What's for dinner? Part 14

Wanna try the Aligator Sausage Kabobs?
(Image from:  http://www.wingsdomain.com/)

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
July through December, 2012
January through June, 2013

---

July through December 2013:
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 -- Chicken Parmesan (from Publix), mashed potatoes, garlic gravy, skillet corn
Wednesday, July 24 -- NY Strip steaks, baked potatoes
Thursday, July 25 -- Kung Pau Chicken
Friday, July 26 -- Pizza from the New Yorker Deli

Saturday, July 27 -- lunch at Chow Thyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Sunday, July 28 -- baby back ribs, coleslaw, black eyed peas with ham
Monday, July 29 -- bacon-wrapped green peppercorn crusted filet steaks with Rosti potatoes
Tuesday, July 30 -- Salmon Teriyaki with mango salsa and steamed rice
Wednesday, July 31 -- Chicken Parmesan, rice and gravy
Thursday, August 1, 2013 -- lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Friday, August 2 -- burgers and Zapp's chips

Saturday, August 3 -- Beef Stroganoff on baked potatoes, Crowder peas with ham

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Your comments and meal suggestions are most appreciated.

Last Saturday morning I went to Joe Patti's to buy some fish and I took these photos right outside the store. Here's a link to a Flickr slideshow: CLICK HERE.

Winter 2013 Road Trip To Sarasota

On Monday, January 28, we drove to Gainesville and got to Sarasota the next day.

Visited with friends and saw this year's Circus Sarasota. Good show -- Nik Wallenda and troupe on the wire up close, some wonderful juggling by the Platchkov Duo, plus the best hand-balancer around, Encho Keryazov. Sarasota Magazine had a nice article about Circus Sarasota 2013 with lots of photos. To read the article just click here.

We started out for home on February 1. Total distance driven for the round trip: 1,166 miles (1876 kilometers).

The Circus Comes to Town

In it's third (and final?) year on the road the latest version of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Fully Charged came to the Pensacola Bay Center yesterday for four nights. It is the scaled-down Gold Unit but it looked great, the sound and lights were terrific and the costumes were fresh and fabulous. The pace was fast and there was just one clown.

David Shipman, Ringmaster and Pensacola native, this was his third week as a ringmaster and doing a fine job of it.

What's for dinner? Part 13

Pensacola's famed Joe Patti's Seafood Store

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
July through December, 2012

---

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 -- Beef and Veggie Kababs with steamed rice
Wednesday, January 2 -- Chicken Parmesan (from Publix), corn pones, blackeyed peas
Thursday, January 3 -- Beef Stroganoff, noodles Mary Westbrook, green peas
Friday, January 4 -- Breakfast for supper: scrambled eggs, bacon (extra crisp), cheese grits, English muffins with strawberry jam

Saturday, January 5 -- Chinese take out from Panda Express
Sunday, January 6 -- Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed corn
Monday, January 7 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction sauce, twice-baked potatoes
Tuesday, January 8 -- cocktail weenies in BBQ sauce, Chicken Kiev (from Barber Foods -- frozen, pre-cooked, very good and not too salty)
Wednesday, January 9 -- beef stew and hot biscuits
Thursday, January 10 -- Lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; sandwiches for supper
Friday, January 11 -- baked beans and brown bread (B&M, of course) with little smoked wieners

Saturday, January 12 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Sunday, January 13 -- roast beef hash with poached eggs on top
Monday, January 14 -- burgers, tomato, lettuce, avocado, Driftwood Salad
Tuesday, January 15 -- Chicken Parmesan (from Publix Deli), chive gravy, steamed rice, salad
Wednesday, January 16 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction sauce, twice-baked potatoes
Thursday, January 17 -- fried chicken fingers po' boy sandwiches with New England Clam Chowder
Friday, January 18 -- pizza and soup

Saturday, January 19 -- grilled pork chops, applesauce, hash browned potatoes with roasted garlic
Sunday, January 20 -- Beef Stroganoff, steamed rice, collard greens with bacon, hot biscuits
Monday, January 21 -- Breakfast for supper: scrambled eggs, bacon, buttered grits, waffles
Tuesday, January 22 -- fried chicken breast (Publix Deli), mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, black eyed peas and ham, cranberry sauce
Wednesday, January 23 -- grilled skirt steak, horseradish gray, mashed potatoes, carrots
Thursday, January 24 -- chicken quesadillas for lunch at the Pensacola Ale House; snacks for supper
Friday, January 25 -- Chicken Parmesan, steamed rice, garlic gravy, cream corn

Saturday, January 26 -- black & green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction sauce, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream
Sunday, January 27 -- cheeseburgers, sliced tomatoes, steak fries, secret sauce
Monday, January 28 -- Road trip to Sarasota

Saturday, February 2, 2013 -- Back home -- Chicken Parmesan, steamed rice, garlic gravy, green peas
Sunday, February 3 -- black & green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, horseradish sauce, twice-baked potatoes
Monday, February 4 -- Chicken a la King, steamed rice, succotash, hot biscuits
Tuesday, February 5 -- pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, applesauce
Wednesday, February 6 -- burgers, bacon, fries
Thursday, February 7 -- cheese and potato soup with bacon and scalions; chicken parmesan, rice, gravy
Friday, February 8 -- Dinty Moore Beef Stew, hot biscuits, King Cake

Saturday, February 9 -- pizza from New Yorker Deli
Sunday, February 10 -- McDonalds Feast: a Premium Crispy Chicken Ranch BLT Sandwich and some World Famous Fries with a Baked Apple Pie for dessert.
Monday, February 11 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Tuesday, February 12 -- bacon wrapped black & green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, sauteed mushrooms and red bell pappers, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream
Wednesday, February 13 -- fried chicken. rice, gravy, collard greens
Thursday, February 14 -- Breakfast for supper: scrambled eggs, bacon, buttered grits, waffles
Friday, February 15 -- Lunch with Billy at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; soup for supper

Saturday, February 16 -- Burgers, fries, crab bisque
Sunday, February 17 -- Baked pork chops, mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, black eyed peas, applesauce
Monday, February 18 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, mashed potatoes, garlic gravy, green peas
Tuesday, February 19 -- lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; soup for supper
Wednesday, February 20 -- filet steaks, Béarnaise sauce, baked potato with butter and sour cream
Thursday, February 21 -- baked beans and brown bread (B&M, of course) with little smoked wieners
Friday, February 22 -- black bean soup and burgers

Saturday, February 23 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Sunday, February 24 -- sliders with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, secret sauce; cocktail weenies and BBQ sauce
Monday, February 25 -- oven-fried chicken, rice, gravy, carrots
Tuesday, February 26 -- shrimp and chicken gumbo, steamed rice, Cajun bread
Wednesday, February 27 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, rice, garlic gravy, green peas
Thursday, February 28 -- pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, applesauce
Friday, March 1, 2013 -- Seared Ahi Tuna, steamed rice, mango salsa and a test batch of Teriyaki Salmon

Saturday, March 2 -- black & green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction sauce, twice-baked potatoes
Sunday, March 3 -- lobster rolls, cole slaw, Tater Tots
Monday, March 4 -- burgers with cheddar cheese, green onion and bacon soup
Tuesday, March 5 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Wednesday, March 6 -- Lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; sandwiches for supper
Thursday, March 7 -- roast beef Po'Boy sandwiches with red beans and rice
Friday, March 8 -- fried chicken, rice, gravy, corn

Saturday, March 9 -- charcoal grilled beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Sunday, March 10 -- Thai food take out from Siam Asian Diner
Monday, March 11 -- burgers and fries
Tuesday, March 12 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, mashed potatoes, gravy
Wednesday, March 13 -- beef stew and biscuits
Thursday, March 14 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans with brown butter and toasted almonds
Friday, March 15 -- Experiment: thick rib eye steak vs. thick N.Y. Strip steak both over charcoal, with baked potato

Saturday, March 16 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli, soup
Sunday, March 17 -- fried chicken breasts from Publix, cheese grits, butter beans with ham
Monday, March 18 -- James Beard's Quiche, salad
Tuesday, March 19 -- burgers and sweet potato tots
Wednesday, March 20 -- Lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Thursday, March 21 -- Stouffers' Night: Creamed Chipped Beef, extra crisp toast, Corn Souffle
Friday, March 22 -- Kim and Billy over for dinner, Chicken Parmesan, mashed potatoes, chicken-garlic gravy, green beans with ham, apple pie with vanilla ice cream

Saturday, March 23 -- Teriyaki Salmon, steamed rice
Tuesday, March 26 -- Lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet; snacks for supper
Wednesday, March 27 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Thursday, March 28 -- bacon burgers on Cajun rolls, sweet potato tots
Friday, March 29 -- peel'n'eat shrimps, remoulade sauce, black beans and rice

Saturday, March 30 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction gravy, twice-baked potatoes
Sunday, March 31 -- Easter afternoon dinner at Kim's; snacks for supper
Monday, April 1 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, garlic cheese grits, asparagas
Tuesday, April 2 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Wednesday, April 3 -- burgers and Tater Tots
Thursday, April 4 -- beef stew and hot biscuits
Friday, April 5 -- fried chicken, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach

Saturday, April 6 -- Seared Ahi Tuna, steamed rice, mango salsa
Sunday, April 7 -- beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Monday, April 8 -- kitchen reconstrction (no sink) -- dinner at Golden Corral Buffet
Tuesday, April 9 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, little red potatoes in cream sauce, corn
Wednesday, April 10 -- turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, mashed sweet potatoes
Thursday, April 11 -- burgers and sweet potato Tots
Friday, April 12 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction gravy, twice-baked potatoes

Saturday, April 13 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Sunday, April 14 -- Chinese takeout from Panda Express
Monday, April 15 -- Beef Stroganoff, noodles, green peas
Tuesday, April 16 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Wednesday, April 17 -- burgers and fried rice
Thursday, April 18 -- crabcakes, crab bisque, salad
Friday, April 19 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, little red potatoes baked in garlic butter

Saturday, April 20 -- Salmon Teriyaki, steamed rice, asparagus
Sunday, April 21 -- charcoal grilled steak, twice-baked potato
Monday, April 22 -- shrimps and grits
Tuesday, April 23 -- fried chicken, rice, gravy, collard greens
Wednesday, April 24 -- beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Thursday, April 25 -- Lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; snacks for supper
Friday, April 26 -- 'clean out the freezer' supper

Saturday, April 27 -- burgers and Tater Tots
Sunday, April 28 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction gravy, twice-baked potatoes
Monday, April 29 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, creamy garlicy cheese grits, asparagus
Tuesday, April 30 -- Boston baked beans, smoked sausages, brown bread
Wednesday, May 1, 2013 -- Gumbo, steamed rice, Cajun bread
Thursday, May 2 -- sandwiches from Jersey Mike's Subs
Friday, May 3 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans

Saturday, May 4 -- Ross' Birthday crawfish boil
Sunday, May 5 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, cream reduction gravy, baked potatoes
Monday, May 6 -- quesadillas, pico de gallo, quacamole, beans, yellow rice, corn chips
Tuesday, May 7 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Wednesday, May 8 -- Chicken Parmesan from Publix, rice, gravy, green peas
Thursday, May 9 -- lunch at Jackson's
Friday, May 10 -- burgers and rösti potatoes

Saturday, May 11 -- lunch at Chow Tyme Chinese Buffet
Sunday, May 12 -- beef and veggie kababs, steamed rice
Monday, May 13 -- chicken breast, collard greens, tiny potatoes roasted whole with garlic

May 20 to May 23 -- Road trip to Cajun Country

Saturday, May 25 -- burgers on the grill
Sunday, May 26 -- Kung Pao Chicken, steamed rice, green onions, peanuts, crispy noodles, green beans
Monday, May 27 -- hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw
Tuesday, May 28 -- black and green peppercorn-crusted filet steaks, smashed baby potatoes
Wednesday, May 29 -- pizza from the New Yorker Deli
Thursday, May 30 -- fried chicken, collard greens with bacon and garlic, black eyed peas with ham

Saturday, June 15 -- Birthday lunch at La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; peach shortcakes for supper
Sunday, June 16 -- Teriyaki salmon with steamed rice and mango salsa
Monday, June 17 -- shrimp and grits

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Your comments and meal suggestions are most appreciated.

2012 Maui Trip -- Air Miles

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

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.

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.

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.

2012 Maui Trip -- Photos From Our Drives

To view photos we took while driving around Maui, CLICK HERE

2012 Maui Trip -- Day 8

Tonight Jack took us for a wonderful meal at Roy's -- on the golf course in the heart of Ka'anapali.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grilling by the Pool

Last evening -- beef kebabs, grilled Vidalia onions from Georgia, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, red peppers over steamed rice.

Jack's Birthday Lunch

We had lunch today at The Grand Marlin. It's on Santa Rosa Sound in Pensacola Beach.

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

What's for Dinner Tonight? Part 12

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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.