Where it all started....

Happy Anniversary to us!  Today is the 6th anniversary of our first date.  And what better way to celebrate than to return to where it all started!

For Christmas, Andrea and Allison gave us a very generous gift:  cooking demonstration with an Tuscan chef at Apron's Cooking School.  I'm not sure if they (the girls) knew the concidence of the date, but it worked out perfectly!

We arrived early and the room was already about half full (room for 40 people).  Keep in mind, this is like one of the Food Network kitchens where we could see what the Chef was doing, but the audience is seated at tables.

We weren't sure what to expect, but we knew were weren't going to cook this time.  There were 3 Publix Chefs and the guest Chef, Gina Stipo.   All the recipes had been prepared and she demonstrated each course before it was served.  Not only did we have a fabulous four course meal, we learned all sorts of Tuscan history and culinary traditions along with some very tasty wines with each course. 

The meal started with Timbale de Gorgonzola over arugula with roasted pears and shallots.  (They were like little savory souffles with yummy pears)  Next was Zupa de Funghi (mushroom soup with homemade croutons).   The entree was Roasted Pork Loin and potatoes with steamed kale.  And dessert was a delicious, light strawberry crostada (tart).   And did I mention the wine pairings?

All the food was wonderful and it was a delightful way to spend the evening and celebrate another year together.   And we are inspired to try the recipes in Gina's cookbook as well as plan a trip to Tuscany for one of her week-long culinary tours. 

Thank you Andrea and Allison!

Finally!

Finally, the weather cooperated and we were able to get out and fish.

The morning started a bit foggy, but given the temperatures we've had lately, it was relatively warm. 

We left the dock early and got out of the inlet before many other boats.  We headed directly for the bait spot and loaded up!  Everytime we dropped the zabiki rig over, we pulled in a full stringer.  Once we had a couple dozen, Captain Frank said we needed to stop because there would be too many and die. 

Off we went to areas we head had been producing sailfish and some dolphin. 

We set up our drifting with three lines out (two close to the surface and one at the bottom).  We drifted and we drifted.  We changed the baits, we did our magic fish dance, and even put on the stereo.  Nothing!  No nibbles, passing glances, zippo.   We even tried and early lunch and still nothing.

Finally, we got a bite or at least the rod was bent over and line was zipping off.  There was no jumping or splashing, but something was on there. 

Frank worked and worked to bring it closer to the boat.  As the fish got closer, it looked a bit like a shark.  But it was a cobia!  We thought we had missed the cobia season so this was a real treat and it was REAL big!  We finally got it in the boat and headed back to see if there were any others hanging around.

A while later, we found a very long and wide slick area (that for fishermen is typically a very good sign).  We drifted through it for a while watching the balloons for any activity.  After a while, the balloons (which are attached to the line above the bait) started to zig and zag which meant that something was chasing the bait! 

A small dolphin was doing the chasing and it was pretty cool to see him jump and splash about trying to get the hook out of his mouth.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRq3iICwIk  No such luck!  Reeled him in, plucked him from the water and into the box he went.

We ventured back to see if there were any others, but he must have been traveling solo. 

The winds were starting to pick up so we packed it in and headed for the fish camp.  Captain Pete was waiting for us and offered some consult on how to clean the cobia - the 25 pound cobia that is.

A pretty good day of fishing. 

Where it's supposed to be warm....

For a few weeks, we've been planning a trip to the Keys.  Our friends Toby and Bob invited us to stay with them and visit the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market.  It has been quite chilly in Florida (Stuart and Tampa) and we were looking forward to heading south and being someplace warm.

And one should not be wearing a sweater while in the Keys, but it was chilly!  The day we left, it was a high of 61 in Islamorada!  Not quite the warm tropics we know and love. 

Back of the Schubert's house                                 View down the canal          

Because it was a short trip and the weather was going to be cooler, we decided not to take the boat.  It was a wonderful opportunity to spend some relaxing time with friends, read and enjoy some yummy food.

Saturday morning was the Flea Market.  It was a mixture of booths:  anything and everything for boats (big stuff, little stuff, new stuff, used stuff), arts/crafts, jewelry, sham-wows.  You name it, it was there.

The weather was beautiful - sunny and warm!  After finding a few things we couldn't live without, we had lunch at a cute little place on the water.  (Not only is it Toby's favorite, all the Sheriffs and FWC people eat there.)

No matter where you are in the Keys, it is mandatory to have a drink and watch the sunset.  And we did!  From the upper deck of the Worldwide Sportsman.  It was perfect!

Then we walked over to Morada Bay for dinner.  We were seated outside, under the stars, with live music.  Dinner was delicious, the company wonderful and the weather delightful!

(Hanging out at the Morada Bar before dinner.)

We had a fun weekend with the Schuberts and appreciate them coordinating the warm, dry weather!

Afternote:  You know you're in Miami when you see the Border Patrol.  :o)

When friends get together...

Over the past few weeks, we've had several opportunities to get together with friends. 

We celebrated a reunion of NC friends and a birthday in DelRay Beach.

And we enjoyed dinner with friends before two basketball games in Tallahassee.

Good food at Harry's with the Villellas and Sutors before the FSU-Maryland game.

Catching up with Janie and Duey Blackwell at Fusion before the FSU-Miami game.

Then we were in Tampa for a brief time and found out Kathy's brother Greg was going to be there as well.  Fortunately we were able to get together for dinner.   Great guac and grub at FlameStone Grill!

National Signing Day - the start of a new era at FSU!

For the past few weeks, kids from around the country have been making their decisions about which college (and football program) was going to be the right one for them.  Some made those announcements and some waited until the nth hour to decide.  Nonetheless, Florida State, under the new leadership of Jimbo Fisher, got some superstars (players and coaches)!

Recap article from the Tallahassee Democrat.

The official party, hosted by the Boosters, was at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum and we were fortunate to attend. 

Ann, Guy, Joanne, Rick, Jon, Frank, Donna, Leann and Tim

Seats were limited to 1000 people and thanks to the Astors, we were able to sit at a table with one of the new Coaches, Eddie Gran and his family. 

Coach Gran and Frank

It was a special treat to get to know these coaches on a more personal level!  Each coach introduced his family and there were many, many laughs.  You can tell there is a high level of camaraderie, professionalism, respect and talent assembled in this coaching staff. 

Pictures from the Tallahassee Democrat.

I think it's fair to say,  everyone left the event upbeat, enthusiastic and looking forward to the new era of Seminole football!!