It doesn't look as large as the 12 footer that was sunbathing on a nearby beach, but I'd still give it wide clearance. Looking for a new watering hole?! ~ Orange Beach, AL
Showing posts with label Gulf Coast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gulf Coast. Show all posts
Summer, She's a Comin'
It's been awhile. Once I discovered Pinterest and just being busy period, my blogging has slowed down. And I've not kept up with my blogging friends, who I've discovered have either left their blog or not updated as I. I was a bit shocked at the number of blogs that no longer exist. That being said, I'm not making a promise to myself nor to you, faithful reader, that things will change. We're in the process of making another life change, so I'll be busier than ever this Summer. The photo above makes me smile and will bring back many heart memories made here in our coastal town ~ praying your Spring has been filled with love and laughter and a freshening of newness. Here's to Summer! Climbing temps and trips to cool, wet areas!
Summer Wanes On the Coast
the beaches are less crowded
there's coolness in the breeze
children, off to school
vacations, taken and used
life returns to normal
for locals, there's a silence now
as they walk the sand
listen to the surf
and watch the waning of Summer
thoughts from the heart
still a bit cool in the late afternoon,
but summer is on her way
slow walks on the sand
finding little shells for a shelf
knowing that He is good
and has given such beauty
Deborah's Gift ~
I have a dear friend, Deborah, and she knows how much I love food. Especially bread pudding. We decided to get together for a meal over at her house recently and she surprised me with this delicacy. Oh.my. It is almost, if not as good, as Elli Bistro's daily bread pudding. I say daily, for they change their recipe on a daily basis. I've never gone there that I didn't swoon at the first bite. You might get a fudge laden bread pudding or a fruit filled bread pudding or a white chocolate bread pudding. I never thought I'd like fruit IN mine until I had theirs. NOW, if it's a day when the waiter (we like Nemo) tells us that there will be raisins in it, I go home without dessert. Do NOT destroy my BP with raisins.
I mentioned this on my blog, "Losing Forty" and had several comments on Facebook for the recipe. Deborah made it that one time and gave me the recipe. I think she got it from a Kraft site and I think she made hers with French bread cubes instead of white bread. (She's like that. French toast at her house is made with real French toast and another friend and I always fight over who gets the last piece! It's that good. Having thick toast just soaks up that custard mixture so much better than my typical slap a piece of white bread back and front in a milk/egg mixture and fry til browned. No, no, no. Deborah bakes hers. I think. I don't remember hers ever having an eggy edge like mine.)
Head over to my other blog (that I am NOT being faithful with and losing weight!) and get this recipe! It's even good cold.
If you're ever in Gulf Shores, go to Pelican Place on Hwy 59. Elli Bistro's on the corner facing the theatres. You won't be sorry. Lunch menus are SO much cheaper than dinner, but you'll find that a common thing in the majority of the eateries here. Ginny Lane at The Wharf? You can choose between 8 meals for $8, includes drink, OR choose from their 5 meals for $5.95, you buy your drink. Or drink free water! Since this is a sister company to EB's you can get the bread pudding! Ginny Lane's only has the white chocolate every day and it's $6, with a size that would easily feed four. There's also seating outside on pretty days. The ambiance is casually different than Elli's but they treat you the same at Elli's and you go away happy.
My favorite dish at both places?! The blackened tilapia with rice, string beans and a light white sauce of some sort over it. I never grow tired of it. Never. John chooses something different each time and he's never complained. Which says something about EB and GL. When you go, tell me what you like best!
Being retired and living here, it's great to have an awesome lunch at less than fast food prices and be full enough that you only want a bowl of cereal for dinner. I'm learning things from the snowbirds! There are a few that don't. Unless they've changed recently, The Original Oyster House doesn't have a lunch menu nor does Tacky Jack's or Lulu's. There's always hope they'll get one or have one already!
PS ~ For those of you that love Tacky Jack's? Head down Ft. Morgan Road until you get almost to the end. You'll see a small marina and what my daughters would call 'a dive'. It's one of the original Tacky Jack's and you'll see sights like this. Why? Because it sits on the bay. Not a canal. Of course, it's quieter, laid back, no loud music, but the food is the same. Might not have as many choices, but it's our personal favorite. Just sayin'
Hurricanes, Hugs, & Home
Well, let's get Hurricane Isaac out of the way. We are under Hurricane Warning now, with voluntary evacuation. At this time, The Hood and I have every intention of staying home and preparing for several days with no electricity. I would love to think he would allow me to go down to the beach, that isn't barricaded to the public, and take some photos but I know the man well enough that he'd physically hold me down before he'd let me do that. I love storms. I mean I really love storms. And hey! This is our first hurricane since moving here! This photo I took this afternoon from the 2nd floor porch of a local church. I had gone for a Beth Moore study only to find that they were sandbagging and taping up windows. So I wandered around and made some new friends. "To everything there is a season" ~
Prayerfully, our beaches will look just this pristine by next weekend. Maybe we'll have seaweed litter and a few more Man 'O Wars and jellyfish pushed this way, but I can deal with that. Everything in the gulf has teeth. Or a barb. So I only go in for one reason, and just far enough for that. If there's a restroom close by, I don't go in the water at all. 'Jaws' did it for me, although I did watch all 98 sequels of it and loved everyone of them. However, I swim in a pool. Not oceans or gulfs, nor rivers or lakes. If I cannot see what's under my butt bottom, I don't get in. Just don't. Moving on! Please pray that Isaac fizzles out and doesn't even do more than give us all some rain. No lost lives, no severe damage. LA has seen enough, as has Mississippi. I'm praying that God just lets Isaac die.
On the home front, sweet Elle wasn't able to begin school this past week with her brothers due to being sick. She had her dress, shoes, and NEW backpack and lunch box all set out with the gift for her teacher. Then the night before, fever set in and she was one sick little girl for several days. Doctor suggested she stay home this week and begin the following week. She will go into K3 and this Nan is wondering when she grew up. It's bad enough to know our oldest baby is in the 4th grade this year. At what point do I cease calling them babies? I've decided I'll think about it later. Not now. And not only did Elle NOT get to go to school, her brother Noah got to go with a cast on his arm.
He's handling it just fine. Fractured his elbow and hopefully won't have to have the cast much longer. This was the first day of school. Ian's giving baby girl a hug since she can't go. She looks happy to be standing with them though {smile font} I'm looking forward to seeing photos tomorrow of Miss Elle going to school for her first day! She and Noah attend the same school and I like that. Ian is attending a new school this year and is loving it. Even began riding the bus home last week. Jenny said he gets home before she would were she to go through car pick up.
Happy Birthday, sweet Austin! 9 years old. No, no,no, slow down. It would make Nan so much happier. Saturday he and Alaina, below, were involved in soccer games all day long. I think Alaina made four goals during one of her games. She and Austin love their sports!
Below is my favorite way to read a book {wink font} The book in question was 'Tick Tock' by James Patterson and the ice cream is Neapolitan with Kix cereal thrown in for crunch. Oh yum. Buuut, I had to cease buying the ice cream. You know that thing called a scale? Yeah, I have one. Nasty thing.
One of my favorite vignettes in our home. And it's in my kitchen window. The photo was taken after Jenny and Brandon's wedding, the shells from our beaches, and John bought the air succulent (is that what they're called?) at our favorite shop. I feel happy deep inside each time I'm at the sink.
The following photos? They made me laugh. Out loud!! So you get to see them, too. Because when I put them on here for you, I get to see them each time I come here and that'll make me laugh once more. Laughter. Good for the soul and all those around you. Have a safe week. A God filled week with much love and laughter! Remember, pray that Isaac fizzles out! Blessings ~
Did you find one that made you giggle? Or laugh out loud? I love the weather one, but my fav of these four? The one about the beaters!!! I can just picture trying to grab some batter with a spinning beater and getting it all over your face. Slays me every time I read it. Okay, so this is it. Really. The End. I'll update and let you know how tame, or not, Isaac was where we live. Again, blessings!
His Everlasting Love
Thus the heavens and the earth were completed
in all their vast array."
~ Genesis 2:1
"My child, I created nothing in the world without forethought. Do you really think any creature could just "evolve" without precise, delicate thoroughness from My hand? If I know when a sparrow falls, and how many hairs are on your head, do you not also believe I am in control of the details of your life? You were a child in My heart long before you were a spark in your mother's eyes. With thoroughness, I created the world and everything in it. And with thoroughness, I will carry out My eternal plan for you."
This is my part of my morning devotional today and I loved it since John and I had been discussing how beautiful the day has been. Since moving here and being retired, we've had more time to ride around, to explore, to stop when we want and just watch the water flow. We've seen more birds that I've had to look up, fish that I've learned from John's excitement, and today part of the discussion was the fact that He didn't have to give us so many beautiful creatures. He didn't have to give us so many shrubs, trees, and flowers that bloom at some point year round. He didn't have to. But He did. He takes such delight in pleasing His children. I want to give back that same feeling to Him. Not to ever take for granted the simplest things in life. Is there a God? Look around you. Could man make everything you see? Whether indoors or out, there's something there that man can not do. Oh yes there's a God. And He wants our love, our devotion, our obedience. Just as I love my children and family, I have a heavenly Father that loves more than I ~ and that's difficult for me to imagine as I'd die for mine. Just as he did for me. But for strangers? Truly? I'd have to know the cause and the why's. Jesus knew He was dying for some that will never make it to Heaven, but He wills that we do. We have the choice. Please don't pass it up. I only saw the Garden and it was more than any Garden I've ever seen. I felt more peace and comfort than I've ever felt. There is a God, and He wants to know you.
I love Melissa Lester's blog and have featured her on here before. I really need to add her to my labels over on the right hand side {smile font}. Hers was the first updated blog I saw when I came to my site and I know the area of which she has photographed her daughter. I grew up not far from there and it was always a place our family visited during its open hours. Talk about God's beauty. The garden you'll find there is well tended to and cared for and many photographers use it, as well as weddings and receptions. I thought I'd end my post by letting you visit her site and see for yourself why it left me with a calm and peaceful feeling. Melissa is a beautiful Christian and Godly woman, and she not only has written books but is a speaker should you need someone for a women's day of devotion. Click here for a visit to Jasmine Hill ~ and yes, she makes her daughter's dresses. Another talent of hers.
Have a most blessed week and notice the beauty of it.
Bits & Pieces of June ~
1 ~ What is with the border around the blog title?! I cannot get rid of it! I wanted the title to say "Faith, Family, & Friends" instead of the original "Faith, Family & Food". When I re-added the new header, there was a border! I've gone thru HTML, and editing shops and STILL, there's a border. An ugly border. Stacia, Teale, ideas?
2 ~ I am missing our youngest and her babies! It's been since the first part of March (I know we're blessed that they aren't further away. All three girls live within less than five hours, so we feel truly blessed). She did drive down with a friend for a quick Sunday lunch - it was a business trip - and that's been it. However {smile font} they may make it here for a weekend trip soon, and we are driving up the end of this month to see them!
Jenny took this photo and I love it!
Elle is a girly girl, but she so wants to learn karate.
Imagine, a girly girl that can turn your head around,
with one kick to the cheek!
And the two older brothers she adores.
Her karate heroes.
Oh, I can't wait to get my snuggles on!
Stacey came with her babies & the sun was out!
Stacey's two love the open water.
And the waves obliged.
Boogie Board time.
John went with them to The Track.
Go Carts, Bumper Boats, and the Arcade.
Alaina had lost two teeth before they came.
She is our snaggle toothed princess {hearts!}
Stacey's view of the Gulf, and her cute feet.
John and I like sitting under the umbrella!
And her family will be back!
To help celebrate the 4th of July. Which means,
we have to go purchase a grill,
for the Grill Master is coming!!! WhooHoo!!
3 ~ I have a girlfriend visiting this weekend and it's always so good when she's here. Guess where we met up for lunch?!
What do I love about The Hangout?
Besides the music, the dancing on the tables
and in the aisles? The sliders and fries?
IT'S ON THE GULF!
Walk right out to the sand and surf.
Or do as we did,
sit yourself down on a boardwalk bench.
We'd planned to do a bit of shopping,
so we're saving the beachy part for tomorrow.
Always a breeze, always the smell of salt,
always a vacation day ~ when you're retired!
The cutie in the middle and the cutie on the right,
didn't like this photo. Yeah, we all have cellulite.
But you know what?!
We're happy. We feel good,
and we're children of The King.
Can't get any better than that.
Besides, I think cellulite is a natural part
of a woman's body now. Julia Roberts has it {big smile font}
When I saw this, I immediately thought of my circle of friends.
4 ~ I read some of the funniest things on Pinterest this week. Laughed out loud many times and laughter is so good for the soul. Here are a few.
One to inspire ~
and one that taught me something!
I pray you've had a good week.
Here's to love, laughter, and family & good friends.
Blessings ~
Country Ride, Delightful Friends, Delicious Lunch
The Derailed Diner.
Ever heard of it? Those of you that live in Alabama.
We had not. We know about it now.
And look forward to going back.
It.Is.So.Neat!
The interior was more than a glance could handle.
There were saddles to sit on.
Wagon seats. Tailgates to eat from.
Railcars to eat in.
I have never seen anything like it,
except at Universal Studios or Disney World.
If you're in Robertsdale or on I-10,
stop and visit. It's well worth it.
And the prices are great,
but not as good as the food.
Just a Quick Note
These lovely beach loving people
would love to live near the Gulf Coast.
The sand, the sun, the surf. They love it. All five.
And Leslie? The child would live there if she could.
Beach trips, cruises, and the sun.
This man is a true outdoorsman.
Needless to say, he's passed that love to this little one.
And his two girls love the beach along with the others.
See the smiles on these faces?
See the background behind the smiling people?
But me? This is what happens,
when I meet the sun for any length of time.
And that's with sun screen!
This is where we always thought we'd retire.
The Smokey mountains.
Cool, lush, snow.
Snow. Some times lots of snow.
That might get old in ten years.
Maybe five years.
And the man can't ride his bike in snow.
So we posed two locations to our daughters
and the answers was overwhelming. We're happy.
They are thrilled. While they are with sun and surf,
I'll be drinking sweet tea on a screened in veranda.
Cool, breezy fan, lush greenery, a good book.
Yeah, that's retirement.
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