Making a Difference

 

When I first moved to Florida and wasn’t quite acclimated, I saw a bunch of volunteers in downtown Venice spreading mulch in the median.  My first thought was, I should do that someday.  Fast forward to now and because of my weekly volunteering for Venice Area Beautification, I will be helping on National Make a Difference Day and am even a team captain for a group of volunteers.  We will be spreading mulch in a city park and generally cleaning up and making it look pretty. Being involved in my city is important to me and using my gardening skills is the perfect fit.

And because that wasn’t enough, (I’m crazy, I know) there was a volunteer opportunity to join the horticulture team at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (Spanish Point Campus) and it felt like a great way to experience a beautiful setting and also meet people a bit further a field in Sarasota.  It has been very rewarding, because help is definitely needed and I feel like I am making a difference.  I especially enjoy arriving in the morning before this historical campus is open to the public and when it is so peaceful.  The early morning Gulf views are a major perk too. The past two Saturdays I have been weeding a butterfly garden and how great is that for a work location?

I’m not sure where this volunteerism in me started, but it’s something I have done my whole adult life and find it extremely rewarding.  You also meet the friendliest like minded people who aren’t afraid of a little hard work.

Fall Reading List

First, where did September go?  The time just flies lately as we quickly approach the busy months ahead and I have even started preparing for the holidays with a house booked and Christmas present ideas formulating. We are starting to see some relief from the heat and humidity and October will always be my favorite month in Florida.  It brings the first hint of cool air in the mornings and then beautiful sunshine and bright blue skies at the beach.  Both make for perfect outdoor reading weather.  

My fall reading list is not extensive, but there are some that I definitely look forward to.  Mostly favorite authors, but also a few new ones too.  These posts are always well received and I love when you drop some suggestions in the comments as well.  Connecting with fellow readers is one of the best things about the blog world.  

Happy Reading!

Bad Blood by Dana Stabenow (Kate Shugak series)

Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin

Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell (Kay Scarpetta series)

The Heron’s Cry by Ann Cleeves (2nd in her new series)

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

Unlost by Gail Muller (similar to Wild)

Apple Brownies - Recipe Redo

 

Fall in Florida is not quite here yet, though we are told there may be less humidity next week.  But, the calendar says Fall and to me, that means baking something with apples.  This recipe is a good one and first appeared on my blog in 2018.  It has the plentiful, chunky apples like I love in an apple recipe and because you coat the apples in cinnamon and sugar, the flavors are perfect.

To change things up a bit, I decided to add a sour cream glaze that cuts the sweetness just a bit.  A cream cheese frosting would also be delicious.  Either way, just spread the glaze or frosting on top when out of the oven and completely cool.  I stored these in the fridge.  

Enjoy and Happy Fall!

Sour Cream Glaze

1/2 cup Sour Cream

1 cup powdered sugar (add a bit more if you like a thicker glaze)

Mix together well and let thicken in refrigerator until ready to use.