Writing for a small town paper has it's limitations...

Our little home town paper is growing and changing, which is good, but it also necessitates that we writers, who send in weekly articles, must limit ourselves to 300 words. This is a double edged sword, first because I have such a tendency to ramble on, once I get to writing, secondly I am grateful to know that a short story isn’t expected nor desired and if I don’t even have anything to write about, well, no matter; there probably isn’t any room anyway, so no need to just fill space. With all of this said (rambling again) I now write a blog, for those interested in my meaningless drivel, where I can write unimpeded when the spirit moves me. Too often I feel obligated to write something each week, here, and then wind up forcing something out that really has no import or is of much interest.
This week we’ve been in Nokomis, Florida, visiting with Tom’s family, staying in a little rundown place that was built in the 1930s on Casey Key. Just up the street are great palaces of the rich with lush landscaping and winding drives. We all share the same beach, same sunset and same beautiful waters. The difference, of course, is the price tag. Our little shack is only $1300 a week, their places run into the millions of dollars to purchase and then some for maintenance, taxes, insurance, etc.
I think I am fast becoming a proponent of renting instead of buying. The couple of years we have spent traveling have given me the “Gypsy Gene” and now it seems impossible to settle into just one community. I know I love living the coastal scene, and each town has it’s own personality and flavor. It is like trying to choose just one friend and that’s just never going to happen! I find it enriching to have many relationships and just as fulfilling to live many places.
O Gheeze, I’ve already gone over my 300 words!
Look up my blog: http://ramblingsfromizzysma.blogspot.com
Until my next column…I guess that’s about it, in a nutshell. Thanks for all of the compliments and to all who follow my writing. I appreciate your support!
Ok, so now I'm on my time and can go on and on if I like. The only thing is, I find that I have actually said it all. Living in just one place is like having only one friend. Some friends are fun to have lunch with or shop with or confide in. Some fill many niches in my life, others are great for an afternoon or even a week, but there are precious few that have lasted over the years with such depth of intimacy and unconditional love that it takes to be a sister. So why would a place to live be any different?? The wonderful home that Tom and I created in Clarke County to raise our amazing granddaughter, the same place that has become a sanctuary to our son and grandson, now feels like an unwelcomed anchor. As beautiful as it is, now I want to feel the sand under my feet and the surf against my legs. I want perpetual sunny days. I no longer want to have to drive 20 miles to get to the store or be limited by the number or ethnicity of restaurants to explore. I want to meet people from exotic places, with stories to tell. I want to travel and live in interesting places, without fetters. If I need to be with my kids or grandkids, I can visit...I don't have to attach myself with real estate. I can rent a place and stay for a long time or I can just fly in, sleep on the couch and fly away again. Life has become a visit, and as I age this becomes increasingly clearer. Wings will definitely suit me, once I enter God's kingdom, but until then, I think enjoying the most out of his many blessings offered to me on this planet is the thing to do.

Life's a Beach

I spent the day, today, with Kaylanne; just the two of us having a 'girl's day', enjoying the great weather and the beach community life style. We did a little window shopping, shared a foot long sub, walked the beach together and did some people watching. It was such a simple day and yet I feel so rejuvenated and blessed to have spent the whole day in God's grace, healthy, happy and down right rich. Watching the little ones playing in the sand and surf, admiring the young adults as they strolled (and trolled), eyeing each other with appreciation, yet holding back from interaction with each other...it was a beautiful beach day. I am so glad to be able to spend so much time here, doing just these easy and natural things that bring such pleasure.
All of us are already getting tanned and the exposure has me self conscious, so the diet is in full swing. I know all of the rules and techniques for losing weight, it's just so danged hard to quit indulging in the sweets and snacks. Winter was so blasted cold and long that we spent almost all of it inside, eating and inert. Now I am paying the price. I'm glad that my suffering will be overshadowed by the beauty of this little town and the sea. If I have to give up the sweets, at least the fish is fresh and plentiful and this time of year the vegetables are so beautiful that they don't need to be drowned in butter or creamy sauces. Don't you just love my optimism??? Some people manage to start the new year with diets and exercise so that by the time the weather is conducive to being out of doors, they are fit and ready to go. Not me! I wait until the last minute and then spend the first two months hidden under loose clothing and hunting for deserted beaches for a place to swim and sunbathe. Nonetheless, the dreamed of metamorphosis is underway and I'm determined to lose enough to at least fit into last year's swim suit without having too much peeking out and feel OK enough to wear a breezy sleeveless blouse.
Tomorrow Tom and I will toss a bag full of clothes and sunscreen into the trunk of our little Miata and, weather permitting, put the top down and head south to meet up with his siblings and families in Florida. We've rented a condo on the beach just beyond Sarasota in a little seaside village named Nokomis. His brother and sister, with their respective spouses, are escaping the snow and winter weather of Ohio and will fly then rent a car and drive down to meet us. I think they'll be in for a bit of a shock, coming from the cold into the warm and tropical weather we're expecting to find there. It is beyond my comprehension why anyone would want to live in the north where the winters are so harsh...visit, sure, live there???? NO WAY! As beautiful as that part of the country is, and let me assure you, I appreciate it and find it gorgeous, but four or more months of snow and sleet just isn't my idea of the high life. Give me a walk along the beach at sunset any day. I guess it is good that so many are willing to live up there, though, otherwise it would be far more crowded down here in paradise. I guess that's about it, in a nutshell.

Date Night

This week, on our "day off" Tom and I actually had a date night. Dinner and a movie, what could be more traditional? Less than a five minute drive away, which absolutely suits us just fine, is a multiplex theater with modern, comfortable seats that is well worth the money; so we caught the late matinee showing of "The King's Speech". If you have already seen this film, you know why it has received such high reviews, if you haven't seen it, plan to. It is rich and captivating with no explosions, cars flying through balls of fire; there are no scenes with nudity or immoral behavior. This is the best movie I have seen in years, and I love movies. If you haven't heard of this cinematic tapestry chronicling the years surrounding King George VI of England's rise to the crown, it is worth your time to experience this period piece set in pre-war Britain. It is a movie both Tom and I enjoyed, the great 'date film' of the day and deserving of Academy Award recognition.
After the movie we walked back across the parking lot to a new restaurant where Kaylanne is hoping to find a second job, Elli Bistro. It is the newest jewel in a crown of three fine dining establishments here on the Alabama coast. The first two, well established venues are in Orange Beach at the Wharf. We have not yet visited those two, although we were generously given a coupon for a free appetizer at the Villaggio Grille. I'm definitely planning on a meal there and will report on how it went. Back to our lovely dinner at Elli...Holly, our server, was efficient, friendly, engaging and helpful, besides being about as cute a young woman as one could find hope to find in the pages of any fashion magazine, right down to her platinum, very modern cut hair. The restaurant itself is modern and edgy but warm and inviting, usually qualities that are mutually counteractive. The food was beautifully executed by master chef, Jason with a definite flair for the unusual. Tom opted for one of the night's specials, Angel Hair Pasta with Escargot, his first time indulging in the famous French delicacy, and I went for the rack of lamb. The lamb is offered with a mint puree, similar in recipe to a pesto, which was beautifully balanced and exceptionally light, belying it's richness. I am not a mint and lamb kind of girl, so I asked that the sauce be offered on the side. When Holly checked back with me to see if I was enjoying my dinner, I mentioned that, while the mint and garlic sauce was lovely, I would have preferred something on the sweeter side. She disappeared into the kitchen and reemerged with two ramikins holding a couple of alternatives the chef thought I might like to try. The first was a savory fig sauce, delightful and delicious, the second was the winner. It was rich and complex with an earthy quality well balanced with the sweetness of the dark cherries. I was totally in heaven. The plate had wonderful eye appeal, a generous mound of couscous, seasoned with bits of those same dark sweet cherries and lots of garlic held three perfectly grilled lamb chops with haricots verte framing it all. The green beans were slightly al dente and fresh. All in all, one of the best meals I've had in a very long time. I have a tendency to be quite critical of food when we eat out and the higher the price the more critical I become. This little restaurant certainly hit a home run in every way and the next time you find yourself in the area, you really need to visit this little gem.
Well, I guess I could go on about how Izzy is progressing with her potty training and how excited she is to be wearing her training pants, but I think I've used up more space than I should have. Have a beautiful week and enjoy the warmer days ahead. I know we are all ready for some friendlier Spring weather. I guess that's about it, in a nutshell.

oh this bitter cold....

In the middle of my shower, this morning, right after I lathered up real good, the water pressure drizzled to a stop after having turned an icy cold. GGGRRRRR!!!! I now know for certain that I have had just about enough of this crazy cold weather. When I got up this morning about 10 to six, I expected the pipes to be frozen shut. We had set up the coffee pot before bed with water in the reservoir in anticipation of it. Before I even got into the shower, I had done the morning dishes (plenty of water then) and brushed my teeth (again, no problem). It just took getting naked to have the pipes once again freeze, not at all like my temper.
Tom has taken Kaylanne, Izzy, Kyle and the Jr. to scour the local second hand stores in hopes of finding an acceptable vacuum cleaner, maybe even a coffee table and dare we to dream of a working laundry duo? Kaylanne's move to Gulf Shores, Alabama is now complete. Her Grandfather, Dad and brother did the moving after she had packed it all. I stayed in Gulf Shores at the campground with Izzy and we snuggled and watched Toy Story 3; it was the first time I've seen her sit, enraptured, throughout the whole movie.
After the foursome had finished carrying all of the furniture and boxes to the little two bedroom apartment, Izzy and I joined them for a quick visit so she could see her new digs then all of us returned to the camper for a dinner of Asian inspired chicken salad, filled with mandarin oranges, pineapple, tender chunks of roast chicken and crunchy bits of Red Delicious apples, tossed with spring mix salad greens and ginger dressing...I also added a generous pour of raspberry vinaigrette...and then topped each serving with some crisp Chinese noodles. So easy, so yummy and a crowd pleaser to boot.
Please keep our adventurous grand-daughter in your prayers as she searches for a job this week. I have every confidence that she will be fine and there are many opportunities down here, I just pray that she finds something that she finds rewarding and lucrative.
Sunday we plan to begin her search for a 'home' church and hopefully a great pre-school for Isabella. We've been trying to convince her that it would benefit her to get accustomed to using the "big girl potty" so she can begin school. She likes the idea of school, but I've yet been able to see that translate itself into her commitment to getting out of diapers. At just a little over two years old, I'm thinking she should be about ready, but then again it's a pretty personal issue.
For some reason I seem to be procrastinating on finishing Izzy's 'baby blanket' that I started when I first heard that Kaylanne was pregnant...nearly three years now??? I've made scarves, hats, headbands and flowers this year until I've just about depleted my yarn reserves, yet I still have her blanket in my 'project' bag, awaiting the last few touches. There has to be some psycho-babble reason for this, but I'd just be making it up if I were to explain it myself. Oh well, I guess that's about it in a nutshell.

I will not complain about this cold weather anymore, after seeing the grip it has had on so many others in the north, east and central U.S. Many of our neighbors here in the campground are from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. Some are pulling out to head further south hoping that Florida with offer relief from the chill. According to the weathermen, Miami does look inviting. Tom and I were discussing last year and our attempt to avoid winter's frigid clutch by traveling to Texas south-eastern most shores only to be thwarted by a snow storm as we traveled the Tropical Highway. I find that the way I follow weather throughout the states has changed dramatically since we have traveled through every region during our several treks back and forth across the continent. Having the luxury of mobility and knowing we can choose where we want to be for each season, I think we would be heading a little further down Florida's pan-handle also were it not for spending precious time with our great-granddaughter. Still, it seems unfathomable to choose to live in those states with such harsh winter weather patterns that occur every year. I know they each have amazing beauty during the three other seasons, but by comparison of their duration, it just doesn't seem to be enough to want to live there year round. Now visiting them is another story, of course. The Great Lakes region is breathtakingly beautiful and bucolic in many ways, but those folks are really getting their fannies kicked (again) this year by old Jack Frost and the thought of spending the night frozen in my car just hold no appeal to me.
On a more political note, I just need to say, "What the heck are you thinking?"...Cairo, Egypt, has been in the clutches of a dictatorship for decades and I am delighted to see its populace waking up, but please tell me we are not going to send American soldiers in. It is obvious to the whole globe that Mubarak has subversively attempted to dispel the uprising of Egyptians through violence, but are we really in a position to be the world's referee anymore? I do believe we have the human responsibility to lend assistance to any country trying to achieve cultural independence, and I am ashamed to see that we have sent billions of United States taxpayers dollars to aid the current regime of this tyrant, but we need to be very careful of our motives to engage our troops onto foreign soil. It is time to voice our support of the people of Egypt, as they try to achieve a democracy, and certainly joining the rest of the planet in pressuring Mubarak to step down, NOW, would be appropriate. This is a very delicate situation to say the least. Mr. Obama has certainly stepped into a presidency fraught with issues requiring much thought and skill in order to come to the proper conclusion. Let us all pray that he is up to it and does better than he has in his decisions and problem solving as to how to handle the banking mess, health care and our national debt. Yikes, all I can say is, pray, pray, pray. May God in his mercy keep us all from destruction and save us from ourselves. And I truly mean that in the most sincere sense. Our little 'blue marble' may be in great jeopardy and we, as brothers and sisters, all, need to look hard at how our future is going. As citizens of the greatest nation on earth, we are so very fortunate to have our freedoms, our lifestyles and our wealth. But we need to acknowledge our fragility and realize that all could be lost if we don't actively sustain our national heritage. This is not a time for continued complacency. This is a wake up call.
I truly believe God call us to our greatest purpose and if we refuse to answer he puts obstacles in our chosen path until we are redirected to follow his path for us. This is true for each of us as individuals as well as for our nation. Let us continue our prayers that our leaders follow the path of our greatest good, but also know that we need to be ever vigilant in choosing our leaders.
I guess that's about it, in a nutshell.

Rice Krispies

Thanks to my great-granddaughter I am rediscovering the joy of Rice Crispy Treats...of course we bent the original recipe and I think it is a hit, right out of the ball park. Using the old fashioned "stove top" method, I melted a half stick of butter (use the real stuff, now, not margarine or any other alternative), added a full bag of caramel swirl marshmallows, which we found at Wal-Mart, and once the goo was melted down good, I added about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon or so of vanilla. In my big wooden mixing bowl, that I use for making bread, I had dumped a generous 6 cups of the famous crispy rice cereal and then poured the whole pot of the sticky stuff over it, stirred it up with a wooden paddle and, 'voila', a really great quick treat, all grown up and still suitable for the kiddies. I'm thinking the next batch I will have to add some chopped nuts to it; probably some lightly toasted pecans or walnuts would be the most compatible. I noticed there is a growing availability of flavored marshmallows which makes me think that a whole new wave of recipes might be in the making. If you come up with one, let me know, either by email or Face Book. Now that we're sitting with Izzy every day that Kaylanne is working, I'll be in search of things to do with her. At only two years old, she is already exhibiting a love of cooking and helps me in the kitchen as often as I let her. She is already proficient at stirring and measuring, with a special flair for adding just the right amount of salt. I think it is because she likes to lick her palm afterwards.
We have enjoyed the sneak peek at spring with its warmer temperatures. I had a case of cabin fever far worse than I realized. The visits to the playground with Izzy have become a regular outing, several times a day. Although it is raining today, I plan to check out the community services to find her some kind of activity. We have discovered an in-door pool so I'm hoping to get her into some type of swim program and get her 'tuned up' for a summer of visits to the beach. A community theater gives me hope of some interesting and artistic outlets, also. It seems centuries since I've had to drive a little girl to ballet or girl scouts, but it would appear God has a few more in store for me.
Kaylanne seems totally delighted with her new job at the market where she is working. A long list of benefits that will be hers, with time, has her thinking about the future and getting into a routine. While we were in the Wal-Mart (getting the marshmallows) a very handsome man flirted with her and while we were putting our groceries into her car he struck up a conversation with us. She dismissed him; he was too old for her by her own standards, but I'm sure the attention lifted her spirits a little. We had a pleasant discussion on the way home about her expectations and what she's looking for in a companion. I am proud of this young woman and see a little of myself in her. Of course, she is doing much better in managing her young life that I was at her age.
Well, Poppa Tom is watching cartoons with our little angel and I had better get going on my research to find some fun stuff to do today. Maybe the zoo, but for sure, even with the drizzle, it is a beautiful day outside and I need to get out of this little nest. I'll be looking forward to hearing from some of you with your own special cereal treat recipes. So, that's about it, in a nutshell.

In a Nut Shell for this week...Friday, 1/21/11

While shopping at Publix this week I came across an interesting sounding broth while looking for chicken stock. College Inn brand has introduced a culinary broth called Thai Coconut Curry for only $2 for a 32 ounce box. Tonight Kaylanne was visiting with Isabella and all I had was a little leftover chicken and some fresh asparagus. I pulled out the new broth and we added a can of coconut milk, sliced up some of the chicken and chopped several spears of asparagus into small pieces. As the broth and coconut milk were heating, I stirred in about 1/2 teaspoon of Thai Curry paste and after a preliminary tasting added a little orange zest and a couple of heaping teaspoons of...get this...key lime yogurt. I also had about 2 cups of leftover basmati rice in the fridge so once the soup base was hot, all of the other ingredients were stirred in and "voila", a delicious soup in minutes using just what I had 'on hand'. I could live on this soup! The next time you are shopping and see something interesting...pick it up. You never know what will happen with it once you get it into your pantry. I now have a new favorite ingredient to keep on hand. Already my brain is grinding out ideas for ways to use this wonderful, flavorful stock.
We have been trying to get Kaylanne to understand the universal law of "you reap what you sow" and how it applies to every aspect of life, including your finances. If one spends what they don't have and just keep on spending when they cannot afford it, they open an outward flowing conduit that can only be stopped by a virtual tourniquet on spending if one is to save their financial life. On the other hand, if you only spend less than what you have coming in, save money and avoid spontaneous buying, the flood gates will open inward and money will not be an issue in your life, you will always have an abundance...as long as you follow the rule of keeping your ledger in the black. She has been filling out employment applications in search of a job, while being very careful in her spending, and now the job offers are pouring in. She will actually have the enviable position of being able to choose the job with the best earning potential and working conditions that appeals to her.
She is still in "miser mode" and dreaming of furnishing her new digs. I'm trying to convince her to wait until she finds something she absolutely loves, thinks about long after first seeing it and finds it to be something of great quality for a fair price. If she can continue to apply the old "YRWYS" law as she goes about furnishing her home, I have every belief that she will find herself living comfortably, happily and feeling a great sense of accomplishment and gratification with her life. Patience is always a virtue and results in great reward when paired with deliberate, intentional actions of prudent and frugal spending. God affords us so much in life that is satisfying and enjoyable that is completely free for the asking. He blesses us beyond our wildest expectations when we prove ourselves good stewards of his many graces and all we have to do is get out there and follow his will for us. Of course it doesn't happen by just sitting on the couch and watching "Wheel of Fortune" or indulging in lottery tickets; we do have to get out there and contribute to our community, our jobs and families and keep our lives in forward motion. There is a commercial I've seen on the television several times (don't ask me what they're selling, I don't know) that quotes another universal law..."things that are static have a tendency to remain static and things in motion have a tendency to stay in motion". We all know it is easier to keep something moving than it is to start it off from a dead stop.
On that note, I guess I'd have to include staying in shape. I find that if I just sit around reading, watching t.v., crocheting or doing little else, I become less and less motivated to do anything. When Izzy is around and I'm having to chase her, walk with her to the play ground, come up with fun activities and play with her, I feel better and more motivated to eat better because I want her to eat better. If you think about it, I'm sure you can apply these basic laws of nature to your life and remind yourself how easy it is to get the ball rolling in your direction to improve you life. I guess that's about it in a nutshell...

Just a walk down life's path

It is always lovely when we can experience some of life's many simple pleasures; and although today started off kind of slow, after four games of Crazy Rummy with Tom, we popped into the little red car and drove into the Gulf Shores State Park and stopped at the nature trail. We had driven past this spot innumerable times while camped in the park, on our way to the local WalMart or grocery store, pharmacy or restaurant; and always said, "We need to see what that is all about" as we continued on our way. Today, with a clear blue sky overhead and chilly temperature, we bundled up and started across the little wooden bridge to the paved trail. As we trod the bridge a couple greeted us and mentioned that they had seen an alligator while taking a moment to show us the evidence on their digital camera. You just 'gotta' love this modern digital age...anyway, we embarked upon our stroll and found ourselves headed into what appeared to be a Spanish moss draped wooded cave. The path meandered through trees heavily adorned with the lace of the grayish green filaments giving the forest a kind of primeval appearance. The sun dappled the ground with shade and dry leaves, disturbed by the flight of the squirrels, rustled as we continued on our way. We did see the alligator, on the far side of a pond, with his head and upper body submerged in the tea colored water and his sizeable tail on the bank, in full sun, looking like a large log. We could only speculate as to his size, but he appeared to be quite the grand specimen.
I guess we walked for about half an hour before we decided to retrace our steps. Except for a couple of bicyclists, all of the other visitors seemed to have gone and we were left to enjoy the quiet. This time of year evening comes so early and the lengthening shadows heralded the beginning signs of sunset and we could feel the temperatures significantly dropping. It felt good to have spent a little time in the fresh air and even though my muscles felt a bit tight, my legs (long overdue for some exercise) tingled as we approached the car. I have to admit that the leather seats and toasty interior felt pretty good as we buckled up for the drive back.
On the way home we stopped at the Dollar Store for some tortilla chips and salsa so we could finish off some leftover taco filling in a salad. Nothing like a satisfying meal without having to cook...if you don't count reheating in the microwave.
Now I'm just finishing up a tasty cup of hot cocoa, laced with some O'Reilly's White Chocolate Irish Cream and looking forward to a movie on the boob tube.
Oh yes, one last thought. One of the several benches that lined the walking trail was inscribed with a bible reference, Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I guess that's about it, in a nutshell.

In a Nut Shell

When I was a kid, other kids used to try to tease me by calling me "Nutshell" instead of Nashelle; the only problem with the ribbing was that it never bothered me. Actually, I kind of liked it so they stopped after a short time and I was more disappointed to have lost my 'nick name' than I had ever felt being teased about my unusual name. I think part of the acceptance of the moniker was that my mom often concluded a story by saying "That's about it, in a nutshell" so it seemed to me that to be considered the 'end of the story' was actually a kind of compliment.
Lately I have had so many people approach me and tell me that they miss reading my columns that I have become kind of embarrassed about being so lazy. Part of my silence has been that we haven't been doing much traveling lately, so writing a bit titled "Boomers on the Road" seemed to invalidate anything I had to write about. So, just as "Food for Thought" morphed into "Boomers on the Road", my articles will now be morphed into "In a Nutshell", a kind of tongue in cheek reference to being the 'end of the story' while allowing me the latitude to write about anything that comes to my mind. I hope you all like the outcome of this latest incarnation of my writing. I've tried 'blogging' but just can't seem to get into it. I never know if anyone is reading my stuff on the internet and I know that with the Tribune, at least I have a built in readership.

We came into Quitman on Monday, following New Year's Day, to return Kaylanne and Isabella to the farm after a blissful week long visit. Tom and I had spent the Christmas holiday with the family at the homestead, staying in Tom Junior's living room and sleeping on the futon. Izzy and Kaylanne came back with us to Gulf Shores to investigate the possibility of relocating down here.

Being a tourist destination, this area has many opportunities for employment in the hospitality business and the campus of Falkner State College, located right in town, has a great culinary school which appeals to Kaylanne and her dream of becoming a pastry chef. After looking at several possible investment properties, Kaylanne has decided that the move is the right thing for her future and she has leased a great little two bedroom apartment and will be returning later this month to move in and start her job search. I gotta admit that I am over the moon with the thought that she will pursue a career in food service and be close enough to us that I can be with Izzy while Kaylanne works; at least until Isabella is ready to enroll in a pre-school. We have already scoped out a great little school at the United Methodist Church that is convenient.

Speaking of food.....on Monday, while we were in town, Tom and I went over to Stonewall to visit Christy's, located in my old restaurant location, and had a tasty lunch of tender pot roast followed by a warm peach cobbler. I opted to have it without the scoop of ice cream and it was wonderful with lush cinnamon tones. The food is honest and straight forward, the service made us feel like celebrities and the decor, reminiscent of my old place, was cozy and comfortable. I know Clarke County is glad to finally have this great team in business, offering breakfast on Saturdays, brunch on Sundays and lunch all week long; they're also serving dinners on Wednesday evenings as well as Thursdays and Fridays.

Well, I guess that's about it for this week. It's nice to be back. God's blessings on each of you in the coming year. Happy New Year, everybody...