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Shame on you Blue Cross Florida

SHAME ON YOU BLUE CROSS OF FLORIDA.

Dropping wellness care

In a letter sent from Blue Cross, " The following is DELETED from your schedule of Benefits in its entirety: Annual physical or gynecological exam, including family planning and related wellness services included but not limited to pap smears, x-rays, laboratory services, and immunizations.

I wonder how many people who pay for their own insurance through Blue Cross of Florida received the same letter as my daughter and son-in-law.  You have got to be kidding.  Guess that they would rather pay their pres big buck rather than continuing wellness care for enrolled members who have been paying for their own premiums for 3 years or more.

It's WORDEN FARMS Wednesday at Fishermans Village

I love Wednesday's during the winter here.  We are able to pick up the very best organic vegetables and fruit all grown on Worden Farms in Punta Gorda.  Today's bounty is red leaf lettuce, carrots, diakon, corn and gold beets. 

Wait till you see the pic of the lettuce alone.  Its bigger than a small child.  

Once washed and bagged with paper towels wrapped around it, it will last for more than a week. 

SO what's for Dinner tonight..........?

Groupon has teamed with Ladies Lets Go Fishing

Ladies Lets Go Fishing Groupon has just been posted.  If you like to fish and want to learn more, then this is the seminar for you.  Not to mention the Super Fantastic Price right now.

Ladies Lets Go Fishing - The No Yelling School of Fishing is wonderful.  I have gone to 1 in Fort Lauderdale several years ago.   I learned loads of great information, and won some great prizes.  The on Sunday fishing out on a great boat!!!  Again with the most fantastic Captain and Crew that continued the teaching on the water. 


Groupon has great deals all over the US, just put in your city and sign up for the deals.  It's also great when you travel.  Put in your travel to location and find some great deals to help decrease the cost of your vacation.  Hotels, entertainment, spa, food, almost anything else you can imagine. 

Check it out the Ladies Lets Go Fishing Web Site.  There are Fort Lauderdale, Stuart and Islamorada sites coming up. 

See you at Naples. 

Viewing the International Space Station Last Night

Last night was perfect viewing to see the International Space Station in Southwest Florida.  At 7:23 pm last night, the Space Station moved from the southwest sky to the north east and was bright as could be.  We could see it for a good 4 minutes. 

       I was so very excited that our 3 year old grandson was also able to see it.  He had to call us to tell us he had seen it "and it was really bright!"  He apparently could not quit talking about it through out the evening.  He loves the stars and planets and can pick out some of the planets and Orion in the sky.  And is learning more all the time. 

This morning when he woke up (and remember he's 3) he tells his Mother " I'm going to work on the Space Station.  You will see me in the bright one when I am an adult."  I can't wait to see what he chooses as a profession when he is an "adult". 

A couple of weeks ago when Mars was easily see here, he told us that he "is going to go to Mars."  When asked how he was going to do that he responded "I'm not sure yet, but I am working on it."  Then of course Grandpa had to ask if he could go along >>> grandson: "No, it's way too far for you to go. I will be going buy myself." 

So whether it's around the corner or all the way to Mars, in the eyes of a 3 year old - IT IS AN ADVENTURE. 

Dole Coupons, Recipes and Win a Hawaii Vacation

I love the Dole Fruit Cups to put in my grandsons lunch. He thinks they are the best and it is a great way to get that fruit into his daily routine.  I always keep a variety on hand for him to choose from.  And when he is not feeling well his go to is always the Mandarin Orange slices. 

Check out the Dole site DOLE SAY ALOHA TO WINTER  for an opportunity to get coupons, Recipes, and Enter for a Chance to Win a Hawaii Vacation. 

Have you heard of ooVoo

Are you looking for a great way to do video calling for free?  Are you looking for an alternative to Skype? Do you have the new EVO or other Android phone that is not supported in Skype? We have found ooVoo to be a great app. 

 My daughter and her husband just bought the new EVO Android Phones through Sprint.  One of the great things about the phones is the video chat capability, but Skype does not support the EVO.  So a quick google yesterday found a fantastic forum that recommended  ooVoo. 

ooVoo was easy to download on the phone and a desktop, and within minutes we were video chatting, for free.  The set-up was easy as could be, and connection was FAST.  We are so pleased with the quality, speed, and EVO support.

Need another reason to try it, they also are supportive of the military and have a program that give a coupon for discounted calling minutes for military personnel. 

If you want an alternative or an additional way to video chat, then try ooVoo. 


OK I can't quit without saying - Try ooVoo for your EVO! 

Cape Canaveral, History and Light House

So it has been a while since I have talked with a great friend of ours, Sonny Witt.  And today, as in every year, we call him to wish him HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  You see, it's always easy to remember his birthday - Ground Hog Day!!  And what a surprise, he's been very busy writing a book that is now complete.


                       DRAWN TO THE LIGHT

We have always loved to go to The Cape, there is so much History,  you can feel the people that have stepped foot in the area if you take the time and listen.  Sonny has done a superb job, not only with the book, but his work at preserving the history that we cannot lose.   Follow the Link to reserve your signed copy.  You will not be disappointed. 

Punta Gorda Weekend FUN

There's loads to do in Punta Gorda this weekend.  Thanks to EVERYTHING PUNTA GORDA you can find out what's happening in one easy place, not just this weekend but ongoing.

This weekend the 1st Annual Festa Italia at Lashley Park and Warbird Weekend at the Punta Gorda Airport. Don't miss out.  The weather is supurb. 

Worden Farms Wednesday at Fishermans Village

Worden Farms is a fantastic Organic Farm in Punta Gorda, FL.  Every Wednesday they are at Fisherman's Village with wonderful fruits and veggies.  Here is today's pics.




Carrots Onions and Romanesco                              Baby Bok Choi


SO WHAT IS ON OUR MENU THIS WEEK???

Pickled Beets - Just boil your beets whole, when fork tender take them out to cool.  Once cool, either slice or cube and place in a glass or plastic container with a lid.  Add 1 tsp. of sugar and cover the beets with cider vinegar and ice cold water.  I like about half and half, but you can add more vinegar or water to your taste.  Let sit refrigerated 24 hours.  Eat alone or use in salads.

Cooked Beet Greens - Cut stems off the beet greens, wash well.  Place in a pot that is large enough to hold all of the greens, add about a cup of water, cover and cook till tender.  Serve alone with a splash of vinegar and a sprinkle of salt.  You can also drain them well, add a splash of vinegar and olive oil and toss with some nice crispy bacon that has been diced.

Veggie stir fry - Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Onion, Romanesco, and Carrots chop all into bite  size pieces.  Heat oil in a wok or large pan.  Add above veggies and cook 5 minutes stirring so they wont burn.  Add IRON CHEF Sesame Ginger Sauce and stir well.  Cook another 3 minutes.  Add Baby Bok Choi, and stir till tender.  Adjust seasoning by adding pepper and or red pepper flakes.  Serve over brown rice.

Caesar Salad - Tear lettuce into a large bowl.  Drizzle with your favorite Caesar Dressing.  Top with shavings of Parmesan cheese.

Garlic Cheese Bread - To go along with the Caesar Salad.  1/2 cup softened butter or margarine and mix in a heaping Tablespoon of roasted garlic (from an earlier post) and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.  Slice a great bread into 1 inch slices.    Spread mixture on the bread.  Place on a cookie sheet.  Broil in the oven till the top browns. (Don't do like I do and forget it and burn the top.)

Stuffed Bell Peppers - Choose a pot the size that will fit the # of bell peppers that you will be cooking.  Put about 1 1/2 inches of water in the bottom of the pan. Wash Bell Peppers.  Cut the tops off the bell peppers, making sure you cut enough off as you will be putting them back on when you steam them.  Clean out the inside of the bell pepper.  Set the peppers aside.  Cook hamburger with diced onion, add salt and pepper to taste, and any other seasonings you like.  Stuff Bell Peppers with hamburger Place the tops back on and secure with tooth picks, set in pot, bring water  to a boil.  Decrease heat to medium, cover and cook 30 minutes.  Remove Stuffed Bell Peppers to a plate and serve.  





6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO continued

The food at the wedding was fantastic but the item that stole the entire show was the PRALINE BACON.  YES - I DID SAY PRALINE BACON.   And thanks to NOLACUISINE.com I have found a recipe that is the closest to what we had. 




Photo from NOLACUISINE.COM

Follow this LINK for the recipe.  The staff at the PORTOFINO cut the bacon into bite size pieces, which were perfect for appetizers.  Do you want something unusual for an appetizer?  Then this is it.

 



6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO continued

The PORTOFINO had just completed a down stairs patio and bar area that worked perfectly for the reception.  This are was also much more private for us all. 

We wanted a very simple dinner set up and we did not have a huge number of guests.   Pat pre set the tables for us since the reception and appetizers started immediately after the ceremony.  Notice that she thought a head and since we were outdoors she turned the plates and the water goblets over so they would not get dusty or sandy. 

The view of the water was grand.  Pat also did a fantastic job setting up the table for Nick and Shannon.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO continued

The PORTOFINO has a small beach area just perfect for a wedding.  Right on the water with some palm trees and a perfect spot for sunset photos.  I was so happy that the weather was perfect that afternoon.

The beach area was such a beautiful place for the ceremony.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 7 - PORTOFINO

Thanks to the Portofino the wedding ceremony and the reception was fantastic.  Pat - the banquet manager had the area decorated perfectly with all of the stuff I brought to the earlier that morning.  Pat had Shannon wait in the Tuscany room before the ceremony.  It was cool and quiet.  Just what she needed.  

 

The Tuscany room is up stairs and we decided that the best entrance was down the stairs with Shannon's dad.  Wow. 

Twitter challenge 011111

Thanks @Viritual Online  @Danna Crawford for putting up these challenges to get us all more familiar and comfortable with the resources available to us.  And thanks for the fantastic consult.  So helpful to imporve my eBay store. 

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 6 - Sowers Glass

When we started to look for toasting flutes we addressed what should be engraved onthe glasses.  Once they decidede that it would be great to have the Army Seal on one side and their names and date on the other.  I found some companies that could engrave their names and date, but did not do the seal.  So once again started the hunt for the perfect  military toasting flutes.  I had finally found a company that could do this and then......  On a bright Monday morning I went to order them......  and the company was in restructuring and could not accept orders!!!  Oh no!  Lets start again.  So this time I searched for "wedding flute engraving in florida"  and I fould Sowers Glass Engraving.  I called the store and spoke with Sherrie Sowers another can do kind of gal, and heard "Absolutely, I can do that".  Sherrie emailed me with several Army Seal designs that she could put on the glasses and Shannon was able to choose the perfect one. 

THANKS so much to SOWERS GLASS ENGRAVING the toasting flutes were perfect.  Sherrie completed the flutes so fast and shipping was perfect.  We were al so pleased.  She also told me they can engrave almost anything, and you can see some of their items on their web site.  In fact you can see a picture of the exact flutes.   THANKS AGAIN.

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photograph may be used or reproduced without permission.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 5 - BAKED OCCASIONS

BAKED OCCASIONS owner Cindy Murphy made the most wonderful wedding cake.  When Cindy and I met in November, she had already planned on moving her store from Port Charlotte into her Sugar Island Cupcakes Store in Punta Gorda. Everything was being moved the last week of December.  HUMMM>>> the wedding is the last week of December.  Cindy is just a CAN DO type of gal, and said ABSOLUTELY when I told her Shannon and Nick's story.  Plus I think she thought I was a crazy woman trying to put everything together for a wedding in 6 weeks when the bride and groom were not even in the area. 

The cake layers were vanilla, chocolate, vanilla -  with frosting in between the layers (yep, no filling for Shannon - it's a texture thing).  And the cake was covered with the best fondant I have ever tasted.  It was amazing, and thin as could be on the cake.   It was the best tasting cake I have had in a long long time.

Cindy was able to add calla lilies to the cake to continue the theme.  The topper and stand were perfect for the cake. 

WOW- Thanks CINDY - You made an absolutely wonderful cake.  BAKED OCCASIONS is tops in my book.  Can't wait to see you at the farmers markets with your SUGAR ISLAND CUPCAKES. 

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photograph may be used or reproduced without permission

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 4 - ABACO Flowers

So when I could not find flowers in or local area for a price that was in our budget, I began searching the internet.  I found loads of places online that specialized in wholesale flowers, but many of these required a minimum of 250 stems ordered, or just did not have the flowers we were looking for.  Many places both locally and on line were just too expensive and I would have only had the few flowers for the bouquet and no others for the cake or tables.  Then I found ABACO FLOWERS.

ABACO FLOWERS had just what we wanted, at a price we could afford and would be delivered on time.  The flowers were ordered in mid-December with a delivery date of December 28th.  And bright and early the morning of the 28th a FedEx truck stopped and delivered our flowers.  The flower heads were individually wrapped, and they were in perfect condition. We removed the wrapping, cut the stems, and place them in water, placing them in the living room where they would warm in the sunshine coming in the front window.  Within several hours you could see the flowers starting to open more.   ABACO  recommends that you receive the flowers 2 - 3 days before your party so the "sleeping" flowers will have time to "wake up".  We did not have that luxury since there were no deliveries on Monday, the day after Christmas. 

We took the 5 largest Calla Lilies, arranged them and then began wrapping from the bottom using a royal purple satin blanket binding.  I choose satin blanket binding because it is very sturdy, it also comes double thickness

How to - find the middle of the binding (be sure the fold is pointing to the top of the bouquet)  and place it under the flower stems while someone else holds the flowers for you.  Then begin by crossing the left over to the right of the flowers, then the right over to the left.  Bring each around to the front and keep wrapping the binding up toward the top of the flowers.  End by tying in a bow.  Easy  as could be and we made Shannon's Bouquet for less than $15, when any florist would have charged $50 - $85.

We also had enough flowers for the cake as well as arrangements for the tables and the bar. 

When Shannon flew out on January 1, her bouquet looked just as fresh as the day the flowers arrived.  THANK YOU ABACO FLOWERS. 

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 3 - A NEW BEGINNING HAIR SALON

Shannon had an idea of how she wanted to wear her hair for the wedding and weeks a go I made an  appointment for her with Debbie, owner of A NEW BEGINNING HAIR SALON in Punta Gorda (941-639-7773).  Her salon is located on Sullivan street in the big green house. 

Shannon printed out pictures of styles she liked to show Debbie, and that really helped.   Shannon had also purchased a piece of hair jewelry since she was not going to be wearing a veil. We took that along so Debbie could make sure to style Shannon's hair using it.  Debbie also was REALLY clear with Shannon.... "If you do not like what I am doing, let me know right away....Remember that I will not be offended....I want you to be happy with your hair."  Yea! Debbie and a great big THANKS.  You are great and Shannon's hair was beautiful.  Just perfect with THE DRESS. 

   Shannon and Debbie

Shannon's hair close up

And Shannon's hair at the end of the evening.  It stayed beautifully.

Debbie had a great hint for styling - wash your hair the night before, be sure to use some product that adds volume.  This makes it easier to style like this, and also increases the staying power.  Make sure your stylist has a great idea of what you want for your style.  And be sure to speak up, you do not want to have your hair styled, only to go home to take it down and do it yourself.  A great stylist will work with you to make your day beautiful.  Thanks Debbie.  

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission