I’m back…

Well not really.  I am still in Florida.  But I decided I needed to come here and let those few fans know that I am still alive.  Actually I am in paradise…to me anyway.

Heat and Hurricanes

Some people would say that I am nuts (‘you are correct, sir!” as Ed McMahon would say).  Because visiting Florida (my beloved birth state) in August is NOT the norm for most folks.  This is the month of intense heat AND the beginning of the dreaded hurricane season.  So as I was traveling south on the near deserted highways,  the northbound highways were packed.  And I guess that was the point in this warped native’s mind.

On the way, I stopped in Goosecreek, SC to see a dear friend/sister.  And then in Jesup, GA to see my step-daughter and grandchildren, where I enjoyed a manicure and pedicure with the girls.  It is always a pleasure to see these folks.

The Draw of the Sisters

Besides my true love of Florida,  I also migrate south each year to see family.  I have a beloved aunt , cousin and sisters here.  So I make my way to Jacksonville (cousin and aunt) then finally, across the state to the west coast to St. Petersburg…one of my favorite places on earth….the home of my sister and her partner of 26 years…who is now officially my sister in my heart and mind.

Magic Place

The home of my sisters is a magic place.  Their home is a showcase, really.  But while their house is a decorator’s dream, it is at the same time, warm, sunny and INVITING….just like it’s owners.  There are open spaces and also nooks to hide in with a good book.  The back yard is a haven of jungle type plants, fish pond, with a little waterfall, and a bricked patio in the middle, where you can enjoy the privacy, and the orchestra of sounds.  I find I feel very close to God in this setting.

Three very different cats have the run of the house and the back yard (via kitty doors).  Often they will follow you out to this patio, just to be sociable.  And there is comfort in their quiet company, also.

The Sisters

But the ladies themselves are the magnet that draws me here.  I am ALWAYS treated like royalty when I come here.  Good food, movies and gifts are showered upon me.  I am treated to new and unique restaurants that they discover and share with me.

They take me to see new sites, sunsets and manatees!!   I am also reunited with a group of their friends that over the years I have grown to love and consider as my friends too.  They all treat me as part of their larger family.  This is especially lovely for a person whose biological family has dwindled to a grand total of 4!!  (You folks with a large remaining family, please don’t take them for granted.)

Anyhow, I am lucky/blessed with good friends and Great sisters!  I guess you can see why I love it here.

Returning Home

Of course, I cannot stay here forever.  And I will be happy to return home to North Carolina (I’ve been there most of my life and I do love it too!)  But this has been a nice respite and I will miss all the folks that I have visited until next time.

So I will join the thousands of  “normal” people on that northbound highway in a few days.  (Send up a prayer for safe passage, please.)

The Recipe

Until then, let me leave you with a new recipe to try out.  I’ve been assured that this is good “comfort” food.  This is a mingling of two recipes from two different friends…so here goes:

Potato Tot Casserole

• 1 pound tater tots, cooked according to directions on bag
• 1 pound chicken tenders, cooked and shredded (optional)
• 1 small onion, sauteed in butter
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (cream of potato or mushroom can be substituted)
• 1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix sour cream, soup and milk together in big bowl.
3. Add 1/2 of cheese and mix well.
4. Add onion and butter mixture and again,  mix well.
5. Fold in tater tots and chicken.
6. Spread mixture into a greased casserole dish.
7. Cover and cook for 30  minutes @ 350 degrees.
8. Uncover and spread remaining cheese on top of casserole and cook  uncovered, for 10 – 15 minutes or until cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and enjoy.