MONDAY MORNING RECIPE POST - CREAMY TUSCAN SHRIMP NOODLES

I mistakingly posted the recipe for the Thai Meatballs way too early, if you saw and wondered why it suddenly disappeared, I took it off when I realized what I had done. Many apologies and my thanks to all who have commented. You will still be there when it is eventually published. I will do that as soon as I have had a chance to make it, with my own photos and notes.

I am starting this week being a bit discombobulated. If you saw and are interested now, let me know and I will send you the person’s address to their recipe.

In the meantime…

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

This is another link that disappeared on me but if you go online and type its title in your search engine, you'll get many different varieties. I haven't found this exact one yet but I'm still looking, and will add later when I find its host. It was fixed for the first time on March 9th and was excellent! We had leftovers for the next day.

The weights were metric but I converted as near as I could to ounces.

250 g (9 ounces) peeled shrimp (we probably had less as we used what we had left in a bag of frozen. It seemed enough though.)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon oil or butter

2 cloves of garlic 

6 to 8 cherry tomatoes, halved

2 handfuls of fresh spinach, washed and drained (I also pick the stems off)

200 ml cooking cream (close to 3/4 of a cup) - there was only whole milk in the fridge but Gregg thinks using cream would take it up a notch. I thought it was very nice without but he is probably right

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling over your finished plate at the table

1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or oregano/basil)

200 g (9 ounces) pasta - choice suggestions were penne or spaghetti (we used butterfly 

 

Chili flakes (optional)

Lemon Juice (optional)

Grated Parmesan Cheese (Garnish)

Cook the pasta to package directions until al dente. 

Save 1/2 cup pasta water.

Season fresh or thawed shrimp with salt and pepper. 

Put pan on medium high heat. Add oil or butter. Cook shrimp 1 to 2 minutes on each side.  Remove from pan and set aside.

Make the sauce.

Lower heat to medium. 

Add garlic and cook for 15 seconds.

Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.

Add cream (or milk), the 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and herbs. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add spinach until it has just wilted.

If needed, loosen with a splash of pasta water (we found this wasn’t needed).

Combine ingredients.

Add pasta, shrimp and toss 30 to 60 seconds.

Finish off with chili flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice. (I added this at the table, along with extra grated Parmesan cheese when I had served myself my individual portion. This is optional). 

Two changes, butterfly pasta and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes. It was all very tasty.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - DAILY JOURNAL SUNDAY TO SATURDAY - STARTING SUNDAY 3/8, ENDING ON SATURDAY 3-14-2026

 Next week's weather forecast starting 3-15-26

Sunday, March 8th, 2026: (Once again I didn't write anything down today and this was written on Monday, the 9th). Our son didn't come over this morning as he and our daughter-in-law were out of town near Knoxville, Tennessee. They had a good time, enjoying the journey there and back and also going to local restaurants where they are visiting, that their friends recommend. The photos below are what they sent us, of one of these eateries. It used to be a church turned into a restaurant. You can click here to take a look, menu at this link. It is called '71 South'. We both appreciate them sending their photos.

Monday, March 9th, 2026: Gregg was on a zoom call with a group of people around the world who get together to talk about various interesting topics. It's called Ness Labs. He gets a lot of good ideas and he enjoys these chats very much. He goes to the website several times a week and this is his third zoom call. He gave me this information to tell you, in case anyone out there is interested. The lady who organizes it is called Anne-Laure Le Cunff. She is a neuroscientist from France working in London and has a book out called Tiny Experiments, which he downloaded onto his hard drive. It cost him $9 on Kindle. Gregg says, "They make up the cognitive tests you just took." I might have said something that I won't repeat. If you missed it, you can check last Sunday's journal to the doctor, and you'll understand that one.

Today's lunch was a trip to McDonalds for a burger and fries. I gave him my burger and we spun by the drive-thru coffee shop for my venti-latte and a brownie to eat on the way home. I don't always eat healthy on Monday (that's changing as you'll read further down) but I make up for it the rest of the week, 90 percent anyhow. No breakfast, I was too busy hiding from the zoom call and stayed upstairs. I had visions of forgetting and walking into the room in my night clothes. That alone was enough to keep me from coming down earlier.

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026: Gregg had his yearly check-up today. He has a male doctor at the same building I go to. They didn’t give him a cognitive test, probably because he asks a lot of questions and my mouth doesn't open much - amazingly - but what the heck (white coat syndrome)? I was a little put out and chided him. He always tells me my memory is better than his, usually when we have been talking about something from years ago and I fit that into our conversation. He also tells me my mind is like a laser - that may or may not be a compliment depending on the situation - and he is always surprised I can remember specific events as far back as 50 years ago, all during the time we have been married, even further back in my own childhood. We chatted about certain childhood events with my brother-in-law last Friday, which b-in-l remembered. I told husband, ask for the flipping test next time!”  “Yeah, right!” he said. Anyhow, the good news is he is doing well.

On the way to our favorite walk-around garden, we passed by Twinbrooke Shopping Center and I noticed these flowers painted on one end of the line of shops, its canvas being the red brick wall. They were duplicated on the other end of the building. I asked Gregg could he pull in as they looked lovely from the road and I have missed a lot of murals. I have often said we should come back to take photos. We never do so I asked if we could stop for a few minutes before we drove past the entrance road. 

We reached Green Spring Gardens a half-hour later. The temperature got up to 83 degrees F. (28 degrees C.). We could not waste the day and were eager to get out. There were several dogs and you may have seen a few in my previous post. Not too many blooms showing but we saw crocus, snowdrops, pussy willows, and paper bush. I could see signs of tulip shoots, and I am looking forward to seeing them next time. The flower beds were looking a little tired from the winter season, but I know the time is coming when everywhere will look gorgeous. People, staff and volunteers, work very hard here. I also read this notice.

Gregg suggested we go to Noodles and Company for lunch. He enjoys their buttered noodles and I get buttered noodles with the addition of seasoned tofu and broccoli. However, when we arrived the restaurant was boarded up and permanently closed. How sad for the owners and all their staff.

Though we had not planned to go, Chateau de Chantilly Cafe is just up the road. It was later in the day, nearer three in the afternoon. A good time as there were several parking spaces available. No problem getting a seat either. We both got a drink and my choice was a frappe of some kind, Gregg likes his coca-cola. This was our first meal of the day and I ordered the Egg, Basil, Pesto Toast, Gregg the Onion Bun. 

We had decided to eat relatively light and for dinner we finished the noodle dish we had made the day before which you can see below. I am sharing it in tomorrow’s recipe post. 

We were both tired after our day and went to bed early. 

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026: out early this morning as I had to get my blood work done. I gave myself a few days to go back. We were lucky with another parking space even closer to the entrance. A car was pulling out. As it was quiet, no cars coming or going at that point, I stopped to look at the back of this car. One sign caught my attention in particular, and I added the white arrow to point it out.

It read: "Her courage was her crown and she wore it like a queen." I found it very profound and much admired the person for putting it on her car. A patient perhaps, a gift from a family member or a friend? Whatever the story I loved this quote about courage.

We walked straight in (don’t have to have an appointment) and only waited a few minutes. It gave me just enough time to enjoy these on the reception desk. It was part of the small Origami Art Exhibit. I would like to have asked more about it but it was all business and in and out kind of a day, no chit-chat which was just fine with me, as I wanted out of there too.

 The nurse took me in the back and she was fast. In and out of the cubicle in less than five minutes. The results were sent to us in the afternoon. They send you results immediately, before the doctor has a chance to look at them. We were told this when we started going to the practice. The doctor got in touch a few hours later and everything was good but to cut down on the sugar, which I had seen on the graph in the results, and I was rolling my eyes a bit when Gregg showed it to me, the writing was on the wall. Blast! There go my lattes with the five pumps of vanilla syrup with donut on a Saturday, no more Peanut Butter Cups that Gregg likes to surprise me with when he comes back from a shopping trip, every now and again, popping into Chateau Chantilly Cafe. We're going to have to talk about Monday trips to Mickey D's as well. Cutting way back on everything, at least that's the intention. I'll get back to you in another month. In the meantime, Gregg gets together with son occasionally, and they go and have a meal, so he won't be missing out entirely.

The rest of the day nothing of note, just longing for a doughnut and it's not even Saturday! Would I be hooked on sugar? Maybe - definitely - you be the judge. All I can say is I am my father's child. True Gregg says.

Thursday, March 12th, 2026: after spending the day in short sleeves being bathed in warmth and sunshine at 84 degrees F. (29 degrees C), the weather has gone a tad bonkers! The temperature will be a high of 43 (7 deg C) and the low 27 (-3 deg. C) tonight 

So, from doggy weather to this in one short day, and as I am looking out of the window, big fluffy flakes are falling.

We have just finished a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and toasted Sourdough (that's good for you isn't it?), curtesy of Chef Gregg. His scrambled eggs are better than mine and he disagrees but it's true. I'm heading to the coffee pot for my one cup for the day. I never had black coffee until a couple of years back. At this point in time, I am doing a good job of convincing myself I really don't need my venti latte with the five pumps of vanilla syrup. Hopefully I will stop thinking about it soon.

Just in case anyone is wondering, my coffee mug is empty and won't be knocked over to splash the dickens all over my keyboard. It's just a fun photo for my blog piece.

Isn’t this a beautiful bird? It was today’s screen shot on the laptop. I did a Google search and its ID is a Sunbittern Eurypygidae. Click here to find out more. Its wings remind me of a beautiful butterfly. 

At 1.32 p.m. it is still snowing and the flakes are getting bigger, though I haven't heard how many inches we are going to have. Hopefully it won't be too deep. The house retains the heat from the day before, so I am very comfortable watching the snow fall. Tomorrow will be a different story. Woolly socks up to my knees, and back to sweaters up to my chin, with a throw rug over my lap. It's all in the details and oh my word, roll on Spring!

4.28 p.m. the snow stopped about an hour ago and the sun is shining. The driveway and path to the door is thankfully clear. The ground must be warm from yesterday and it was a relatively wet snow. Maybe this will all be gone soon.

We had an early dinner. Cooked pork chops with a cucumber salad. It is on the list to share on a Monday morning recipe post. It was very good, one we both enjoyed and will happily make again (to prove my point on 3-14-26, my dear other half liked it so much he made it again for lunch). The pork chops came out of the freezer and that recipe is already on the blog here.

I watched the last episode of The Young Sherlock Holmes today. It was a big thumb’s up. I hope they make another season

Friday, March 13th, 2026: we seem to be having our breakfast for lunch these days. Egg and bacon sandwich for me and toast, eggs and bacon for hubs. We both enjoy the sourdough.

Dinner was at 5.00 p.m. and we made baked cod with green beans, mushrooms and mashed potatoes. I forgot to put the chopped parsley over the top.

This will be in one of my Monday morning recipe posts.

I didn't do a lot today other than the usual pottering around. Son called up a couple of times to see what we were up to. He had the snuffles and a bit of a sore throat this week. Gregg's been sneezing a lot too - we're hoping it's allergies!

I've been watching the doves on the back deck. The sun is going down so they have gone back to wherever they roost during the night. The birdlife is down again and hopefully the warmer weather will eventually bring them back.

That's about it for today.

Saturday, March 14th, 2026: a slow start to the day and it is 57 degrees F. (14 degrees C). The sun is shining but we haven't got anything planned. Not sure what we are doing at 1.54 p.m. Gregg went up to the bagel shop and brought me one home. He also popped into the supermarket next door but I told him to skip the donut and coffee today. Trying! I suppose I should have ordered the wheat bagel instead of the sesame one but slow and steady wins the race. 

Will I add any more today? Who knows! Maybe not the way things are going. A very slow but pleasant day.

Thanks for following me along in my journal. It is always appreciated. You all take good care of yourselves out there and 

enjoy the week.

SATURDAY MORNING BIRD FEEDER POST - CROW-QUET?

 

Not that quiet!

That's how it goes at this week's 

Saturday Morning at the Birdfeeder. I hope you 

have enjoyed today's little flight of whimsy.

I wish you all a very happy weekend 

and thanks for stopping by.

For our international friends to translate using the widget on my sidebar.

1st photo: 

"Where is everyone? It is so quiet around here."

2nd Photo: 

"Interesting! They are playing a strange looking game with a ball and sticks."

3rd Photo: 

"I heard them call it Crow-quet!" "I would call that a groaner!" "That is a groaner!" 

4th Photo: 

"They are taking it very seriously."

"It's crow-quet!"

5th Photo: 

Sign says: Crow-Quet Tournament - ESTD 2026 

Saturday Morning at the Birdfeeder

Bring Your Own Birdseed

Crow says: "We have to bring our own bird seed? Whatever next?"

Message below: "They are asking volunteers to bring brooms for clean-up!"

RANDOM PHOTO - A HORSESHOE CRAB

I find these fascinating creatures and very prehistoric looking. As I am sharing from my archives and looking at a lot of old blog posts to reshare, I found this. We were in Virginia Beach walking along the sand. It is a shell of an old Horseshoe crab. I wondered if its demise was caused by a hungry gull. Their footprints were everywhere, as you might expect from a walk on the beach.

Horseshoe crabs are marine anthropods of the family Limulidae and order Xiphosura or Xiphosurida that live primarily in and around shallow waters on soft sandy or muddy bottoms.  

A horsehoe crab is best described as a 'living fossil', an ancient, armored arthropod that has remained virtually unchanged for over 450 million years, predating even the dinosaurs. Despite their name they are not true crabs, but more closely related to spiders and scorpions. 

There is an amazing amount of information about them online, but I will finish here.

If you want to find out more, you can go to this link. The following photo I found on pixabay.com

Thanks for looking and I hope you are having a great week so far.

DOGS AT THE GARDEN

Part of the fun of enjoying the good weather, is seeing our canine friends enjoying it too.

Dogs make every walk an adventure, don't they?

Each human parent might say, "My dog and I go out for a walk, and it's plain for all to see, that it's really not me who is walking the dog, it's the dog who is out walking me."

One last quote: 

"Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with happiness?"

~Jonathan Safran Foer~

We were at the garden yesterday and I was delighted to see several dogs on their walks. We were able to take photos of a few. 

I was also delighted that it got up to 77 degrees F. (25 degrees C). As I type this on 3-11-26, I can tell you it reached 84 (29 in celcius). I was just told it is going down to 35 tonight (2 degs. C), and snow is expected. What on earth? Mother Nature is playing a joke, I think.

Thanks for stopping by and 

I hope your weather is being kind to you 

and not playing a joke on you too.

(Photos taken by Gregg.)

I SAW A DRAGON GUARDING THE FLOWERS AND THEN EMILY SHOWED UP…

“The older I grow, the more do I love Spring 

and spring flowers. Is it so with you?”

~Emily Dickinson~

Not long to go!

McKEE'S BOTANICAL GARDEN, VERO BEACH, FLORIDA - PART 3

 This is the third one I am posting on the Seward Johnson Exhibit from my archives. This one is called, 'A Thought to Consider'.  You can see the others here and here.  This work is inspired by the Edouard Manet painting, 'Dans la serre' (In the Conservatory).  You can see a copy of the painting here. 

The link I have provided, takes you to a website where you can read information on Seward Johnson and see photos of other sculptures. I have noticed that old links sometimes change after a couple of years or so. I don't catch them all. The exhibit ended long ago at the garden, on April 27th, 2014. 

  

If you are ever in any area that may be exhibiting them today, I highly recommend going. Their details are very impressive.

I looked online to see where others might be and I found the following list on Google.

Ormond Beach in Florida, along the Granada Boulevard corridor (from A1A to US 1) until June 30th, 2026. It features works like a chic Mona Lisa and Einstein riding a bicycle.

Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ is the primary home for Seward Johnson's work. It is a 42-acre park which maintains an extensive collection of his sculptures. A specific exhibition, "That's Worth Celebrating: The Life and Work of the Johnson Family," is on view through December 31st, 2026.

Mayfair, Philadelphia: a new public exhibit titled "Moments in Motion" is scheduled to arrive in April 2026, featuring various sculptures placed throughout the Mayfair corridor.

The rest - at the time of publishing my post on 3-8-26 and found on Google - is a list of Seward Johnson's work at several permanent and semi-permanent sites:

Hopewell Township, NJ: The monumental 70-foot-wide sculpture The Awakening is in temporary residence at St. Michael's Farm Preserve.

National Harbor, MD: A version of his massive 70-foot aluminum giant, The Awakening, is permanently sited along the Potomac River. This one I am assuming is the same as above. I have seen it many times before on our trips over there, never connecting the fact that it was made by this man. I probably read the plaque and had forgotten it soon after. You can see it here.

Union Township, NJ: Multiple sculptures, including Sidewalk Concert and Mariachi Band, are installed at various landmarks such as the Union Public Library and Russo Park. 

Carmel, IN: The Carmel Art and Design District features several of his "Man-on-the-Street" series sculptures throughout the downtown area.

One last bit of information about this sculptor: Seward Johnson, the American sculptor known for his hyper-realistic bronze figures and for founding the Grounds For Sculpture, was born on April 16th, 1930, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He died on March 10th, 2020, at the age of 89 in Key West Florida. 

More sculptors to come next week. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

MONDAY MORNING RECIPE - OATMEAL/BANANA PANCAKE

As husband was heading out to his favorite bagel shop for breakfast, and I didn't really want bagels that morning, I stayed home and made this recipe. There is no link and I'll be the first to say that I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea. Gregg would fit into that category. He better likes the crepe-like pancakes I make for him and even prefers those to the regular, thicker ones that I enjoy when we have gone out for breakfast. Most of the time we have the same tastes but occasionally we part ways.

My family and I used to go along the hedgerows when we were kids and pick wild blackberries to take home. Blackberries are at the top of my favorites. I always ate a hot bowl of oatmeal in the winter before setting out to school. The only pancakes I ever had were the traditional yearly ones on Shrove Tuesday (those are what I make for Gregg when he requests them). These are a little different and they might not be for you. I am adding it here for myself as I will make it again sometime. With that ringing endorsement I will continue.

Banana Oatmeal Pancake

1 banana

2 eggs

1/2 cup old fashioned oats 

A splash of vanilla extract

To put on the top:

Any favorite topping. These were on our latest shopping list: blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, quantity is up to you. 

Maple syrup

Next time I thought I would sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice which was another British tradition and how mother served them on Shrove Tuesday. 

Mash the banana in a small bowl. 

Add the eggs and mix until well combined. 

Add the splash of vanilla extract. 

Add the oats and mix well.

Heat a frying pan to medium-high. Coat frying pan with a good spray of avocado oil. Turn down to medium heat.

Pour the mixture into the pan.

I used this for one large pancake but it was a little tricky to turn over, so I will make 2 smaller ones next time.

Cover and cook 3 minutes on one side (if you think it is getting too brown, turn heat down).

Flip and cook 2 minutes on the other side.

Put on serving plate and serve with your choice of toppings. This one has a dusting of powdered sugar on the top.

We were lucky enough to have been given a jar of maple syrup from a dear friend of ours, and someone Gregg has known since early childhood. A friend of his made it (sharing a picture below). We are both in agreement here, it's delicious! Thanks dear friend!

And thank you for visiting.

I hope your week is a great one.