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.

Residing Hope: 10 Year Anniversary Madison Youth Ranch

I drove to Madison (Pinetta) to attend the celebration of 10 years of the Madison Youth Ranch.

Before going, as I did not RSVP until Friday, the day before (so rude of me!), I texted through Messenger to see if any of my former FUMCH Facebook friends were going. Donna and Charlie said they would not.

Greetings, just curious as to who is going to this Saturday’s 10th Anniversary celebration at the Residing Hope Madison Youth Ranch? I didn’t RSVP, would love to see it, now may be available to go. Anyone going?

Rev. Faith: That’s a great question. I’m sure you could still go. Eddie is our representative but Val and Eddie are traveling on vacation right now.

ACM: I have contacts to call and check. Just wondering if any supporters of the ranch or my former board members are going.

Myra Galloway: We will not be able to attend. We would love to see the ranch but cannot make the trip. We hardly ever travel out of town we both have eye problems.

ACM: Was hoping you both might be there.

John Rivas: We’d love to be there but I have a conflict that prevents me from attending. I hope to visit soon.

James Bernard: Unfortunately, I cannot attend. We could probably drive there, but I wouldn’t be able to participate in any activities. It would be great to see everyone. Jim.

Ruth Moore (Mike): Haven’t been back since we left on 2018.  Hope to make it back someday.  Won’t be the same without Billy & Dianne Sullivan or the Laidlaws…

ACM: Wonderful celebration today! First time I saw the pool, chapel and chickens!

Mike (Myra): Neat !! Wish we could have been there.

Rev. Faith: I’m so glad you went!

ACM: Beautiful weather, the young lady residents were engaging, impressive horse stable. Much praise for Ruth and Mike Moore for their early work and vision.

Spoke with Shailen Barmeda, Director now! Been there for 20 years, and he still looks under the age of 30! Always happy, smiling. Also met the current  board vice chair. I’m glad I went, wasn’t sure when I would ever go again in the future.

Ruth: Those street signs were painted by a young artistic teen when we were there. 

Mike & I left a piece of our hearts there, along with a lot of blood, sweat & tears.  Glad things are moving forward! Hope to get back some day!

Mike: I remember the day that Billy and Diane Sullivan made a commitment to me for the initial land around which the Madison Youth Ranch was developed. Subsequent meeting with supporters in that community yielded several substantial financial commitments of funds and land upon which the Ranch is now located. As we made many visits to the property and worked with builders, the vision began to develop. Groundbreaking was an emotional event for many.

Do you remember the unique aspect of the property that we found?

The old cemetery!

Ruth - Private Message: 

Thank you for the update on the MYR celebration! So glad to know it is still moving forward! Were we really mentioned? I have no contact with anyone at FUMCH anymore. Occasionally hear from Bunny Maultsby & Beth Moore in Madison.  Glad you were able to attend 🥰

ACM: Yes, Kitwana reviewed the history of the youth ranch and described you and Mike’s dedication and hard work as the first to live there. He mentioned dates of when each building was dedicated but specifically spent a few minutes about you and Mike. Elisabeth Gadd spoke about who donated for the big items, the current director of the ranch spoke, she had an interesting story how she ended up there. Very nice celebration. Diane Sullivan’s daughter is on the Board.

Ruth: Thanks for the overview! I was actually in FL, came home on Thursday….didn’t realize the event was Saturday.  I could have rearranged my schedule.  Oh well, maybe another time.

So glad you were able to attend! I have such good memories of working with you & the board members, along with Mike Galloway.

I enjoyed the music, the BBQ lunch, speaking with Elisabeth Gadd and Shailen, seeing the pool, Chapel, chickens, horse stables and greenhouse. Program:

Under the tent:

Window, dedicated to the Cisco's (Lever Family also had several windows):

Chicken Coop:

Outside the greenhouse:

Inside greenhouse:

Pool:

Maultsby and Ott cottages: