Frozen Limonana -a Deliciously Icy Cold Summer Drink

Make Way For Icy Cold Frozen Limonana!!!

All you need is a medium sized bunch of fresh mint, some lemons or limes, sweetener, and ice and you are all set to enjoy your ice cold juicy limonana which is fabulous on a hot summer day. 

It's transition Time : Goodbye to Snowbird Season- Almost

As the  Florida season comes to a close for us snowbirds, there’s a familiar rhythm for me setting in. After seven wonderful playful months, it’s transition time—time for organizing, cleaning out, and getting ready to close up our condo before we head back to the Philadelphia area for the summer.

Strolling Through Coral Gables- A Charming South Florida Escape

Last week we went to Coral Gables in Miami. Coral Gables is 45 minutes South of where we live in North Miami, if there is no traffic. With traffic (which there usually is) it can take more like 1 hour and 15 minutes. Consequently, we don't go very often. 

31 Degree Cold Spell in Miami- Rediculous

This has to be one of the coldest Januaries I can remember in South Florida. It's been in the 50's and 60's most of the month but this coming Sunday morning, temperatures are expected to dip down to 31 degrees—yes, 31! The photo above  is of my friend feeding the sea gulls on our morning walk about 7:30 AM when the temperatures were around 50 degrees.

A Book Review: A Maximillian Manatee Adventure

A Sweet New Children’s Book, A Maximillian Manatee Adventure,  Brings Manatees to Life for Little Readers

This beautifully illustrated paperback book includes an uplifting story about Maximillian and Minerva--two adorable manatees who meet out in the ocean and help each other feel safe. In addition to the story, there are also pages to color, pages with interesting fun facts, and an overall calm happy vibe that makes it perfect for bedtime reading.

Have you ever seen a manatee? 

I live In South Florida, where we actually get to see manatees floating in the warm Intracoastal waters, and on rare occasions we even see them near beach in the ocean. I can tell you that it is quite a thrill to see one!!! How many kids (or adults) actually get to see them? Have you? This book will introduce kids to these amazing docile creatures worth knowing/learning about.

I can still remember one of the books my mom read to me over and over when I was a young child. It was  about a puffin, an unusual bird, that I never forgot. Manatees are just as memorable, and Maximillian, the main character of the story book, gives young kids the same mix of wonder, warmth, and intriguing information that will stay with them for years to come.

I love the quality of this book. It is well written and the large joyful illustrations throughout are attractive to children and adults alike. Most of all, the book shares an the important environmental message.

Did you know ?  

Manatees grow to a massive 9 or 10 feet tall, can weigh thousands of pounds, while eating an entirely vegan diet. They are kind of cute and live peacefully even among sharks, alligators, and crocodiles. They have no known predators. Their greatest threats are from humans with boating accidents from the propellers, pollution, and damage to their habitats. They prefer warm waters. Florida manatees are considered an endangered species and boaters need to be especially careful not to hit them. 

This photo is not in the book. It is from free downloadable photos

This sign is in our neighborhood. I see the sign and other signs like it on my daily walks near the Intracoastal. 

My friends, Judi Berson-Levinson and Susan Beth Weizman, published this cute children’s book about manatees. After I reviewed it, I wanted to share it with my readers —especially those of you who might have kids or grandkids in the 2–6 age range. 

If interested, you can take a look at the book on Amazon.com: A Maximillian Manatee Adventure!:

Sharing this post on Saturday's Critters with Eileen 

Disclaimer: I was not asked to write a review and do not profit from its sales.  I really like the book after reading it and simply wanted to share it. All the opinions are my own, and I'll be giving it as gifts this holiday season to some special little ones. 

Birds, Birds, Birds....But No Turkey

Have you seen any turkey's lately? In Pennsylvania we have neighborhoods with lots of wild turkeys around. 

Even though I’m a complete amateur when it comes to bird-watching, (and I can barley identify one from the other) I’ve always loved spotting any feathered visitor that crosses my path. 

In Pennsylvania, I faithfully hang bird feeders in my backyard, hoping to attract interesting birds—though, if I’m honest, the squirrels seem to often clean us out before the birds get a chance. 

My Morning Walk -A Surprise At Sunrise

Morning Walk Surprise 

Look who I saw on my morning walk today on the Haulover Park walking path which runs parallel to the beach.

I’ve been walking that same path every morning for almost ten years now. It’s part of my early morning routine when I'm in Florida—I get up early, go out on the balcony to check the weather, cross the street and walk for an hour.

Heading To Florida - On The Road Again

Ai generated photo

It’s that time of year and we are taking a road trip to Florida! 

In the past, we always powered through with just one overnight stop, but this time we’re slowing down, taking a little more time, and enjoying the journey with two nights in hotels and less driving each day, which will give us a little more time to stretch, explore, and take in the scenery along the way. It should take us 3 days traveling to reach Florida instead of two.

Ai generated photo

Of course, Mother Nature always likes to keep things interesting. A Nor’easter storm is moving through, and I’m crossing my fingers we can stay ahead of the rain. Either way, the open road and palm trees are calling!

Rainbow After The Storm + Recipe

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Last week we experienced a short but intense summer storm. It was the kind of storm that makes the early afternoon skies suddenly darken, the wind shake the heck out of the trees, and the powerful rain beat down on anything in its path. The storm started quickly and was was over almost as quickly as it started. 

When the rain stopped, I walked outside to assess any damage to our property.  I looked up in the sky and there it was!!  Clear and and beautiful, hanging over the rooftops as bright and bold as could be! A huge gorgeous rainbow!

Over my house

Excitedly, I called my husband to come and see it, but by the time he got his shoes on and came outside, it had already started to fade. Gone in an instant!!

Florida Visit

Celebrating Chanukah with my younger son, my daughter-in-law and 

my grandkids during their visit to our condo in Florida. 

Home For Thanksgiving - and Back

We flew home from Florida to Philadelphia for Thanksgiving to be with our kids, grandkids, and family.  The weather was relatively mild (40' and 50's) until the last day when it was 28 degrees in the morning.

My husband took a picture with the Eagles display at the
Philly airport

I loved the crisper weather ( for the week) but most of all I enjoyed the lights and festive decorations on all the houses. In South Florida, there are mostly condos where I live and the personal decorating is at a minimum. However, the streets and condo building are highly decorated. Maybe it just doesn't feel like the holiday season in South Florida because it' still so warm (70's and 80's). 

Florida- Here We Come

It’s Time!

The leaves are now crimson and amber bright,
And pumpkins are visible in the autumn’s light.
With crisper air and cooler days,
We feel the pull of warmer ways.

Shopping With Dogs at TJ Maxx

How do you feel about shopping in a supermarket or clothing store such as TJ Maxx and people putting their dog or dogs in the shopping carts? 

Lately, I see it all the time in my local stores.

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

Do you remember the iconic song, It's Beginning To Look A lot like Christmas, written by Meredith Wilson in 1951 and recorded and popularized by many artists including Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, and most recently in 2011 by Michael Buble. 

In South Florida, where I spend my winters, the Christmas decorations are in full bloom right now throughout the multitude of high rise lobbies, on the streets, and the many balconies.

read on to see all the photos

Sunrise At the beach

I take a 3 mile morning walk on the beach and in the adjacent park every morning. The sunrises are beautiful. 

6:45 AM

Our Car Trip To Florida

As many of you know, we left last Wednesday from Philadelphia area to take our 20 hour car trip to South Florida for the winter. Here is how it went!

In previous years, we used to stop and stay in Savannah, Georgia or Charlestown, South Carolina for a few days along the way to enjoy the sights and restaurants. 

Look Out For Falling Iguanas In Florida

As temperatures dipped into the low 40's last weekend in South Florida, hundreds of iguanas literally started falling out of trees- appearing to be dead.

However, they were not dead!  

After a little research, I learned that iguanas simply go into a "cold-stunned" dead-like state to protect themselves in cold weather where they lay dormant but are still breathing and their key bodily functions are actually working. 

I live in South Florida, and I walk in a park on the marina each morning. There is a large orange iguana that I always spot in one of the trees each day. I hadn't seen him all week and assumed he died in the frigid temperatures like many other iguanas. (At that point I hadn't done the research) However, sure enough this morning (74 degrees) he was back up in that tree. 

Although not indigenous to South Florida, these large iguanas are now very common in South Florida. Initially the green iguana was native of Central and South America and the Caribbean where the weather is warmer and they are closer to the equator. 

These iguanas made their way to Florida via cargo packages in the 1960's and they have multiplied tremendously over the past 60 years. 

A male green iguana can grow to 5 feet long and weigh as much as 17 pounds. They can run fast and will attack or bite if their territory is invaded or provoked  The green iguana usually lives on the average for about 10-15 years in the wild- but can live much longer. 

I see some fairly large iguanas on my walks, especially in some of the older parks. However, they have never come near me. I often see them on ledges sunning themselves. They can be fierce and ugly looking. My experience has been that they ignore me or scurry away if I get too close. Now, that I know they might attack, I'll be keeping my distance.

Iguanas are vegans. They eat mostly leaves and plants. 

In My Kitchen- December

I'm joining Sherry's IMK (In My Kitchen) "blog share" for the month of December. IMK, as the name implies, is an opportunity for bloggers to give readers a peek into what's going on in their kitchens. 

This is the second time I am participating in IMK, but my kitchen has significantly changed since last month. 

I am a snowbird and spend 6 months in Florida. 

Last month you took a peek into my kitchen in my home in Pennsylvania. This month you will be taking a peek into my Florida condo kitchen and its contents. 

Driving To Florida- Covid and Hotels

My husband and I are snowbirds and we spend the winter in Florida. My husband has health issues that are aggravated by the cold weather. For the past 10 years since we retired, we have been driving to Florida for the winter.The long drive necessitates that we sleep at least one night in a hotel and with Covid this is what we encountered and how we prepared for it.