What's Fifi Up To?

Lots of people have been asking this, I think. So here goes. She's back in Memphis prepping for the next trip in the V. Although the birding trip to AL was great, and the side trip to Scratch Ankle was fantastic, it's starting to heat up down there, so Fifi must head north. Anyone who has been around me when it's very hot knows I do much better where there is a breeze and cooler weather.

So I'll be heading to the Mid-Atlantic area, looking for a place to call home in the not-too-distant future. It's always fun to go back there to see friends and relatives and have a soft pretzel or two, the usual hoagie and assorted other Philly area types of comfort foods.

So from now until then I'm busily cleaning, waxing and buffing S Cargo. It's a tough job, but one that needs doing. I'm also learning from the first two trips just what is essential and what can be left behind. Less clothes, shoes, blankets, and heavy and numerous books make for a more pleasant and spacious-feeling RV. Bubba and Newbie (still haven't come up with the just-right name for him) will be tweeting along with me. They really seem to like the V - maybe it's the size that gives them a feeling of being in control of their space. Who knows. Tweet on . . .

Since I'm torn between two blogs, who knows, I might just keep on with both. I know Juanita will be adding her usual candor and humor to WWJBD. I will attempt to do the same. My other blog is a more serious one, mainly because I hope to look back at it when my memory goes (well, it actually is in the process) and delight in the places I went and the people I met before I lost it all. This blog will help me remember how much fun I had along the way.

Until then - here's a good one from George Burns. I didn't put it on the side bar because some of you, and you know who you are, aren't paying as close attention as before.

"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."

FOOD

Somehow in all the excitement, we neglected to mention some of the wonderful dishes that were consumed while we were in the Pensacola area. One of the previously forgotten dishes was "crawfish etouffee." We had no idea what it was but ordered it anyway. We then tried to discuss crawfish with the locals, and all we can say about that exercise is don't try doing it yourself. Anyway, after hours at the Pensacola Reference Library, we found out that "etouffee" is a blond roux (made with butter and flour rather than oil and flour), though a cook says it means smothered and the French/English dictionary says it means steamed veggies or braised meat, so take your pick. Here is a recipe so you can try it yourself.


http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_17049,00.html


Then there was Piano Man's delicious Shrimp Stew which was consumed by us and about twenty of Piano Man's extremely-entertaining relatives. They were a delightful group and very kind to the two Yankee Strangers. Seems that Piano Man's whole family has the Pleasant Gene, whatever that is ... I certainly missed out on getting it. Anyway, back to the shrimp stew - here's a stab at the recipe, though Piano Man made it with Crisco instead of the oil, he completely peeled and deveined the shrimp and no eggs.


http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cooking/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_12216,00.html


And finally, a couple desserts that were viewed, but certainly not eaten, were a secret recipe Key Lime Pie, and a secret recipe Chocolate Cappuccino Cake. I would not know what these taste like, though I assume they would be luscious. The cell phone is being shown to give you an idea of the size of these monstrosities. These were all homemade by the mother of the owner of the Cocodries Restaurant right at the entrance to Navarre Beach. She apparently makes all the employees leave the kitchen while she is preparing these delicacies. I do, however, have a scrumptious and very easy recipe for Key Lime Pie. It may not be a "real" KL Pie but it is quick, easy, and delectable and I am betting you will like it.

½ cup lime juice (Key Lime juice, Persian Lime juice, or bottled lime juice)
2 tsp lime zest, grated (I don’t use this myself)
2/3 cup plain yoghurt (one container)
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (one can)
1½ tsp. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 graham cracker pie crust – buy at grocery store

Directions

In a medium-sized metal bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, yoghurt, lime juice, and zest.

In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over 2 TBSP cold water. Let soften for 1 minute. Then heat over low heat, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Whisk gelatin mixture into the lime mixture. Set the bowl over a larger bowl of ice water, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken, about 15-20 minutes.

Turn into the pie shell and chill in the refrigerator until set – usually 5-8 hours.

You could add meringue but I usually don't bother. It is good just like this!

Only An Afternoon

It was just as though the first trip had never ended. Juanita and I met up at Piano Man's new digs in Milton, FL. We can't divulge the actual address for two reasons: one - no one knows the actual address, and 2 - if we did know it and then gave it out, why, everyone would want to come and party here. So let it be said that from Piano Man's house, you can see Blackwater Bay. He has enough bedrooms that Juanita and I could actually take up residence here next winter if we wanted. Of course, piano Man might disagree, but that would be his problem. Anyway, we are so grateful for the chance to hook up here and see local sights.

Last night, after catching up on recent events, we decided it was time to do what most folks do when they go to the beach area - eat seafood. We found a down-home, non-fancy type place and had a very good dinner of mixed seafood - fish, shrimp and oysters. Then it was back to base camp for some chit chat and then off to sleep. It had been a good day's drive for Juanita and we were more than ready to rest. We had such a good night's sleep that we decided to try it again, twice this morning. So we ended up with only an afternoon today.

It was a nice afternoon. We drove on down to Navarre beach. The island is not totally built up like so many beach places are these days. Many lots are for sale and many places are being built on the island. The beaches are beautiful, and the western end is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

We decided it was time to try some more seafood and had a late lunch/dinner on Navarre beach. Blackened redfish was the choice of the day. It was quite good.

Fifi wanted to enclose photos of Blackwater Bay and Navarre Beach. But the upload capability is not cooperating. So Please click here for the photos.

Tomorrow Piano Man is arriving and will be telling us about the hot spots in Milton. He might even show us around if he has the time. We are thankful just to have the hookup, whether or not he can give us any of his time will be a bonus.

News From Memphis

First - I must introduce our newest family member. As you know, Bubba lost his partner, Sissy, and was distraught. I was wondering if he would ever get back to some state of normalcy. Then, just when all looked grim and hopeless, I saw a notice in the paper of a bird show and sale. Yes - it was the same show at which I had found Bubba some years ago. I couldn't wait until Saturday. Saturday morning I took a cage with me (just in case) and went looking for a friend for Bubba. To make a long story short, I found Newbie. That's not his name forever, but until I can tell what he's truly like, I don't want to stick him with a name that doesn't fit. For almost a week after I brought him home, Bubba simply ignored him and stuck to Fifi like glue. It was very sad. Then one evening I went to cover both cages up for the night and, there sitting on the same perch in Bubba's cage, were both of them. Whew! That excitment was over. So now they are pretty much inseparable, though I have seen Bubba sneaking into the other cage to take a fiver from the rambunctious Newbie.

Second - An exciting milestone in the life of Fifi has passed, but will linger on in the way of $$$ forever - her social security birthday. Yippee! Most of us would rather not age, but if you have to, heck, you might as well get to 62, then slow on down and enjoy the rewards.

http://atasnailspace.blogspot.com - WHAT IS THIS? Read below

Third - Fifi is heading out on a solo trip to Dauphin Island, AL to go birdwatching and hang out. There should be much of that hanging out part because birding is best early morning and late afternoon to early evening. So this blog will continue when Juanita and Fifi have something to report, as tonight. My next blog (actually my first blog, but have not posted yet) is where I will be posting most of my journals. It is called "At A Snail's Pace" and can be found at: http://atasnailspace.blogspot.com/. So drop on by and see what's up with S Cargo. I have not lost hope that Juanita might be able to break away and hang out with me and the boys for a couple of days. Fingers crossed. Wouldn't that be great?

Slideshow of Spring flowering things in Memphis to the right.


I'm having a 'Name Newbie' contest. So far two names have been suggested: Tommy and Elvis. If you look at him real close and think you have just the right name for him, let me know. Your name might just be the name.
Ciao

Well, Well

Well, it has been quite a while since the Florida driveabout, and even though the next trip for the intrepid S Cargo is imminent, I have been given the opportunity to add a few words to this blog.

It is spring now for most of us, and thought I should try to add a photo of one of my favorite April flowers here in Florida - it is the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow plant (Brunfelsia latifolia). The flowers are fragrant and change colors, starting out as purple, and then lightening to a lavender and then finally turning white.

I am frantically working to finish up all the details for the IRS, and unfortunately, this will also require emptying out the coffers and sending it all to the government. Hope some of you made out better this year than we did. Can't wait until my Social Security birthday kicks in and I start to get something back! And after that, I get to look forward to ye olde Medicare birthday.

I am also posting a couple pictures of the world's best doggie. She is the sweetest, nicest, kindest, bestest doggie anyone could ever meet. To the right, she has had her toenails done by one of her many admirers. And below and to the left, she poses in the world's messiest bedroom.

I am looking forward to the New Adventures of Feef and S Cargo. Can't wait!

Hey - It Worked

We want our readers to know that we are not just a couple of gals going all over the place having more and more fun and reporting it, but ones who make it our business to educate when appropriate. Even if it's not appropriate, that won't stop us if we want to include it in the postings. Case in point, Fifi's latest home improvement task. Fifi got to work and laid some carpeting in her 55-yr.-old bathroom over the weekend. It's important when one buys carpeting to, next, install it. Too many people have unfinished project pieces laying around in bags and boxes, waiting for that far distant day to come when they are going to "get to it". Well, after de-cluttering her house just a yr. ago, Fifi decided not to become one of those persons again. To the right, for those of you who are even the least bit curious as to how I did it, well, I have shown you in slide show format. In text it goes like this: 1) buy carpet remnant 2) here's the bare tile floor, 3)assemble the right tools, 4) make a full floor template, 5) Take lots of breaks, stay hydrated, and smile 6) turn carpet and template over, 7) transfer template, 8) cut 9) install-done! Ta Da!

Oh, and I also learned how to put a slide show on our blog. Yea!

Looking forward to getting on the road again - you can see why.

Columbus Took a Chance

It's officially Spring here in Memphis and, I guess, a lot of other places. (Just kidding - I know it's Spring in most places :-)) , at least in this hemisphere. Cheese, I'm getting a little bit off the mark here.

This is just a short posting to make certain that our loyal readers don't forget about us. Things are happening here and there.

Here:
Fifi planted some pretty petunias today. She knows she is taking a risk because Memphis' last day for a possible freeze is, believe it or not, April 15. But I couldn't wait. Here's why:






Yesterday, my beloved little girl budgie, Sissy, died. She is the little yellow gal in the photos. She was having a great time and had just laid 2 eggs. I guess it was too much for her. Bubba and I will miss her. We don't know how old she was, as she was "rescued". Bubba seems to be looking for her, flying back and forth all day long. I think he will be fine in time. I buried her today under a patch of pretty pink petunias. She had a problem flying and was quite timid - until she met Juanita on our Florida trip. By the time the trip was over, she was flying several times a day and actually flew onto Juanita's shoulder. That was the absolute first time she had ever gone to someone, even Fifi. So I think Juanita helped her enjoy her short life even more since our trip.


But all is not sadness here in Memphis. The Spring flowers are beginning to sprout and bloom, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer. In Juanita's territory, I believe Spring is in full force.

There:
From what I hear, things in Florida are going well. The carpeting is in at Juanita's house. She and the Duke will be entertaining several guests in the next month, and,
It's Strawberry time in Gainesville. Every time she looks at the following photos, Fifi's mouth gets to watering. How do they GROW them so big? And - Juanita hand picked these humongous, savory morsels. Gosh, you could make them into garages and park your cars in these things, they're so big. I also hear they are quite sweet and tasty



BTW - Fifi might share her carpet laying experience, as she purchased some to lay in the bathroom Piano Man style. Only difference is, she doesn't have a helper.Hmmmm

Now, in case you all don't know, Fifi likes to go bird watching. So she has decided to take a little trip south in April to a spot where migrating birds stop over after they cross the Gulf of Mexico on their way to their breeding grounds in North America - Dauphin Island, Alabama. http://www.dauphinisland.org/camp.htm You can probably guess that the blog will be continuing for sure during that time. There might even be other guests at that time, though nothing is for sure yet. Stay tuned, more to come.
I will be posting more information about preparation for my next trip, which might, or might not be, the Dauphin Island trip. Rumors abound that there might be one in between.