Welcome the long weekend
What a whirlwind last weekend was, but that’s always the case when family is in from out of town and my son Michael was still visiting from North Carolina. Plus, this week’s blog can easily be called the “where did I eat out since last Friday,” given all the places I mention in here! And happy birthday to my great niece Hailey who turned 17 yesterday!
Us at 4th St. Fillin Station, Vance joined us a bit after this photo was snapped. So happy to be with all my kids!
Us enjoying the afternoon at Jetty Park beach.
Space launch exhaust plume followed by a loud BOOM!
Stopped to snap this cute pic in Cocoa Village.
Last Friday, after Elizabeth drove over from Orlando, we grabbed lunch at 4th St. Fillin Station in Cocoa Beach and then went to the beach at Jetty Park. That late afternoon dip and time on the sand was so exhilarating and relaxing. We watched a rocket launch, saw a casino cruise departing and watched a cruise ship sailing in the distance. After relaxing at the townhouse for a bit, we decided to head to Cocoa Village where we ended up at Time Out Sports Bar for dinner and afterwards walked a few blocks away to play games at Rec 225. The food at Time Out was great, the games and the vibe at the arcade, not so much. Consensus: We’ll go back to Time Out, not to Rec 225.
After seeing Elizabeth off early Saturday morning, we hung out for a bit since we’d had a busy Friday. I stayed at the townhouse while Nick and Michael enjoyed the pool and Vance took Nick to shoot hoops. Once we were all gathered at the townhouse again we grabbed lunch at Mexico’s Grill Taco Express where we enjoyed a truly authentic Mexican meal. Afterwards, we did a little thrifting around Merritt Island. We love Molly Mutt Thrift Shop where proceeds of their sales benefit the Humane Society. We also stopped in at the Goodwill across from the townhouse where they’ve got an awesome selection. I bought a couple of cool pants.
Us at Cracker Barrel in Stuart on the way home Saturday.
On the way home that afternoon, we stopped at Cracker Barrel in Stuart for dinner then the minute I walked in the door, I got to making the cookie batter for tomorrow’s catering event. I like either prepare or prep the desserts first since they can sit at room temperature the day before.
Arroz con pollo which was enjoyed and frankly devoured, by the dancers.
Sunday, I spent the day making arroz con pollo, a monster salad and baking cookies and brownies for the Karen Peterson Dancers post-conference/workshop reception at the Sandrell Rivers Theater. As always, the dancers were so pleased with the food, it is always nice to receive positive feedback from them. It was a tiring day but well worth it because I enjoy time in the kitchen and cooking makes me happy. I’ve been catering Karen’s two yearly receptions for several years now.
Monday, after my weekly food rescue run, Michael and I had one more lunch outing, this one with my sister Mari. We went to lunch at Flanigan’s in North Miami just 10 minutes from the house. Although the service was a bit slow, our server was really great and we had a lovely lunch and catching up.
Tuesday was mine and Vance’s 36th Wedding Anniversary and also when I drove him and Michael to the airport, Vance on his way to New York City for a work function and Michael back home to Charlotte, NC. Vance and I will be celebrating our anniversary with a nice dinner out tomorrow night.
Nick & Geno at Chili’s Bayside Marketplace.
Wednesday, Nick and I skipped trivia at Old Tom’s so he could have dinner at Chili’s at Bayside Marketplace with his Best Buddies Citizens group. There he is in the photo above with his buddy Geno, having a fun night out. While he was there, I drove up Biscayne Blvd. to the Mimo District to grab a Jersey Dog at Dogma Grill, one of my favorite go-to spots that never disappoints.
Yesterday morning my friend Marcia and I met for our regular breakfast catch up at Latin Cafe 2000. We gabbed and gabbed about family, work, summer vacations and television shows and the scary future of journalism. This place is also a favorite with Miami cops, they’re always there either at the ventanita or having breakfast inside, there were lots of them there that morning.
Here’s some random things from this past week too.. a link to my latest article for Artburst Miami highlighting awards and fellowships won by several Miami artists. My realization that a newsletter that I love Reasons to be Cheerful was established by none other than David Byrne from the Talking Heads and how cool it was when Sunny Anderson (from Food Network and the Drew Barrymore Show) acknowledged my comment on her heartfelt Instagram post.
And now I leave you with a few suggestions for Memorial Day Weekend fun and also several scenic photos I took at home, in my neighborhood and around Miami.
Things to do this weekend. Trying to mix it up and recommend family-friendly and cultural events:
Hyundai Air & Sea Show on Miami Beach
Deering Estate where they’re offering discounted admission
Free Art Expo at Hyatt Regency Miami with voice actor meet and greets and cosplay competitions
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa performance at Colony Theater
Christopher Mitchell exhibition in Little River’s P71 Gallery
And as promised, here’s a montage of photos I mentioned above. See you all next Friday!
