Alright I’m throwing down the gauntlet. Slapping the holidays in the face with the glove. What is with the stipulation of Halloween gets a month, but Christmas gets two months worth of time being up? I mean seriously?! Don’t get me wrong I love both holidays. I love them both equally for what they are and what they stand for.
BUT Halloween gets the fast forward button in decorating, never mind poor Thanksgiving, which is just a blip on. the American holiday radar and in fact the holiday that is only known for Americans and bam! We have Father Christmas. You can disagree with me on this but, hear me out. Christmas gets about two months worth of decoration time where as traditionally Halloween gets one( again sorry Thanksgiving). I advocate that Halloween gets two months just like Christmas. I mean, other than Christmas Halloween is the runner up on holidays. BOTH are celebrated around the world, both can have different meanings depending on what country and name it is under and both are ALMOST as old as one another.
What are your thoughts?? Do you want to get spooky for two months just like we floss tinsel in our teeth the same amount of time?
I did a thing, I have a bad habit of scrolling through Temu. The prices just can’t be beat. I’m a Haunted Mansion fanatic and when I saw these I couldn’t resist. Let’s Quentin Tarantino this.
Alright, I was originally afraid of anything horror or scary and if you watched my Youtube videos you would know that. However, I’ve embraced the creepy and the ghoulish nowadays for the MOST part. Embracing my paranormal side I love the haunted Mansion and in my previous article I talked about the new movie. Well have you ever been in the circular room where it seems to squash and stretch with the four portraits? Come on, you know the ones I’m talking about. The guy standing on dynamite, the three guys sinking in quicksand, the old lady perched on her husband’s tombstone and need not forget the lady traipsing above an alligator and your crammed in that singular room with what feels like a hundred people?
Well, I bought “tapestries” of them to hang on the wall. At first it was so cheap I thought I’d only get one but when the box came I had all four! They came with a fabric hanger that you can either use a tac(which I did) or you can nail them which ever suits your fancy if you so choose to buy them. I recommend that you do, because not only is the quality decent they are actually rather large, and I had to hang them in my kitchen. Problem is I’m not sure I’ll take them down after Halloween, because on the outer frame each hanger has the wallpaper from the room surrounding the “portrait.”
Do what you wish, but after I hung them, I’m leaning towards never taking them down. I want to feel like I’m in the Haunted Mansion at all times because being haunted is where I’d like to be.
The delicate jewels of nature, butterflies enthrall us with their vivid hues and elegant flight patterns. Developing a butterfly garden involves more than just adding flowers; it involves providing a safe haven for these amazing insects with wings. Butterfly gardens are a delightful addition to any outdoor space because they offer the ideal balance of biodiversity, natural beauty, and education. This post will discuss the significance of butterfly gardens and how to create one, delving into the fascinating world of butterfly gardens.
In addition to being fascinating, butterflies are essential to our ecosystems. They facilitate plant reproduction by acting as pollinators, which in turn maintains the food chain. You are contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in your garden by bringing in butterflies. Furthermore, educational opportunities regarding the life cycle of butterflies and their mutualism with plants and other animals are afforded by butterfly gardens to people of all ages.
For your butterfly garden, pick a sunny spot, ( we live in Florida so this is an easy feat) as most butterfly species like bright, warm environments. Make sure the space gets six hours or more of direct sunlight each day. Protecting the garden from severe winds is also necessary because they can upset the fragile butterflies.
The plants we grow are Porter weed, Milkweed, and swamp weed. Milkweed is benificial because it not only feeds the caterpillars with the greenery and the flowers provide nourishment when they are butterflies, it is the perfect way to se the whole cycle of this particular butterfly.
Okay, you got me, I love Southern and Creole food and well, travel. Which is why I am coming to you today with scrumptious Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille. Again, amazing old structured building along side a precarious two way road where it meets the ocean. St Augustine is about a three hour drive from where I live and it is one of the most enchanting places I’ve been to in Florida and I’ve lived in Florida longer than I’d like to say.
Harry’s was built in the late 1700’s hundred’s making it a part of the city’s rich history. The atmosphere is filled with rustic charm as soon as you walk in, thanks to the exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and antique furnishings. The atmosphere of the restaurant is almost like being in a time capsule, which goes hand in hand with the historic feel of the city. Harry’s Restaurant is well known for its unique menu, which combines Southern and Creole flavors. Dishes that are full of flavor and rooted in tradition clearly reflect the culinary influences of New Orleans. Everyone can find something on the menu, from vegetarians to seafood lovers, and there are a variety of options to suit different tastes.
Either way as much as I like being surrounded by brick and mortar the outside seating brings a certain je ne sais quoi. The brick and glass, vines and the scent of ocean on the air Harry’s brings it all. If I were you I’d pack my bags and head south or east depending where you are and grab a bite or two.
Tucked away in the center of St. Petersburg, Florida, Sunken Gardens is a veritable hidden gem that enthralls guests with its luscious foliage, colorful flowers, and calm ambience. These botanical gardens, which have been around since the early 20th century, have developed into a lovely retreat for those who enjoy the outdoors and plants. The rich history, stunning features, and continuous efforts to preserve and improve this delightful treasure in the heart of the Sunshine State.
Sunken Gardens embodies the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of its originator, George Turner. The gardens are among Florida’s oldest roadside attractions, having opened in 1903. A drained lake was turned into the verdant haven it is today thanks to the efforts of plumber and enthusiastic gardener George Turner. The Turner family passed the gardens down through the generations before the city of St. Petersburg bought them in 1999, guaranteeing their preservation for future generations.
With its four acres of space, Sunken Gardens is a haven for nature lovers and botanists alike. Its meandering paths lead guests through a varied assortment of more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers from all over the globe. Visitors can explore a variety of garden designs, including a thriving koi pond, a tranquil Japanese garden, and a lush tropical forest. Sunken Gardens boasts an abundant variety of flora, such as orchids, palms, cycads, bougainvillea, and many more, which combine to form a dynamic mural of hues and textures that changes with the seasons.
My favorite part in all of this is the breathtaking Butterfly Garden, to me this is the highlight of Sunken gardens. This magical area was created especially to draw in and care for local butterflies. The Butterfly Garden provides a rare chance to see these delicate animals up close with its carefully chosen nectar and host plants. The grounds have areas where you can sit amongst the plants as the butterflies dance in the air around you. You can even have a birthday on the grassy grounds nearby making it the most magical place in all of Florida in my opinon.
If you ever get a chance to come to Tampa and run by St. Petersburg this is a must see. Bring a bag lunch, some cold lemonade, sidle up against a tree and stay a while. You won’t regret this slice of paradise.
Earlier this year we had a family dog pass and eventually after some mourning we decided to adopt a puppy, not just any doggo but a Siberian Husky and her name is Halo. Naturally the “ooo’s and ahh’s of cute adorableness and look how fluffy is the immediate reaction when we brought her home. And Halo is so darn fluffy and soft it’s like petting a cloud.
However, we have an intelligent puppy on our hands and she gets into everything. Trust me I understand she is an equivalent of a toddler and everything is bright and new, so it must be explored.! We aren’t at a Cesar Millan “help us” video level, but as she found herself within our “pack,” she has tested the limits and barriers.
Kenneling was an issue as she can’t stand to be left alone even though she has her older dog brother, Rufio with her. BUT patience is key, introducing the kennel is a slow game and now whenever we have to leave the house she goes in and once the door locks, she doesn’t make a peep. Prior to this easy going persona she howled and cried like she was getting hurt as soon as the door closed behind her.
Training hasn’t been too hard as long as your consistent. Potty training was the hardest and still is, but she is now giving signals by going to the front door, whimpering or coming to anyone in the house. If I were to give any advice it is to stay on top of the training in all aspects and let your new pupper know that your the leader in the house otherwise smart breeds like Halo will take advantage of the situation immediately.
I wouldn’t change our decision in getting our sweet loving Halo . She is packed full of energy and curiosity and brings nothing but good vibes in our home. I do have to say if you’re considering getting a Husky make sure you find a good breeder whom takes the time to care and nurture them before they are adopted.
Okay you KNOW I love tacos and of course you also, know I get an itch for exploration. THUS, I drive to places and get the skinny and well the “noms,” it is my crusade. Just like Indiana Jones I believe it “belongs in a museum'”aka my stomach.
I search my area for good tacos or any eats that deserve mentioning and this place called Casita Taqueria is one of those. It’s in St. Petersburg off of Central Avenue. I love this area, because it is artistic and respects the community of Lgbtq. It’s a happy and open atmosphere where you are welcome no matter your orientation.
But driving down Central Avenue in the Ol’ Doom Buggy I found this tasty establishment with it’s candy skull design on the front. Although the parking falls short the tacos don’t. I have to say their carne asada tacos are the best and the queso I could drown in, possibly bathe in.
It is a very busy place, but the atmosphere can’t be denied. It has a modern slash old Mexican feel with it’s rustic rote iron chandelier topped with lager beer bottles and Mucha-Lucha masks decorated across the walls and again candy skulls. It’s the kind of place I’d like to kick back sip a cold dark beer and eat my fill of tacos while watching passerby’s come and go.
One of my favorite places to “stay at home vacation” is St Augustine Florida. It has that Old timey feel with the a mixture of Spanish, but also French and English architectural styles. In my mind I immediately think haunted and to be sure that’s another talking point for another day. I enjoy St. Augustine not only for keeping it’s original structures, but you can smell the ocean off the Bridge of Lions, but what is enthralling is the fortifications of Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas which has never lost a battle in over 300 years.
The historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, is centered around two impressive fortifications: Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas. Given that St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, these famous buildings serve as monuments to the hardships and victories of early colonial America. The rich histories and distinctive qualities of Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas will be discussed in this article, along with their significant contributions to the formation of the country’s history.
Built between 1672 and 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos is the pinnacle of Spanish military architecture in the New World. The purpose of this massive stronghold was to protect Spanish Florida’s capital city, St. Augustine, from possible attacks and threats. The resilience of the fort was greatly enhanced by the decision to use coquina, a locally quarried sedimentary rock made primarily of crushed shells, as the main building material. The incredible material coquina reduced damage and absorbed cannonballs, transforming the Castillo into a formidable defensive fortress. The fort was a major player in the rivalries and conflicts that defined colonial America throughout its history. It was the target of several sieges and was taken over by the Spanish, British, and American forces, among other European powers. When Spain gave Florida to the United States in 1821, it was the last time it changed hands. In the 19th century, the fort was renamed Fort Marion in honor of Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero, but it subsequently went back to its original name.
It crazy how you can walk across it’s grassy knolls, scream and shout playfully, even have picnics while poking around where soldiers stood day and night following orders awaiting possible death. You can even see bullet holes in the walls as you walk around in the sunlight it almost seems off-putting and macabre.
However, as dark as it is, with respect it’s comforting to walk where many others have and understand the weight they carried, the fear, the anger, and duty. You can still see the ricochet of bullets in the walls and some claim to have seen apparitions.
What are your thoughts? Do you think it’s residual energy with all that fear and anger? Or is it a dead place filled with old memories and we of the living stamp upon it with our feet blindly to stare upon it digesting information? Do you find it respectful?
As always, the world turns and we must Keep On Brewin.
Hello Fellow Readers, I hope you’re having a wonderful day. Today I was feeling hungry as well as needing to step out and stretch my legs. I also, like to mention I am a taco enthusiast, but I wanted something with a little more flair. Which is hard to say because I practically eat them AT LEAST once a week.
So on my search for exploration and most importantly tacos, I came upon this interesting creation called a Quesabirria. It is a delicious beef taco that is cooked with chiles. The beef is shredded, the corn tortilla dipped in the juices of said beef prepared with white onions, cilantro, and white cheese(Oaxaca). IT GETS BETTER, it is fried and served with a consomme.
I had to have it and at least ten, like I said I was hungry. I found a place in Ybor City down here in Tampa that makes them called Jimmy’s Tacos. It was a delicious adventure I couldn’t resist tacos and my favorite eccentric downtown, Ybor. I hopped into my Doom Buggy aka Jeep and made my way down.
Let me give you the lowdown on Ybor City to better understand my enthusiasm. It is a mixture of revitalized cigar manufacturing buildings, some were revamped for active businesses squeezed in with newer homes and structures, but most importantly, chickens roam free. I know, odd right? Nowhere else in Tampa have chickens strutting about, but Ybor City does. FYI don’t try to catch or pick up the wild chickens, one they are federally protect and two, spurs.
My arrival to Jimmy’s Tacos was no less outlandish. It is a quaint building nestled around brick and wood structures, railroad tracks, large trees and of course chickens. Usually whats good for the gander is good for the goose, but here the chickens roam about hoping for morsels and so was I. It is a wonderful spot with outside seating that felt cozy and relaxing. There was a line so, I knew it had to be good, I ordered three of these bad boys, along with a margarita of course. I sat back and sipped soaking in the sun and waited. Was the wait long? No, but the exploration to find these delicious treasures was everything and more.
These quesabirrias practically melt in your mouth, the lime flavor from the cilantro, the crunch of the onion, the juicy tender beef, and gooey melty goodness of the cheese was like an explosive symphony in my mouth. Lastly, the consomme they served with the quesabirrias need not be forgotten, I dredged those goodies in after each bite. Let me tell you it was hard not to pick up the cup and drink it alone. If I were to give a five star review I’d give them fifty it was that damn good.
IF I were you I would jump in that steel horse and make a quick move to get Jimmy’s quesabirrias. When you do, get five or ten so that way when you get home, you can relive the experience minus the chicken companions of course.
Alright, I couldn’t help it, after watching Haunted Mansion I had an urge for gumbo. I love gumbo, it is definitely a homey dish filled with rich flavor and has you going for seconds, possibly thirds. However, I wondered where in New Orleans IS the best gumbo? I’ve only been to New Orleans once and you bet your sweet dippy I’m going back again in the near future. So Let’s dive into a little, “about me,” on Ol’ New Orleans.
Now, New Orleans is a city known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, and at the heart of its vibrant food scene lies a dish that embodies the essence of Creole and Cajun cooking: gumbo. When it comes to experiencing the best gumbo in New Orleans, one can embark on a culinary journey that takes you through the city’s history, culture, and flavors, all in one savory bowl.
First, the environment is crucial. Seek out a reputable gumbo joint or an authentic, locally-owned restaurant for the best gumbo experience in New Orleans; many of these can be found in areas like the Garden District, Treme, or the French Quarter. St. Pete’s, Gumbo Shop is one such famous location. I never tried gumbo from Gumbo Shop but I enjoyed a hefty bowl over at Olde Nola Cookery and their gumbo was divine.
At home I try to bring a piece of that swanky New Orleans to the table. Personably, I throw on some Mardi Gra music and dance around my kitchen making my own gumbo from scratch which isn’t TOO hard, except for the roux. The roux is a game of patience and a lot of whisking and yes, your wrist will want to fall off, but it is worth it in the end. The recipe I use is from https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/authentic-new-orleans-style-gumbo/ and Lauren provides a lot of helpful information. You don’t have to get too crazy with the meat you can go straight chicken or chicken and andouille sausage or if you’re feeling fancy you can add shrimp. RIce is a must and my favorite cajun seasoning to use is the CajunTwo Step by Justin Chiasson and here is the link to buy this outstanding seasoning https://thecajuntwostep.com/
