Saying Goodbye to July

We are in the thick of our hot, hot summer weather and we are still thinking our pool was the best decision ever.  I try to a avoid the prime ultraviolet sun hours and have been enjoying the pool around five o’clock with a happy hour cocktail.  I have a squishy, noodle type chair that I float around on and it is perfection.  Also, the sunsets lately have been spectacular.

A tropical storm or weak hurricane is headed our way, but will most likely stay east and we will only get the outer rain bands.  It’s always a stressful time here in Florida as we enter the prime hurricane season.  I have found a weatherman that I trust and I only panic when he says to.  We did invest in a generator, so we are good to ride out anything, but a direct hit, category 5.  In fact, now that this is our 4th hurricane season, I am getting quite blasé about the whole thing.  I guess I am becoming a true Floridian.

My husband recently purchased a new toy, perfect for Florida exploring.  We have a scooter now and last week, went in the morning one day for beach walking and breakfast at one of my favorite spots in downtown Venice.  Lots of fun times ahead with the scooter and don’t worry - we stick to the less traveled routes and wear our helmets.

Have a wonderful weekend!

My Favorite Breakfast Smoothie

When you are a diabetic, you start every morning with the best intentions and for the most part I succeed.  My routine calls for testing my blood sugar first thing and since the downfall with my control is my morning fasting numbers, (too high because of how my pancreas processes glucose when I wake up) I try to wait a bit before I eat to let things even out with my meds.

This smoothie is just the thing after I have a cup of coffee and want something to get me through the morning.  It has limited carb servings (3-4), protein to balance the carbs, is adaptable for flavor variety and most important, quick and delicious.

I always have the ingredients in my pantry and fridge and keep a variety of frozen fruit on hand.  When I have a too ripe banana, I slice it into 2 servings, place in a baggie and freeze.  I use a Magic Bullet and all the parts can go in the dishwasher.  Today a Mango Smoothie - tomorrow I might change to to blueberry.  Sometimes I add spinach for added health benefits.

 Endless flavor possibilities.

Breakfast Smoothie

Place in this order in your bullet or blender

1/2 cup crushed ice
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
Splash of lowfat milk
Handful of frozen fruit
1/2 frozen banana
1 T peanut butter
1/4 cup oatmeal
Splash of lowfat milk

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

My Covid Air Travel Experience

First, let me say that I am currently keeping myself home for 2 weeks since I traveled.  It seems there are a lot of opinions out there, but I was very careful, do not live in a hot spot (my area of Florida is fine) and was not going to a hot spot.  I think people need to make their own decisions as long as guidelines are followed.

I flew from Ft. Myers to Pittsburgh and did everything I could to be as safe as possible.  I chose to fly Southwest Airlines because the middle seats are open through September.  I paid for early check in so I could make sure and get a window seat.  I carried on my bag, so less people would touch it.  I had wipes to clean surfaces and my hands when I touched anything.

The airports were quite empty and everyone was wearing a mask, no exceptions.  There was a constant reminder over the speaker that it was required in the terminal.  Because it was so empty, there was plenty of room to spread out and social distance.  Southwest boarded ten at a time, so there was no backup on the jetway.

My flights had fewer than fifty people, so again, plenty of room to spread out.  Masks were required at all times and everyone had a row to themselves.  Only water and a small snack were offered.

Overall I was very impressed with both Southwest Airlines and the airport terminals for the protocol they had in place.  People were respectful of social distancing.  It felt safer than Publix at times where I find many to be oblivious.  Obviously, traveling is not something we as a country are all going to run out and do on a whim, but it was important to me to see my daughters.  We stuck close to my daughter’s home and it all felt just fine.  I never thought I would have this to contend with when I moved away from family, so at some point, you figure out a way.  You can see from these smiles any travel angst was worth it.