Anna Maria Island, Part 1

Hello from Anna Maria Island, Florida!
Our 2011 vacation (actually, the 2nd one of 2011) began June 25th, when we flew from Memphis to Tampa, an hour drive from AMI (or some call it paradise).  We are vacationing with Tyler's parents, Mike and Kris, and his brother and family, Travis, Laurette, and Baby Jack (well, now a toddler).  Because we flew, we were on the beach by Saturday afternoon! 

Mrs. Kris's sister, Diane, lives in Orlando and came to visit through Monday morning.  Sunday, Diane's son and his family came to visit at the pool and beach.  Their visit ended with dinner at a pier restaurant and ice cream at a local shop.

Brian and Marlena, Aunt Diane's son and daughter-in-law.

Two of the cutest boys... Jalen and Brandon.  They are Aunt Diane's grandchildren.  Jalen and I got to pet a fish at the pier. 

Dinner at the Rod and Reel pier, grilled tripletail with mango salsa, seasoned rice and steamed veggies.  Tyler and I split this... saving room for ice cream!

Grandpa and Jack, enjoying some homemade icecream!

Monday, after some fun at the beach and pool, Tyler and Travis volunteered to grill some fresh-caught grouper and prepare all the fixins.  Along with he succulent fish, we had sauteed asparagus, steamed clams in butter-wine sauce, strawberry/walnut/feta salad, French bread, and sauteed mushrooms.  AMAZING!

I don't even like most shellfish, but I ate one clam.  Mmmmm... And used the left over butter-wine sauce with my bread.

More to come about our vacation.  The weather has been mostly cloudy with patches of sunshine.  Random thunderstorms tend to pop up here at any given moment, so we have dealt with that a few times.  I'll take some rain as long as we get some sun, too!

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Today was my last day as a Shelby County Health Department employee.  I served as a WIC Nutritionist in Memphis for over a year and a half.  Now, I will be a Clinical Dietitian at LeBonheur Children's Hospital.  As part of my last day, my co-workers celebrated my new endeavors with a wonderful lunch.

Verdis (left) was my Nutrition Manager and Ethyl "Butterfly" (right) was my clinic manager.  Alisas (below) was a manager at another clinic.

Left to right: Verdis, Otys, Jackie, and me - all Nutritionists!

Part of our clerical staff team - Brenda, Angerla, me, Voila, and Marcus.

Jackie (a Nutritionist) and Nat (a clerical specialist).

Even though I will not be working with these people any more, they still will mean a great deal to me.  The best thing about my job was the people I worked with and those that I served in the community.  Here's to you, Shelby Crossing Clinic, for your love, care, and support.  You will never be forgotten! 

Dog People: Goodbye, Molly

 The following was written by Tyler, in loving memory of "Tyler's Memphis Molly," who was laid to rest today.

“If Jesus had a dog, it would have followed him up the hill to Golgotha” - Sign at a pet cemetery

    There are many milestones in one’s life.  The first car.  The first kiss.  The birth of a child.  All become grand memories we can later look back on, smile, and feel joyful that some magic can really happen in this world.  In November of 2009, I had embarked on one such milestone, getting my first dog.  After searching for weeks and having no success, I finally met and adopted Belle, our Border Collie mix.  She would become like a first child to Katelyn and me.  An ever present friend that will always be excited to see us, no matter how bad the day has been or what mood Katelyn and I are in.  

My family has always had a dog.  My earliest memory of my interaction with any animal was with Muffy, my parents’ first Springer Spaniel.  I remember sitting on the back porch with Muffy and making a point to pet her.  In this memory, my toddler self realized that if I pet her for just a little while, she would, in turn, lick my hand.  Looking back as an adult, this is a very young memory of showing affection to a dog and that dog reciprocating.  Not only that, but these dog things would always come up to see what you were doing and be involved.  Fast forward to 2009, I now had my first dog.  It was time to take her to Jackson to meet the rest of the family.  Belle walked into my parent’s house where my father knelt down to meet her.  In her own way, she sniffed around the kitchen until finally coming up to Dad.  He scratched behind her ears, she sniffed his hand and gave it a lick.  “You’ll like it here, Belle.” dad said, “We’re dog people.”   

    Molly was my parents third Springer.  First came Muffy, then Indy, then Molly.  I am not sure the full story of why my parents decided it was time to get Molly, but soon after we moved to Tennessee they decided to get a puppy.  I would like to think I had something to do with it.  For weeks I had been begging to get a dog.  Not just a family dog, but one that would be “my dog”.  The story goes that Dad went ahead of Mom and me to look at some Springer puppies.  It might be my dog, but Dad was going to pick it out.  When he got to the pin, one  puppy was actually laying in the food bowl, trying to get as much down before her brothers and sisters had any.  Dad would later tell Mom, “I want that one that was in the bowl, with the white streak on her back and two black spots on her nose.”  Mom drove me to the breeder, introduced me to Molly, and said, “Do you like this one?  This is going to be your dog.”  It was love at first sight.  Finally, a puppy that would be mine.  I think I hugged that dog so hard it yelped.  Molly was a smart puppy.  She learned “sit” fast and, to my memory, did not have much trouble being house broken.  This, however, is where reality set in for me.  This puppy was a responsibility; keeping me up crying, chewing on everything in my room, and peeing on my bed.  Like so many other children, I soon pawned “my dog” off on mom and dad.  Most people with dogs can tell you, they will sometimes find one person in the family that will be their “master”.  The dog will usually be joined at the hip and always keep an eye on that person.  This was not the case with Molly.  For most of her younger years, she was every one's dog.  As the years went on, she fit right into our family.  She was there when my brother and I came home from grade school always greeting us at the door with a wagging tail.  She was also there as we both left for college to start new chapters in our lives.  My parents went through the “empty nest” syndrome like most others, but Molly was there to happily fill the void Travis and I left when we went off to school.  She became my parents “child” and was spoiled accordingly.  Just as before, she was an ever present friend as these other milestones came and passed.  Always willing to listen to anything you had to say, never saying if you were wrong, and ready to meet you at the door with her tail wagging to show how happy she was to see you.  During this time, my father started working from home.  The family joke became that Molly was his secretary.  She would sit upstairs on the couch all day keeping dad company as he worked.  She was still every one's dog, but she also became dad’s best friend.

A week or two ago, I got an email from Dad.  Molly had been losing weight even though she ate like crazy.  The prognosis from the vet came back bleak.  In Dad’s words,”(the vet) confirmed my worst fear that (Molly) has cancer.”  The vet said that any sort of treatment would make her very sick and most likely kill a dog her age.  The best thing would be to take her home, make her feel comfortable, and dad would know when it was time to put her to sleep.  That time came this Tuesday.  Molly peacefully passed in Jackson where she had always been.  She was a good dog.  She was our dog.  In Dad’s words, “She truly has been and still is the best dog in the world, and I hope everyone can experience at least one Molly in their lives.”  We will remember you, Molly, as being the best dog “dog people” could ask for.  

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together

.... Author unknown

Weekend In Review; Father's Day Weekend Edition

Once again, we had a hectic, compressed weekend... which we do not mind at all!

Friday:

After work, Tyler, Belle, and I headed to Jackson to spend time with his parents for Father’s Day.  We had a very relaxed dinner of steak, grilled veggies, and that AMAZING Almond Joy Cake that I made on Thursday.

Saturday:

After a visit with Papa Max and Rubye, we were off to the lake house outside of Parsons, TN.  Stephanie rode with us there.  Shortly after we arrived, the power went out due to a strong storm.  My brother, Chris, and my nephews, Chase and Charlie, were there with us as we had a good, electricity free day of fishing, a boat ride, and relaxation.  I should have taken pictures of the boys… They are so cute!  

To briefly brag about these kids, I had to steal a pic off of FB.  Chase (left) is 7 going on 13, Carlie will be 2 in September, and Charlie (right) is 6.  All very precious and unique.  

Due to lack of electricity, Tyler, Belle, and I headed to Nashville to spend the night in a pet friendly hotel.   It was passed my bedtime when we got to Nashville, so no adventure into the town… Just lots of Zzzzz’s.

Sunday:

Father’s Day!  I often forget to let my dad know how much I appreciate him, so I’m glad that there is a day that spotlights him and all the other awesome dads in the US.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend this day with my dad, but I did get to see him briefly (at 9pm). 

Thanks to another thunderstorm, our morning was low key aside from a quick trip to Providence shopping area in Mt. Juliet.  We met Tyler’s parents and Travis for lunch at Cheddar’s.  If you have never been, you must try it!  The portions are huge for below average prices.  Great food, too! 

Next, we were off to see my long time friends, Amy and Max, and their new baby, Britton, born May 25^th.  It’s always nice to see Amy because we live over 3 hours away.  This is her 2^nd baby girl.  Big Sis Addie was out with the grandparents, so I’m sure that Amy enjoyed the quiet house and company.  Once again, I should have taken a picture.  Here is one taken from her FB page.

Not only today was Father’s Day, but it was also Jack’s 1^st Birthday party.  I am really bad about not being able to make it to my nephew/niece’s b-day parties.  In fact, I think this was the 1^st one, but I am pledging to do better (or at least send a gift if I can’t make it).  I never imagined all the stuff that a 1 year old gets for his or her birthday.  Didn’t kids get balls, Sesame Street stuffed animals, and building blocks?  Not Jack, apparently.  Jack left with a Kawasaki 4- wheel ride on toy, lots of learning toys, bubbles galore, and a sand bucket / beach toys(from yours truly).   Jack, with all of these learning toys, I’m expecting a Harvard degree by the age of 16!  As for now, you can be sweet and innocent.  Jack looks slightly petrified in this picture.  Maybe he was sheepish of all the cute older girls at his party. 

Before leaving Nashville, we met one of Tyler's long time friends, Mike Snodgrass, at Fido's coffee shop to catch up.  He was on a tour of duty in Afghanistan and returned right before Bin Laden was killed.  He and his wife live in Alabama, but he was due to be at Fort Campbell the next day.  After that, we stopped by my parent's house to wish my dad a happy Father's Day before heading to Memphis just in time for bed.  After all, we have another week to go before the next weekend!

 

The LAST thing that I should be eating

I love sweets.  Period.  As a Dietitian, I am embarrassed to say that I probably eat more dessert food than fruit and dairy (excluding ice cream).  Or so I feel, especially with summer time churning up an impeccable desire for cold treats.  And,  with a beach vacation in the near future, I KNOW I should not be constantly high on sugar.  Nonetheless, I have decided to make this cake for Father's Day.

This Rachel Ray Almond Joy Cake is made with sliced almonds, heavy whipping cream (my 1st time to buy such an ingredient), a ridiculous amount of sugar, sugar-containing chocolate, and real butter (I usually use the Blue Bonnet Light for baking).  Why would someone about to make a bikini appearance indulge in such a calorie bomb?  If you have ever tried this cake, then you would know!  My friend, Sarah, made this one random Monday night (she is an amazing baker that owns her own Monkey Bread Bakery) and was gracious enough to share some with Tyler and myself.  I know that my dad loves this type of cake, so it is part of his Father's Day.  We will also share with Tyler's family.

Weekend In Review; June 10 - 12 Edition

We stayed in Memphis this weekend, which does not lack of things to do...

Friday:
We went to Sekisui Midtown with Carey and Abby for some AMAZING sushi and great conversation.  They had to turn the lights off on the outdoor patio to get us out of there because the time flew by as we enjoyed the night.

Saturday:
I got up for a hot but worthwhile run before the day's events.  Next, Robyn Greene's baby shower.  Her "Korbyn Elizabeth" will be here in August.
Saturday night, our friend, Tabitha, had a birthday blow out party for her big "2 - 5," including a margarita machine rental, Swanky's tacos, and Muddy's cake.  Her 25th birthday was soooo much more memorable than mine.  Happy Birthday, Tabitha!

Sunday:
Early service at Christ UMC followed by New Creations Sunday School.  After church, our college friend, Jay, arrived from Starkville to hang our for the afternoon.  I did some more outside work and painting before getting cleaned up to go to the Levitt Shell.  We picked up Kwik Stop pita wraps before heading to the shell with tailgate chairs in tow.

Choose My Plate!

I must be living under a rock in the world of national nutrition news because I had no idea that the MyPyramid had been replaced by the ChooseMyPlate concept as of the beginning of June. 

Don't you love it?  It's beautiful!  Check out the updated website for the new concept. 
It's design is almost identical to the American Institute for Cancer Research's New American Plate.  Hopefully this tool will help all ages, classes, and cultures to make better meal choices.  Does your plate look like this?

Weekend In Review; June 3 - 5 Edition

Wow!  What a busy weekend we had! 

Friday:

After work, Tyler and I headed to Mud Island with Joe and Nick for the Harbortown 5K.  Of course Memphis set a new record temperature that day, AND there was an Orange Ozone alert.  Despite the conditions, well over 1000 crazy people showed up to run for a good cause (Boys and Girls Club).   I actually finished the race in right under 25 min, even though I stopped for 2 short walk breaks.   I suppose that I was just running fast to get water!  Tyler finished in under 30 minutes, a notable finish as he has only picked back up running recently.  And a shout out to Nick May for running his very first 5K!  Way to go!  We expect to see you in more races!

As if the blistering hot 5K was not enough fun for the night, we cleaned up and went to the Memphis Italian Festival with Joe.  When we got to the festival at about 10pm, we met up with our friends Mike and Lori Pettit at their family’s tent.  No food in site, but we had some good wine and hung out for a while before making our way to get food from vendors.  By this time, it was way past my “bedtime.”  We ate, hung out, and headed back home a little after midnight.  

Saturday:

I was up bright and early to get ready for a trip to Enid Lake in Mississippi.  Our friends Carey and Abby Webb went with us on the inaugural boat ride for 2011.  It was HOTTTT (setting a heat record, again) but felt good with the breeze as we cruised the lake.  Our 20 year old boat is not be best in the world, but it makes for a good getaway weekend!

Saturday night, Tyler and I got cleaned up from a nasty lake water/ sweat combination then ordered Yum’s (Chinese food) and watched Gnomeo and Juliet (until we both fell asleep during the movie).  I do not recommend that movie unless you are having problems falling asleep,

Sunday:

We started our week off right with going to Sunday School and church at CUMC.  We love our SS class, so it is always nice when we can make it.  The afternoon was filled with dog walks, dog parks, dog baths (Who says our dog is spoiled?), car washes, and yard work.  Then, we headed over to Abby and Carey’s for a cookout, Belle included.  Abby’s chicken and potato salad were much fancier than anything that I could make.  So yummy!

Our weekend flew by so fast.  I felt like I had just left work when I realized that Sunday night was upon us.  Too bad Monday is not another national holiday.  Oh well, there is always next weekend just 5 days away!