And Then the Rain Came

After what seemed like eons, rather than weeks, it has begun raining in earnest, none so welcome as this first night.

We are all rejoicing because it is so much cooler when we can count on daily rain, not to mention our plants are so much happier! So, what you do when you know rain is in your forecast is get out when you can if you don't want to get drenched. Unlike the frequent light rain we experienced in Vancouver, when there is a rainstorm in Central Florida, watch out as umbrellas are mostly worthless, no match for their intensity. Better just to stay indoors if possible. Furthermore our storms are mostly short-lived, fast and furious if you will.

With that in mind, I rode my bike over to Lake Davis late last week and although I was there to check in on the cygnets, all four whom are growing like mad,

I came across something so adorable I could not wait to share it with you. Although adult Muscovy Ducks are a sight for sore eyes, their ducklings are oh so cute! And plentiful.

There were so many, presumably hatched within the last day or two, that none of those observing could count them. That's where it is very handy to have a large computer screen and a nice clear photo to do your counting. And just how many were there?

By my count, 18!!! Lots of ducklings to keep an eye on, right? I've not returned but will have to sooner rather than later to see how many survive.

Keeping with the bird theme (!), it is not often that I see a Green Heron, but I did the other day and it was fascinating to observe. From my research, this one is what is called a "juvenile" in the birding world.

What was so fascinating about another wading bird you ask? As is the case with so many of these type of birds, they stand stock still for a good while watching for prey, until such time as, in this instance, they snatch it out of the air.

It happened so quickly, I'm not sure if it is a dragonfly, but that's what I'm thinking. It is but a few weeks until our London lads arrive and I so hope that the lakeside action keeps up until their visit. At the very least I suspect they will see some otter action as the puppies are very active right now.

With all this rain, rather than read by the pool, I've been doing that indoors and cooking, making two of my favorite dishes in the last few days. One is called Dirty Risotto by Giada, (recipe in the link).
It's not often that I prepare all of the ingredients first,

however, it sure makes it easier when I do! Not a pretty dish, it is absolutely scrumptious to eat.

While making, for the umpteenth time, Lemon Delight Pound Cake, I had to open my spare jar of Magic baking powder and I'm not thrilled.

Who knew, when we moved to Vancouver, that I would find two products that I never want to be without? There's just something about this baking powder that works wonders which, I suppose, is why they call it magic. And, of course, lard. I so wish I could find some Tenderflake! As to the cake, I had fresh blueberries so included them in the batter and yum, yum, yum.

What have I been reading? Brendan Mathews book of short stories, This is Not a Love Song, some of which are very dark indeed. As in one about a youngish father insisting that there is some sort of mold in their brand new house and goes mad, going so far as to bash in the wall with a crowbar. After reading that, My Oxford Year was the complete opposite in tone. Not entirely, as there is some sadness, but not to the degree of the former book. If the latter were a movie made twenty years ago, the lead character would most definitely be played by Hugh Grant. As I learned upon finishing it, a movie is most definitely a possibility. And now onto Carnegie's Maid.  So far, so good.

Saturday morning, Mr. Peck went fishing in spite of predicted rain.

Mrs. Peck did not go fishing, but she did go out in her kayak, particularly when the former sent a photo of a Lotus flower to the later. In spite of the sprinkles, well a girl does what a girl has to do.

There was a scad of them across the lake on the Southern Oaks side, however, I've yet to master photography from the seat of a kayak, so this will have to suffice. The rain did not help even though minor, and I am so happy to report that we were nice and cool! The RedWinged Blackbird love to hang out in the reeds.

Although I've got a waterproof tote bag where I keep my camera, I used an additional plastic bag inside of that, making getting it out and returning it a bit of a chore that will take practice.

For a few moments we've had sunshine and I thought I might go swimming now, however, as is often the case, the sky can go from blue to gray in minutes so that may not be happening after all. I am watching a Great White Heron fly across the lake outside my window as well as a woman in a row boat and a man swimming alongside her. They are heading to shore, it appears, to beat the storm.

Ahh...summer in Florida.

your friend,

Gail

Another Day, Another Storm

That is a typical Florida summer--hot and sunny one minute, a major thunderstorm the next.

Following my bridge playing fun this morning I raced home to watch the U.S. Open golf tournament, specifically to watch Phil Mickelson play alongside Bubba Watson and Tiger Woods. Unfortunately, as happens all too frequently, when I want to watch television, the cable doesn't work. In this case, the box would not turn on despite multiple attempts with both the remote, and my actual finger touching the On button. Frustrated, I called Bright House and talked to a girl in Canada who told me she loves the cold. What can I say--people tell me things. Originally she told me she could not help me if the box wouldn't turn on, but with some prodding I got her to re-boot the box on her end and all's well that end's well. For my trouble I got an internet upgrade and a monthly price reduction for 24 months. Phil fell apart big time. Tiger did not.

Anymore, if you have the television on, be prepared for beeping and warnings when a storm is coming through, which I find very annoying. You would think it was the first time it has rained in Florida from their histrionics! Thunder, lightening and driving rain ensued. Big deal. It's done for the moment after dropping 1/2 inch. Of course, this morning the sprinklers ran. Isn't that always the way?

Yesterday, on the other hand, was beautiful until around 6 when the wind picked up, the sky turned dark, and what looked to be a whomper storm turned out to be much ado about nothing. For most of the afternoon, I lounged both in, and beside, the pool, finishing the novel, A Land More Kind than Home. I love reading a first novel don't you? It seems as if the writer, in this case, Wiley Cash interviewed here, gives it his or her all with no expectations placed upon them by either editors or readers. Sometimes that seems to pertain to my photography--I continue to do what I know people like rather than take the chances I did when I began.

Speaking of which, the other evening I was hunting around through closets, baskets and on shelves for my little tripods. Bruce, in an effort to raise his little speaker phone gadget closer to his mouth, wanted to see if one of the baby tripods would work. Eventually I found them, and as is always the case with a major hunt, I found other stuff I hadn't thought about for a long time. I discovered my first sales book--a great tool for putting my business into perspective. I was lucky though, selling to the public on my first outing and most every time since. Furthermore, I found a book I used to keep on the table for people's email addresses--many of the folks I met in the first year are now friends, or, in the case of Mr. Roger, helpers. The little frame which held the business card Bruce made for me with some software was in the basket, reminding me of how we would come home from the market and he would print up new ones as I ran out, on perforated paper. The excitement, and disappointment comes through on those pages. It was fun seeing the first day I sold "Beach Daisies" and "Street Art", my two top sellers.

Saw this on a car the other day and it sure spoke to me. Sunday, for the gazillionth time I told someone the story about how difficult it was for me to actually put myself in a booth and hope people would come inside and see what I am all about!

And then there was this quote from an unidentified, at least as far as my notebook is concerned, source:"You are as interesting as you are interested in the things around you." Don't you agree?

My last visit to the library I got about four books. And then I ordered more online. And then another one came that I ordered about two months ago. I can't decide which one to read next!

This isn't even the full stack! Decisions, decisions! You're probably thinking "brother, if only that was my worst problem!" and for that I sympathize. In fact the correct word should be empathize because, believe you me, my life has not always been so easy. Raising four sons has it's moments!

If I've shared this recipe before, forgive me, if not, please try it-- you'll be in for a treat! Dirty Risotto by Giada. Time consuming but worth every moment spent stirring!

On my table I have four baskets of prints as follows:

Funk

Flowers and Animals

Food and Wine

Beach and Landscape

These are fairly loose categorizations but it helps people gravitate to what they like the most. Despite having a fair number of what I consider my best flower pictures in the basket, people more often than not gravitate to the daisies.  I have a collage titled, "Crazy for Daisies" which is oh, so true. Which is why I'm always trying to dream up yet another daisy picture. This one started pretty good but the daisies had a mind of their own and refused to stay clustered:

Which to my mind makes it kind of funny, but this one will never make it into the baskets! And I tried this shot:

For those wondering, that is Bruce's car hood after another storm. Looking out my office window just now, the sky looks about the color of that car hood. 

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank all of my faithful readers whoever you are. Unlike many bloggers, I love to write. I mean love it. As I go about my days, writing is on my mind nearly as much as photography. Titles and ideas come to me when I'm washing dishes, mowing the lawn, riding my bike,or doing laundry. I think the reason I've kept at this for so long is because it is a labor of love for me--not a chore. Before I sat down to write this post I went through a book loaned to me by Mr. Roger during my last visit to their home. In fact, I met the author because he was having a poster designed by Roger for his upcoming show at the Orlando Museum of Art. Jimm Roberts photographed and interviewed some extraordinary writers and artists living in Florida. While watching the golf I went through it, reading the interviews. Many of the famous writers said they knew they wanted to be writers from childhood. I never had the confidence to even consider such a notion, making me grateful for the internet which has allowed me a little bit of cyberspace to pursue a love. The thought that my writing is worth a bit of your time is overwhelming.


Again thank you,
Gail

How About That?

Sunday evening, after finishing my market work, think PayPal transactions and market photo album, I suggested to Bruce that we might want to try a restaurant on Orange Avenue. Said restaurant has gone through both multiple owners and decors. Presently it is called "Tommy Addisons." It is lighter and brighter than the last incarnation and after being seated we took stock of the place. The menu had multiple choices I could be happy with and the prices are reasonable. All good.

Because the tables were fairly close together, I overheard the waiter serving the adjacent couple that he is a student at Rosen College, part of UCF. Doe's that name sound familiar to you? It should if your memory is better than mine. That is where Dr. Severt teaches, you know, the crazy friend of mine? I couldn't help myself, once he turned his attention to us, I asked if he'd taken him.  "No, he replied, but I wish I had. All of my friends say he is the best professor they ever had!" I'm so sure. If you had the time to watch that crazy video of him dancing you would understand that he's a man who is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get his point across. I was happy to hear how highly regarded he is with the student population.

After that exchange Bruce and I wondered about the number of cars in the parking lot compared to the amount of people we saw around us. I said I'd head to the restroom for a recognizance mission. Who should I see on said mission but two very wonderful couples from our past. And we are talking way past. I may have written about seeing the Logombinas at the market recently after not seeing them for years and years. Their companions were the Sellers. Matt and Jonathan may recognize both names. As Kathy Logambina was telling the table about seeing me at the market with my "art", their server said, "I thought I recognized you!" As it turns out, she is one of my very first customers. Nice.

As they were leaving they stopped by our table to chat with Bruce. Nice. Both of the ladies have a place in our home because Kathy helped me pack up our old house to move to this one. Christy Sellers yard was filled with spider plants which she broke apart, giving me oodles of them to use in our yard where they still are planted--nearly 16 years strong. Small world my friends, or at least Orlando still is a small town, regardless of their aspirations to be BIG. Speaking of plants, I bought this neat one from Jim and Kathy. It is called "Million Hearts."

Spider plants are in the background.

I was all set to tell you that Steve is much improved, going home after just a few days in the hospital; apparently his blood pressure was in serious need of regulation. Unfortunately, and I have very few details, he had to go back last night. I'm awaiting more information.

Yesterday I waited and waited for the guy to come work on the pool. The bottom, as well as some on the side, has some darkening in the finish. Obviously not good after such a short time. Finally I called and discovered that they forgot to call me and reschedule the appointment. I hate that. Furthermore, Baxter was to have his teeth cleaning today, which has also been rescheduled because the ultrasonic machine is in for repairs. Allegedly the pool guy is coming first thing this morning. We shall see.

Earlier, when I began typing this, the moon was so bright and beautiful I could have probably typed outdoors if I'd had a notion to. The sky is just beginning to show some signs of the oncoming day.

Another update: Regina's daughter is now on disability, having tried most all the chemotherapy available. Regina wrote that she is either praying for a miracle or mercy. My heart hurts bad for her.
Corrine, on the other hand, is shrinking by the day, having lost more than 30 pounds now. She is, however, regaining her strength and is getting out and about some. It's always so difficult to understand how one woman is dying at 42, while another nearing 85 hangs on.

On a happier note, the other evening I had a hankering for Giada's Dirty Risotto. Over the weekend while browsing through my Bon Appetit, there was a feature about "mis en place", which if ever a recipe called for it, this is the one. Let's take a look at how I did it.

The bacon and Italian sausage are browning with all the ingredients chopped and ready for action.

Next you add the vegetables:

Looking good! Stir and cook until somewhat soft, adding the arborio rice next. Meanwhile you have your pan of chicken stock simmering nearby, ready to add by half cup fulls.

This shot is taken when the rice is still mostly white, before any broth addition.

Below, I've finished the browning, added the peppers and onions, wine, rice and  some of the broth.

The recipe is unlike any risotto I've made before because you have all this stuff in the pan when you add the rice. If you've made any yourself, you'll know what I mean. I have mentioned previously that although I have loads of cookbooks, most of them yield only one or two recipes that are eaten in regular rotation around here. This is one delicious risotto for sure. Ugly--kind of. Delicious--oh my! So here is the finished product--dinner for one.

I should have wiped that bowl edge! I mean if I'm taking the photo and all....
Some people are amazed that I will go to so much trouble for myself and there are nights that I won't but because I am very set on eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, I need something to eat at night! I will tell you that this batch turned out especially good because the grains of rice are somewhat shiny, a sure sign of nicely done risotto.

Finally, speaking of cooking, I heard the woman who wrote that piece on Home Economics I was touting, interviewed on Talk of the Nation. If you're interested click on the link. I always wonder how a story like that in the mainstream press moves from one outlet to another. Good publicists perhaps?

Because I couldn't leave yesterday morning I finally got my big order to Mr. Roger; I dread seeing the bill. Actually, I won't even look at it--you know, the whole idea of what you don't know can't hurt you!

Have a lovely day my friends.

Gail