  We will probably go back.

Here are some pictures from my Saturday:

New Smyrna Beach Park

Smyrna Dunes Park

 

Mushroom, feta and tortilla

Mushroom, feta and tortilla

Brulee cheesecake and Olive oil cake

Brulee cheesecake and Olive oil cake

Happily learning to use my bread maker

14 Sunday Jan 2024

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“Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.” ― James Beard

One of my Christmas gifts, from my sister, was a bread maker.  I had mentioned wanting to buy one for the longest time, but never did. I was not sure I would really use it. 

I have been using it non-stop.  As soon as we got to Florida, Michael ordered one for the house.  He also got an air-fryer and toaster-over, two other appliances that I love.

In NY I made a whole wheat bread with molasses and honey, and also a chocolate cake.  I made the whole wheat bread 3 times.  It is so good. 

The chocolate cake was good, but I think I like better in the over and I can make a larger one.  I filled the cake with 2 different fillings, one with coconut cream, and the other chocolate fudge cream.  I frosted with chocolate ganache. All the chocolate made from scratch. So delicious!

Here in Florida, I made a 100% whole wheat bread.  This one had only whole wheat flour and honey.  It didn’t contain white flour, molasses and the hint of chocolate, like the one in NY.  Michael liked this one even better.

This morning I made a Rye bread, Michael’s favorite bread. I don’t care for rye bread and specially caraway seeds, so I used only one teaspoon of it, instead of two.  Next time I will use two.

Next I will make a white loaf. I also want to try Irish soda bread.

“All sorrows are less with bread. ”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Here are are some pictures:

First Bread made: Whole Wheat with molasses and honey

First Bread made: Whole Wheat with molasses and honey

Chocolate cake with coconut and chocolate

Chocolate cake with coconut and chocolate

100% whole wheat bread (ps. the whipped cream can is for my coffee)

100% whole wheat bread (ps. the whipped cream can is for my coffee)

Rye bread

Rye bread

Rye bread with some caraway seeds

Rye bread with some caraway seeds

Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast

Skiing in Park City, Utah – Dec23

24 Sunday Dec 2023

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If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do – Warren Miller

Hi Friends,

The busyness of the season has kept me away from here.  I am promising myself to budget my time better in 2024. The hope is to post more, to connect more.

The trip to Park City, Utah was perfect.  Michael and I had been there in March.  That was our first trip together, just a couple of weeks after we had met.  Here is the post about that trip: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/03/24/where-fear-and-happiness-meet/

This time we traveled directly to Park City.  We didn’t rent a car as we stayed right at the mountain.  We skied 3 days. There wasn’t a lot of snow.  They made some snow, but a lot of the trails weren’t opened. Still, for me, the green trails that were opened were enough.

We went out to eat 3 evenings.  We ate tapas at 710 Bodega Tapas, Italian food at Buona Vita and Mexican food at Don Gallo.  All three restaurants were delicious. The most memorable item for me was a dessert at 710 Bodegas,  called Broken pavlova; meringue, strawberries and whipped cream. We had it on the first trip and I wanted it again.

To summarize, the trip was a success. I always want to go skiing in new places, but I am finding joy in visiting a familiar place. I think we will be going to Park City every season.

Back home, I am swamped with end of the year work stuff. As usual, I can handle it.

We managed to go to see a Broadway show yesterday: Some Like it Hot.  Really well done and fun!  After it, we had dinner at Via Brazil – we had a lot delicious food: skirt steak, chicken fried steak, potato puree, rice, beans, yucca fries. Michael doesn’t eat meat so he had a hearts of palm stroganoff, which was equally delicious.

I think that will be a new holiday tradition for us: Broadway and dinner!

I am wishing you all a blessed holiday, celebrated in a way that brings you the most joy: with delicious food, with loving family and friends, with gratitude in your heart.  Thank you for stopping by, and being a part of my journey!  Thank you for your thoughts and great wishes!

Skiing is the next best thing to having wings.-Oprah Winfrey

Some photos of our trip to Park City:

Skis are not just pieces of wood, steel & fiberglass. They are tools for escape, a medium for personal expression, a way to challenge fears, push limits and share incredible experiences with your friends.”- Unknown

 

2 days in Serra da Canastra National Park, MG – Brazil

06 Wednesday Dec 2023

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“Anyone who needs more than one suitcase is a tourist, not a traveler”
― Ira Levin, Rosemary’s Baby

Brazil was hot, very hot, but I survived; and actually, managed to have fun.

For the first few days there, I worked remotely.  It was great being able to work and spend time with my family.

Then I took 4 days over Thanksgiving to travel to Serra da Canastra.   Michael had searched for a place to go.  He read about this protected national park in the state of Minas Gerais.  It is a park full of trails and waterfalls.  The tallest and most impressive one is Casca D’Anta, at over 610 feet. 

We made no real plans in advance.  We didn’t book a hotel or guide, or anything.  We rented a car and started driving towards Sao Roque de Minas, which is the closest town to the park.

The drive was gorgeous.  When we got near the town, I started looking for a pousada.  A pousada is smaller than a regular hotel, it is normally charming and provides a more familiar experience.  They all provide delicious breakfast, with tons of variety.    

We chose Pousada Barcelos based on reviews.  We got there it was already dark, and they had availability.  This was right before high season, so I knew our chances of finding a place to stay was good.

We checked in, and on their suggestion went to Velho Chico Restaurant.  We shared yucca fries and fish parmigiana with rice, beans and French fries.  I had my usual caipirinha.  Michael had a draft beer. Everything was delicious.

The staff at the pousada were the best!!  I got a list of tour guides from them, but by next morning I hadn’t connected with any yet.  I was not concerned.  I knew all would turn out okay.  To visit the park, one needs a guide or a real good 4×4.  Some of the roads are just very difficult and very hard on the vehicle.

At breakfast, a couple on the next table asked us about our plans for the day.  I mentioned that we didn’t have anything scheduled.  He offered to call his guide and see if she could fit us in.  She did.  For two days we went to waterfalls with the couple and a guide named Claudia.  She is mostly known as Loba da Canastra. Loba is a female wolf. https://www.instagram.com/lobadacanastra/

We visited waterfalls and local artisans.  Besides the landscape, this area is known for having some of the best coffee and making some of the best cheeses. 

It rained right at the moment we got to Casca D’Anta, so it was specially full, gorgeous and loud.  I left my phone in the car, so it wouldn’t get wet, so I don’t have a photo, but will get one and post later.  It is a must see! 

This couple that we met were the most awesome people.  He is such an inspiration, a lover of life and adventure.  https://www.instagram.com/jjosuelprado/

They are planning a trip to Amazonia next year, and Michael and I hope to tag along.

After 2 days there we drove to Capitolio.  To be continued… Here are some pictures of those 2 days. 

Pousada Barcelos: the inn where we stayed

A tiny village that we stopped for lunch

Lunch stop: home cooked meal on a wood burning stop. Delicious!! A variety of delicious stuff such as zucchini, okra, chayote, collard greens, pumpkin pure, pasta, chicken, etc

A little chapel at the top of a mountain. A farmer built it fulfilling a promise after a successful surgery.  It has been featured in soap operas and music clips.

Here is Michael enjoying a waterfall.  I joined him after the photo.

Igreja Matriz: the church in Sao Roque de Minas

Location of Roça da Cidade, artisanal cheese factory and store.  An award winning cheesemaker.  

Carcara: a bird from the Falcon family

    A homage to St. Francis of Assissi.  The Sao Francisco River has its origin right on this spot.  The spring is right to the right of the statue.  This river the the longest rivers that runs entirely in Brazil.

My always favorite: passionfruit caipirinha

Tilapia parmigiana

“A traveler enters the world into which he travels, but a tourist brings his own world with him and never sees the one he’s in.”
― Thomas H. Cook, The Crime of Julian Wells

Spending a day Celebration, Florida

22 Sunday Oct 2023

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Yesterday, Michael and I spent the day in the very charming community called Celebration.  We had a late lunch/early dinner at Regianno’s and ice cream at Kilwins.

It was my dear friend Kat from lifetreeandcoffee.wordpress.com who recommended it all.  Thank you, thank you!! We loved everything!

The town is so charming and friendly. We chatted with a bunch of local people.

“It is good people who make good places.”
― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

Here are some of the pictures from the day:

Charming town

Watching the peaceful Lake Rianhard

Next time, we will rent a bike to go around the park

Happy to say we didn’t see any of those

Lovely park

I believe it is some kind of diving duck

Drinks at Reggiano’s

Toasted coconut and pumpkin ice cream at Kilwins

I have some additional pictures on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blessedwithastar

Embracing the Florida way of life

18 Wednesday Oct 2023

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“Blessed are the flexible, for change is inevitable. To fulfill our true destiny as spiritual beings we must trust in our divine power to adapt.” ― Anthon St. Maarten

Eight months ago, if you asked me if I would ever live in Florida, I will respond: NEVER!  And now here I am!  And it feels right and good! 

The plan is to inject more fun and life into my days.  I plan to work remotely from Florida, Brazil, and other possible traveling locations. 

Right now I am in Florida for a couple of weeks. So far working from here has been perfect. My computer, monitors, etc, all arrived and are working perfectly.

Our condo is in a golfing community. It has been quiet and calming.  In NY I am surrounded by huge building constructions, with the noise starting at 6am, Monday through Saturday. This silence has been a welcomed and desired change of pace.

We arrived on Saturday and the weather has been absolutely perfect – warm days and cool nights.  We are not right on the beach, we are a 25 minute drive from it. Most evenings will either drive to the beach for long walks or walk around where we live.

This new life is amazing!  I am so blessed and I know it!

Always a Delta fan – well, will see how it will go with the new changes to their rewards program.  We were upgraded to First Class.

Great meal for a 2 and half hour flight – it tastes so much better than it looks.  Even if I am not hungry I will always accept the meal/snack, as I am always curious, and afraid I will be missing out.

My view while I work.  I look out of the balcony and hear birds and see palm trees.  I could get used to this.

My new mode of transportation.  We don’t normally use it, other than to make sure that it continues in good working conditions.  We are not golfers, and normally opt to walk, instead of ride.

New Smyrna Beach at sunset.  A gorgeous cool evening.  Along the walk we encountered a couple of people only.

New Smyrna Beach – This life feels like a vacation.

Lonely bird fishing at night.

“With change being an inevitable element in our lives, we have only two options. Either embrace it and live life to the fullest or be stuck in the comfort zone of a compromised life.” ― Mohith Agadi

Iceland in 4 days: Day 3

23 Wednesday Aug 2023

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The Blue Lagoon

Day 3. Saturday. Blue Lagoon and Surrounding areas.

We had a 9am reservation at the Blue Lagoon, in the town of Grandivir. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get there from the hotel.  That meant that we had enough time to eat breakfast at the hotel – yippie.  I don’t normally eat breakfast until 12pm, but while on vacation there are no rules.

We got there right before our appointment.  We got in line and waited about 5 minutes.   The place is very busy, but also very clean and organized.

We proceeded to the lockers, showered, changed and met outside in the pool.  This pool is really big with many areas that one can be alone away from everyone.  Very, very different from the Secret Pool.

The Blue Lagoon

We paid $127.00 per person. It gave us 1 drink at the pool bar, the use of a robe and a towel and 3 face masks.  The first was a lava scrub to exfoliate,  the second was silica mud mask to deep cleanse, and the third was a choice of a moisturizing mask or anti-aging one… any idea which one I got? To drink I chose a strawberry prosecco and Michael had a beer.

We could have stayed there as long as we wanted.  There are a few restaurants and a café to choose from.  We chose not to eat there and left in a couple of hours.  We really enjoyed being there but wanted to explore Grandivir and the surrounding areas.

Fish House Bar and Grill

After leaving we drove around the Harbor in Grindavik. We stopped for lunch at the Fish House Bar and Grill. I had fish and chips… yes, I keep insisting on fish and chips, even though I always find the batter on the fish too greasy.  Michael had the Artic char with potatoes.  To drink, Michael had the Swiss mocha, I didn’t want anything.  I know better than to have Swiss mocha in a place other than a coffee or dessert shop.  The food was good.  The Swiss mocha, as expected, was bad. The bill was $64.27.

Hopsness Lighthouse

We then drove along the shore with no itinerary.  The place was deserted.  We came upon the Hopsnes Lighthouse.  All around this lighthouse there are remnants of shipwrecks and their history. 

We came across this blue box with a saint.  I imagine is a patron saint for the sailors. Or I could be totally wrong.

From there we continued driving West.  In about 20 minutes we reached Brimketill Lava rock pool.  It is right off the road, with a viewing platform.  From there one can see the beautiful force of the waves, and the natural pools it forms.  I read about people swimming in the natural pool, but I cannot imagine it.  Unless there is a day with absolute zero waves.

Brimketill

We really loved this place and were happy to have found it.  From there we drove to Gunnuhver  Hot Springs.  This is a very active geothermal area made up of mud pools and steam vents.

Gunnuhver

Iceland is so rich in folklore. In Brimketill the stories are about Oddny, a giantess or a troll. Here at Gunnuhver the story is about a woman called Gunna. Both interesting stories, but for the sake of brevity I am not writing about them.

It was a good stop and very, very interesting to see, but we didn’t hike the whole area.  There is so much we wanted to do, we didn’t really spend enough time at any site.  From there we went back to Reykjavik, about 1 hour drive.

Upon arriving in Reykjavik we realized that today was the day of the Pride Parade.  It had been at 2pm.  I am sorry I missed it, I was told it was a lot fun.  Iceland is very LGBTQ friendly.  It was now hours later, but still the streets in downtown around the parade area and our hotel, were closed.

Reykjavik

Eventually we found a place to park and got to the hotel.  We changed and went in search of a place to have dinner.  The town was packed, but I saw an empty table outside a restaurant and was quick to grab. 

The name is 101 Bistro.  The waitress was friendly. I had a fish sandwich that had too much tartar sauce on it, but it was surprisingly good. Michael had pizza – not good, but he ate the whole thing – well, that is not saying much, he will eat whatever is in front of him. The bill was $54.26.  He has a beer.  I didn’t want anything to drink.

Skólavörðustígur, Rainbow Street on a regular week day

From there we walked to Skolavordustigur Street, known as the Rainbow Street. We had been there on the first day of the trip when we were looking for a market.  It had been empty.  Today it was busy, festive, with people all around the bars and the street. 

Hallgrímskirkja, Lutheran Church

Walking up Rainbow Street leads up to Hallgrimskirkja, an Evangelical-Lutheran Church.  We paid $19.73 both, to go up to the top and see the beautiful views of the city. I enjoyed seeing the town and surrounding areas from the top.

In front of the church sits the statue of Leif Erikson, a hero of Viking age Iceland.  I will write a following post about him.

Reykjavik view from the church

On the way back to the hotel we went to Gaeta Gelato again. I had a gelato after dinner.  This time there was a huge line.  I waited. I really wanted a Swiss Mocha.  

Then back to the hotel and get ready for the next day of long driving.

 “We need the tonic of wildness…At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.” ― Henry David Thoreau

Iceland in 4 days: Day 1

18 Friday Aug 2023

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“To the complaint, ‘There are no people in these photographs,’ I respond, There are always two people: the photographer and the viewer.” ― Ansel Adams

Day 1.  Arrival and visiting the are northwest of Reykjavik.

Please forgive the misspellings of names and locations.  I tried my best to recollect all the places we have been, in the right order, and correct spelling, but I probably failed miserably.

I have included some of the prices we paid for items such as food, etc, so you have an idea if you ever decide to visit.

Our trip was last minute, so I am sure that we overpaid for flights and hotel.  We used Delta Vacations and paid $3,252.16 for the flight and hotel.  We were happy to use Delta vacations.  The flight alone was showing up as $1,600 per person.

We landed at Keflavik International airport in Reykjavik at 9am.  We got through Immigration.  Uneventful.  I noticed that I was not told “Welcome” by the agent.  I like to think that everyone is happy to see me arrive 😊.

We got our 1 checked bag and cleared customs. We then waited in line at Hertz for about 30 minutes to get our rental car.  It was a long wait, but we were so happy and excited to be away that we didn’t mind.

Michael wanted a small Suzuki, but they upgraded us to a bigger Skoda sedan.  The car rental bill was $767.36 for 4 days.  We joked that he got upgraded because he is probably the only person that buys all the extra insurance they offer. 

The gas bill was $168.25.  We drove 3 out of 4 days, for about 20 hours or more. We did a lot driving.

After finding our car in the rental parking lot, we searched for the nearest bakery.  I always need to check the local bread situation. We chose Sigurjonsbakari in Keflavik.  It seemed to be mostly frequented by locals, and I like that.  The bread was forgettable, but perhaps I ordered the wrong one.  To drink I wanted something similar to a café mocha, and the girl suggested a Swiss Mocha.  OMG! It was delicious.  Very similar to my everyday concoction made of coffees, chocolates and creams – only better!

They line the inside of the cup with chocolate fudge then they add the mocha mixture, which I assume includes chocolate and milk, then they brew espresso on top.  They then add whipped cream – which I would love to have the recipe, as this whipped cream didn’t turn into a oily mess.  Then they added chocolate shavings. Heavenly!

Since it was way too early to check into the hotel, we decided to drive northwest.  The landscape really hit us we drove for hours, stopping at different places on the side of the road to take in the enormity of the place.  It is so different to what I have seen before – Keep in mind I haven’t been to many places, such to the canyons in Grand Canyon and even the waterfalls in upstate NY.  We stopped at a waterfall in Helgafellssveit. Probably the smallest we have seen in this trip, but still beautiful and very accessible from the road.

We also stopped at Gestastofa Visitor center, where a very helpful clerk gave us a map and described the local sights.  We decided to give up going to the Snaefellness National Park, as it was another long drive and a long hike from the road.  Instead, we drove towards Stykkisholmur.  

Once there, there didn’t seem to be many choices of places to eat, so we decided to try the fish and chips truck.  $37.99 for 2 fish and fries order. I could have done without it. It was not to my taste.  The fish too greasy, and there was some weird seasoning that gave me a bad after taste.  I am not mentioning the name of the food truck, as I know I can be very picky when it comes to food. Michael ate all his food.

We walked around and contemplated taking a boat tour.  Well, Michael wanted to, but I knew it was going to take too long and we had a long drive ahead, so we just took in the sights from the lighthouse. It is really idyllic and it reminds me of the village from the show Doc Martin.

We got back on the road, now driving back south towards Reykjavik.  On the way we stopped at Borgarnes. Another beautiful town with a beautiful shoreline and the most charming coffee shop I have ever seen. It also had a killer view from the outdoor patio.

   It is called Blomasetrio – Kaffi Kyrro.  It is whimsical with various couches and very eclectic decoration.  Michael had soup with bread, and then quiche and salad.  I had only the Swiss mocha, and a couple of slices of toast that came with Michael’s soup. $46.35 for that order.

After eating and then walking along the shore, we got back in the car to drive to the Hotel Centrum in Reykjavik.  I was happy with the hotel.  It was a small room, but the location was great and the breakfast was delicious. We only had breakfast at the hotel 2 out of the 4 days as the other days we needed to get out early and the breakfast only started at 7am.

We joke now that the best food we had in Iceland was the bread at the hotel.  Please forgive us uneducated and spoiled tourists.

The hotel is both the red and beige buildings

Getting back to the day, we located the hotel, and realized that there was no parking.  It never dawned on us to ask beforehand if they had parking.  Luckily we found a spot not too far.   Parking on the street using the Parka app was a total of $37.76, mostly for Day 2 of our vacation, when we took a group tour and left the car parked.  Parking is charged from 9am to 6pm.

We checked in and went out looking for food.  Because it gets dark so late, we had no idea it was already 10:30pm.  We were turned away by most restaurants.  It turns out that on Thursdays nights they close the kitchen at 10 o’clock. Not sure about the other days.

Every restaurant we stopped at, pointed us to Tapas Barinn that have late hours.  The waitress there was happy to welcome us. To drink I had a passion fruit mojito – yes, even in Iceland I have to have passion fruit.  Michael had a beer.  We shared bread with hummus and other sauces, pan fried char with sweet potato puree, patatas bravas, broccoli and cauliflower with a pomegranate sauce.  It was okay.  I am a fan of tapas, but this didn’t really make me want to go back.  There was no tacos or empanadas.

This restaurant has great reviews, but I would have been happier with the regular fish taco and empanadas. Perhaps my palate is just too pedestrian. I realized I should try the local cuisine instead of looking for the same every day food, but Michal and I are not really adventurous when it comes to food.  The bill was $101.05.

We got to the hotel and passed out.

“For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment; but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life – the light and the air which vary continually. For me, it is only the surrounding
atmosphere which gives subjects their true value.” ― Claude Monet

Where fear and happiness meet

24 Friday Mar 2023

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“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ― Kahlil Gibran

Time is short, so here is a quick summary of my quick trip to Park City, Utah.

I had the most awesome time. M is the most thoughtful and caring guy I ever met. He was always making sure that everything was exactly how I wanted. I had to keep reminding him that it is not all about me. oh wait, it should be all about me 😉

And the mountains are just majestic!  A mixture of beauty, freedom and happiness permeates the air. And yes, a bit of fear and panic I get some times.

I arrived in Salt Lake City on Saturday, we spent the night there and drove to Park City the next day. No skiing on Sunday, just getting our equipment, getting to know the town, and getting to our charming 1-bedroom condo with a balcony and fireplace.
I had been to Park City in 2015, it was fun to remember some areas.

We skied only 2 days, Monday and Tuesday. On Monday I did okay. I still struggle with fear. The moment I pick up speed or it is a steeper hill I lose confidence. Still, I love it! I love the challenge; I love the freedom.

On Tuesday, while in line to get our skis M befriended an older man that is a ski instructor in a resort in Virginia. He offered to give me a few pointers. He spent the whole day teaching me. It is incredible to see how much I improved from one day to the next. I take lessons every time I go skiing, but this time I didn’t book any. This man was so helpful. His instructions really boosted my confidence.

We bought him lunch, and at the end of the day we gave him $100 as an appreciation.  We asked if we could buy him dinner.  He said it was not necessary, but accepted.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

I had memorable meals, and forgettable meals. The memorable ones were at:
• Aqua Terra Steak Sushi in Salt Lake. The best ever! Everything about this restaurant was awesome. He had sushi, and salmon. I had the black cod. To drink I had the Golden Goose and he had the Garden Party. Best drinks ever! We shared a chocolate tart for dessert.
• 710 Bodega in Park City. We had a bunch of tapas, including patatas bravas, almondigas for me, shrimp for him, and others. To drink he had beer, I had the Laverstoke- I asked for vodka instead of gin. The waiter said no one ever asked for that before, but it was so delicious. For dessert we shared the Broken Pavlova -Yummy!
• Baan Thai Cuisine in Park City. We had noodles, spring rolls, sticky rice, and chicken satay (not my favorite, but still good). Lychee martini for me, beer for him. Great meal!

I bought my ticket to Salt Lake City, and he paid for everything else, lodging, lift tickets, meals, etc as my birthday present. The big 57 is on Tuesday. He even wanted to pay for the souvenirs I bought for my family. I didn’t let him do it, though. I felt it would be taking advantage of his kindness.

On Wednesday morning we left Park City and drove to Salt Lake City Airport. My flight was leaving first, his would take another 5 hours. He made a point of making sure to be there when I arrived and also when I left, even if it meant staying at the airport several more hours.

“Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

I got home Wednesday at 9:30pm. I worked Thursday, and part of today. At 5pm my sister and I are flying to his house in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for the weekend.

It is a quick trip, just as a trial to see how would this long distance relationship work.  He will be showing us around and also talking us to dinner for our birthdays (sis and I). He had offered to fly to NY to take us out to dinner on Tuesday, but I decided to go there this weekend instead.  

I remain very happy and excited about this blossoming relationship. I am afraid to talk too much about and jinx it.  I will be mentioning some additional details about Park City as time permits.

Stay tuned for the Florida report.

“It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday.” ― John Guare

Post about this and that

09 Friday Dec 2022

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I want to post more, I do.  I start writing a post, then I get busy or distracted; by the time I get back to it, it feels like old news and I start a new one.  I need to break this pattern.  I am going to try.  Until then, these are some of the topics/posts unfinished.

“How can a nation be called great if its bread tastes like kleenex?” ― Julia Child

Friends and baked goods.  This past weekend we met friends in Edison, NJ.  That is the half way point between my home in NY and theirs in PA.  The wife is a baker that likes to try new recipes.  She is so gracious and will gives us breads and other goodies on our birthday and for Christmas.  This time she gave my sister a box full of savory goods, and me one with sweets.  As that is our preference.

She makes a bunch of different items throughout the months and always saves us a sample.  My only complaint, if I can’t be that ungrateful, is that I was eager to have the scones, but she decided to flavor them this time with ginger. It was too strong for me.  But there were plenty of other goodies for me to try, such as the mini chocolate chip muffins below.

I feel beyond grateful to have kind, thoughtful friends, that like to bake!!!

mini chocolate chip muffins for breakfast just because

“We are made for loving. If we don’t love, we will be like plants without water.” ― Desmond Tutu

The Christmas cactuses are blooming.  The plants in my office continue to thrive. The picture below is from the beginning of the week.  Today they look even better and by next week all the buds will probably be in bloom.  I will take another picture them.

Christmas cactus starting to bloom

My Brazil jersey is a guy magnet.  Well, if the guy is a soccer loving one.  Since the World Cup is in the winter, I cannot show off my Brazilian jersey outdoors.  The 3 guys that saw me in the hall at work immediately smiled and approached me to talk about the World Cup.

Two of the guys I had crossed paths with before and there was never a hello.  All of a sudden they are my best friends.  That is the beauty of the World Cup.  It unites people in fun.

World Cup is on – Go Brazil!!

“The first World Cup I remember was in the 1950 when I was 9 or 10 years old. My father was a soccer player, and there was a big party, and when Brazil lost to Uruguay, I saw my father crying.” -Pele

Ultimatums are useless with me. I received an ultimatum from a person listed in my phone as “Waste of time”. He said it in the voice mail: “This is the last time I am calling you and leaving you a voice mail”.  I thought to myself: thank you!!

This is a person that I had one date with several years ago.  A couple of times a year he will call, waste my time on the phone complaining of how busy with work he is.  Then he will say that we need to get together and he will reach out when he has more time to meet.

Every time he called or texted I was polite and answered, but by now I had enough and blocked him.  So I don’t even see when it rings, I only get the voice mail. And now it seems I am free from that also.

I wish him well, but I am happy to never hear from him again.

“Relationships are negotiated and if you deal with ultimatums and authority all the time, then you’re not going to get anywhere.” – Phil McGraw