Life Lately in Photos

We are back from a trip to Michigan for my mother’s funeral and it’s still a strange new reality.

There have been fun and much needed visits from friends happening, in between making funeral arrangements from a far.  I’m not sure if being busy when you are still adjusting to the passing of a loved one is a good distraction or if it is keeping me from taking care of myself.  It’s all about living a new normal and I know I will get there once I have a chance to get back in my routine.

The photos of my life lately include a good memory of my mom, her grandchildren at the funeral, Michigan friends in Florida, a visit from my daughter, a Gulf sunset near St. Pete and my therapy; (besides writing this blog) planting flowers.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Another Sad Goodbye

I have been a little quiet on the blog this past week; neither writing nor commenting.  My mother, who has lived with Alzheimer’s for ten years, passed away suddenly and coming less than five months after my father’s quick passing, I am feeling a little shell shocked.  Our family is forever changed and I have needed time to think and reset.

Anyone who has a parent with Alzheimer’s,  knows what a long and difficult road it is.  I’m surprised it has hit me this hard, because it’s been a long time since I have been able to pick up the phone and call my Mom or even hear her say my name.  I have really been grieving for years.

We have many wonderful family memories that will give us comfort as we say goodbye to our sweet, gentle and beautiful mother of three and grandmother of seven.  She will be missed, but has joined her husband of 60 years, so we choose to look at it as the blessing it is.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Let’s be honest.  If a recipe is usually fried, the baked version is probably not going to be as good.  But, I don’t own an air fryer, don’t like frying on the stovetop because of the mess and really wanted to make my daughter Coconut Shrimp since it was too cold on her recent visit to order some sitting outside over looking the water.

This recipe has been saved, but not tried, for quite some time and I think it may be a keeper.  Like I said, not as good as a fried version, but perfectly good to enjoy at home for a Florida style appetizer.

I followed the recipe with one change that I would not do again. I used already peeled and cooked shrimp and I think it needs the raw shrimp for the corn starch to adhere to better.  The coconut did brown up nicely in the oven, so no worries there.

If you need a little tropical sunshine in the middle of winter, give this recipe a try.  Best served with a pina colada pool side :-)

Happy Friday!