Look Out Florida, Here We Come...

Well, the time has come for us to once again make the journey to Florida for a few days. You might think "journey" is too large a word for a little ol' trip from TN to FL but rest assured, it's never an easy thing LOL Indeed, there are the animals to consider, the weather while we're gone (hoping pipes don't freeze), the choice of vehicle, the laundry to do before leaving, packing for 80 degree weather when all that stuff is stored away at the moment (hahaha) and, of course, eating the food that is perishable before we go. That's all before we ever hit the road...So you see??

Traveling down brings us back to the whole traffic reality...5 or more cars on the road with us makes us feel crowded. It reminds us that people drive stupid and that they really don't care what the speed limit is or what lane they drive in or whether or not you indicate your desire to turn one way or the other. We have bad drivers here, don't get me wrong, we just aren't out in traffic enough to be bothered with them! I remember well the road rage I used to get driving to work and back in FL - I couldn't even be on the phone with anyone for having to yell at the other stupid drivers. LOL!

Traveling is hard on my system too. I'm used to home cooked foods, with most ingredients coming from a local farm, so when my system is exposed to fast food - well, you can imagine the impact. We'll have a good breakfast before we leave and lunch will be dependent upon where we are when we get hungry again. I'm always hopeful there will be fried chicken somewhere along the way because that's one of the few things I can eat while traveling and not have to worry. I'll pack fruit to snack on and I'll bring lots of our spring water to drink on the way and while I'm there. With any luck, I'll come through unscathed LOL!!

So now you're wondering just when it is we'll be there, huh??? Well, I'm thinking either Wednesday or Thursday - depends on whether we try to drive all the way, or stop and stay over with friends in GA. We just never have that answer until the time comes. Either way, we're coming to see you! If you happen to see Kaylee, please don't tell her. I'd like to surprise her if at all possible...?

The agenda is full - but that should come as no surprise to those who know us. We'll try to see as many of you as we can but if we happen to miss you this trip, we'll just have to catch you on the next one :) You're always welcome to come see us here, right? Kat, I promise not to feed you a dressed rabbit... LOL! I promise not to feed Kelly any beef tongue (although there's not much left after Rebecca and I get at it hahaha) and I promise not to feed Ricky Kline any cream cheese or sour cream. Well, I might feed him something with cream cheese in it, but I won't tell him. Otherwise, he thinks he doesn't like it hahahahahaha! Ask him about the squash casserole that he loved...he didn't like a single ingredient in it but loved it????

Cooking is on the agenda, of course! Chicken and dumplins for the kids, Neccy, Jack and my Mom. If there's any left, I'll bring some to Lance too. Kris, believe it or not, has never tried them so she doesn't know if she likes them or not. HUH???? Never tried chicken and dumplins? This is going to be fun :) I think I'll be making a double batch on account of one just doesn't seem like it'll be enough for all these people... LOL

I'm making a big batch of chicken broth this weekend to carry down with us. Lew is a big fan of broth and soups (not soaps - Kris hahaha) so I promised him some on this trip. That's one thing I find is easier to cook at home and carry with me. I have a bag in the freezer, of course, but I'll need that for when I get back so he gets the fresh batch. I'm hoping it will seal in the canning jars so I don't have to worry with refrigeration :) wish me luck!

Speaking of soaps, have you ever tried homemade soap? I was recently introduced to homemade soaps when a bar of it was included in my CSA extra winter basket. What a pure delight that was! The bar that was in my basket was scented with cinnamon and orange. My car smelled like Fall! It was a nice, soft scent but enough to permeate. The bar was heavy in comparison to store bought. It was rectangle in shape and the color of cinnamon. It's made with a few essential oils, all natural of course, and it had some lye in it. Not enough to hurt my skin and I'm very sensitive, as some of you well know.

I loved it! With this winter weather, my skin needs all the oils, lotions and moisturizers it can get. That soap was so perfectly combined that I didn't need lotion after using it. Surprisingly enough, it didn't feel the least bit greasy. I'm telling you, if you have the option, homemade soap is the way to go. In fact, I think I'll do some studying on it and see if I can't start making my own! Wow - now that would be cool! Would you try my soap if I made some for you?

So picture me out in the garden, hoeing, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. Picture me in the cabin canning and pickling the harvest as it becomes available. Picture me making my own soaps and vinegars and mustards. Picture me surrounded by flowers in the spring. If you can picture all of that, you have the most beautiful and perfect picture of happiness in your mind!

Oh but to be able to write about it so you can see it and feel it like I do...someday I'll write like the pros and you'll swear you're in TN when you read my words...I hope that makes you happy! See you soon!!

"The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it." ~Dudley Moore