The gardens are bursting with color right now in Lake Wales, Florida! Spring is the best time to visit. The Chinese Lantern shrub caught my eye, and even though it won't survive the winter, I would love to have this 'redvein abutilon' in my garden and could bring it in for the winter.
One of the books I read while on vacation was "Finding Freedom" by Erin French (The Lost Kitchen). I borrow libary ebooks and audiobooks and listen to them on the Libby app.
In this memoir, Erin French shares her life
journey in an honest, emotionally raw voice. She hit rock bottom and clawed her
way back up to becoming a successful restaurant owner of The Lost Kitchen. It was often harrowing to read about, and thankfully
it was rewarding in the end. It is good to see someone pull themselves
back from the brink to find professional victory, and personal stability as well.
We have a few favorite restaurants that we enjoy for special occasions so I've been perusing their menus for inspiration. Autumn squash custard made with mashed organic butternut squash, maple, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, milk and eggs. Baked at 350.
Baby Arugula tossed in a honey ginger dressing, and topped with apple compote and candied pecans
Saffron risotto with fermented garlic and red pickled onion
Seasonal succotash
Cod with a honey herb glaze and a drizzle of tomato vinaigrette
I love your 'so refreshing' dishes! And, of course, like so many others, a big fan of Erin French. That grandbaby of yours is adorable.
ReplyDeleteThank you Latane! I’ve been trying to get picked for a dinner reservation at Lost Kitchen for two years. I’m getting ready to send my postcard to Erin in March :-)
DeleteThe Chinese Lantern shrub is amazing! What bright colors! We're hoping to get away this week to Florida....we shall see! Thanks for the book recommendation. I do enjoy a well-written memoir. :D
ReplyDeleteHarper is a beauty!! Fun getaway and I love bowls too..I want someone to make them for me lol.
ReplyDeleteI know you enjoyed in Florida, the singing tower is beautiful, and I've never seen a Chinese Lantern shrub, how pretty! Your lunch bowls sound so healthy, and what a great idea to make time ahead of time~ Happy Birthday Harper! Yes, February is almost over, and Spring is on the way!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Harper is Two Groovy! I love her bell bottoms! ♥ What a beautiful botanical garden you visited. The flower really does look like a Chinese Lantern! So pretty! One more month to spring...YAY!
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese lantern shrub is so exotic, Debbie. Isn’t it fun to see unusual plants that we’re not accustomed to? Your lunch means sound so healthy! Little Harper is so adorable in her groovy bell bottoms! Enjoy your week. ❤️
ReplyDeleteYes Deb, February is getting away fast! What a beautiful pic of the Chinese Lantern shrub, beautiful colors and I would love to see one. Love your idea for lunch bowls using leftovers, especially with spring coming. Like you I will be in the yard laying out beds. Little Harper is already two, were did that time go!
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