March is the month that I begin putting my houseplants outside for a welcome dose of sunshine and showers. Are you counting down the days until your local plant suppliers, like Ted & Nancy's Fruit Stand, reopen for the warmer months? I certainly am! Gardening is definitely one of my top 5 ways to welcome spring back. This year I'm even more grateful after the big chill we just experienced along the Gulf Coast.
Another pastime that coastal folks enjoy is heading to Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach once the temperatures reach the 70's. Recently, I met a lady when I was at A Coastal Zen who had gone shelling on the beach in Gulf Shores and found 10 sand dollars. She was jubilant about her treasure and shared that she had never seem anything like it. Spending time on the beach is certainly in my top 5! How about you?
Grilling out on the patio is a fun and tasty activity that I suggest everyone participate in now that our weather is agreeable. It is a great idea to enjoy these spring days because the muggy & humid days of summer will be here before you know it. I can't wait to grill another flank steak for Carne Asada again.
Chilling outside in the mornings with a fresh cup of coffee is another treat that I look forward to. There have been many days in the past, that I have set up a WFH situation outside. Why not? When you are the "boss" you can pick where you work from!
Exploring local parks, small towns and museums is another way I enjoy the mild climate in March. Before you know it, flowers and shrubs will be blooming and our Gulf Coast will be full of color. As usual, our museums are bringing in some excellent new exhibits including one at the History Museum of Mobile called Egyptian Mummies and Eternal Life. This one features over 100 artifacts and will be on display until June 27. Free Sundays are still in effect with the first one slated for March 7th from 1-5PM.
My top 5 are gardening, beach going, grilling, chilling on the patio and exploring parks, museums and small towns! What are you doing to welcome spring? It becomes official on March 19th!
It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~ Mark Twain
In the Spotlight: Triple T Farm Wedding and Event Venue
Chad Turner, Owner
Triple T Farm in Fruitdale, Alabama, has been in Chad Turner's family for over a century. This former working property has been transformed into one of the most sought out wedding venues in the South thanks to the vision of owner, Chad Turner.
He is honored to be a part of so many couple's special moments and is grateful that his family farm is the backdrop for them. The land features a climate controlled barn capable of safely hosting a large reception. This structure opens up to a silo-lined courtyard where a watering-hole serves up refreshing beverages for guests. Brides-to-be are elated to discover a bridal house that is available for them to prepare for their special day in comfort. Grooms can hang out in a cabin located along the fully stocked pond. Many couples marry outdoors. The Pond Pavilion has been a favorite location for many ceremonies.
Chad has thought of everything and is very easy to work with. He conducts personal tours for brides-to be, along with their parents and of course fiancés too! Visit his website to schedule one.
There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps.” ~ Ronald Reagan
Travel guru, Adrienne Tate and her husband, Jeff, toured the property recently. Both of them were amazed at this gem of a venue! On a side note, if you are thinking about traveling check out my recent live video with Adrienne by clicking here. She shared the latest travel news!
Women's History Month March 1 - March 31
Helen Keller was born in West Tuscumbia, Alabama in 1880. She has been memorialized in movies about her life, overcoming blindness & deafness. She became ill at age 19 months and lost two of her 5 senses. Her father, Arthur Henley Keller spent many years as an editor of the Tuscumbia North Alabamian
Did you know that she authored 14 books? She was the first blind/deaf person to earn a Bachelor's degree from Radcliffe.
This trail blazer befriended Alexander Graham Bell, Mark Twain and many others during her lifetime. She traveled to 35 countries and was an advocate for people with disabilities. She was a sought after lecturer and political activist. In 1964 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She lived four more years after receiving this honor.
Look at this review from one of her early lectures!
A message of optimism, of hope, of good cheer, and of loving service was brought to Menomonie Saturday—a message that will linger long with those fortunate enough to have received it. This message came with the visit of Helen Keller and her teacher, Mrs. John Macy, and both had a hand in imparting it Saturday evening to a splendid audience that filled The Memorial. The wonderful girl who has so brilliantly triumphed over the triple afflictions of blindness, dumbness and deafness, gave a talk with her own lips on "Happiness", and it will be remembered always as a piece of inspired teaching by those who heard it. Dunn County News on January 22, 1916
Book Corner #9
I have shared quite a few motivational books with you in 2021. I do want you to know that I enjoy some fiction reading as well. I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie and Death in the Clouds did not disappoint.
I own the Hercule Poirot video collection and this one is part of it. Like many productions, the movie was excellent nevertheless the book was far better. I am truly amazed at the creative genius of Mrs. Christie. This is an easy and intriguing read that you can finish over a long weekend.
Another fiction author that I enjoy includes Mississippi native, John Grisham. Many of his books have been made into movies yet the written texts are truly better in my opinion.
If you don't have time to read, many selections are available for listening on YouTube. Happy reading or listening!
In the Kitchen - Bananas Foster!
As many of you know, I enjoy having friends over for dinner. I hosted the Tates last week and served some New Orleans inspired Barbecue Shrimp. I paired it with a Sauvignon Blanc from Domke Market called Rutherford Round Pond Estate 2018 in Napa Valley. Remember that you can always visit with Brooke to find just the right wine for your dinner party!
This little New Orleans dessert has become a stable. Served along with some strong French Pressed Coffee, it is the perfect ending to an evening.
I have been told that this Brennan's concoction was born from a challenge the owner, Owen Brennan, placed on his sister, Ella. She managed the restaurant and it seems she spent a fair amount of time in the kitchen with Chef Paul Blange. Their brother, John, owned a produce company. The now famous dessert was created by the duo out of a need to use the surplus of bananas. According to her memoir, this is how the 1951 dessert was born.
It is named after good friend, Richard Foster, who served with Owen on the New Orleans Crime Commission. Here is an amazing fact: Did you know that 35,000 pounds of bananas are are "flamed" at Brennan's Restaurant every year? Why not try this simple dessert at home? Let me know how it turns out. I found a banana flavored rum that works perfectly!
Click here for the Bananas Foster original recipe and by all means give it a try! Click here for Pascal Manale's Barbecue Shrimp recipe, another New Orleans original born in 1953.
My wish for you this week is that you soak up some sunshine, spend some time with friends and find some ways to celebrate spring!
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