Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sanibel Sunday: April 22, 2018


Good morning from Florida! It's been another beautiful week and I've happily resumed morning beach walks - my back is finally on the mend.

As for books...

I didn't finish anything last week, but am nearly halfway through the new Frances Mayes novel:


Like her earlier novel, Under the Tuscan Sun,  it's a feast for the senses... sumptuous food and wine, the lush Tuscan countryside, stunning art and architecture. This is surely the next best thing to being there! I'm also enjoying the story of three single women of a certain age renting an old stone house in Italy. Where will the year take them?

I borrowed the hardcover from the library, then decided to get the audio version, too. Who can ignore a recommendation from Candace at Beth Fish Reads?  The audio production is wonderful... I want to live in this book!



In the kitchen//


Fresh Corn Tomato Salad from the Food network
This is a recipe most of you will save for summer, but we have Florida sweet corn now and the grape and cherry tomatoes have been extra-sweet lately. We enjoyed the salad as a side dish for dinner and the leftovers made a delicious light lunch. (my photo)




Dinners don't get much quicker or easier than this... especially if you use frozen riced cauliflower and rotisserie chicken! I might use a little less lime juice in the "rice" next time, but other than that it was a complete winner.  (photo from kitchn)


Beyond books//

I had jury duty last week... quite an experience here in the Sunshine State! The jury selection process was fascinating. It was a DUI with injury case and I was eventually dismissed. When questioned about my scientific/medical background and faith in lab results, I don't think the defense liked my response... something along the line of "although errors can occur, it's hard to dispute a lab value." They can call me again in a year.

Our air conditioner is broken. The technician was here Saturday morning and, fingers crossed, will be back Monday afternoon with a new motor. The humidity has been creeping up over the past few days and I'm feeling a little uncomfortable. So glad it isn't summer yet - that would be unbearable!


So that's the news from here. How was your week? What are you reading?
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59 comments:

  1. Both the book and the audiobook (on CD) of Women in Sunlight have just come in from the library, so I may try to do some manual "syncing" between them... I loved Under the Tuscan sun (even the cheesy movie) so I'm looking forward to this one. And here's to women of a certain age! :)

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    1. Audrey - I never did see the movie version of Under the Tuscan Sun.. maybe I'll check the library this week. You're in for a treat with Women in Sunlight!

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  2. I'm glad your back is better. I've never served jury duty but Carl has several times. He says it's frustrating when you spend a lot of time on a case only to have it dismissed. That corn salad looks wonderful.

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    1. Kathy - I come from a family of bad backs, but thought I'd escaped the problem. Still hoping this was an isolated incident!

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  3. This week we have a connection: back problems and Florida!
    I overstretched a fitness exercise and ...I'll never do that again. I listened to my determination to become as flexible as gumby...and should have listened to my body! Today I too am on the mend. The best medicine was to get on my bike, IPOD and listen to books. If you just lie down and rest there is not enough blood circulation to mend the muscles. In total...2 books read and 70 km cycled! Whew!
    Florida! A high-school girlfriend is visiting The Netherlands to see the tulip gardens here. I'm going to meet her on Wednesday in Amsterdam. I told her to dress warmly....If I am confortable with a sweater on....she should put on a warm jacket! She's been living in FL too long!
    Books: I decided to tackle a few classics...after reading a few great non-fiction. Love your foto's and fresh corn? I'll have to wait until August to get it here.

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    1. Nancy - I've seen so many different styles of bicycles designed for riders with back issues... it may be time to investigate for myself! In the meantime I'm happy to keep walking with earbuds and listening to books. I see you've just finished 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 - both are my rereading high school list. Hope you and your friend enjoy the tulip gardens... a bucket list item for me!

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    2. My friend is touring with this travel group...what a trip! https://www.vantagetravel.com/ourjourneys/deluxe-river-cruises/european-river-cruise/holbe/2019/itinerary

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    3. Thanks, Nancy! I'll be dreaming of this trip tonight!

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  4. Happy to hear your back is on the mend. I’ve never been selected for a jury (too judgmental apparently).😬

    I want to read the Mayes book as well.

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    1. Diane - Women in Sunlight is almost as good as a trip to Italy! Think you'll like it, too.

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  5. A walk on the beach sounds nice! The weather here has been quite pleasant as well. We have all the windows open today and are enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze. I am glad you are enjoying Women in the Sunlight. I hope you get your air conditioner fixed soon! The whole jury process is so interesting, isn't it? I served on a jury for a murder case years ago. I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Wendy - It must have been so interesting serving on a jury for a murder case... a lot of responsibility, too! I actually enjoyed the jury selection process.

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  6. Yum, that salad looks so good! Hope your AC gets fixed soon!

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    1. Angela - We're still working on the AC. I called again this morning... hoping to hear back soon!

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  7. A need to read Women in Sunlight...I love a book that is a "feast for the senses."

    I also love the look of that food.

    Enjoy your books and the walks on the beach. I would not be happy about the broken AC...hope it gets fixed quickly.

    Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. I meant "I need to read Women in Sunlight." LOL

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    2. Laurel-Rain Snow - I'm enjoying Women in Sunlight so much... don't want my trip to Italy to end!

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  8. Glad to hear your back has improved and you've been able to resume your walks. Jury duty in Florida. I've gotten a notice 3 times in my life, but have never actually appeared. Each time it has gotten cancelled. My husband has served several time, once as a foreman. He said it wasn't as 'fun' as I thought it would be. Ha! Have a good week JoAnn!

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    1. Kay- My neighbor here was called last month, but got cancelled the night before. I was half expecting that to be the case for me, too. Your husband must have some interesting stories...don't imagine being the foreman is much fun at all!

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  9. I didn't know Frances Maye had a new novel--how wonderful. Thanks for the heads up.
    We're finally, and only in the last two days, pulling away from 30-degree temps and snow. We've actually had sun two days in a row, during a month when we had NONE at all. Looking up!

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    1. Judith - I can only imagine what a relief it must have been to FINALLY see the sun! It's been such a long winter up there. Women in Sunlight might be the perfect escape!

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  10. Thanks for tip about new Frances Mayes book. You might also like her first novel which came out a few years ago called “Swan.” Great view of Southern life and thought to be somewhat autobiographical. After all, she is an original Georgia Peach, a Southern gal. Can’t blame her, however, for falling in love with Italy.

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    1. JudyMac - Swan sounds like a good read. Pretty sure I saw it in a gift shop on one of our trips through Savannah. Next time I'll buy it!

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  11. I'm glad your back is doing better. I know I tweaked mine while making the bed, too. Felt the zing and then had spasms for a couple of days. It's finally back to normal, but this is the second time it's happened, so I really need to be careful.

    Women in Sunlight sounds so good and I ordered the audio from Audible after reading Candace's recommendation. Now to just finish The Great Alone, which I've been listening to for weeks!

    That corn/tomato salad looks delicious. Perfect to go with my pork tenderloin tomorrow night. The cauliflower rice burrito bowl looks yummy, too. I bought some cauliflower rice at Trader Joe's last month, but haven't had a chance to try it out. I'm "clean eating" these days and this looks like a good recipe to add to my list of possibilities.

    Were you happy to be dismissed from jury duty? I've served on three cases and enjoyed all of them, although one was pretty distressing (spousal abuse).

    We're back from our road trip and had a great time! I could go again tomorrow! Not much reading accomplished, though, but it was wonderful to be in the Redwoods and on the coast. I even got to visit three towns where I used to live. I'll blog about that experience one of these days. Good luck with your A/C repairs!!

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    1. Les - I was actually a little disappointed to be released from the jury pool, but certainly understand why the defense didn't want me. They can call me again in a year... we'll see if they do.

      Women in Sunlight is such a nice story of friendship and self-discovery. The Italian setting makes it even more enjoyable. I'll be sorry to see it end.

      Will be looking forward to your blog post chronicling your adventures. When is the next trip?

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  12. So happy you are immersed in Women in Sunlight. It really was good and I wish I could take off for a new life in Tuscany! Both your dishes look perfect for warm weather dining. Hope that A/C is back in business.

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    1. Beth F - Who wouldn't love a new life in Tuscany?! I think Kimberly Farr's narration is making Women in Sunlight an even more enjoyable experience... thanks so much for the recommendation!

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  13. Oh, Women in Sunlight sounds like my kind of book! I like your dishes...they look mouthwatering. Sounds like you had an exciting week with jury duty and all. Have a great reading week.

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    1. Laura - I have a feeling I'll be recommending Women in Sunlight a lot this summer.... such an enjoyable read!

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  14. Women in Sunlight does sound like a perfect summer read. I'm not doing much this year with my summer break, so I might have to take a trip to Italy with that book!

    Hope the air conditioner is working soon and that you have a wonderful week.

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    1. Susie - Women in Sunlight would be a great read anytime you're in need of an Italian vacation! Still working on the AC... fingers crossed we can get the part later today.

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  15. I have never been called for jury duty and hope my good luck continues. Your recipes look tasty and very Spring-like. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - I didn't expect jury duty to be as interesting as it was... wouldn't mind getting called again some day. Hope your week is off to a good start.

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  16. I love these beachy posts. I immediately added that Mayes book to my hold list. It sounds so good. A perfect summer read.

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    1. Ti - I'm so glad you like them... it's fun choosing my beach photo every week! Have a feeling I'm going to be recommending Women in Sunlight all summer :)

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  17. I am so glad that you are mending...just feeling the sand underfoot and looking at the water must have helped. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read that book but now I really want to! I love Cauliflower Rice...I always keep a Trader Joe’s supply in the freezer...that and cauliflower gnocchi. The BBQ’D chicken I made was a huge hit...we loved it! Good luck with the AC...that has to be rough!

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    1. Patty - There's no Trader Joe's here, so I just got Bird's Eye riced cauliflower. Also noticed that they had riced broccoli and a cauliflower/sweet potato blend. Can't wait to try them. I will look for the cauliflower gnocchi up north. It's time for me to spend some time browsing at TJ's! They called back about the AC and supposedly a technician will be here by 6 PM. My fingers are crossed, but I am SO thankful this isn't the middle of summer. Don't think I could bear that!

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  18. Ooh I love that picture! Sun and sand... :) And women in Sunlight does sound like a wonderful way to experience Tuscany vicariously! Oh no about the air conditioner- hope it's a quick fix.

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    1. Greg - We finally got the AC fixed yesterday evening. What a relief!

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  19. So glad to hear your back is doing better now let's just hope you get some relief from the heat and you get your AC fixed! Thank you so much for sharing those recipes. They sound delicious and perfect for the summer months.

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    1. Iliana - Yes, my back is better and the AC is repaired... all's right with the world. I'm trying a new shrimp recipe tonight and will share it next time if it's a success.

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  20. That rice bowl sounds delicious! I will have to save it - my husband would love it.

    I loved Under the Tuscan Sun but I am having a hard time with this one. I feel like I started in the middle of the book for some reason. I will give it another try. :)

    Have a great week, and I hope your AC gets fixed soon!

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    1. Erin - When I started Women in Sunlight, I couldn't figure out how Kit fit in and it took a little while to keep the three women straight, but I'm really enjoying it now!

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  21. Interesting about the jury duty. Also glad to hear a report about the Frances Mayes book. Are there a lot of French terms in it, and is it easy to follow? I could use a good audio. Pretty Florida sky in the photo. Enjoy your week.

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    1. Susan - There are some Italian words in the novel, but you can usually figure out what the meaning from the context. Occasionally Mayes will include the English word in the sentence, too. It hasn't been difficult to follow :)

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  22. No AC here but humidity doesn't usually come with the heat At least this place has more windows than the old place. Come see what I'm reading

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    1. Pussreboots - Heat doesn't bother me, but I've never been a fan of humidity. Not sure I could last here all summer ;-)

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  23. The book sounds great. When we left Lee County for Australia I got called for jury duty. I wrote and said we now live in Australia. A year went by and I got called again. So I wrote them and asked them to arrange my air transport, some nice hotel accommodation and I'd need a rental car. I sent it off and haven't been called for jury duty there since. Always nice to hear what you're up to.

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    1. Pam - LOL, great story! I couldn't get over the number of people called that week... busy time at the courthouse. Also surprising that after you show up, you can be called back in one year. I think it might have been 5 in NY.

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  24. I love that beach photo. I want to be there right now. I hope your air conditioner gets fixed before it’s too hot. Have a great week!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. AJ - The AC is fixed, hooray! So glad this didn't happen when it's really hot;-)

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  25. You've got me hooked on the Frances Mayes book.

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    1. Mystica - I'm glad! Hope you enjoy it as much as I am:)

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  26. I read Under the Tuscan Sun years ago and liked it okay but this new one really appeals to me - especially with the audio book recommendation! That fresh tomato salad looks delicious. I do love a good tomato. I can see why you got dismissed and I think that would have been my answer too. I've only been called once and it went to an old address so I didn't get the notice until fairly close to the actual date. When I called to ask if it could be rescheduled they just removed me from the list and I haven't been called since. I'm a bit disappointed! Hope you're having a great week!

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    1. Kathrine - I have less than 100 pages left and find myself reading slower and slower... don't want Women in Sunshine to be over! Over all I found the whole jury duty experience fascinating and kind of hope I do get called again in another year or two. Hope you're having a good week :)

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  27. I can only hope for a better weather. We are currently in Fall and one month left before winter and it's so cold, then I'll wake up another day and it's hot like summer. Idk what's going on with this weather!

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    1. Angelica Joy - Seems like the weather has been crazy everywhere this year... hope you have an easy transition to winter. Happy reading!

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  28. JoAnn, I am so pleased to hear the sun is out and your back is feeling better, and I also love the sound of Under the Tuscan Sun :-)
    Here in the UK we enjoyed a couple of glorious days of sunshine but now the April showers have arrived! I have just finished reading the gripping The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory and I am also loving God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. Happy reading!

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    1. Jessica - I need to make time to read Philippa Gregory again... it's been too long!

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