Visiting PA

 

I just returned from a wonderful visit with my daughter and son in law.  She lives in a suburb of Pittsburgh and while we love to go into the city, there are also many things to do in the North Hills (as I just learned the area north of the city is called).  We went out for cocktails at a favorite spot from a former visit, had a wonderful dinner at an historic inn with a German menu and spent a lovely afternoon at a winery.  We walked their dog in the pretty, but hilly neighborhood they live in and had breakfast at a cute cafe attached to a garden center.  

And, while we did keep busy, we also had some down time to catch up with each other.  We last saw each other at the end of April, so three months.  That is the magic number for me when it comes to my daughters and I don’t let distance keep us apart for much longer than that.  Talking on the phone is fine, but there is something important about a hug in person and a face to face conversation.  There is something important too about spending time in someone’s home and city, seeing their space and feeling part of their day to day life.

The goodbyes are hard, but we already have plans to see each other at a family wedding in September, so we will hold on to that and make due with many phone calls between Pennsylvania and Florida.  

P.S.  I fly a lot, but flying right now is a bit on the nightmarish side.  Coming back was an exercise is delays, missed connections and an unexpected stay in the airport hotel for an early morning flight.  I finally make it home to Florida fifteen hours after my original arrival time, but had to travel out of my way through St. Louis. 

Pack your patience if you have travel plans :-)

3 Ingredient Blueberry Cobbler

 

I have been seeing fresh blueberries in season in the accounts from the northern states that I follow and have been seriously craving all things blueberry.  Pie, cobbler, pancakes, etc. Unfortunately there are no fresh blueberries available in Florida, so I decided to do the next best thing and use frozen blueberries for this recipe.  

It’s such a simple recipe and a method you can use with any kind of fresh or frozen fruit.

In a 9x9 baking dish (or similar) after spraying with cooking spray, place 4 cups blueberries in the bottom. Dump any yellow cake mix in a mixing bowl and add 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter.  Mix until crumbles form. Pour on top of blueberries and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Serve warm (Saturday breakfast for me) and then store in refrigerator.

Happy Weekend!

Life Lately

 

First, where did July go and how is it almost August?  I have been busy doing a lot of gardening and planting for my neighborhood, as well as so much trimming in my own yard.  Rainy season is growing season and everything tropical is thriving. I am taking a break for now, because even in the mornings, it is just too hot.

My golf group is down to one foursome, but we are getting out as early in the day as we can and it hasn’t been too bad.  I still look forward to the return of our snowbirds, because more golfers equals more fun. This photo shows the stormy skies that are always a possibility when golfing in Florida in the rainy season.

I took a drive to Trader Joe’s in Sarasota last week and I have decided, I am not a Trader Joe’s person. Some things are good, but I’m not really a prepared food shopper and for ingredients for cooking actual recipes, I prefer the more traditional Publix.  If you are lucky enough to be able to shop at a Publix, you know what I mean. I did try this creamer and love it though.

The past two Mondays have been lunch out and catching up with friends kind of days.  Both included delicious seafood and beautiful water views.  Life in Florida where you can pick any number of pretty waterside locations is special.

Lastly, I have been making travel arrangements for two more family weddings.  Also, a visit to see my daughter in Pittsburgh very soon.  The wedding in October will also include a extended trip to northern Michigan for golf, visits with friends and a two night stay on Mackinac Island, one of my favorite spots. Northern Michigan in the fall is spectacular and sweatshirt weather sounds heavenly on this 100 degree day.

Happy Wednesday!