Monday, November 26
Pensacola to Atlanta 271
Atlanta to Los Angeles 1944
total for the day 2215
Tuesday, November 27
Los Angeles to Honolulu 2556
Honolulu to Kahalui, Maui 101
total for the day 2657
cumulative 4872
Wednesday, December 5
Kahalui, Maui to Honolulu 101
total for the day 101
cumulative 4973
Thursday, December 6
Honolulu to Los Angeles 2556
total for the day 2556
cumulative 7529
Friday, December 7
Los Angeles to Dallas/Fort Worth 1234
Dallas/Fort Worth to Pensacola 604
total for the day 1838
GRAND TOTAL 9367 MILES
Friday, December 07, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 12 -- Home
Early to bed (HA); early to rise (YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN).
Of course we got to the gate on time in Los Angeles. Both flights and the connection in Dallas were fine. We were home late afternoon after picking us the cats at the pet hotel and stopping by the supermarket for some food.
Hawaii was fun but getting there and back were very tiring. And we are going to sleep until next week.
Of course we got to the gate on time in Los Angeles. Both flights and the connection in Dallas were fine. We were home late afternoon after picking us the cats at the pet hotel and stopping by the supermarket for some food.
Hawaii was fun but getting there and back were very tiring. And we are going to sleep until next week.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 11
It turns out today's flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles is even later than we thought. Takeoff is delayed from 1:30 to 2:15 PM. We found out it was because of crew scheduling problems.
A month or so ago American Airlines sent me two free passes to any of their Admirals Clubs, those are their private lounges -- "An Oasis Away From The Airport Hustle." In Honolulu they share Japan Air Line's private lounge. There are comfy places to sit and snooze, lots of magazines, computer hookups, free drinks and snacks. And great places to kill time waiting for a flight. Before I retired I was a member for many years.
The lounge at Honolulu International also has an officious man from JAL who came up to us and said he didn't want to seem rude... (And let me pause here a second, whenever anybody says to me that she or he doesn't mean to be rude, the next thing out of his or her mouth is usually something rude.) He went on to accuse us of smoking in the no-smoking lounge area. He said someone had reported us. He did not speak with anybody else in the lounge although there were several people who matched our general descriptions. When we told him emphatically we had not been smoking he walked away without another word to us. Of course why should he say he was sorry for insulting us when he so clearly was not.
A few minutes later the woman representing American Airlines customers in the lounge came over to us and brought the subject up again and in a very sarcastic way. It seemed obvious they wanted us to leave the Admirals Club and we did at once. So much for Aloha Spirit.
In the future, if there are smokers on the premises, perhaps they should make an announcement "reminding" guests not to smoke.
The flight itself was uneventful and the seats were the real first class kind with lots of control buttons. The seats could lie completely flat.
Once we landed in Los Angeles there was no gate for us and we had to wait for one. Then it took forever to get the shuttle to the Hilton but when we got there the room was lavish. Too bad we were just there for a nap. We got to the room around 11:00 PM and needed to be at the airport by 6:00 AM at the latest.
A month or so ago American Airlines sent me two free passes to any of their Admirals Clubs, those are their private lounges -- "An Oasis Away From The Airport Hustle." In Honolulu they share Japan Air Line's private lounge. There are comfy places to sit and snooze, lots of magazines, computer hookups, free drinks and snacks. And great places to kill time waiting for a flight. Before I retired I was a member for many years.
The lounge at Honolulu International also has an officious man from JAL who came up to us and said he didn't want to seem rude... (And let me pause here a second, whenever anybody says to me that she or he doesn't mean to be rude, the next thing out of his or her mouth is usually something rude.) He went on to accuse us of smoking in the no-smoking lounge area. He said someone had reported us. He did not speak with anybody else in the lounge although there were several people who matched our general descriptions. When we told him emphatically we had not been smoking he walked away without another word to us. Of course why should he say he was sorry for insulting us when he so clearly was not.
A few minutes later the woman representing American Airlines customers in the lounge came over to us and brought the subject up again and in a very sarcastic way. It seemed obvious they wanted us to leave the Admirals Club and we did at once. So much for Aloha Spirit.
In the future, if there are smokers on the premises, perhaps they should make an announcement "reminding" guests not to smoke.
The flight itself was uneventful and the seats were the real first class kind with lots of control buttons. The seats could lie completely flat.
Once we landed in Los Angeles there was no gate for us and we had to wait for one. Then it took forever to get the shuttle to the Hilton but when we got there the room was lavish. Too bad we were just there for a nap. We got to the room around 11:00 PM and needed to be at the airport by 6:00 AM at the latest.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 10
Checked out of the hotel mid-morning and headed for Kahalui. Dropped the car off and got the 2:00 PM flight to Honolulu. Checked in at the HNL Ohana Hotel -- surprisingly quiet place. Except for their restaurant. Lots of children running around there.
We will have no rush in the morning. Tomorrow's flight is at 1:30 and we are next door to the airport.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Photos From Our Drives
To view photos we took while driving around Maui, CLICK HERE
Monday, December 03, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 8
We had four courses: Ahi tuna (nearly raw), grilled Ono fish, braised short ribs of beef and a molten chocolate dessert. Absolutely perfect. Beautiful handmade food. And the best short ribs I have ever had.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Photos of the Hotel Grounds
Good Morning from the KBH. The lawns are all groomed and ready for a new day.
To see a Flickr slideshow of photos we took on the grounds of the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel just CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 3
No airplanes today, no schedule today -- total vacation. The weather is partly sunny, partly cloudy, not too hot but very warm.
We didn't like the location of the first room we got last night (second floor, long walk to the elevator, longer walk to breakfast). So we asked what they could do for us. The second room was on the ground level with a lanai that opened right on the lawn and was just a few steps from the beach.
The view from our room.
And the view from the other direction -- the West Maui Mountains.
We have stayed here several times before but not in the past 12 or 15 years. It's an older property and we didn't really know what to expect. It is still very Hawaiian and well maintained. The rooms are in great condition and the grounds are as lovely as ever.
We got a package with the room, car and breakfast included. The extra charge for the breakfast was just $4.00 per person per day. It's buffet style and they offer to make fresh omlettes, pancakes, French toast, etc. Lots of fresh island fruit -- pineapple, papaya, melons and a fabulous bread pudding. After breakfast it was time to go back to the room and read, or nap, on the patio.
The ocean was rough and most of the time there were yellow flags or red flags on the beach, meaning use caution or don't get in the water at all. We had both experienced the serious rip currents here in the past so we heeded the warnings.
In the evening there was Hawaiian music in the air and a gigantic Maui full moon lighting the Pacific.
We didn't like the location of the first room we got last night (second floor, long walk to the elevator, longer walk to breakfast). So we asked what they could do for us. The second room was on the ground level with a lanai that opened right on the lawn and was just a few steps from the beach.
The view from our room.
And the view from the other direction -- the West Maui Mountains.
We have stayed here several times before but not in the past 12 or 15 years. It's an older property and we didn't really know what to expect. It is still very Hawaiian and well maintained. The rooms are in great condition and the grounds are as lovely as ever.
We got a package with the room, car and breakfast included. The extra charge for the breakfast was just $4.00 per person per day. It's buffet style and they offer to make fresh omlettes, pancakes, French toast, etc. Lots of fresh island fruit -- pineapple, papaya, melons and a fabulous bread pudding. After breakfast it was time to go back to the room and read, or nap, on the patio.
The ocean was rough and most of the time there were yellow flags or red flags on the beach, meaning use caution or don't get in the water at all. We had both experienced the serious rip currents here in the past so we heeded the warnings.
In the evening there was Hawaiian music in the air and a gigantic Maui full moon lighting the Pacific.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 2
There was no great rush to get out of the hotel and over to the airport. Takeoff was at 10:30 AM. First class isn't what it used to be. But the lunch was good. A Chinese spiced grilled salmon by the Big Island's Sam Choy. Very good.
The flight was uneventful and we were at the gate in the Honolulu Airport before 3:00 PM. Our flight to Maui was at 5:00. But we had to claim our luggage, go to another terminal and check in again.
HNL -- Honolulu International Airport
It turned out the flight to Maui was not out of the Interisland Terminal, but from the Commuter Terminal next door to it. The Commuter Terminal looked a lot to us like the old Interisland Terminal. Also, adding to the confusion in our travel addled brains, the clerk at the Mokulele Airlines counter told us our flight would be on GO! Airlines instead. It was at the same counter but a different person signed us in and charged us for our luggage.
We landed in Kahalui, Maui a little after 5:30. By the time we got our bags, found the Budget Rental Car site and started the drive to Ka'anapali it was totally dark out. As soon as we got out of town the only lights were from car headlights and they were somewhat blinding. I was a bit dazed driving the winding roads after sitting on planes so long today. At least I couldn't see the cliffs and the ocean way below us.
It was just after 7:00 when we got to Lahaina and we decided to get something to eat before checking in at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. We then made a great discovery, CJ's Deli & Diner. Just a mile from the hotel and we knew about it from their website. Good food, casual setting and free WI-FI access. At about 8:00 we checked in to our hotel and soon were fast asleep. Hotel details to follow. Tommorrow.
The flight was uneventful and we were at the gate in the Honolulu Airport before 3:00 PM. Our flight to Maui was at 5:00. But we had to claim our luggage, go to another terminal and check in again.
HNL -- Honolulu International Airport
It turned out the flight to Maui was not out of the Interisland Terminal, but from the Commuter Terminal next door to it. The Commuter Terminal looked a lot to us like the old Interisland Terminal. Also, adding to the confusion in our travel addled brains, the clerk at the Mokulele Airlines counter told us our flight would be on GO! Airlines instead. It was at the same counter but a different person signed us in and charged us for our luggage.
We landed in Kahalui, Maui a little after 5:30. By the time we got our bags, found the Budget Rental Car site and started the drive to Ka'anapali it was totally dark out. As soon as we got out of town the only lights were from car headlights and they were somewhat blinding. I was a bit dazed driving the winding roads after sitting on planes so long today. At least I couldn't see the cliffs and the ocean way below us.
It was just after 7:00 when we got to Lahaina and we decided to get something to eat before checking in at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. We then made a great discovery, CJ's Deli & Diner. Just a mile from the hotel and we knew about it from their website. Good food, casual setting and free WI-FI access. At about 8:00 we checked in to our hotel and soon were fast asleep. Hotel details to follow. Tommorrow.
Monday, November 26, 2012
2012 Maui Trip -- Day 1
Sunset at LAX looking from the Crowne Plaza toward Hawaii
Up at 3:45 AM all packed and ready for a cup of coffee before heading for the airport. At 4:30 we were watching for the taxi. At 4:35 I called J.J. who sounded very sleepy. He said something came up and he would be over to pick us up in twenty minutes. I asked him where he was coming from. And could he be here in ten minutes?
He couldn't tell me where he was so I cancelled the taxi, unbolted the garage door and we drove to the airport. And parked in the expensive parking garage there. A tiny bit of much needed good luck: there was a parking space right next to the elevator and near the main lobby entrance.
My knee replacement sometimes causes a lot of delay getting through security so I get nervous when it appears we are late getting to the airport. As it happened we were fine and, with the kind help of the AirTran agent, got set up with wheelchairs for ATL and LAX.
We left Pensacola on time and were off the plane in ATL about 8:30 (AM!). With lots of help from the friendly staff at the airport we got to our gate for the flight to LAX with time to spare. The airport is huge and to get from one terminal to another involves elevators and train rides.
We even had time for a sit-down restaurant breakfast by our gate. As for the Atlanta-style southern cooking, it was the worst breakfast this side of the free breakfasts they give you at Hilton's Hampton Inns -- scrambled eggs cooked till they bounce and icy-cold sausages.
Our flight to LAX was on time at both ends, taking off a little after 10:00 AM and getting to LAX before 1:00 PM. Wheelchairs from the gate to baggage claim. All our bags arrived OK, then we were off to the hotel van pickup area. It took forever. Neither of us had been to LAX for nearly ten years. Very little has changed. Total chaos at the curbside. The only change in all this time is, it's gotten worse.
The Crowne Plaza LAX was ready for our early check-in and the room was nice as were the naps we immediately took.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
2012 Maui Trip, Getting Ready To Go
Toward the end of last June the future of American Airlines looked bleak indeed. And we still held a lot of their AAdvantage Club frequent flyer miles. We could use them for upgrades or even free first class tickets.
We worried that a reorganized American Airlines, taken over by US Airways, could make the frequent flyer miles difficult to use or they might cancel the program completely.
As much as we both wanted to go to London, getting around London wasn't going to be easy. The last trip nearly did me in. So we decided on a late fall trip to Hawaii.
It's a lot easier to fly to Hawaii if you live in Los Angeles, as we used to. From Pensacola you need to fly to a "hub" airport and connect -- and connect. Lots of flights; lots of changes of planes.
After many phone calls and hours on the Internet we got an itinerary and used up nearly all of our frequent flyer miles. The only bad connection was outbound. We came in to LAX late in the evening and had to be at the airport very early the next morning. But that was to change. Flights got rescheduled and one got cancelled. What had been the late arriving -- mid-afternoon takeoff -- flight was now leaving Pensacola at 6:00 AM.
At one point, because of the early morning flight we planned to spend Sunday evening at an airport hotel by the Pensacola airport. Instead of that we made an appointment with Pensacola Taxi. J.J. will pick us up at 4:30 AM exactly.
We worried that a reorganized American Airlines, taken over by US Airways, could make the frequent flyer miles difficult to use or they might cancel the program completely.
As much as we both wanted to go to London, getting around London wasn't going to be easy. The last trip nearly did me in. So we decided on a late fall trip to Hawaii.
The design of the Hawaii State Flag was commissioned by King Kamehameha in 1816. It originally represented the Kingdom of Hawaii. Later it came to represent the Republic of Hawaii, then the Territory of Hawaii and now the State of Hawaii.
It's a lot easier to fly to Hawaii if you live in Los Angeles, as we used to. From Pensacola you need to fly to a "hub" airport and connect -- and connect. Lots of flights; lots of changes of planes.
After many phone calls and hours on the Internet we got an itinerary and used up nearly all of our frequent flyer miles. The only bad connection was outbound. We came in to LAX late in the evening and had to be at the airport very early the next morning. But that was to change. Flights got rescheduled and one got cancelled. What had been the late arriving -- mid-afternoon takeoff -- flight was now leaving Pensacola at 6:00 AM.
At one point, because of the early morning flight we planned to spend Sunday evening at an airport hotel by the Pensacola airport. Instead of that we made an appointment with Pensacola Taxi. J.J. will pick us up at 4:30 AM exactly.
Friday, August 03, 2012
Sleeping cats
After a half hour of fighting over which cat gets which chair they are both at peace. Maggie's on the left; Joey's on the right.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Grilling by the Pool
Last evening -- beef kebabs, grilled Vidalia onions from Georgia, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, red peppers over steamed rice.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Jack's Birthday Lunch
It was a belated nod to Jack's birthday last month. Actually we went to Rodizio's on his birthday but we had been given a gift card so Joan and Billy actually provided that meal.
The Grand Marlin was less formal and stuffy than we had expected from their publicity and newspaper ads. The building and restaurant spaces have lots of very nice design features and great views. The food was good but needs a chef who can add some finishing touches. Plain and salty.
I am sure we will go there again.
Looking from the Grand Marlin towards Pensacola Beach
Sunday, July 01, 2012
What's for Dinner Tonight? Part 12
Ever since Saturday, January 27, 2007, I have kept a log listing nearly all of our evening meals. The intention is to help answer the daily questions:
(1) "What do you want to eat tonight?"
(2) "What haven't we had lately?"
Eventually the list became too long to navigate easily. So I broke it up into six-month segments:
January through June, 2007
July through December, 2007
January through June, 2008
July through December, 2008
January through June, 2009
July through December, 2009
January through June, 2010
July through December, 2010
January through June, 2011
July through December, 2011
January through June, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012 -- Beef Stroganoff on baked potato, green peas
Monday, July 2 -- poached Gulf shrimp, horseradish cocktail sauce, mustard coleslaw, guacamole and chips
Tuesday, July 3 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Wednesday, July 4 -- hamburgers with bacon, lettuce, tomato
Thursday, July 5 -- lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Friday, July 6 -- roast chicken, stuffing, gravy, corn on the cob, cranberry sauce
Saturday, July 7 -- seared Ahi tuna, mango salsa, steamed rice
Sunday, July 8 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, mashed potatoes, collard greens
Monday, July 9 -- lobster rolls
Tuesday, July 10 -- lunch at the Grand Marlin, Pensacola Beach; snacks for supper
Wednesday, July 11 -- Take out from Panda Express
Thursday, July 12 -- NY Strip Steaks, twice-baked potatoes
Friday, July 13 -- Chicken breasts, rice, gravy, corn on the cob
Saturday, July 14 -- take away pizza from the New Yorker Deli and salad
Sunday, July 15 -- pork chops, mashed sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, applesauce
Monday, July 16 -- breakfast for supper: scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese grits, English muffins, jam
Tuesday, July 17 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Wednesday, July 18 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, rice and gravy
Thursday, July 19 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Friday, July 20 -- bacon-wrapped steaks, crusted with crushed green and black peppercorns, Rösti with sour cream
Saturday, July 21 -- burgers and fries
Sunday, July 22 -- Chicken Fried Steak, country gravy, mashed potatoes, collard greens with bacon and ham
Monday, July 23 -- crispy chicken fingers, corn on the cob, salad
Tuesday, July 24 -- beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Wednesday, July 25 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, roasted potatoes with garlic, creamed green peas
Thursday, July 26 -- Lunch at Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse; snacks for supper
Friday, July 27 -- Copycat Roast Beef Po' Boy sandwiches in the style of Parasol's Bar & Restaurant, New Orleasn, with Zapp's Potato Chips
Saturday, July 28 -- spaghetti and salad
Sunday, July 29 -- steaks with baked potatoes
Monday, July 30 -- burgers and fries
Tuesday, July 31 -- pork chops, corn, rice and gravy, applesauce
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 -- fried chicken, Moros (black beans and rice) topped with chopped red onion and salsa
Thursday, August 2 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Friday, August 3 -- lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Saturday, August 4 -- New Yorker Deli pizza and salad
Sunday, August 5 -- Roast Beef Po' Boy sandwiches with Zapp's Potato Chips
Monday, August 6 -- Chicken Parmesan. rice and gravy, green peas
Tuesday, August 7 -- beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Wednesday, August 8 -- pork chops, rice and gravy, corn on the cob, applesauce
Thursday, August 9 -- Salisbury steaks, mashed potatoes, gravy
Friday, August 10 -- fried chicken breast, rice and gravy, White Acre Peas with bacon and ham, hot biscuits
Saturday, August 11 -- shrimp and avocado salad, citrus dressing
Sunday, August 12 -- bacon-wrapped green and black peppercorn-crusted steaks with baked potatoes
Monday, August 13 -- chicken quesadillas, beans, rice, corn chips, fresh Pico de Gallo
Tuesday, August 14 -- breakfast for supper: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, grits, English muffins, jam
Wednesday, August 15 -- Take out from Panda Express
Thursday, August 16 -- Roast Beef Po' Boy sandwiches, fries
Friday, August 17 -- Chicken Parmesan. rice and gravy
Saturday, August 18 -- pork chops, roasted garlic potatoes, corn, applesauce
Sunday, August 19 -- creamed chipped beef over baked potato, green peas
Monday, August 20 -- Pizza from the the New Yorker Deli and a salad
Tuesday, August 21 -- N.Y. Strip Steaks with fries
Wednesday, August 22 -- Joan, Billy and Kim here for burgers and hot dogs, mac and cheese, chili
Thursday, August 23 -- crab cake salad, fried chicken, rice and gravy
Friday, August 24 -- fried chicken, rice and gravy
Saturday, August 25 -- poached salmon, grilled Ahi tuna, rice, mango salsa
Sunday, August 26 -- Chicken Parmesan, mashed potato, corn
Monday, August 27 -- steaks and baked potato
Tuesday, August 28 -- burgers and fries
Wednesday, August 29 -- breakfast for supper: scrambled eggs, sausage patties, cottage fries, English muffins, jam
Thursday, August 30 -- family dinner at the Daughdrill's
Friday, August 31 -- fried chicken, carrots, rice and gravy
Saturday, September 1, 2012 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Sunday, September 2 -- roast beef po'boy sandwiches, corn on the cob
Monday, September 3 -- bacon-wrapped, peppercorn-crusted tenderloin steaks with twice-baked potatoes
Tuesday, September 4 -- burgers and fries, secret sauce, bacon, lettuce and tomato
Wednesday, September 5 -- James Beard's Quiche, salad
Thursday, September 6 -- pizza and gaspacho
Friday, September 7 -- Salisbury Steak, Noodles Mary Westbrook
Saturday, September 8 -- lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Sunday, September 9 -- chicken pot pie, cornbread
Monday, September 10 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Tuesday, September 11 -- Clean Out The Freezer: coconut shrimps, chicken egg rolls, salad
Wednesday, September 12 -- steaks, baked potato, sauteed mushrooms
Thursday, September 13 -- Lunch at Southern Buffet; snacks for supper
Friday, September 14 -- burgers and fries
Saturday, September 15 -- Chicken Parmesan, rice and black beans
Sunday, September 16 -- beef stew over rice
Monday, September 17 -- beef and veggie kababs
Tuesday, September 18 -- chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, country gravy, collard greens
Wednesday, September 19 -- Beef Stroganoff, noodles Mary Westbrook, green peas
Monday, September 24 to Saturday, September 29 -- Road Trip to Savannah
Saturday, September 29 -- Chicken Parmesan, rice and gravy, fresh skillet corn
Sunday, September 30 -- bacon-wrapped filet steaks, twice-baked potato
Monday, October 1 -- Frozen Food Festival, soft food for Ken (had a tooth pulled today)
Tuesday, October 2 -- Roast chicken, rice and gravy, carrots
Saturday, October 27 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Monday, October 29 -- McDonalds Quarter-Pounders with cheese
Tuesday, October 30 -- steak, twice-baked potatoes, creamed spinach
Wednesday, October 31 -- steak sandwich and Stouffers
Thursday, November 1, 2012 -- Bacon burgers, chips and salsa
Saturday, November 17 -- NY strip steak and garlic roasted potatoes
Monday, December 3 -- Dinner at Roy's Ka'anapali
Saturday, December 8 -- steak and twice-baked potatoes
Sunday, December 9 -- Chicken, rice and gravy
Monday, December 10 -- Pork chops, sweet potatoes, applesauce
Tuesday, December 11 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Wednesday, December 12 -- hot beef and cheese sandwiches, fries
Thursday, December 13 -- Pizza and salad
Saturday, December 15 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, mashed potatoes
Sunday, December 16 -- filet steak and baked potatoes
Your comments and meal suggestions are most appreciated.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Birthday Lunch
For lunch on my birthday Jack took me to The Fish House Restaurant. It's at Seville Harbor Marina in downtown Pensacola. Always a good meal. And a pleasant view of Pensacola Bay and the port.
We started with their excellent gumbo then I had the Shrimp Po Boy sandwich and Jack had their huge burger. We shared some sides -- coleslaw. black eyed peas and great fries. It was my happy 70th, good food and no cooking.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
DIRECTV In Distress
Recently we decided to fire Cox Cable TV. The price keeps going up and the quality has been iffy. Some channels ocassionally make the system lock up requiring a 5 to 10 minute reboot. Also we never knew when the recorder would or wouldn't work. The only way to find out was to check after the program was supposed to record. So we decided to switch to DirecTV.
The appointment for installation was for Thursday afternoon, last week, and that morning they called to tell us it would be around 3:45 and would take about an hour and 45 minutes. The installer arrived right on time. And spent the next four and a half hours trying to get the system to work. Nothing he did would help. He gradually replaced everything. Everything. And called his boss. Nothing helped.
Finally he told us the supervisor would come over tomorrow and fix it. We couldn't be around in the morning and told him to come after noon. Late in the afternoon somebody called and said he would come over in an hour or so. At that point we had company and didn't want to deal with the installers and the disruption so was made an appointment for Wednesday morning between 8 A.M. and noon. There were only afternoon appointments possible for Monday and Tuesday.
Late Wednesday morning when no one had shown up or called to say when he was coming I called them. The phone person said we were still scheduled for 8 to noon, but she would call the installer. Then we found out the installer had moved our appointment to late afternoon and hadn't even told his own people. Nor had he told us. We couldn't be around in the afternoon.
Earlier I had decided that if our installation wasn't up and running by 3:30 P.M. Wednesday, today, I would cancel. And I did. They came and got everything. Goodbye DirecTV.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Power Off
We lost our electricty at 3:45 P.M. I called Gulf Power and the robot lady said we would have power "restored" by 7: 45 -- and we got it back earlier than expected at 6:30. As for cooking supper, I decided if there wasn't power by 6:10 I would light the grill and we would cook with charcoal. We had burgers and great buttered corn on the cob in foil.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Quick Hot Pickles
I made some of these pickles today. I have been making them for years. There's no cooking or prep. Just buy some pickles, add some hot pepper and sugar, mix, refrigerate and eat. Click here for the recipe.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Scamp from the Gulf
Supper last night was Scamp, fresh from the Gulf of Mexico, caught by Billy, Bill and Ross. It's in the grouper family. We ate our filets lightly sauteed in butter and olive oil. On the side there was mango salsa, steamed rice and a tomato avocado salad. Delicious. Thanks guys.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Cirque des Voix
Saturday afternoon we attended and loved the second annual edition of Cirque des Voix. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls it, "a uniquely Sarasota blockbuster." It combines the talents of Key Corale, Sarasota Young Voices, Circus Sarasota, and some guest performers from Sarasota's youth circus, the Sailor Circus.
Click here for a review of this year's show.
After the concert we had dinner at a favorite place, Primo Ristorante. Later in the evening we went to the Showfolks Club of Sarasota and talked with lots of people. And we finally met Laray. Great evening.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Circus Party at Longboat Key
From Gainesville to Sarasota was an easy trip and we had lots of time to get cleaned up for the evening's event.
Bill Hall and his wife Carol host a party a day or two before the Circus Ring of Fame ceremony many years. This year it was at the Longboat Key Hilton, as it often is. Great food and drink and a glittering group of about 50 circus stars and legends. It was wonderful to be invited and, just like the last time we attended, two years ago, it was an evening to remember.
Bill Hall and his wife Carol host a party a day or two before the Circus Ring of Fame ceremony many years. This year it was at the Longboat Key Hilton, as it often is. Great food and drink and a glittering group of about 50 circus stars and legends. It was wonderful to be invited and, just like the last time we attended, two years ago, it was an evening to remember.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Off we go to Sarasota
Took the cats to the pet hotel and we were on our way east on Interstate 10 by 10:30 A.M. The weather was cool and sunny and the drive was uneventful.
Lunch in Chipley at Skins-N-Bubba's. We have eaten there before. The food is generally ok. This time it seemed saltier than usual. But hey, this is the South, and country, too. And salt is cheap.
Not much for scenery along I-10 but we always enjoy the musical highway sign.
Late afternoon we got to Gainesville and the Holiday Inn Express by the highway. Dinner at a nearby Chili's.
Lunch in Chipley at Skins-N-Bubba's. We have eaten there before. The food is generally ok. This time it seemed saltier than usual. But hey, this is the South, and country, too. And salt is cheap.
Not much for scenery along I-10 but we always enjoy the musical highway sign.
Late afternoon we got to Gainesville and the Holiday Inn Express by the highway. Dinner at a nearby Chili's.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
REBUILD Northwest Florida is finished with us
The final, final inspection is done. The inspector, Dale, took the construction permit and all the paperwork with him. He also removed the REBUILD lawn sign. He said to expect big savings on the insurance. Final paperwork will be mailed soon.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Almost the Final Inspection
An inspector from Escambia County came by this afternoon to sign off on the work done by the contractors who did the retro-fitting of our house. He says there will be one more inspection, but we can put things back in the attic now. Just one more step and the project will be done?
Sunday, January 01, 2012
What's for Dinner Tonight? Part 11
Das Alpenhaus Menu (Mit Troll), Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, (mid-1970s)
Ever since Saturday, January 27, 2007, I have kept a log listing nearly all of our evening meals. The intention is to help answer the daily questions:
(1) "What do you want to eat tonight?"
(2) "What haven't we had lately?"
Eventually the list became too long to navigate easily. So I broke it up into six-month segments:
January through June, 2007
July through December, 2007
January through June, 2008
July through December, 2008
January through June, 2009
July through December, 2009
January through June, 2010
July through December, 2010
January through June, 2011
July through December, 2011
Sunday, January 1, 2012 -- take out Chinese food from Publix
Monday, January 2 -- chicken-fried pork, mashed potatoes, collard greens
Tuesday, January 3 -- Parmesan Chicken, Hoppin' John
Wednesday, January 4 -- French-dipped roast beef sandwiches, beef broth, potato salad
Thursday, January 5 -- Dinner at "one of America's great steakhouses," Pensacola's McGuire's Irish Pub
Friday, January 6 -- Thai take out from Siam Asian Diner
Saturday, January 7 -- Joan's birthday dinner at Maria and Bill's
Sunday, January 8, -- pork chops, rice, gravy, roasted acorn squash, applesauce
Monday, January 9 -- Publix fried chicken, rice, gravy, corn pones
Tuesday, January 10 -- Sandwiches and chips from Jersey Mike's Subs
Road trip to Sarasota for the weekend
Monday, January 16 -- back home from Sarasota, soup and sandwiches for supper
Tuesday, January 17 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Wednesday, January 18 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, mashed potatoes, peppercorn red wine reduction sauce
Thursday, January 19 -- French dipped roast beef sandwiches, au jus, coleslaw
Friday, January 20 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, rice and gravy
Sarurday, January 21 -- pork chaps, mashed sweet potatoes, spiced applesauce, hot biscuits
Sunday, January 22 -- shrimp cocktail, crabcakes, salad
Monday, January 23 -- Thai takeout from Siam Diner
Road trip to Sarasota for the week
Friday, February 3 -- chicken salad, mixed greens
Saturday, February 4 -- beef and veggie kababs, rice and gravy
Sunday, February 5 -- filet steaks, baked potatoes
Monday, February 6 -- spicy chicken and rice, green peas
Tuesday, February 7 -- burgers and fries
Wednesday, February 8 -- ginger and coconut poached chicken, steamed rice
Thursday, February 9 -- Habashi steaks at Nobusei
Friday, February 10 -- seared tuna, poached salmon, rice, mango salsa
Saturday, February 11 -- French-dipped roast beef sandwiches, beef broth, fries, hot mustard
Sunday, February 12 -- General Tso's Chicken, steamed rice, green beans (The recipe is from the website, From Away, Cooking and Eating in Maine.)
Monday, February 13 -- beef stew and hot biscuits
Tuesday, February 14 -- pork chops, gravy, applesauce, cornbread stuffing
Tuesday, February 21 -- Court Bouillon, rice, salad, cake at the Billy Daughdrill's
Wednesday, February 22 -- fried chicken breast, gravy mashed potatoes, cornbread
Wednesday, February 23 -- Chicken Parmesan. mashed potatoes
Friday, February 24 -- burgers and fries
Saturday, February 25 -- lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Sunday, February 26 -- charcoal grilled beef and veggie kababs
Monday, February 27 -- chicken fried steak
Tuesday, February 28 -- pork chops, noodles, applesauce, corn
Wednesday, February 29 -- Chicken Parmesan. rice, gravy
Thursday, March 1, 2012 -- roast beef hash (first try at homemade), poached eggs
Friday, March 2 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Saturday, March 3 -- scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, English muffins, butter and jam
Sunday, March 4 -- bacon-wrapped filet steaks, mashed potatoes
Monday, March 5 -- lemon chicken, rice, gravy
Tuesday, March 6 -- French dipped roast beef sandwiches
Wednesday, March 7 -- Burgers and fries
Thursday, March 8 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Friday, March 9 -- Publix fried chicken, twice baked potatoes
Saturday, March 10 -- lunch was Oysters Rockefeller and shrimp gumbo at the Marina Oyster Barn; soup for supper
Sunday, March 11 -- NY Strip Steaks, peppercorn cream sauce, oven fried potatoes
Monday, March 12 --
Tuesday, March 13 --
Wednesday, March 14 -- Grillades and grits
Thursday, March 15 -- burgers and fries
Friday, March 16 -- leftover Grillades
Saturday, March 17 -- tenderloin steak and crab, roasted red potatoes
Sunday, March 18 --
Monday, March 19 -- pork chops, rice, gravy
Tuesday, March 20 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Wednesday, March 21 -- shrimps on a stick, deviled crabs
Thursday, March 22 -- N.Y. strip steak
Friday, March 23 --
Saturday, March 24 -- Publix's Chicken Parmesan, Noodles Alfredo
Sunday, March 25 -- French dipped roast beef sandwiches
Monday, March 26 -- Chicken a la King on waffles
Tuesday, March 27 -- lunch at Felix's in Spanish Fort
Wednesday, March 28 -- Ahi tuna, poached salmon, rice, mango salsa
Thursday, March 29 -- Creamed Beef on toast, carrots
Friday, March 30 -- Publix Chicken Parmesan, mashed potatoes
Saturday, March 30 -- peppercorn-crusted filet steak, roasted potatoes
Sunday, April 1, 2012 -- pork chops, rice and gravy
Monday, April 2 -- Thai takeout from Siam Diner
Tuesday, April 3 -- coconut shrimps, rice and gravy
Wednesday, April 4 -- Publix fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slaw
Thursday, April 5 -- burgers and fries
Friday, April 6 -- Beef and veggie kababs on the grill
Saturday, April 7 -- subs from Jersey Mike's
Sunday, April 8 -- Easter dinner at the Bill and Maria Daughdrill's
Monday, April 9 -- Chicken Parmesan
Tuesday, April 10 -- French dipped roast beef sandwiches
Wednesday, April 11 -- lunch at Time to Eat, Theodore, Alabama; dinner at the Boomtown Casino Steak House, Biloxi, Mississippi
Thursday, April 12 -- Publix fried chicken, rice and gravy
Friday, April 13 -- quesadillas, tortilla chips, beans and rice
Saturday, April 14 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; sandwiches for supper
Sunday, April 15 -- Panko and Dujon mustard-crusted pork chops, collard greens, cornbread & pecan stuffing, applesauce
Monday, April 16 -- peppercorn-crusted filet steak, twice-baked potatoes
Tuesday, April 17 -- Beef stroganoff
Wednesday, April 18 -- Lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Thursday, April 19 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, rice and gravy
Friday, April 20 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Saturday, April 21 -- charcoal grilled beef and veggie kababs
Sunday, April 22 -- fried chicken
Monday, April 23 -- burgers
Tuesday, April 24 --
Wednesday, April 25 -- lunch at Southern Buffet
Thursday, April 26 -- Teriyaki ground beef and noodles, spring rolls
Friday, April 27 -- Grilled Ahi tuna, mango salsa, steamed rice
Monday, May 21 -- Chicken parmesan, green peas, rice, gravy
Tuesday, May 22 -- filet steaks, twice-baked potatoes
Wednesday, May 23 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, snacks for supper
Thursday, May 24 -- Joan and Billy's 60th Anniversary dinner
Friday, May 25 -- chicken, collards, rice, gravy
Saturday, May 26 -- chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, skillet corn, country gravy
Sunday, May 27 -- sauteed scamp, mango salsa, salad
Monday, May 28 -- French dipped sandwiches, fries
Tuesday, May 29 -- grilled pork chops, steamed rice, black beans, spiced applesauce
Wednesday, May 30 -- Chicken parmesan, green beans with ham, mashed potatoes, gravy
Thursday, May 31 -- charcoal grilled beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Friday, June 1, 2012 -- citrus marinated shrimp and avocado salad
Saturday, June 2 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Sunday, June 3 -- chicken sandwiches (from Hardees), with shrimp cocktails
Monday, June 4 -- fried chicken, green peas, rice, gravy
Tuesday, June 5 -- steak and potatoes
Wednesday, June 6 -- burgers, corn on the cob, potato salad (same as June 6, 2009)
Thursday, June 7 -- Chinese take out from the new Panda Express
Friday, June 8 -- tamales from Santa Fe, White Acre Peas with ham, rice
Saturday, June 9 -- Chicken Parmesan, rice and gravy
Sunday, June 10 -- baked pork chops and rice, corn
Monnday, June 11 -- charcoal grilled steaks, twice baked potatoes
Tuesday, June 12 -- Vichyssoise, sandwiches from Jersey Mike's
Wednesday, June 13 -- chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, collard greens with ham, country gravy
Thursday, June 14 -- chicken fingers, Outback dipping sauce, rice & gravy, green peas
Friday, June 15 -- birthday lunch at The Fish House
Saturday, June 16 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Sunday, June 17 -- peppered filet steak, baked potato, creamed spinach
Monday, June 18 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Tuesday, June 19 -- Chicken Parmesan, rice and gravy
Wednesday, June 20 -- burgers and homemade buns
Thursday, June 21 -- take out from Panda Express
Friday, June 22 -- fried chicken and garden salad
Saturday, June 23 -- Jack's and Ken's birthday BBQ and cake at Kim's
Sunday, June 24 -- chicken fried steak, country gravy, mashed potatoes, skillet corn
Monday, June 25 -- pork chops, rice and gravy, applesauce, carrots
Tuesday, June 26 -- Jack's Birthday lunch at Rodizio's
Wednesday, June 27 -- Chicken Parmesan, rice and gravy
Thursday, June 28 -- beef kababs with grilled veggies and steamed rice
Friday, June 29 -- fried chicken with rice, black beans and red onions
Saturday, June 30 -- pizza and salad from The New Yorker Deli
Please leave me a comment and tell me what you are eating tonight.
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