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Camping Food

Not a title I EVER imagined using (as I don’t camp).

Today The Blended Blog is focusing on

Camping Food

A quick look at the post will cause you to begin craving S’MORES.

Let me help you.

I must confess that I have no interest in camping because:

I do not like snakes and avoid them at all costs.

Nor do I want to sleep on the ground, in a tent, in the woods, or with any creatures other than my cat.

That said, I do like to cook out, and LB and I cook out often:

At the beach

At the park

In our backyard

My favorite cookout food (which could also be categorized as camping food) is

Hot Dogs

Although they are high in calories, Johnsonville Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage are the best!

These are best enjoyed on a toasted bun with grilled peppers, onions, and doused in yellow mustard!

If  a low calorie option is preferred, Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks is 45 calories per dog, is kosher, and contain no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or by-products.

(Now I sound like a commercial)

Some other easily portable items that grill nicely are:

Corn on the Cob

(an LB Favorite)

Kabobs

Fish

marinated in Ponzu sauce which looks very weird, but tastes good.

And believe it or not

Peaches

Cut in half, remove the pit and brush each cut side with oil. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook undisturbed until grill marks appear, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the peaches and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

Grilled peaches are Very Tasty!

According to this week’s author of the  Blended Blog Camping Food post, you haven’t lived if you haven’t cooked Jiffy Pop popcorn over a fire.

I’m thinking LB and I will have to try this.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.


Filed Under: TBB

Summer Plans

What are my plans for the summer?

They have already been put into motion.

Fortunately, I don’t have to engage in summer planning.

LB is a Master Planner.  He enjoys

GOING

and likes to keep the road hot.

He is always planning events to keep us entertained and this summer will be no exception.

Going to the Beach

is a summer weekend activity that LB enjoys.  Having seen more than one horrific shark movie, I intend to avoid venturing into the ocean.  Nevertheless I delight in having a tan on my legs, collecting shells and being by his side, so I am happy to accompany him.

Going to Concerts

especially outdoors, is a favorite summer activity.

Although we have yet to attend a concert at the new Jacksonville amphitheater, LB and I enjoy attending concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.

Plans have been made to attend an upcoming concert in July.  I’m looking forward to seeing Donny and Marie!

In addition to concert performances by celebrity musicians, the concert fascination extends to other musical events.  Each Wednesday night throughout the summer there is the Music by the Sea event at the St. Johns County Pier.  The Little Light Music Concerts are on Sunday evenings on the oceanfront lawn beneath the St. Simons Lighthouse.  These are great opportunities to get outside and have a good time.  If we happen to be in Daytona Beach for the weekend, we will go to the Bandshell to see what tribute band is featured.  The Summer Concert Series happens every Friday night and occasionally on Saturday.

Speaking of Daytona Beach

Going to a Pool Party

is another summertime event to attend when visiting Daytona Beach for the weekend.  For the past several years there has been a weekend pool party every Saturday [beginning on Memorial Day through Labor Day] at the Daytona Beach Shores Hampton Inn, complete with a cookout and karaoke.  It has always been a fun weekend getaway during the summer.

Going on Vacation

is a given every June.

Although summer hasn’t officially arrived, we have already taken a summer trip.  The plan was to begin with the aforementioned pool party, take in a few concerts, relax, shop, then head to Orlando.

As usual we stayed at the Daytona Beach Shores Hampton Inn.   This year we found out the hard way, that management decided to forego the regular weekend pool party and feature the event only occasionally.  It was a little bit of a disappointment and planning trips to Daytona Beach will now require extra research in the future.

Not to be undone, LB arranged an afternoon on the beach.Under a blue and yellow umbrella!

He always recovers nicely.

Both LB and I agree that there should be a summer trip do over.  We also agree that a cruise would be nice.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

As always

I’m grateful that

The Workweek is Over

Scared Summer GIF by Bud Light

And I’m feeling blessed that I have so many favorites to share!

 

Favorite # ONE

Getting Caught in the Rain

Well that’s not entirely true, but I don’t mind getting caught in the rain when I’m at the beach and safely positioned under a picnic pavilion.

LB thought it would be fun to pull out our mini grill and take it to the beach for a cookout.  While LB and I engaged in flipping hot dogs and enjoying oldies music, the radar app displayed a RED mass directly over our blue dot.

Translation: there was a heavy, side-blowing rain that came over our location.  Happily, we had the beach umbrella to shelter us and our gear.

 

Favorite # TWO

A Cool Breeze

I’m not hard to please.

Much.

LB enjoys attending the annual Summer Jazz Series at the beach.

Be that as it may, I am unable to enjoy jazz music (or anything else) when it is so hot that my makeup is melting off of my face.

After relocating 3 times in an attempt to find shade, relief was experienced only in an occasional ocean breeze.  And each time a cool waft blew by, I got a peaceful, easy feeling.

Momentarily.

Favorite # THREE

Birthday Shopping at EXPRESS

I fell for it.

Express sent me a $20 Happy Birthday coupon so I went shopping!

Favorite # FOUR

Little Visitors

Lydia came home with Glammy Tuesday afternoon.  We had a sweet visit.

Later when her Mommy and Daddy came to pick her up, they brought with them another little visitor. Rory celebrated 4 months this week.  Lydia will be celebrating 3 years in July.What a pretty face!

 

When asked what she would like for her birthday, she replied

MERMAIDS!

Favorite # FIVE

Shopping for MERMAIDS

If your name is Lydia and you mention that you would like to have mermaids for your birthday, it is highly likely that Glammy will make sure it happens.

This week I began scouring the internet for gifts that fall under the mermaid category.

There are so many options to choose from:

JewelryFashion Mermaid Birthstone Necklace Jewelry White Gold Plated Austrian Crystal Magic Pendant Gift

Barbie Dolls

Barbie Dolphin Magic Transforming Mermaid Doll

Dress up Dolls

Bath Toys

 

2-Piece Mermaid Doll Toy or Cake Decoration, Swim in the Water at Bath Time, the Pool, and Beach

 

The mermaid search has only just begun.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Summers of the Past

Hoping to link up with the Blended Blog, I’ve taken a trip down memory lane to reflect on

Summers of the Past

I remember bits and pieces of summers of the distant past.  Although I can’t recall specific events, I do remember that my little sister and I would go to work with Mama and spend the summer days exploring (snooping) and enjoying the coffee.

Also I remember spending weeks at the lake house my grandparents owned.  It was at Lake Hewitt in Interlachen, Florida that I learned to swim and water-ski.

As I entered my teenage years there were some summer activities with my church youth group, such as camp at Lake Yale and choir tours to other churches in the Southeast.

 

These days my summers are jam packed with activities.

I barely have time to catch my breath from one event before taking off on another

ADVENTURE WITH LB!

In this AWESOME photo we spent a summer day biking on the beach

and later grilling out in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

We often find ourselves at the beach during the summer and it is safe to say that LB will typically plan a vacation to a beach or someplace tropical every summer.

LB and I have enjoyed three summer vacations on

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

Each time some bizarre event occurs.  On our first trip to Sanibel, while we were “beach combing” one afternoon, a fisherman staggered over to where we had set up camp and took a seat in one of our beach chairs.  He had managed to HOOK HIMSELF through his boot and into his foot.

The fisherman managed to stay calm, took out his multi-functional tool, and began to operate, while LB stood by for moral support.

Being that I am likely to faint on such occasions, I snapped a couple of pictures and quickly excused myself.

Happily all ended well.

Then there was that time while enjoying a birthday/summer vacation in Captiva that LB rushed me to the ER at 6AM to learn that my heart is in excellent condition.  Apparently I’m prone to panic attacks when I have a birthday.  Those photos are locked away in my photo vault [for never sharing].

 Recently we have found that

Taking a Cruise

is a great way to enjoy summer vacation.

There are so many things to do on the shipand on excursions to the shore

and engaging in other things that you know better than

there’s never a dull summer moment!

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

Friday Favorites ~ Birthday Edition

June brings with it another birthday for myself and several others in my family (subject for another post).

Because this week has pretty much been all about birthdays, I’m sharing a special edition of my Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Babies and Birthday Cake

Although my birthday falls on June 1st, the party begins on the evening of May 31st.  This year Mama made good on her promise and prepared biscuits and gravy (as only she can) for a special birthday dinner.

Followed by dessert…Several family members joined us at her home to celebrate.Two sweet babies were among the group.

LB snapped these photos with Rory and Lydia while I opened the gifts that were so graciously given to me.

While Lydia enjoyed seeing Glammy’s Birthday cards and gifts, Rory wasn’t quite as excited.I LOVE that face!

 

 

Favorite # TWO

A Birthday Outfit

(not to be confused with a Birthday Suit)

handpicked by a Fashion Diva.

Stephanie and Amanda will sometimes join forces to give gifts on special occasions.  Stephanie has a particular flair for putting cute outfits together and for taking selfies.

She mentioned that she had picked several outfits and narrowed the prospects down to three.

This one was the winner

Favorite # THREE

A Fancy Birthday Gift

LB took a trip to the St. Johns Town Center this week where he visited the Coach store.

He has such good taste.And he even knows what colors are trending this season.

Favorite # FOUR

A Birthday Vacation

with LB

Beginning with a Friday night concert in the rain and ending with a sunny day on the beach.  Every trip with LB is an adventure!

 

Favorite # FIVE

A Happy Together Birthday Surprise

Since we enjoyed it so much last year, LB made arrangements for us to attend this year’s Happy Together Tour at the Florida Theater.

The concert began with  the Cowsills who are a family of singers that were the inspiration for the Partridge Family.  Just as was the case last year, one of my favorites last night was “I Love the Flower Girl“.

(I knew I knew I knew I knew stuck in my head again).

Next up was Mark Lindsay (the voice of Paul Revere and the Raiders).  I didn’t recognize any of his songs, but I was very familiar with the group that followed.  The Association took the stage and sang quite a few favorites.

Another favorite for the evening was Gary Puckett (the Union Gap) hence the uniform.

Gary Puckett was not part of the tour last year, but such a great addition.  Everyone enjoyed singing along with Gary as he shared a few of his 1967 hits.

Another fun singalong was a former member of Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, who ended his set with “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog”.

And last but not least, one of the original Turtles, Mark Volman took the stage along with friend Ron Dante (from the Archie’s music).  Ron was standing in for Turtle member Howard Kaylan who was unable to be a part of the tour this year.

The event wrapped up with  all of the artists coming to the stage to share a short clip of one of their previously performed songs and together wishing the audience good night.  It was an evening of great music!

Still stuck in my head today:

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Summer Lovin’

The Blended Blog is at it again…

asking those probing questions that will make for fun summertime conversation:

Summer Lovin’ Q & A.

Here goes:

 

Walk or Bike Ride?

Although my Fitbit and I endeavor to reach at least 10,000 steps per day, it depends on where I’m going. 

If forced to choose between walking or biking for a long distance,

I’ll take the bike.

Okay… maybe not.

Yes, I really fell just like that (it was a graceful fall).  And yes, I was asked to maintain the position for a photo.

 

 

Favorite Picnic Food?

A good old fashioned picnic is best savored with a good old fashioned sandwich. 

Or a Subway Sandwich. 

Or a Bucket of Chicken.

 

Pool or Lake?

Pool.  No Question.

 

 

Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream?

Butter Pecan is my all time favorite full fat ice cream indulgence. 

But lately my ice cream of choice has been Halo Top because I can enjoy the entire pint without much guilt.

 

 

Ice Cream Cone or in a Dish?

There is no discrimination when it comes to the ice cream vehicle. 

And the carton works just fine.

 

 

Flip Flops or Slides?

Both.

I have many flip flops to choose from.

This season I’ve incorporated some slides into my wardrobe. 

These are from Express:

Knot Sandals

and

Knot Slide Sandals

knot sandals

which are really flip flops.

 

 

Jean Shorts or Jean Capris?

Shorts. 

Although I have three pairs of capri pants, when I wear them it appears that I have something wrong with me…

which may be the case, but why advertise it?

 

 

Favorite Summer Fruit?

Watermelon!

 

Corn on the Cob or Cut Off the Cob?

Neither.

Corn is a CARB!

 

 

Favorite Summertime Song?

Summer Nights

 

What is your Favorite Summertime Activity?

Anything outdoors.

 

 

Favorite Berry? Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry or Blackberry?

Blueberries are currently my favorite berry.  However, I may change my mind tomorrow.

 

 

Bikinis, Tankinis or One Piece?

Because my swimsuit hates me this season, I don’t want to talk about it.

 

 

 

Dresses or Skirts?

Both dresses and skirts are so much more comfortable than pants, especially for work in a hot office.

 

 

One Word to Describe Summer?

Rainy

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2018 Long Range Weather forecast is:

“Rainfall will be above normal, especially in the south.” (source)

Dates                    Weather Conditions

Jun 1-11               Several t-storms, hot

Jun 12-19             A few t-storms, cool

Jun 20-27             Sunny north, a few t-storms south; warm

Jun 28-30             T-storms, warm

June                      temperature 83° (1° above avg.) precipitation 7″ (0.5″ above avg.)

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 


Filed Under: TBB

Fifty Two Facts

About ME!

No I didn’t just pull the number fifty-two out of the air.

I remember when I turned 30, my mother-in-law joyfully told me “in 20 years you’ll be fifty!”  Apparently I didn’t think it was possible.  It must have been that I was still in the invincibility stage that most people experience during youth.

Today I am going to engage in an exercise of self-awareness and share…

52 Very Random Facts About Kim

Here goes…

  1. I’ve lived on the Westside of Jacksonville all of my life.
  2. I was born on the same day as Marilyn Monroe, different year, of course.
  3. I used to have a problem with sleepwalking.
  4. My tonsils are long gone.
  5. Mexican cuisine is my favorite…
  6. However I could live on rotisserie chicken and diet orange soda.
  7. I fainted when I got my ears pierced.
  8. My Aunt Linda pierced my ears with two giant needles.
  9. Autumn is my favorite season.

  10. Peanut M&Ms is my favorite candy.

  11. I graduated from Edward H. White high school in 1984.
  12. As a senior in high school, I joined the girls Cross country team.
  13. I have successfully completed a half marathon.
  14. With just a few credits short of my bachelor’s degree, I stopped taking classes.
  15. I have an Associates degree in Interior Design Technology.
  16. When my son broke his arm, I fainted in the ER.
  17. I auditioned for and joined the Chancel Choir at First Baptist Church Jacksonville.
  18. At one time I was a bank teller.
  19. My first job was a proof operator at the bank where my Daddy was the Executive Vice President.

  20. The first time I took my drivers test, I failed.

  21. Red-orange is my favorite color.
  22. I’m terrified of reptiles, and sticks that look like reptiles.
  23. I’ve read the Bible from cover to cover, excluding the index.
  24. Although I took lessons for many years, I cannot play the piano.  Much.
  25. As a little girl, I signed my Mama up for piano lessons.
  26. I was the first one in my family to beat BOWSER [Super Mario World]!  When it happened, everyone screamed.
  27. I’d love to manage my own bakery.
  28. One of my favorite activities is baking.
  29. Every morning I drink a cup of warm lemon water with cayenne pepper.

  30. I have a giraffe collection.

  31. My house was built on property that has been in my family since 1912.
  32. I DO NOT LIKE water chestnuts.
  33. At one time, rollerblading was a favorite past-time.
  34. I home-schooled my children.
  35. When I was young I wanted to be Marcia Brady.
  36. I played softball positions pitcher, catcher, and second base for my church softball team.
  37. I’m a shopaholic.  It is bad.
  38. I eat vegetables for breakfast.
  39. As a victim of the Backmasking era in the eighties, I burned all of my records.

  40. I’m obsessed with my cat.

  41. I’ve maintained an exercise regimen since 1983.
  42.  I believe I can do anything that I put my mind to.
  43. I polish my nails just before I board the treadmill.
  44. While engaging in regular treadmill time, I watch the TODAY show with Hoda and Kathie Lee.
  45. I have worked as technical support resolving DSL connectivity troubles.
  46. The first movie I attended was a showing of “Bambi”.  I was six months old.
  47. Eighties music is my favorite.
  48. My worst habit is grinding and tapping my teeth.
  49. I’ve owned three white Nissan Altimas (2004, 2007, 2014).
  50. My eyes are green.  My Daddy used to call me Green Eyes.
  51. I do not have any tattoos.  You wouldn’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.

  52. Today is my birthday.  I was born on a Wednesday in 1966 at 7:52 AM.

One day I’ll look back at this post, and will hopefully still be able to remember most of these things.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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