St. Augustine: My New Home in America’s Oldest City

Family Life, Land Adventures, Travel Journal/Blog, , ,
New Year's Eve Fireworks in St. Augustine

A  New Year called for a new start and I chose to move to nearby St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.  My condo would be close enough for me to walk into the historic district, yet in a lovely, almost new building.  My furniture wouldn’t arrive until January 2nd, however, I would sleep on an inflatable mattress and celebrate New Year’s Eve in my new home.

Exhausted after spending three days in Orlando and doing Disney with grandson Jonah and his parents, I was thrilled to hear the fireworks were scheduled for  8:30 pm.  How family friendly can you get?

So, I set up my tripod and camera on the patio and enjoyed taking some long exposure shots.  Pretty dramatic!!

Afterward, I  went to bed, never opened the bottle of champagne.  When I awakened on January 1st, I was a resident of  St. Augustine.  I excitedly went out to explore the nearly 450-year-old city on foot.

I plan to share lots of posts about new discoveries, so stay tuned…

New Year, New Home

Food Tales, , , , , , ,
New Year's Greens and Black Eyed Peas
New Year’s Greens and Black Eyed Peas

In the South , it is customary to eat greens and black eyed peas on New Year’s Day.  Despite the fact that I was officially moving into my new apartment  tomorrow, I had to fix dinner with what I had available.  So with one skillet,  I pan fried a pork chop, sauteed some kale with garlic and heated a can of black eyed peas with okra, tomatoes and corn.  Honestly it was delicious.  Now, I should be guaranteed money and good luck in the new year.  Let’s hope so. 

L’Ecole de la Maison at the Osthoff

Food Tales, , , , , , ,

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Chef Scott Baker checks work stations before students arrive at L’ecole de la Maison
Chef Scott Baker checks work stations before students arrive at L’ecole de la Maison

Any foodie stepping into the magazine photo feature worthy expanse of granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, gleaming white cabinetry, and hanging pots and pans would be ready to roll up their sleeves. But, the school’s workshops or one and two day courses also attract couples, girlfriend getaways, tourists, and anyone interested in learning.

At L’Ecole de la Maison you don’t sit and watch food being prepared, you pick up a wooden spoon and jump right in. Chef Scott Baker and his team of assistants (kitchen angels in my mind, as they hover around, constantly cleaning) circulate and somehow manage to get everyone started. Each student picks a station where they want to work, and as the class progresses, they find themselves cooking amazing dishes and helping others.  

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