Is it Ruby Begonia or Rose Burrito?

A couple of shots posted for the halibut. Rose is from Wayne's backyard and burrito is by Chef Wayner.

I'm in the middle of my first week of working part time. So far, so good. Too bad I'm in the midst of chiropractic adjustments because of my back.





I had a surprise at work yesterday. I got off the stool at my station to head towards the other end of the teller stations, and their was a telephone chord stretched across my path. (A CU member was on the phone with someone in our collections department.) I made an attempt to stop (like walking into an invisible wall) and my right leg gave out (maybe because it was a little numb? or dumb? I forget which) and I ended up flat on my back on the floor. I wasn't hurt or anything. And there was a short line of CU members. I wasn't thinking fast enough and should have either taken a bow, or just said, "I meant to do that." Or I could be practicing for our work roller skating outing next month.

Jasmine and Jacaranda

This week I started my new part time schedule. It's 32 hours a week: 2 full days, 2 half days and a weekday off, plus work Saturday mornings for 4 hours. I think it's going to work out ok. Gives me a chance to do the laundry, apointments, etc.

Today is a beautiful sunny day, mid 80s, nice breeze. I went to the chiropractor this morning (been having lower back problems recently), then went to the beach for a couple hours. It's nice and sparse there in the morning.

It's a beautiful time of year here. Jasmine is in blossom as is the Jacaranda trees. The jasmine give off a beautiful fragrance that you can smell a distance off. This is a shot of the small backyard of my apartment building.

I took a short walk to take a picture of a Jacaranda tree and took a few other random shots that caught my eye. I'm not sure why, but when I walk around the neighborhood on the sidewalks on a beautiful day like today, gentle warm breeze, birds singing, smell of flowers, it reminds me of when I was 4 or 5 years old in the neighborhood on Oak Street where I spent the first 5 years of my life.

This apartment building is on the block behind mine. It's actually a few doors down the alley.

Last Weekend in April

Wayne and I went to a farewell backyard gathering in Gulfport for Derek (Artistic Director) and Logan (Accompanist) given by the members of Una Voce. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon with a nice breeze.

Afterwards we met Johnny at Valentino's on 4th Street to celebrate Johnny's birthday. Valentino's is turning into one of our favorite Italian eating places. It's small, but friendly and homey. It was packed, and there was an accordianist playing. After a while some of the tables were singing along! Fun place! I had one of the "single" size calzones. Good for 2 meals!

Happy Birthday Adele!

Happy Birthday Adele! Love you! See you soon!

Mia's Visit on April Break

Mia had spring break and came back to Orlando to relax in the Florida sun. She came to visit me this weekend and we went to Sunset Beach for a couple of hours. It was a beautiful day to be at the beach!

This "Gift Shop" is across the street from Sunset Beach. It looked interesting, but it's actually a small conglomeration of rooms for rent. It's loaded with all sorts of memorabilia.

We stopped by the "sacrificial altar" on our way to dinner at the Shrimp Store on 4th St N. This is the same spot that Gina and I visited when Gina was in town.

Mama Mia!

Bad Beach Table Manners

Talk about bad table manners!!! I guess this is considered "Family Style"!

Hooked!

My name is Rich, and I'm an addict. I must admit. I'm hooked on the TCM network. When I'm getting ready in the morning I flip on the TV to see what's on. It always seems to be that the interesting old movies are on when I have to be at work or at 2:30 in the morning. Although I have seen some pretty good selections when I have time to relax.

This morning The Divorcee was on. It was released in 1930. I'm sorry I had to leave for work! I'm not sure why, but I am amazed at some of the subject matter and the way it was handled back then. Pretty relevant by today's standards.

Happy Easter

On Friday at work we had a huge Easter buffet with Honey Baked Ham, Honey baked turkey breast, and a myriad of side dishes and desserts. Left work feeling full for the weekend. We met some friends for a drink after work and then ended up at Gigi's for pizza. I know, Oink! Oink!!





















Colored some eggs on Saturday. Decided to keep it simple. Solid colors only. I used some of those plastic cups that I had left over from a couple years ago. Mistake!!! Ooops! Good thing I put a vinyl tablecloth on.

Easter was quiet, didn't have much planned. Made deviled eggs and iced coffee for brunch, then went for a long walk. "Discovered" this cafe/market downtown. Found out it has been open for 4 months now. Lots of goods from Eastern Europe.

Happy Birthday Wayner!

Tuesday was Wayne's Birthday. I decided to take the "semi-homemade" route. I got out of work at 2:00 pm and headed right over to Mazzaro's. I know that that place is crowded on Saturdays and I figured that a Tuesday mid-afternoon visit would be a breeze. Wrong!

I knew what I wanted to pick up, and moved quickly from section to section. I bought some bracioli and browned it up and put it in some sauce that I also bought at Mazzaro's. I picked up some homemade manicotti; one ricotta cheese and one spinach and prosciutto. A tuscan green bean salad rounded up the main course.

Instead of a cake that would be awfully big for two people to eat, I decided on some smaller desserts. Unfortunately, I didn't know when to stop.

Dessert tray: Strawberry rhubarb mini pie, cassata, creme broule, traditional cannoli. While I was waiting, a little boy, around 7 or 8 years old, was at the pastry counter. He was a talkative chap. He was wearing an Indiana Jones hat and asking me all sorts of questions. He was visiting from Atlanta with his family. His grandparents live in St. Pete. He asked me what kind of work I do, and he said when he grows up he wants to be either a lawyer or a judge or a paleontologist. I told him he was wearing the right hat for that one!

Anyone have any bicarbonate of soda??? Brioschi??