Update

 Been meaning to update this and have not had time.  Still searching for a place to move- trying to make that happen.  The COVID situation has messed it up a bit with jobs shifting and hiring freezes.  I know my job has gone mostly to telecommuting and they do not plan to go back (once the mind has been stretched, it cannot go back to it's old form)- hmmm, who said that?

So this will be update 1 of 2- I have taken two trips recently for much needed getaways and to check out different areas for relocation.  The first was near the Withlacoochee River in nowhere, Florida. 

On a side note, I have been displeased recently with using VRBO to find places to stay- this house was in a great location but the house was gross.  And there were bugs- which is where I draw the line.

(I'm uploading less pics than I planned to, because it's too difficult to get them off my phone onto Blogger.  But I got some beautiful pictures, even though the pictures don't go it justice). 

Across from our rental.

I was going to fish a different lake every day (so many lakes there)- but decided on 1 lake and the river, because the river was so beautiful. 

I caught a pike in Florida 

The state park we hiked near by was pretty, but we picked up a few ticks which is not cool.  Went twice and didnt go back because of the ticks. 

  

Stone crab stuffed flounder and creamed spinach

This was a double-first for me.  I was disappointed in my flounder- absolutely should have brushed it with butter, so it turned out dryer than I like my fish.   The crab was amazing.

For the flounder:

-stone crab claws, shucked

-a good cheese, I used Merlot (for binding agent)

-fresh herbs (chives)

a dash of granulated garlic

Mix this stuff up, this is the filling

Flounder-

(I also want to add that my sister practiced her filet skills on my flounder so I got less than perfect filets.  it still works) 

wash, dry really well and pound a bit to get flat

BRUSH BOTH SIDES WITH BUTTER - this is what I missed and it needed it

lightly sprinkle with Old Bay blackened seasoning 

Add crab stuffing on one end and roll flounder

top with left over crab stuffing

Bake (I didn't time it, just watched it.  only bake until flounder is flakey)

Creamed Spinach-

Cook spinach and drain well

make roux, add 3/4 cup milk

add granulated garlic, salt, cracked pepper to taste

grate in fine cheese (again I used merlot)

cook until thick

spoon into spinach, until desired consistency

grate cheese on top and cook until cheese is melted.

Bottles

I am posting my last couple of 'creek finds' (bottles).  Some of these are super cool, like a Coca-cola Soda Water bottle with the label of 'Braden Town, Fla' (which was pre-1940's). 

While reading the history of my home town I learned that even back then and pre-1900's, folks were trying to grow this area as fast and large as they could (which is disheartening).  It stayed small for so long, but they have finally succeeded with the housing developments taking over like a plague. 

The Puppy

The baby turned 8 this year (April) and has had a rough time so far.  He has been to the ER 3 times in the past couple months.  I try to keep his diet good and keep him in good shape as he enters his senior years, but it has been difficult!

Anyhow, his favorite thing is water; swimming!  He loves to soak himself.

A little update in a COVID world

As working from home continues, I am enjoying it way too much.  This may be the next step in my career.  As I near graduation and I am looking at different opportunities, many things have been eye-opening.  I know I want to live in  a less populated area (less tourists, less transplants), so work-from-home would definitely bridge the gap between the opportunities.  My dog needs a fenced yard.  We need the country air I've known the whole life.   

Here's a recipe I just tried with our home-grown Florida bananas:

Banana Crumb Cake Recipe

 Course Breakfast, Dessert

 Prep Time 10 minutes

 Cook Time 40 minutes

 Total Time 50 minutes

 Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter {softened}
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 ripe bananas {mashed} or about 1 1/4 cups
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Crumb Mixture

• 1/2 cup butter {softened}
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Combine softened butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until well combined.  I used a hand mixer but you can mix it by hand or with a stand mixer.  Add mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla and sour cream, mix to combine. 
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt and stir until just combined {don't over mix}.  Pour into the bottom of the greased 9x13 pan.
4. In a small bowl combine all of the crumb mixture ingredients.  Work the mixture together into small crumbs using a fork.  Don't over work the mixture or you will get a paste and it will change the texture of the bread.  Sprinkle the crumbs in an even and thick layer over the top of the banana bread batter.  Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs or is clean.  Serve warm or cool and cover.  Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Those Summer Days

This is what the rocket launch looked like from my house- watching it move across the sky was incredible, I didn't go get my phone to snap a pic until the end as I just wanted to enjoy it. 

My little pony is hot. Fat & hot. 

Creek finds!  The French's mustard jar is old.

Been trying out new restaurants to expand my horizon...so far, I liked my horizon just the way it was- haha 

We received this awesome gift from chewy.com, a sweet painting of the baby! 

Summer nights.

More creek finds!  This was a good one! 

Junior