We’re anchored north of St. Augustine at the eloquently named ICW-SM 769. There’s a gale in the Atlantic and we’re lucky to be on the leeward side of the barrier island. We’re experiencing 20-25 mph winds so it’s exciting. Time for comfort food.

The First Mate started a big pot of chili with ground beef, onions, green pepper, carrots, tomatoes, chili powder, garlic and tomato paste. I baked some fresh muffins and I’ll make a simple salad later. Cookies, a brandy and a movie for dessert.

It’ll be easy eating as we rock ‘n’ roll through the night!

with Charred Zucchini and Yogurt Sauce.

Testing for the Test Kitchen!

gas station supreme pizzas. We will all be out by my pond having a picnic and catching up on old memories. We're all in our early 70's and we've been friends since we were six years old.

and came home for a visit. I called another friend we grew up with who is not in the best of health and he came out with his electric mobility scooter. His wife said privately that she doesn't expect for him to live much longer. Watching him sitting on his scooter reeling in a 12 pound catfish and my other friend with the landing net and landing it was great. He told me it was the most fun he has had in years.

I was planning some kind of stir-fry with chicken. The chicken was thawed, and I had 2 bunches of green onions, a few fresh red hot peppers, some broccoli. Ginger, garlic, etc. Half a jar of chicken broth.

DH asked what we were having and I said "Something Chinese. Or Vietnamese. Light, lots of veg, spicy. Maybe a sweet/sour/hot stir fry."

"Do we have nuts? I like kung pao."

"Well, we've got all these veg and they won't keep."

"I really like kung pao."

Ooo kay. If you're interested, kung pao chicken with lots of green onion, fresh chilis as well as dried, broccoli, cashews (I didn't have peanuts) and the sauce slightly brothier than usual is...actually pretty good.