Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! It is hard to believe that it is Christmas Eve already and tomorrow is Christmas Day.  The time here flies by so fast and with no snow it just does not seem like Christmas.
The December chill has been in the air this week but  did manage to sneak in a couple of pool days.

Tuesday, Roger went painting in the morning and then had bocce in the afternoon. We were out for dinner with friends to Taco  Tuesday at the 2nd street Bistro although we did not have tacos. Great evening  anyway!

Friday night was solstice and there was a spectacular fireworks display out over the  inlet waterway . We did not even have to leave the condo and had a perfect view.

It seems to be the week for eating out as Saturday we were out with our friends Karen and Terry to a new Mexican Restaurant that just opened. Fabulous authentic food at very reasonable prices. The evening was a late one with lots of talking and laughter.

Sunday, I did a bit of Christmas baking and cleaning as it was kind of cool out.  We were invited to dinner at our friends Nancy and Elvis's place and much to our surprise was a turkey dinner.  They served crab cake appetizers along with pickled herring in wine sauce. I was not sure about the  herring but it was very good. Roger liked it too and even had seconds. Nancy is Italian and she said they always have pickled herring at Christmas. After dessert and espresso coffee we settled into the Coquito which is a Puerto Rican Coconut  Rum drink . Oh boy, it is a finisher. I see why the serve it last! Nancy and Elvis are really warm and kind people and made us feel so very welcome in their home. We feel fortunate to have made such great friends here and to have had such a lovely meal and evening with them.

 I have managed to do a bit of Christmas baking but just some cookies. Shortbread, ginger cookies, and cranberry and white chocolate! Just enough for Christmas cheer!  Besides a cookie and a cup of tea go well with the Hallmark Christmas shows. No those movies are not over yet. Roger has been a good sport about it but we did break one night and watch Christmas in Connecticut, an old black and white Christmas favorite!

This afternoon will be spent at the pool chatting , swimming and tanning. Tonight's supper is at our condo with friends. Nothing speaks  Florida Christmas  like shrimp so that is on tonight's menu. Fresh jumbo shrimp with Cavetelli pasta in homemade vodka sauce and  a side of fresh asparagus. Simple and easy! After a day in the sunshine and water I am sure it will be any early Christmas eve.

Well I never got this posted on the 24th so now it is Christmas Day. Merry Christmas everyone!
We shared supper with Karen and Terry at our condo and laughed long into the evening. When we first started coming to Florida Karen said she could not cook nor did she like it . I have since encouraged her to step out of her box and try some new  recipes and and not worry if something did not turn out how she wanted. I must say she is getting to be a very good cook and helped in kitchen yesterday like a pro and  offered some of her own suggestions. She has even learned the art of substitution in a recipe and making it her own. Anyway our shrimp dish was delicious as was our dessert of turtle gelato and  cookies! Oh and we finished with a wee bit of Coquito from the bottle Nancy and Elvis sent home with us!

Christmas Day is another day to be spent at the pool followed by more festivities. We miss friends and family and think of everyone at home enjoying the holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!