President's Day Weekend Feb. 2025

Saturday: We try to sleep in but when 6 a.m. rolls around, we are usually awake (lucky AA, she manages to sleep in until 7 or 7:30 a.m.). Breakfast was leftovers, AA isn't fussy and rarely heats them up (orange chicken this time)

I have wanted to bake my "triple" lemon cupcakes since our ponderosa lemons were ripe. I went to the Publix for heavy whipping cream for the buttercream frosting (I used what I had on hand - butter, butter flavored Crisco and regular Crisco, and could have just used half & half). I baked 23 cupcakes, the cake was soft and moist. I used a "trick" of putting uncooked rice in bottom of cupcake pan to soak up any grease on the bottom of each cupcake. I don't think it worked, the cupcake papers were still greasy, maybe a bit less, not sure if I would do again, maybe cut parchment paper instead.  Whipped up the frosting with some lemon juice and lemon extract; in the cake batter, added the zest of a fresh store-bought lemon (zest doesn't freeze well - maybe I should have added my ponderosa zest to the juice when freezing). We shared one cupcake - always need a tasting (and AA "licked" the frosting bowl).

Ford mentioned Woodpecker BBQ, so we drove there for lunch, a lovely day, 80 degrees. My pork "pecker" plate was delicious, I think the best pulled pork; Ford had beef brisket and AA ordered rib plate.

Alyzabeth drove to Siyan's to work on a media project, capturing the sunset; we went to our still usual, predictable River House happy hour. I made my standby appetizer: cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese with a small piece of fresh basil and some balsamic vinegar on the side, Kathy brought shrimp cocktail. We chatted with Karrie about her conversation with Hugh, how Maureen is not adjusting, "in a bad place". So sad and knew she may have issues but were hoping for the best - we knew they needed to move closer to Erin/family.

Since we had a large lunch, I didn't cook dinner, we just snacked on our BBQ leftovers.

Sunday: Went to church, visited with Steve and Julie, Cathy always welcomes me, asked me to help with communion. Back home, a storm was heading our way, not the best day to drive to St. Augustine (AA drove, she does not take suggestions, criticism very well, she's a great driver, we get nervous with the rain and puddles). We arrived at Leaa's, visited with her and Dylan (who was going to a Galentine's Day party), then Leaa drove us to the SA Music Center house. Jesse was installing doors with Jason in the morning, still working on interior finish work. We went back to Leaa's, dropped off Jesse's birthday gift (Made in Maine lobster rope mat) and 10 of my home baked lemon cupcakes. AA had her tutoring with Laureen (Spanish, moved from last Thursday) and we watched Miss Scarlet, last episode for this new season.

Monday: We went to Ford's early wound doctor, his legs are healing, his left leg now has no bandages, so can use the new Velcro compression "sock" and put lotion on every day. 

We then drove to Parkinson's exercises, arriving late. I chatted with Mom in the truck, didn't walk as it was 45 degrees with wind outside. We drove home, had a short rest (watched the beginning of Sunday night's All Creatures Great and Small), then to the Metro Diner with Mia. She told us about her work at Amazon (likes a guy at Ocala office, may move to Jacksonville; with all the Government cuts, she said she would work at Buckees!).

Mia ate biscuits and gravy, AA fish and chips, Ford was good and ordered salad with grilled chicken; I ate half of the chicken pot pie.

AA left for her PT appointment, and I went to Walmart, picked up Ford's prescriptions. We were going to have Saigon Wok food but found out they are closed on Monday, so bought take-out from Tijuana Flats. Watched the Voice and then to bed! School tomorrow!

Home from Maine - Week of 02/11/25

Monday: Flew back home, nice weather. Dinner was the last Bill/Joan frozen Christmas pasta dinner.

Tuesday: Up early, AA off to school. Ford saw his new surgeon and now has gallbladder surgery scheduled for 2/24/25. 

I attended AA's AICE spring break trip meeting at 6:00 p.m. Going to be a great trip. We bought Five Guys burgers for dinner.

Wednesday, 12th: No morning appointments, afternoon was a new doctor, Dr. Syed, specializes in leg circulation. Two imaging appointments and a follow up all by March 26th.

The Loop for lunch: salad and a pizza:

Laurie was sick, so moved to Thursday, AA's calculus test on Friday. We went to the River House, Happy Hour, (I took Sarah's bacon dip and Mom's Maine Apple Pepper Jelly, cream cheese and crackers) met up with Kathy and Karrie (she was going to a Galentine's event at her Club).

Take out Chinese food for the last night of CNY - tried Saigon Wok (near Mellow Mushroom/Mojo) and the food was very good (Lo Mein, Pad Thai and Hibachi steak and chicken).

Thursday: AA wore the gold ingot necklace my Mom gave her.

Drove Ford to his Parkinson exercises, then to the Hallmark store and Publix. We bought so many BOGO's, stocked up on things we use. Spoke to Justin, having his shoulder surgery today.

AA came home from school, snacked on my leftover dinner food, then off to her annual eye appointment.

Paid Laureen and Laurie for three tutoring sessions each.

I ordered silicone baking sheets for me and Melissa; a new Martha Stewart 13x9 baking pan and some tinted blemish medicated concealer for AA.

I made orange chicken in the crock pot with rice and a Ceasar salad kit for dinner.

Friday: Valentine's Day! 

I removed the CNY items and spruced up with the red roses, candles.

We had an early morning to head out to Ford’s physical therapy at for his 8:30 appointment. We left early and bought a dozen Dunkin Donuts to take to the PT office. The donuts are quite festive with pink icing, lots of sprinkles and some shaped in hearts. I spoke to Terri most of the time while Ford was at his PT appointment. We talked about her babysitting schedule with Chris’s kids, her appointments with Gloria and her gardening so far (trying planting carrot seeds in cardboard egg carton a month early; they are had to germinate, fussy, so doing something different this year). I did walk for a very short time about five minutes it was in the 50° this morning. 

We shopped at Publix and picked up ingredients for bruschetta for dinner tonight. I also bought a Valentine’s Day Hart helium balloon for AA. We have cards and some candy.

Ford and I ate leftovers for lunch and Alyzabeth came home with the sad news that she scored a 74 on her calculus test. Unfortunately, Laurie was sick this week so AA has not had her tutor to help her. She also found out yesterday that she did not get in the FSU honors program but her friend Sophia did get accepted. We continue to be sad and question why (there is a link to apply once enrolled this Fall, but doesn't take the sting away).

In the afternoon, Ford has been talking about playing his guitar again so we drove to the Green Cove Springs, The Guitar Station; he bought a new strap for his guitar (very inexpensive - $9). He had given away most of his stuff to Justin or Jesse back when he stopped playing. We had a glass of wine and tried to tune our guitars. Hopefully, daily we will learn one note, or chord if he sticks to it.

We enjoyed bruschetta for dinner, opened our Valentine's Day cards; I bought mint chocolates for AA and assorted chocolates for Ford (and they both shared!). 

Tootsie Roll Pops - AA's favorite is actually the chocolate ones.

A salad kit of kale and poppy seed dressing and bruschetta (I have had to buy garlic several times now as Terri's home grown is gone!)

Valentine's Day cards:

Ford's new nightly routine is to take a shower right before bed, take off his compression socks and elevate his legs while sleeping, then in the morning, immediately put on his compression socks. Two imaging tests are in March, then will see if any further treatment is prescribed.

AA went to her bedroom to watch "something" and we watched a recording of Sleepless in Seattle (ends on Valentine's Day), until we fell asleep.

Monday, 02/03/25 - Sunday

Monday: All well with Alyzabeth getting off to school, having a good winter week with the lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s. Ford and I drove to his wound doctor which we found out she, the doctor, broke her hand and was not able to come the office so his legs were tended to by a nurse. We then drove to his Parkinson exercises, and I walked a little bit but mainly talked to Terri and Mom. Publix next to pick up some groceries and back home to eat leftovers from Sunday’s dinner at Carmelo‘s. I cooked a pound of hamburger so they can have it for homemade nachos on Super Bowl Sunday. Ford prepared the boneless pork chops (brined, added a rub, then seared, final cooking in the oven) and I prepared the fresh green beans (with bacon) and mashed potatoes for dinner.  Once Alyzabeth was home and had her after school snack, started her homework, I began organizing our 2024 taxes. Alyzabeth and I went to her PT, I walked for about 30 minutes of it. Back home, Ford cooked the boneless pork chops. 

Dry rub:

We watched the Grammy's (recorded) and then Alyzabeth and I watched "Miss Scarlett", the episode from last night. We thought it was a bit boring and not the best storyline but overall, I still like the show.  "The Voice" also began a new season tonight and we recorded that so that we can skip through all the commercials. Alyzabeth and I continue to look for a rescue doodle dog but not having much luck as we want a female and most of them are out of state, require a fenced yard. 

Tuesday: We gave AA our love and a kiss as she left for school. We went to my haircut/color - Steve lost track of time with Julie, so was late. I took Ford to his 11:00 PT appointment and zoomed back as Steve had to go home to get the building keys - this was the week Tia took off to be with her daughter and new granddaughter. All worked out okay. got money for my trip, gas in the truck, picked up Ford's prescription, made an eye appointment for AA (needed in order to order more contacts). We got home about 1:30 p.m., ate leftovers, and AA came home after her NHS meeting. She left to meet with Siyan on a media assignment; I made two vegetable dips to take to the RH. We sat on the deck with Kathy, 80 degrees! 

Back home we cooked spaghetti and meatballs and chopped salad kit once AA came home from Siyan's. Added our home-grown snow pea pods to our salad.

We watched "Finding Your Roots".

Sad family news: Nicole lost her dog Remy; he was sick, after 15 years, Remy's time came to an end. We understand the sorrow.

Wednesday: Ford did not sleep well during the night, so went back to bed after Alyzabeth went to school. I did the dishes, laundry and cut up three Ponderosa lemons and put in freezer. By the time I got ready for our breakfast appointment with Charlie and Donna, it was too late to wake Ford up and get him ready - he did not go. Had a nice time with Charlie and Donna talking about the Madison youth Ranch about the day on campus now called Day of Hope on March 8th and a little bit about politics, Elisabeth Gadd and my Alyzabeth (college plans). I drove home and picked up Ford and we dropped off a couple more bank statements of Larry Bradley‘s for Linda Wright to do his final estate taxes. We got a lemon lemonade for Ford at Springs coffee shop and met up with Susan Collins the ex-wife of Mike Collins. She was there with a friend; they had played pickle ball in Green Cove Springs off Lemon Street. We got reacquainted and I was reminded that she had adopted two children from Russia who are now in their late 20s/early 30s.  The man she was with went to school college in Maine at Bates College. Then picked up an outlaw chicken salad sandwich for Ford for lunch and a side of pasta salad for Alyzabeth for her school lunches. After watering some plants and weeding a few areas I logged in to pre-check my flight tomorrow. Alyzabeth got home from school, told us about National Signing Day, she was invited at last minute even though Coach Nedrich said he was going to send her an invite. Kathryn and AA did not know what school Chole had accepted, listened to a lot of speeches about student athletes and was sad.  

We drove to her knee surgeon appointment at 3 PM. Her knee dislocating was a mystery to Dr. Jones, said very unusual, never had to "re-do" this surgery. Another six weeks of PT then an MRI will be ordered.

Thursday: I flew to Maine - Delta flight non-stop to Boston, then a snowy trip on the Downeaster. Melissa picked me up after work and drove to camp. See post on Maine trip - Mom's 90th birthday weekend.

Neighbor Nancy drove Ford to the Parkinson exercises. AA and Ford ate leftover sloppy joe for dinner.

Friday: Ford and AA started the weekend; had a few rough spots, Ford with his frustration, AA with her, several trips to Publix to get the ingredients for banana pudding. Ford made it, took to Saturday's Parkinson's Support Session and birthday celebration.

Saturday: Nancy took Ford to the Parkinson meeting. Ford and AA were going to the Durbin Mellow Mushroom, but AA caught a cold or a bad case of allergy.

Sunday: Quiet day for Ford and AA. A bit of a fight, AA drove him to Publix to get a few more ingredients for their nachos. AA sad, not comfortable with her dad, he's frustrated he can't just do whatever he wants anymore. AA watched some of the Puppy Bowl and the Super Bowl - Philadelphia Eagles won. Ford and AA made nachos for dinner.

And I fly back tomorrow!

Almost February 2025

Monday: Drove back from Panama City. Ford missed his Parkinson exercises. Ford's legs swollen, but a little better with the compression socks on.

AA went to her 4:00 p.m. PT with Richard.

We picked up quesadilla and power (salmon) salad from Talon's for dinner.

Tuesday: SHARK driveway coating coming to test concrete. 

Donna came to clean our home. We drove Ford to his PT appointment, then to his wound appointment. Lunch at Whitey's - blackened shrimp and blackened mahi fish sandwich - avoiding fried foods. AA stayed to do her Spanish tutoring and had Laurie at 7:30 p.m. for calculus. We watched Finding Your Roots.

River House happy hour with Kathy and Karrie. Kathy not feeling well from anemia (but iron okay); Karrie sleeping in Hugh's condo for first night. Sat inside as at 64 degrees on river, still a bit chill and damp. Not much else for news.

Wednesday: Made a few calls - Ford's gallbladder surgeon, appointment on 02/11/25 and seeing Dr. Dolven (PCP) this Friday, 01/31/25. We ate lunch at Time Out Deli. Enjoyed our quiet morning.

We also have a referral for AA's wisdom teeth to be removed and appointment to get her fillings done - I need to make appointments.

I wrote an email to adopt/rescue Bella, Golden Rescue of South Florida. AA went to her PT at 4:00 p.m.

Refer to CNY post with pictures.

Thursday: 

Ford's Parkinson exercises, then Publix and Walmart. Was going to make Ree Drummond's stuffed peppers; will do for Friday's dinner.

Met up with Leaa to give her Valentine's Day and CNY treats for Liv and Dylan. Dropped off a gift for Jordan - a Maine made lobster rope door mat - very practical! And CNY red envelopes and Valentine's Day candy for Mila and Avery.

AA did not have Spanish tutoring with Laureen, AA came home with a headache, but she did go with us to meet up with Leaa/Dylan. We ate an early dinner at Ruby Tuesday (SR16/I-95). Enjoyed our visit.

Dylan's next dance is March 13th.

Friday: Shark coatings did our driveway. See separate post.

Drove Ford to Dr, Dolven (PCP). No new news, will see the surgeon on the 11th. Ford went to his PT appointment at 9:15 a.m. We ate lunch at Woody's BBQ after dropping off Larry's taxes at Arnold Law (Linda Wright). Mailed a box to my Mom for her birthday.

I made a new recipe - Ree Drummond's updated stuffed peppers with pesto, cannellini beans and feta cheese.

Beef and Bean Stuffed Peppers

Level: Easy Yield: 4 to 6 servings. Total: 1 hr 30 min Active: 35 min

Ingredients

6 bell peppers (any color)

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 pound ground beef

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 yellow onion, diced small

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup pesto

1/3 cup dry white wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc

One 12-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup crumbled feta

1 cup store-bought tzatziki, 2 tablespoons fresh dill fronds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut the tops off the peppers. Remove and discard the stems, then finely chop the tops and set aside. Scoop out the seeds and as much of the membranes as you can. Place the peppers cut side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them upright.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook, breaking up the lumps, until the meat is cooked through and just beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to soak the fat from the mixture.

Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onions and chopped peppers, then cook until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and pesto and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, then add the beans and reserved beef. Let cook for 1 minute to reduce slightly.

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat, then stir in the feta.

Fill the peppers with the beef and bean mixture. Pour a small amount of water in the bottom of the baking dish and drizzle the peppers with a little olive oil. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until the peppers are soft and lightly browned, another 15 to 20 minutes. Serve garnished with the tzatziki and dill.

Beef and Bean Stuffed Peppers Recipe | Ree Drummond | Food Network

And great grand-nephew was born to Lane and Hannah: William Know Below.

Saturday 02/01/2025: 

I drove to be at the10-year anniversary at Madison Youth Ranch. Read separate post.

Leaa drove to UCF, Dylan has dance in the area, will stay with Liv.

River House Happy Hour was uneventful with Kathy and Karrie. Nice weather, still a bit cool on the river so sat inside.

We continue to receive birthday cards for my Mom:

Sunday February 2nd: Ford had a rough few hours during the night; up and down talking about Ed Masters, and he got mad at me for asking questions.

Baked bacon in the oven - recipe: Preheat oven to 400° and line a large baking sheet with foil. If using, line a wire rack on your baking sheet. Lay bacon in a single layer onto baking sheet or cooling rack, making sure not to overlap.

Step 2: Bake until your desired crispness, 15 to 25 minutes. (Thin slices will cook more quickly!)

Step 3: Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve.

I went to church; AA was supposed to go to Siyan's home, but changed to Wednesday. We drove to St. Augustine, looked at three homes for sale on the canals, then a late lunch at Carmelo's.

Watched some of the Grammys.