Thinking about 2013

Another Christmas has passed and I find myself thinking about the coming year and what I want to accomplish by this time next year.  Unfortunately most things that come to mind are the same things I wanted to accomplish, but didn't, in 2013.  So, I guess I'm looking at a redo for 2014.

I did lose a few pounds but need to lose many more to get anywhere close to goal.

I did become more active physically but need to do far more to feel healthier.

I did back off some of my volunteer activity but added others so the end result was still no more time for my painting.

I did do a few blog entries but ended up with less than last year.

So, although 2013 wasn't a total "bust" when it comes to New Year's commitment to change, it wasn't total success, either.

But, I have friendships that have deepened and new friends I have met along the way. No major health issues.  A good marriage of over 38 years to my best friend of almost 45 years who is also realtively healthy. And, I live in my idea of Paradise, enjoying every day.  I'm happy.  We're happy.

And if 2014 is no better than a repeat of 2013, I'm very OK with that.

An Oldie, but Goodie

Received from my friend, Trish, in an email a little bit ago.  I really do love this one.

Once again this year, I've had requests for my Tequila Christmas Cake recipe so here goes:

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup white flour

1 cup water

1 tsp. salt

1 cup brown sugar

Lemon juice

4 large eggs (room temperature)

Nuts (your choice)

1 bottle tequila

2 cups dried fruit

Directions:

Sample tequila to check quality; take a large bowl.

Check tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality.

Repeat.

Turn on the electric mixer.

Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it's best to make sure the tequila is still OK.

Try another cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the fruit up off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity.

Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something.

Check the tequila.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window.

Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat.

Cherry Christmas!

My preference would be Vodka or Wine -- the effects would be the same, I guess! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Another Anniversary

From lanai looking up through screen

Looking through the Live Oaks

The evening skies recently have looked like they are on fire.  I took these shots between Trick 'r Treaters on Halloween.  The Spanish Moss on the Live Oaks looked as though they could burst into flame at any moment.  I love this time of the year when the temperatures are more temperate and we should have relief from the heat and humidity for the next 7 months.  We had rain most of the day today but it cleared in time for another gorgeous sunset.  Winter sunsets are so different from the summer sunsets here.  They seem so much more colorful.

We still have a few plumeria blooms hanging in there.  My roses are getting ready to bloom again.  And the rain trees on my street are gorgeous right now.  I have started driving around with my sunroof open and all the windows down.  

Today is the 21st anniversary of our move from Midlothian  to Tarpon Springs.  November 3, 1992 was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.  It was hard leaving children and grandchildren in Virginia, but we have no regrets. We haven't had to scrape a windshield in 21 years. Or shovel snow. Or throw salt on ice. Or swat a fly.  We have gnats and mosquitoes occasionally but no black flies, deer flies or June bugs. Or ticks.  Being close to the Gulf has those advantages.  Farther inland, it's a different story. 

I think I love it more here every day.  

Feeling blessed to be celebrating the start of another lovely winter here.