Virtual Vine

My Liquid Obsession

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:22:00 -0400

Ever since I tried SUP a few weeks ago I can't stop thinking about it. Have you ever tried something you really like and take to it right away and it brings back good old times. I've tried to talk myself out of one but honestly I can't think of a good enough reason not to own one. Besides the price I mean, and that I already have a boat, and that I'm afraid a shark will chase me around the sound. Still I cannot wait to get on one again and put my new puppy on it with me. The pups won't be here for about 4 more months so I better get started and practice before I scare the poor little doggie. [More]

Spa Withdrawals

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:47:00 -0400

I need a massage. Stat. After the most peaceful night of sleep I've had in a week, I woke up to birds singing and tea from Nepal steeping. Then I did a bad thing and worked in the yard for about an hour and, wow, did it hurt my neck and twist my back. I don't think it was helping so I stopped. Yoga was what I needed. Once the flowing started I felt a bit and by the end of an hour I felt so much better. [More]

Scenes from the Safety Harbor Spa

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 21:35:09 -0400

I like to be good to myself and my love of springs draws me to the fountain of youth for renewal. The day began with a stroll around the block to view the upper Tampa Bay area. [More]

A Funny Thing Happened This Week

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:34:00 -0400

A guy named Leonardo painted the ceiling and it glows like the pearly gates of heaven. Though it wasn't "The Leonardo," it was a sight to behold nonetheless. It was kind of awesome and reminded me of being in the Sistine Chapel so I layed down and stared up in awe at his gorgeous work of brush strokes and watched it glisten. How many times do I really look at a ceiling? Other than throughout the Vatican museum, not many. How many ceilings are painted by a guy named Leonardo? Two, and one I know lives in Pinellas. I felt special. Okay get up now and quit watching the paint dry. [More]

Paddleboarding

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:34:00 -0400

Good day! I hope all of you are having a great week. I am. Dinner last night was the recipe right of the Market Vegetarian cookbook, Mushrooms stuffed with manchego cheese and fennel salad on the side. It was good but I prefer portabellas grilled over the outdoor fire and served on a toasted bun. [More]

The Dobie Quest

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:23:00 -0400

This morning I woke up very early before the sun rose and the traffic clogged. The only stop I made was at Starbucks and then it was off to the middle of dog town USA. The nicest lady I've met so far was kind enough to invite me out to see her dogs even though these were all spoken for. These were also the first Ibizan hounds I've ever seen and played with! This group of puppies felt incredibly healing to be around. I've meet so many and all were adorably cute but these puppies felt right.

Napolitano Lentil Stew

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:42:17 -0400

This recipe is one of my favorite Vegetarian Market recipes by Ross Dobson. I've been cooking my way through the book and not one of these recipes has let me down. Then again, I like to cook using fresh herbs from my porch that scream COOK ME as I walk in the door. It's one of those savory recipes you like to stir on the stove any kind of day, even if it's spring and the sky is blue. [More]

Ibizan Hounds

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:46:00 -0400

As most of you know I'm in the market for a new puppy and I'm spending time researching breeders and breeds. There is a huge distinction between the dobie AKC and UKC alone. The european stock has the larger bone structure, solid black eyes and I think the european back slopes but not the american line on the doberman breed. As for the temperament distinction the american are more cuddly and the euro wants to work all day. Both are highly active and a blast to have in your life if you like that sort of thing. [More]

Pancakes Alfresco

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:26:00 -0400

The weekend has flown by but I'm still on vacation and taking full advantage of being outside with breakfast. The Ohana Cafe serves up the most delicious oatmeal pancakes and coffee. Usually in the morning the birds are singing as I head off to work but today I'm enjoying their music. Once I get fueled up I have some chores to do with boating season here and all. I hope you have a beautiful morning.

Strawberry Shortcake Juice Blend

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:20:00 -0400

Tampa is still riding the most gorgeous weather wave. When I got in from work yesterday I headed out on a run with my iPod fully charged. The thought of running until I ran out of steam crossed my mind more than a few times. Last weekend I bought a juicer and it was the best purchase decision this month. My mind is clearer and I feel more energetic. The juicer is easy to clean and easy to use and I don't know why I waited to buy one until now. [More]

Start Your Blenders!

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:40:00 -0400

Have you seen the moon this past week? I kept snapping pictures with my iPhone but it looks weak compared to the Jack-in-the-box signage that kept photo bombing me. Tonight is the full moon. Spring Break is in full swing here:
a) the scent of coconut oil lingers in the air
b) Every venue or bar has booked performances M-S
c) traffic is congested
d) flip flops and pollen are everywhere
e) my blender is getting a workout
[More]

Going Bananas

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:56:00 -0400

Could this weather be any more perfect? The waking temps were a bit chilly but they rise by 9am to an ideal 65-70 with sunshine and blue skies. Getting outside and making myself at home in the shade with a book and bite to eat felt decadent. My morning run was quick and then I blew the leaves for the 19th time this week. [More]

Sunday Projects

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 15:40:00 -0400

This Godiva coffee was sent to me by wifeofadairyman. There was a contest for naming the baby cow and my choice of "Daisy" was chosen. On a blustery day such as the one I am currently having I can think of no better way to begin than these muffins chased with chocolate laced truffle flavored coffee. The scent is permeating the house along with the blueberry streusel muffin I picked up from Starbucks. [More]

Black Bean Quinoa topped with Scallops

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:41:00 -0400

Happy howling Saturday! Man is it windy, I was almost blown off the roof when I was cleaning up there in the wee hours of dawn. It's a chore day but I did manage to get in a bit of fishing and caught Spanish Mackerel for dinner. I have no idea what to do with it but I'm feeling lucky with the planets being aligned and all. [More]

Ground Turkey Kale Soup

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:37:00 -0400

Today has been cloudy and cooler than usual. It made me want to cook something comforting and settle in with a book and movies for the day. Soups come together in a snap with around 7 ingredients or less. My recipe was altered from this but I used kale instead of cabbage. The result was delicious and filling with ingredients containing protein, grain, and several veggies. Instead of cabbage I used kale and I really liked the taste. A little secret about me is that I'd never eaten kale before February. It was then I discovered I liked it and I've slowly added it to more dishes over time. I try to experiment with new flavors and broaden my culinary skills. This was a pleasant surprise. [More]