12/24

We have been experiencing a cold spell:  high in the low 50s and windy, which makes it seem colder.  I feel badly for the young families who use Christmas break to bring the kids to the beach.  But no ice, snow, or tornadoes.

Can find no Chinese restaurants open tomorrow, so we will get some take-out tonight and eat at home tomorrow.

Talked to a young lady at Harbour Communications about our troubles with wi-fi.  She said her name was Stormy.  Had to be a story there, but I was more interested in solving the problem than discussing why her parents named her Stormy.

One of our favorite restaurants here is owned by a dog lover who has decorated the place with pictures and paintings of dogs.  Also signs such as Dog is my Co-pilot, and Bark Off.  The signs on the rest rooms are Pointers and Setters.

12/21

Not much new or exciting here in Paradise (the police cars declare that they are Protecting Paradise, and who I to argue with them?)  Maybe that is why I am getting really good blood pressure readings.  As usual, the locals complain about how cold it is ("It went down to 37 last night!  What is the temp now?  68.  Yes, that is brutal!")

Santa's little elf is putting out Christmas doo daads in the condo, and insisting that we listen to Christmas music when we are in the car.  We both like Ertha Kitt (Santa Baby) and Louie Armstrong (Zat you Santa?)  And Scrooge here, will be glad when it is all over. Maybe that is why my staff gave me a lump of coal for Christmas every year!

I got a haircut yesterday from a young lady who looks to be about 16.  Her training was 2 weeks of watching the "Master Barber" who owns the shop, and she has been on the job for 2 months.  Even J thinks she did a good job.  And she is much better looking than Laky.  On the next visit, I may have her shave the edges of my beard.  That will be a little scary.  In my long lost youth, there were several women who would have liked to get that close to my throat with a sharp razor.

Discovered a citrus that is new to us - pummelo.  It looks like a grapefruit on steroids, and the lady at the produce market says it is a cross between grapefruit and orange.  Very tasty.

We are looking for a chinese restaurant that will be open on Christmas.  If you have ever seen "Christmas Story", you will know why.  Several years ago, J asked the owner of Middle Kingdom in A2 if he would be open on Christmas.  "Busiest day of the year.  Every Jew in town is here."

12/12

One of our friends called this area as "Redneck Riviera"  That's fine, except that many of the 'Locals" are transplant.  Waitresses from Toronto, Brooklyn NY, Atlanta, and Detroit.  And the vast majority of people we meet are snow birds from up north.

Went to Joe Patti's fish market in Pensacola today.  But before we left, J did her good deed for the day.  Yesterday she was out and about, and stopped for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, where she pulled a Stan Rhodes, mistakenly leaving a 10% tip.  So we returned, she apologized, and left the other 10%.

Joe Patti's is gigantic.  I asked 2 employees, and both said no one ever asked before and they did not know the answer.  My best estimate is the display case is 30 yards long.  A plethora of fish, and I don't know the names of many of them.  Shrimp of all variety:  heads on, peeled,  multiple sizes.  I bought royal reds - which I had never heard of until last year.  As I understand it, they are deep water shrimp.  Scallops, clams, crab, lobster, oysters.  I think it comes under the heading of:  if they don't have it, you don't need it.  I also picked up some Taylor Pork Roll - a NJ delicacy sold on the boardwalk.  I spotted a block of souce, but passed on that.  Too vinegary for my taste.  So we left with the pork roll, cherry stones, royal reds, bay scallops, and packed shelled oysters for scalloped oysters.  Plus some dips for snacks.

12/8/13

Way to go, Spartans!  Not sure which was more fun:  watching MSU win, or Urban Meyer pout at the press conference.  Sparty on!!

Bought a tee shirt the other day, with a picture of an oyster on the half shell, and caption:  Southern Sushi.  J saw one in MS, with the caption:  Southern Viagra.

Stopped at Publix the other day for lunch meat, and saw that they sold head cheese.  Man behind the counter said they sell a lot to snowbirds.  I haven't seen or tasted any in many years, so I bought some.  Good.  My Dad liked head cheese, souse, and tongue.  I always think of them as Depression food, and I think for him it went back to the days in the 30s when he was working his way through Drexel Univ, with no money.

12/5

Happy Hour at Cobalt Restaurant:  Oysters for 50 cents each (good quality) and house wine (which J likes) for $3  Made me happy last night.

Signs:  In front of a real estate office here in OBA - Peace, Joy, and Real Estate
           At White Cap in MS:  Abnormality is the Normality at this Locality.  Reminds me of my career.

The weather the other day was spectacular, so I sat on the balcony, listened to the ocean slap the beach, watch people walking and playing, while I enjoyed a cigar and martini.  Life is good here at OBA

12/4

We finally have internet access.  Checked into the condo Sun PM.  Not the same unit as last year, but same building, same lay-out, with nicer furnishings.  We rented a PO Box:  3994, Orange Beach AL 36561

Before we left MS, we returned to White Cap, where the shucker is the owner of the restaurant.  I like the way he counts.  A dozen is at least 13, and often 14.

Here in OBA, we are pleased to see our favorite waitresses and maintenance workers.