 Perspective: Of all the vantage points one can view the world from, of all the view points one can believe in - perspective - may be one of the most valuable sights of them all. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ~ CHANGE YOUR LIFE  It’s vitally important, and maybe now more than ever before for many, to consider your perspective. Because it shouldn’t be: What CAN’T you do while sheltering in place? Or, in quarantine, or while practicing social distancing? It’s definitely much more like this: What CAN you do? If you’re stuck at home right now - maybe you’re doing your part to either not catch or spread the Coronavirus... The question should be: How can I make the most of the situation I find myself in? Instead of: What the heck am I supposed to do now?! And instead of: Constantly complaining over all the little things? It should definitely be much more like this: What little thing can I be grateful for today? And when we stress over all the INCONSISTENCIES in our life…. All the UNPREDICTABLY... All the UNCERTAINTIES over the future… We should instead be focused on TODAY… To live in the moment. To appreciate our life. To be present in the here and now. What can we LEARN from today? What can we APPRECIATE today? What can we CREATE today? What kind of ADVENTURE can we go on today? What SMALL thing, right in front of our eyes - can we turn into our EVERY THING?  A Sheltie’s Adventure. When, in your current reality, it may be more like this: What can I focus on today… to simply make it through the day alive? You see, in order to make it through a situation successfully, historically, people who survive intact and come out living and breathing on the other end, have focused on the little things. Whether it’s second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. Focus entirely needs to be on the present moment. And the simple routine of daily life. And then, those simple and small moments, add up to perseverance, add up to survival, and add up to the journey, and to life itself. And right now, amidst all the uncertainty of the CoVid19 pandemic, many people are stuck at home. Many people are confined and sheltering-in-place. Many people are alone. Many people are bored. Many people are working their behinds off. Many - countless people - on the front lines of this world war, are stressed to the max, while literally putting their lives on the line for others. And many people - whatever they are doing, or not doing - are trying to make it through another day on this, our Earth. So, as I write about the little things in life - today, I wanted to finally take the time to highlight a very small, and a very special park, on a lovely little street corner in my little beach town. Yes - There’s a great little park in Jax Beach that you should definitely check out in the future. And unless you and your area is currently under a shelter-in-place order or official quarantine, etc., my guess is that you’ll still be trying to get some fresh air at some point each day. While making every effort to stay home as well. We are still going to the grocery store, and picking up take out, and going to pharmacies, and getting fuel in the car. And lots of people are still in need of walking their dogs. And many who are able are going for walks themselves. So the really great thing about this seaside park is the fact that it has absolutely nothing that you should or need to be actually physically touching in any way. It’s all sculpture. It’s all art. On display. It’s all to look at. It’s all to gaze upon. It’s a great place to safely get some fresh air while you may be practicing social distancing. It’s located directly next door to the Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry. And most importantly, of course, it’s right on the oceanfront. So, no need to worry about spreading or catching germs while gazing at beautiful art in the fresh coastal air. Seaside Sculpture Park, located @ 480 1st Street South, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, really is one of the little hidden gems in this small coastal town I call home.   I’ve been frequenting this park since moving to Florida. And I have watched the art get changed out many times. Sometimes, the piece of art proudly on display becomes so commonplace and usual and ordinary to life on 1st Street - and blended seamlessly into the surrounding scenery, that when a sculpture gets changed out for something new, there's a fictitious and dramatic or literal uproar in town. In fact, right now there are Nemo fish on display. And a sea turtle. There used to be a copper looking shrimp, and there used to be a skeleton - that everyone misses. Right now there's a metal looking pipe that looks, to me, just like the Pixar logo lamp. And currently, I’ve become so used to the Nemo fish, that when they leave, I will be the one in an uproar. Well, not really. But all kidding aside, when the Nemo fish came, I started to call the park the Nemo Fish Park - instead of its rightful and real name. And that’s now what it always will be to me. Seaside Sculpture Park is run by the University of North Florida. More specifically, the UNF Department of Art & Design. The actual UNF campus is a little bit over the bridge and inland to the west, located very close to the St. John Town Center. UNF has a beautiful and sprawling, vast piece of land that the entire campus sits upon. With swamps and trails and lots of wildlife, all surrounding the campus buildings, offices, and dorms. And about as many times as I’ve driven past the campus, I’ve visited my Nemo Fish Park about a thousand times more than that.      My dog also loves the park. And if you’ve got a dog right now in the current apocalypse spreading before us, they definitely still need to get their daily walk in. So if you’re local, I’d highly recommend checking out this adorable and free park. And if you’re much farther away, my recommendation is to find the small park in your own town. To think outside the box. And then go ahead and get outside of your own box. And breathe some fresh air into your lungs. In a safe and common sense kind of way. Yes, there are lots of areas on complete lockdown, quarantine, and shelter-in-place, etc. And always heed the warnings of your locality. But if you’re not under direction right now, you should consider stepping outside. Keep your distance. And get in a lovely walk. Maybe to a lovely park. Because, as you may be cooped up at home, it doesn't mean you still shouldn’t live. And breathe. And feel the sun on your skin. So, go ahead and get out there. Go ahead and change your vantage point. Go ahead and change your point of view. Go ahead and change your perspective. And go ahead and change your life. You can keep social distance, you can follow all the guidelines, you can gaze upon without touching, you can breathe in the fresh air, and you can look at all the beauty around you. Because, maybe instead of: I’m stuck in the house with nothing to do and nowhere to go. It can actually be: Today, I’m going for a walk to Seaside Sculpture Park. And I’ll look at the Nemo Fish, while I look up at the sky. And watch the birds fly overhead. And I’ll see all the other dogs being walked. Because maybe while Mother Nature certainly can be a beast and an evil villain, she can also most certainly be the true heroine of your own amazing story. ~ 
What hidden gem in your town have you discovered since the Coronavirus took precedent over all our lives? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Hey you! Over there! Yes, you - the one with the different perspective… go ahead and check out some more inspirational stories right here: 3] The Dog Days Of Endless Summer 5] The Reef On SR A1A: Worth Pulling Over For 8] It’s Fall ~ In Florida ~ Y’all! 11] Eleven South Bistro & Bar ~~ Supper Club Of The South 18] Sea & Sky Jax Weekend ~ Fun In The Florida Sun, Sea, Sky & Sand 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 23] Faith ~ And Life Lessons Learned Living With Wild & Untamable Hair 26] Deck The Chairs ~ BE THAT CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS OUR VERY OWN AND SHAREABLE WORLD 27] Thanksgiving & Pete’s Bar ~ Not All Resolutions Need Be Fulfilled On January First 28] The Scent of Christmas in the Air 34] Merry Christmas ~ And How To Buy For That Person On Your List Who Saved Your Life ~ 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You ~ 37] New Year/New 007 ~ Here’s 20 Tips That Will Have You Seeing 20/20 In 2020 ~ 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 41] Minnie The Daschund Mouse & Her Birthday Wish 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe 55] The Shamrock Plus - if you’re looking for further ways to help you through this Corona Crisis that we find ourselves in right now - check out the below posts for a few more ideas: 58] Bean’s Corona Kickin’ Chicken 59] REACTION ~ To World War 19 60] Welcome To Muffin Land ~ The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry 61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days And for some more artistic adventures - check out the links below: 2] 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market 22] Saturday On San Pablo Island 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 32] Jolly Holiday In Jarboe Park ~ The Beaches Green Market 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia
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 Lately, I have been asked the following question, many times: “How come you are not worried?” And my answer is very, very simple: My foundation. And what I mean by that is this - my routine. My daily practices. My daily activities. Structure - how I plan, build, and then act out my days. By building a daily and weekly routine, life can become very simplified. Even the toughest of tasks can be accomplished through small steps, repetitive practice, and routine... And routine maintenance - so to speak. Building a routine lays a foundation. And continual practice builds an increasingly stronger foundation. And as you will see in bullet number 14 below, a strong foundation can help you through a tough time. I have been practicing calmness, patience, discipline, determination, and perseverance for so long now, that even these challenging days are far easier to get through than they would have been in the past for me. Now, when something hits - out of the blue - I can REACT appropriately. I can react reasonably. I can react with health in mind. And that goes for any and all situations. Foreseen, planned for, or very unforeseen. You see, if you practice not getting angry when someone cuts in line in front of you enough, you won’t overreact when something even bigger happens in life. If you practice not getting stressed out in traffic, when a two hour traffic jam comes along and surprises you, you’ll treat it like a mini-vacation in your car - instead of a ball of stress and tension and anger. When you are on the phone and the automated operator tells you to press zero to speak with someone, and you press zero, and they hang up on you instead, after being on hold for 45 minutes, you can simply blow it all off. Dust yourself off. And call again. No big deal. And I am not in any way trying to compare a global pandemic to the dilemma of sitting in traffic or other minor and petty issues within our communities and society. I’m simply stating if you practice healthy habits, healthy reactions, and practice more patience than you ever thought a human being could possibly have - then you will have a stronger base to fall back on when something even larger attacks you. And as we are now suddenly living in the midst of a very official 15 Day Challenge set forth by our government. I have once again chosen how to react. I acknowledge that we are at war - with a virus. We are now living changed lives. Every single one of us. I educate myself. I plan. I act. I react. And I act again. Example: REACTION ~ To World War 19 So, while, as of today, America is on the back end of these initial 15 days, each day is still vitally important that we all follow the guidelines. And, to do all that has been asked of us - with a lot of uncertainty added into our days. And whether we are doing our very best to stay home, or still working outside the home in what the government is considering an essential business. We’ve all changed some aspect of our daily activities at this point. In order to slow the spread of Coronavirus, every person on this planet has an important role to play. And ultimately the question is this: How will you change your life to do your part? Chances are you are going to follow the guidelines to the best of your ability. This leads to spending time at home, or at least to become very socially distant from one another. For a whole lot of time. Which leads to the need for human activity in the home, plus, the act of being around less people. Instead of - outside and away from home, and thus, interaction with more people. I’d like to present you with a number of activities that I have long ago since adopted into my lifestyle. Each of these bullet points below has helped immensely in the current situation as I also have adjusted my lifestyle now to help lower the curve. To bend that curve in the right direction. So, whether you're at home, or you’re not - we can’t just SIT there. We need to LIVE - wherever we’re at during these trying times. Check out any or all of Bean’s List below when you are seeking a way to fill a gap in your down time. When you are seeking a distraction. When you want to react to a situation in a more calm and rational manner. Not everything on this list is for purposes of staying home, sheltering-in-place, or for quarantine, but they are all merely examples of little things. Little things that can help you in some way of getting through a day. Small ways of keeping your mind, and your body, occupied. To keep your brain stimulated. And to get creativity flowing. And lastly - to help inspire. To provide hope. To light the flame on the fire of your faith. To keep going. To march before you feel like it. To get out of your own way. To live. Any day. And every day. So, today I present to you - Bean’s Idea List. Included are 15 daily activities you can partake in - anytime - anywhere:  1-Adult Coloring Books Adult coloring books. If you have not yet tried an adult coloring book, but have had your eyes set upon them - today is the day to finally take action. While bookstores are mostly closed for the pandemic, you can still order books online. Yes, goods are still being shipped. Or, don’t forget to check out the magazine aisle next time you are at a grocery store or pharmacy. Or even the dollar store. They usually have a small section of coloring books and crossword puzzles. It’s finally time to take your colored pencils out of hiding. Dust them off. And give them a job to do. 2-Bullet Journal Buy one! They are soooo fun. Now is the time to try a fun and exciting way to stay organized. I’ve been bullet-journaling for a few years now, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for organizing my life. Plus, besides increased organization and efficiency in daily life - I no longer have ten thousand different random notepads, journals, and post-its, sitting everywhere around the house and lying in different bags and purses and atop different counters and desks. Now, everything I write is in one, singular, book. And that book can go everywhere with me if I’d like. 3-Hope Sometimes, hope - is just about continuing. It is just about continual movement. You may feel like your actions are small. But they are all important. Your actions ripple and inspire many others. Keep living. Keep moving forward. Keep going. By continuing onward, you are being hopeful. Optimistic. While some of life has to pause, you can still continue in many, many ways. You can still, always, have hope. 4-Gratitude Journal With hope - comes gratitude. Write daily in your Gratitude Journal. Even if you don’t know what you are doing when you start out on your gratitude journey. Even if you think you have nothing to be grateful for. Even if you think that the thing you are grateful for is silly or a waste of time. Write down that gratefulness. Here is an example of my gratefulness just from this morning: Today, I am grateful for the ability to support local workers who still have a job. Today, I am grateful that my husband and I gave a tip to the Barista. Whether I can afford it or not right now, I am grateful to pay it forward. Today, I am grateful that I went for a walk. Today, I am grateful for the coastal winds flowing through the sky. Today, I am grateful for the ability to work, and to work with a large, hot, very delicious coffee filling my tummy. Today, I am grateful for the beautiful blue sky. Today, I am grateful for the palm trees growing outside my window. Today, I am grateful for the beef stir-fry meal I am preparing to make for dinner at home tonight. Today, I am grateful to get my uniform ready for a very long shift at work tomorrow. Today, I am grateful for the job I have to go to tomorrow. Today, I am grateful for hard work and the opportunity to work hard. Today, I am grateful for my determination. Today, I am grateful for patience. Today, I am grateful for American’s all over the country - who are working together as a team. All doing their part. All doing anything and everything they can, to help. 5-Smartphone Apps and YouTube Videos Videos are a fabulous distraction. Use them sparingly. But, use them indeed. YouTube is free. For all those who still do not pay or those who cannot afford cable or streaming services just like me, use YouTube to your advantage. Sure, I cannot see all the latest shows. I’ve never seen Game of Thrones, not even once. I’ve never seen The Handmaid’s Tale - even though I’m dying to binge watch the whole series to date. I’ve never seen Baby Yoda in action. I’ve never watched The Crown. And I’ve never seen The Walking Dead either. But, I’m ok with that. Because, instead, I’m best friends with Adam Hattan, Tim Tracker, Fresh Baked, The Dis Unplugged, and a whole lot more free fun. If you need something to watch. There’s something out there for everyone. Click on the free app, and find your favorite channel. 6-Cook Cook - If you don’t like to cook. Or, if you tell yourself you can’t cook. Now’s the time to push away all those excuses. And learn to love to cook. Be creative with food. Whip up something delicious. Be patient with yourself. Try a new recipe. Serve a meal to your family that was made inside your home. For some healthy and hearty and filling meals, check out these recipes below straight from my kitchen to yours: 10] Bean’s Soulful Southern Chili 38] The Year Of The Sweater ~ Bean’s Minestrone Soup Recipe 43] Bean’s Bold Beef Stew Recipe ~ 47] Bean’s Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnut Recipe ~ A Super Food For A Super Sunday 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe 58] Bean’s Corona Kickin’ Chicken 7-Contemplate Sit on your Porch or your balcony. Rest in your backyard. Be outside with nature. Practice breathing exercises utilizing the built-in App on your Apple Watch. Look around you and be present in the moment. 8-Listen - Mindfully Turn Off The News - And Turn On A Podcast Better yet - a new-to-you podcast. Get outside of your comfort zone and select a subject matter unfamiliar to you. Or an area you’ve always wanted to learn more about, but just never pressed play on. Either way, from crafting, Etsy, politics, sport, fitness, and weight loss, all the way to comedy, the royal family, celebrity gossip, motivational speaking, and conspiracy theories, if there’s a topic in this world, there’s a podcast with the same name. Delve into the app, grow your library, and start challenging your brain in new ways. 9-Media Awareness Be aware of the media around you. And I don’t just mean the news media. I mean social media. Spend the effort to get your news straight from the source. And limit your time on all the social media platforms. They are all time-suckers folks. They all want to rule your day. You - rule your day instead. Live your life offline, instead of online. There is, of course, a time and place for social media, but most people need to spend far less time on all the social sites than they currently are. I would like to challenge everyone to put the phone down. Live your life. Even if you are at home right now. Pick up a book - instead of the phone. Pick up your child - instead of your phone. Pick up dinner - instead of your phone. Pick up a vacuum - instead of your phone. Pick up the laundry - instead of your phone. Pick up a paint brush - instead of your phone. Put the phones down - and lift up your life. 9-Give Give your time. Give your money. Give your resources. Give your talents. Give your expertise. Give your EXTRA. And, give, when you have nothing left to give. This last suggestion is probably the most important part of giving, in my mind. Whenever you think you have nothing left to offer, that’s when it’s the most important to give more than you think you even have left. When you share with the world, that’s when you receive the greatest blessings in return. So call it selfish if you want, but by giving it all away, you are receiving much, much more. 10-Exercise Just because you may be stuck at home, does NOT give you an excuse to not participate in physical activity. We all, as human beings, are much better off physically, mentally, and emotionally when we move our bodies. Of course rest has a place. But there is also an imperative space in your day for physical activity. And it doesn’t have to be hard. It doesn’t have to make you sweat too much. You don’t have to be out of breath. It just means to move. So, toss those excuses aside, and make moving just as an essential part of your day as brushing your teeth currently should be. EXAMPLE: My experience running the Key West Half Marathon in January 2020. 11-Get fresh air. If it’s much too cold outside, open the garage door, and soak up some fresh air that way. If it’s a Florida afternoon downpour, go in the outdoor parking garage and soak up some fresh air that way. If it’s a beautiful day, get out there and workout, stretch, sit and read. Any way you slice it though, you should be building fresh air into your day. Even if you have to get creative with the way to obtain that fresh air, make it a daily goal, and start. 12-Read The benefits of reading are so numerous that I’m not even going to get into it here and now. Read a book. And keep reading. 13-Arts & Crafts Work on a detailed puzzle. Draw or sketch. Paint a canvas. Sew. Crochet. Knit. The list can go on forever. Paint rocks and share joy and happiness around town. You can even tag your rocks with your local rock painting Facebook group - and you’ll be part of an ongoing virtual and digital scavenger hunt. I found this rock just the other night - and I was so darn excited! Thank you to the person who spread this joy to me. Here are some examples of how I incorporate art, of all kinds, into my life: 2] 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 12] Paint N’ Pints @ Intuition Ale Works ~ Downtown Jacksonville, FL 14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 32] Jolly Holiday In Jarboe Park ~ The Beaches Green Market 14-Routine Keep your routine. Besides number 15 below, this may be the most important bullet point in terms of its relation to these scary times during the pandemic. Whenever there is abrupt change - of any kind - your equilibrium may become off balance. If you already have a well-established routine - your foundation will be strong. It will become so solid and so firm, that when an earthquake comes, it may only rattle the building a bit, break a few picture frames, and then continue standing for the rest of its life. Without the right foundation, the structure is a lot less stable. And you risk collapse. So, start today. Build a routine. Start small. Take one step a day. One step a week. However fast or slow you need to build that routine is up to you. But build it. And stabilize it. And provide that routine - with routine maintenance. Use those bullet journals and write it all down. Routine has done a lot for me. By establishing a dedicated, solid, thick barrier wall of routine in my life, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. And all of those accomplishments started with routine, and dedication to that routine. And having the patience to continue moving forward, even when times are tough, are all because of the routine, even when I desperately want to break it. For examples, check out: 1] Happy Birthday America! ~ 4 Simple Steps To Help You Have An Easy Americana 4th: 7] My ‘Before & After’ ~~ How A Single Act Of Kindness, Lime Bubly, And MyFitnessPal Helped Me Lose 77 Pounds In One Year 17] Fall Flavors ~ Six Simple Steps I’m Taking This Fall To Maintain My Massive Weight Loss 37] New Year/New 007 ~ Here’s 20 Tips That Will Have You Seeing 20/20 In 2020 ~ 15-Love Have faith. Have hope. Believe. In yourself. In others. In your team. In your community. In your leaders. In your state. In your country. In the world. And last but certainly not least, LOVE. Love yourself. Love your family. Love your friends. Love the creatures you share this planet with. Love your life. And - Love your enemy. And what in the heck do I mean by that one? I mean love even your very worst enemy. That simple. Love who you hate. Love the one who you can barely stand. Love the one you disagree with the most. And show that love to them. Every single day. You will become a much happier person if you can put this tactic into practice in real life. For some good, old-fashioned faith, hope and love - check out the links below: 23] Faith ~ And Life Lessons Learned Living With Wild & Untamable Hair 26] Deck The Chairs ~ BE THAT CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS OUR VERY OWN AND SHAREABLE WORLD 34] Merry Christmas ~ And How To Buy For That Person On Your List Who Saved Your Life ~ 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You ~ 41] Minnie The Daschund Mouse & Her Birthday Wish 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 55] The Shamrock 59] REACTION ~ To World War 19 So, this sums up Bean’s Idea List for today. I hope you will take some of these ideas to heart, and put them into action in your daily life. Let’s all work together to get through the pandemic that is changing all our lives. Let’s all share ideas. Let’s all share stories. Let’s all give. Let’s all share ways to get through another day. But mostly, let’s all love one another - right now and forever more. ~ 
*What new activity have you added to your life during this global Coronavirus pandemic? I’d love to know - let me know in the comments down below:  *Part of - Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge - series Holy cow folks! Here’s my first dining review since the world went ahead and changed on us all… Today, I’ll be visiting an adorable local cafe in Jax Beach. And the only difference between this visit and any other dining review I present you with… is the fact that this is my first review since life as we all knew it imploded before all our very eyes. Yep, we’ve all been thrown for a total loop these last many weeks. And things are only getting stranger and stranger each and every day. And hour by hour. I’m thinking to myself… Maybe we’ve finally gone through the other side of that Black Hole I constantly theorize about. Or - a wormhole? Or maybe we’ve even been teleported to the edge of the universe. And then jumped right over into our real and true multiverse? Either that, or it’s just another day on this - our good buddy - Earth. Yes, Mother Nature is challenging us. And we are at war - with a virus. Either way, as I’ve said since the very beginning and even before that. I’m still going to live my life. I’m going to be alive - when I’m alive. I’m not going to be afraid. And I’m not going to cower. Don’t get me wrong - I’m still going to be safe. I’m still going to follow the guidelines set forth by our leaders. I’m simply not going to panic…. And I will keep living my life. Thus, what I mean is - I’m still going to go about my day. My job outside the home is still open. I work at what the government is now deeming an essential business during this crazy crisis. So I HAVE to leave the home. But I’m extremely happy to do it, and I would be doing it anyway. So in a way, I’m still technically living my “normal” life - while surrounded by much un-normalness. And I’m extremely grateful for my job. Even as things change now by the week, by the day, by the hour, and by the minute. Literally. And during my shift, I am also grateful now more than ever for my lunch break. And each day on my break, I’ve been trying to support an area business to grab some quick food. I have one hour to patronize a local drive-thru. I have one hour to get a drink of coffee or iced tea or some drive-thru food or take out, or drop-in-your-trunk food. And then get myself back to work, and back to sweating my behind off. But like I said - I’m still living. So Sunday Morning in America… I start my day. And I checked my social media as I usually do. I happened to see today's muffin specials at The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry, located @ 115 5th Street South in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.    This cafe is the absolute cutest place in town. I’ve been before. But I’ve never been during the Apocalypse...I’ve never been during WW19. So, I’ll give it a whirl, I thought. And better yet, I’ll go, and then tell you all about it. So that you can also consider giving them a whirl on your next morning looking to support a local business, and when you want a fabulous cappuccino too. So according to Facebook and Instagram, The Muffinry was currently open and inviting us to come on over and pick up some take-out. While indoor dining is not allowed at any restaurant in the state of Florida right now, lots and lots of restaurants, coffee shops, diners, cafes, etc. are still trying to stay alive. They are trying to keep their operations up and running. But most of all and very importantly, they are trying to keep America both alive and fed during this Conona Crisis, and at the same time, keep our spirits up. The very least I can do is try to patronize local businesses in return. After all, I gotta eat any way you slice my ugly muffin. So, on this beautiful day at the beach, we went for a lovely walk. The sea mist was beautiful and refreshing. Lots of people out and about walking and biking on the local strip. Countless dogs being walked. And as we approached The Muffinry, I saw people picking up their order and walking to their cars. The beautiful and picturesque exterior of the cafe is beyond charming. I was so appreciative of everything I saw. Life was happening - still - all around me. Yes, any day and every day can be the best day of one’s life. The Ugly Cupcake & Muffinry is housed in an absolutely charming old house. About a block from the beach. And yes once again, their location is beyond priceless. Surrounded by other homes, condos, sidewalks, and inviting and open parks, with the ocean on the horizon, The Ugly Cupcake has all the feels that perfectly define the local beach community here in Jax. They have outdoor seating tables and chairs and umbrellas. Now just sitting there - waiting to be used when life is “normal” again. When we can un-social distance ourselves from one another. The property entryway is lined with a white picket fence post front gate, which welcomes you into their front yard.       We were greeted immediately, outside at the front porch. They welcomed us inside and said we could come in if we wanted. We went in to pay and their payment Square is just inside the open front door anyway. But they have it set up to pay that you’re “inside” but not inside the building if you don’t need or want to go any further. While we obviously could not eat inside, I have been here many times, and never have eaten inside. The outside is sooo adorable, and besides, it’s Florida y’all. We are always outside anyway.  Pet-friendly establishment! Always, such a friendly establishment every time I’ve been - but this day was even better. I was so glad we could chat with them a bit, before continuing on our walk back home. They informed us they have yet to lay off even one employee - as of my visit on Sunday, March 22. And that they are actively donating during this crisis through their newly implemented program entitled “Muffin But Love” - and I just love that. They are truly helping pay if forward in this great time of need. 100% of the gratuity added to each check is being used entirely to pay it forward. So, if you go, please tip what you can give. They are putting that money to make food to pass on to those in the local community who have been affected by this new and unforeseen crisis, such as business and restaurant and bar workers who have since found themselves abruptly unemployed. And While The Ugly Cupcake has recently since been restricting their dining to take-out throughout the Corona Crisis, they have still been publicizing daily on their social media about their daily muffin specials. Fresh and very healthy muffins made fresh daily.   Muffins used to be on display behind this case - but for food sanitation purposes they are not in the back in the kitchen.     And on a somewhat sad note, according to their social media, starting this week they are closing their doors to customers almost entirely for the unforeseen future of this crisis. They will still be available, but through online order, with pick-ups once or twice a week. As they are trying to do their part to limit interactions and help stop the spread. But on a positive note - this is adaptation. This is the way forward. This is innovation. To stay alive. To stay functioning. We all must change in some way to persevere in an ever-changing environment. If you’re local during this crisis, please consider this wonderful and friendly and local community small business establishment. The next time you need a meal to go, a meal at home that you are too tired to cook for, or simply need to get out of your self-quarantine for a bit when going to the grocery store or pharmacy. Go ahead and place an online order. Stop by and pick up during the scheduled times they set. The Ugly Cupcake has lots of other foods beyond muffins. I’ve had it all before. And I’ll be happy to come back and review their hot menu for y’all once their kitchen is open to the public again.       But for purposes of this visit, we got their basics. We picked up a bag of muffins and two coffees. Specifically, we ordered two blueberry muffins and two double chocolate muffins. I then ordered a large 16 oz. cappuccino and hubby ordered and the large cold brew iced coffee with some really cool coffee ice cubes inside it - the creative way of not having one’s cold coffee get watered down is genius to coffee fans.      Doggie muffin!  Blueberry muffin.  Double chocolate muffin.  And, of course, because it would not be a visit to the Muffinry without something special happen, they sent us away with a dog muffin as a treat. What a special place in our local community. And as I write this review with joy and love and happiness, I can’t help but feel the sadness still ahead of us through this pandemic. An economic and societal crisis that is really only truly beginning. The ripple effect of everything that has occurred is sending shock waves throughout the world. To receive the doggy muffin during such times touched my heart. I’ll be back. When they open up again. I’ll be back for a full and thorough dining review - with a hot breakfast out on the porch. Oh yeah - side note - while we could not go upstairs this day due to the statewide indoor dining ban, The Muffinry does have an upstairs, outdoor porch. Breathtaking views await us all at their reopening. In the interim, if you’re here in town, go ahead and place a take-out order. Help pay it forward to our wonderful and amazing local community when you add gratuity to your check. Say hello. Say thank you. Stop to have a conversation. Remembering all the humans that are part of our shared and beautiful humanity, while you have yourself a very large - and very ugly - muffin. ~ 
*Have you been to The Ugly Cupcake? What small businesses are you supporting during this Corona Apocalypse? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Hey there, my fellow cupcake lovers - here’s some more local bakery, diner, and coffee shop reviews for you, all located right here in the Jax, FL area: 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida *Part of ~ Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge ~ 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 57] First Watch on the First Coast Plus - check out these other fun adventures below - all from my Floridian Dreams: 2] 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 3] The Dog Days Of Endless Summer 8] It’s Fall ~ In Florida ~ Y’all! 11] Eleven South Bistro & Bar ~~ Supper Club Of The South 12] Paint N’ Pints @ Intuition Ale Works ~ Downtown Jacksonville, FL 14] Finding Trinkets & Treasures @ The Jax Beach Vintage Flea Market 15] V Pizza ~ The Very Best Pizza In Jax Beach! *Part of ~ Bean’s Best ~ Award Winner 2019 18] Sea & Sky Jax Weekend ~ Fun In The Florida Sun, Sea, Sky & Sand 22] Saturday On San Pablo Island 31] Tuesday’s On First Street ~ The Jax Beach Art Walk ~ 32] Jolly Holiday In Jarboe Park ~ The Beaches Green Market 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You ~ 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 45] Dessert First, My Friends ~ Cantina Louie 52] Keeping Cool - And Creamy ~ In Key West 53] Totally Terrific & Tasty Thai @ Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine 54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs 3/20/2020 0 Comments #59) REACTION ~ To World War 19 So I went to Publix the other day. And just like any other day… I parked my car in the parking lot, and went inside. And just like any other day, I grabbed a cart. But not just like any other day, there were things I could not buy. And when my eyes first met up with the bread aisle, I was extremely grateful that I had the foresight to freeze my previously purchased and older loaf. Living through hurricanes taught me as much. So, I could not buy the bread that I wanted. I kept shopping. I could not buy toilet paper. And, living through hurricanes - did not teach me or forewarn me on that one. Nope - no one really saw the toilet paper challenge coming our way. Not even those already prepared for days without power and those who’ve lived through many hurricanes. In fact, there were a lot of things I could not buy. I won’t name them all here, as that is not my point. My initial point is this - I made do. I adapted. I pushed on. I stayed positive. I shared my ideas with others on how I am coping. I still joked about it all. I remained silly and sarcastic. And I kept talking - despite how differently we all might perceive our new reality. Because at the same time, there were many items I could buy… many items in my shopping cart. Many items the cashier scanned through their purchasing system. Many items now settled nicely inside my very cold refrigerator and freezer and pantry and medicine cabinet. You see, how we react to what is placed in front of our eyes, is sometimes more important than what is actually placed before our very eyes. I did not cry these past weeks. Although I wanted to. I did not give up. Although the thought did cross my mind. I did not fight over perceived differences. I only joked about it all. With sarcasm and humor yes, but truly just joking around. And many others are now doing the same. I have been in contact with countless individuals each and every day these last weeks. And what I witnessed - has been the absolute best of humanity. Each person who I speak and interact with is nice. Kind. Optimistic. And yes, scared. But all of them keep their composure in public. All of them do not want to spread further fear. And panic. There was another common theme to every person I recently met. They said that people are talking to each other once again. People are civil. People are reaching out to those they have not spoken to in years. And then, other people are responding in kind. Specifically, people are putting their differences aside. And communicating like human beings again. At the end of one conversation, one man thanked me for speaking with him. We took time to pause for a few minutes. We took the time to genuinely inquire about each other’s well being. Any politics and beliefs and religions and all other differences aside. We are speaking to one another. But most importantly we are caring for one another. And as the conversation with that one gentleman came to an end, he said that this was the best conversation he had in a long time. I said I completely agreed. He went on his way. I don’t know his name. I probably will never see him again. But each person an individual meets and interacts with has the crucial ability to set our future toward a different path. A more optimistic path. If merely, we react to others in a better way. When I exited Publix, the very first thing that caught my attention while walking to my car was a beautiful dog. One of God’s special creatures. A creature who bestows special gifts onto the living world. This precious doggy was sitting at attention. He was watching the exit. Waiting for his owner to leave the store. This angelic pup could not be swayed. This canine could not be distracted. He or she only had eyes for his partner in life. He could not be disturbed in any way. And yes, I did try. How could I resist? The little cutie pie! I said, “Oh hello!” And then told him how cute he was. I said, your owner will be out shortly. But, you know what? His gaze never waivered. His look was of determination. His spirit and love - fully alive in his soul. Waiting. Being diligent. And forever faithful. I said a few more nice things to this adorable little creature and then went on my way. His gaze never once removed. His eyes locked on the front doors of Publix. As we were loading up the trunk, I noticed the next people coming out of the store. Individuals, couples, families. Each of them stopped to talk to the adorable doggy. Each of them wanted a response from the dog - just like I did. I watched the humans. And I watched the dog... Each of them saw pure love in a golden hew. But that dog’s gaze never strayed. I will not forget that dog. He made such an impression on me. Enough of an impression, obviously, that I felt compelled to take a photo. To capture the spirit in his eyes. To soak in his determination and faith and unwavering love for another human. These weeks have been a challenge. Not just for me. Not just for those I have talked with. But for everyone. Every single living human being on this planet is now touched in some way. Touched by a faceless evil. An evil we are now at war with. Yes, we are at war - with a virus. An evil that knows no discrimination. An evil that has destruction in its wake and in its path. An evil that knows no age, no race, no creed, no ethnicity, no sex, no gender, no hair color, no appearance, and certainly doesn’t care whether we look like a million damn dollars, or if we - uh hmmm - could really use a manicure or a hair cut. No - CoVid 19 does not care. It only cares about eating us alive. It only cares about its own survival. And growth. And spread. And mutation. And adaptation. And to gain even further power over us. To swallow us whole. To suffocate us. And in order for us to survive against this evil we will have to suffer. And in order for it to be destroyed - we also have to suffer. You see - we - every single human being - has now been called to action. We not only have to act. But we have to REACT. We have been summoned. We have been tasked. We have been deployed. In order for our evil to be destroyed - it will require the will and determination and action and reactions of every single human on this planet. Not just a single city. Not just a state. And not just a single nation. This evil requires countries. Nation states. Global powers. The entire world. We are all called to battle. Yes, everybody has to sacrifice. I tend to talk a lot about the following key words: ACTION REPETITION ROUTINE MOMENTUM MASSIVE ACTION And then... REACTION And, in the end - It’s always our reactions that win the day. Or worse off - it’s our reactions that lose the day too. And thus - the war. We’ve REACTED to evil many times in the past. On one very special Christmas during World War I, troops on both sides of the trenches put aside their different causes for a single night. Far in the distance, the songs of Christmas could be heard. Song. And then, once heard, many reacted to the sound of song, and joined in themselves. Soon, trenches were abandoned, and humanity came together. The two sides were no longer at war with one another. They stood in no-man’s land, as equals, and as humans. Sharing their different worlds they lived in. Even speaking one another’s language with each other. Think about that. Their extremely passionate differences put aside, all to make it through a somber time, together. We reacted to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And it was a REACTION felt round the world. And after that bombing, we were told that the only thing we have to fear - is fear itself. We reacted to North Korean aggression - as they crossed the 38th Parallel, and attacked South Korean sovereignty. We REACTED once again, to September 11th, 2001. America - invaded - by a foreign enemy. We did not initiate. We did not ask for war. We did not want violence and evil and death and destruction and very horrific terrors. But all those evils came our way anyway - and, thus, we reacted. With the full military and civilian might built and instilled and festering inside our souls. By coming together. Yes - We’ve reacted many a time throughout human history. And we must now react, once again. American’s must come together. In fact, the entire world must come together on this one, folks. Yes, our evil is a virus. Yes, our evil has no face. There are no planes crossing the Pacific in secret, set out for destruction from the sky above. We are not focused on the 38th Parallel dividing line on a map. I am not talking about an enemy so determined to fly a plane - but not at all determined to land it. Yes, our evil is completely and utterly invisible. And sometimes, and making this all the more scarier, is the need for awareness in the fact that it’s those invisible evils which are the strongest ones to battle against. They require all our will and force. All of us to be very brave. All of us to sacrifice in some way. And all of our humility. All of humanity. It’s sorta like when you’re playing a video game. And then in the final battle scene of each land within the game, you face the evil villain. Ahhh, that climactic battle scene. With scary music, and scenery, and sounds in the background. All leading you to the horrific villain. That villain is ruthless. That villain has eyes as red as the devil himself. Sometimes that villain breathes fire. And burns his opponent. One life down. One less life left in the game. And sometimes, that evil villain inside the final battle scene… literally POPS out of nowhere. Hidden behind a corner. As you are running up, up, up, sword in hand, to save the Princess in the Castle. You round that final corner, on your way to certain victory, when you are shocked to near death and awe. That evil, red-eyed, fire breathing dragon was invisible. Waiting in hiding. And absolutely and utterly camouflaged into the dark and desolate and dirty brick and mortar of the castle walls. Hiding there. Biding his time. Just waiting for you to come at him. And then… Attack. You are shocked. You are down on the ground. You fall deep into a hole. Or down a green pipe. You have to struggle out. Climb up. Fighting for air. HE - EVIL - has the advantage. EVIL - has the upper hand. EVIL - is one up on you. EVIL - caught you off guard. EVIL - watches you in shock. And EVIL… waits for your reaction. Yes, your REACTION. When you get knocked down, the always and forever question is - will you get up again? Will you - live to die another day? Will you - put up the fight of your life? Will you - hit back? And ultimately - will you - do all this, while keeping your humanity? While keeping civility? While following guidelines? While educating yourself about that fire-breathing dragon? How does he live? How does he survive? And thrive? And what is his weakness? What scares him back into the brick and mortar? What burns him to death? What is required for the destruction of his evilness? Because you can’t fight fire with fire, right? One fire pitted against another in the same small room only makes that fire more powerful and more quickly devouring the entire area. And then - it spreads. Gaining power. Beyond one room. More powerful, more heat, more burn, until it burns the whole house down. Left unchecked with nothing standing, nothing left alive in its path. Eventually swallowing the house itself. Or - it can be snuffed out. Somehow... No - you can’t fight fire with fire… You fight it with water. You fight evil with life itself. Our federal government has called us to action. All of us - living and breathing humans. The challenge and ask is for fifteen days. 15 days to help change the world. 15 days to react to the summons. 15 days to follow repeated guidelines. Every one of us is mentioned in this summons. Every one of us plays a part. If even one single person did not partake in The Christmas Truce of 1914, the entire spur-of-the-moment event would have ended in carnage and bloodshed and death all around. As soldiers sang Christmas Carols and played cards and swapped cigarettes and talked with one another as fellow human beings, if merely one single person on either side brought out their weapon of war and started shooting - there would be a completely different outcome to that all-important day in The Great War. And today, we all must play our part too. No one is sitting on the sidelines on this one. No one gets a free pass. No one is going to the penalty box. We are all in play. Whether we want to play or not. And some roles are quite different from one another. In fact, some roles could not be more different from one another than if we were all sitting in opposing trenches on a muddy and frigidly cold battlefield on Christmas of 1914. We may feel like we are fighting different battles. But we are all on the same team. Yes - In order to win - we must come together. We must play our roles on that same team. We MUST wear the same uniform. All while, I’d say, for most all of us, this has been one of the most challenging times of our lives. These days bring much uncertainty. These days bring destruction and loss. These days bring the feeling of defeat. And today may feel very hopeless indeed. But if we all do our part. The hopelessness doesn’t have to win the day. And our roles vary greatly: Some of us should stay home. All of us should social-distance from one another. Some of us should shelter in place. Some of us should be completely and utterly and formally quarantined. And then, on the complete opposite spectrum - Some of us should report to work as usual. And absolutely none of us should be having the party of our lives right now. Yes, put the kegs away my friends. Spring Break will always be there after we weather the storm. We have been asked to sacrifice. We have been asked to give - of ourselves - for the sake of humanity. This is not the time for selfishness in any way. This is not the time for bickering. This is not the time for politics. This is not the time to give here, but take there. This is simply a time for sacrifice. Sacrifice of all kinds. Some of our sacrifice will be financial. Whether it’s a loss of money, investments, various business opportunities. Some of us will lose the very job we love. The job we need. The job we rely upon. And then, knowing what’s reasonably coming ahead of us, this loss will happen to many more people than most alive today can possibly comprehend at the current moment. Our society forever changed by this war. Some of our loss will be social. And some of our loss will be our education. A class. A graduation. Some will lose out on a magical life experience that can never be fully replicated or replaced in any way ever again. Some of it will be medical. Some will postpone elective surgery. Some very needed and quite necessary surgeries will be gone without. Patients in urgent need will be triaged. A disrupted supply chain leading to lack of medicine and a PPE shortage. Ventilators used at maximum capacity. Pharmaceuticals on demand. And some people, sadly, will lose their very lives. Because there is no war, without loss of life itself. But, And there always is a but. And it’s a big BUT. But If - we do our part. If we play our roles. If we answer our summons, and sign on for duty with all our hearts and energy and strength and determination and will. If we cross the trenches, and come together. Heed the guidelines. Follow the rules set forth by our governments and world leaders. Listen to the scientists. Support our first responders. Pray for our military. Help those who are on the front lines of this battle, all those still needing to be in contact in some way with people who could be infected. Support them, by doing your own part. Fight our own battle and play our own role in this war. And then, after all that, to continue to have faith in humanity. We then have 15 days… 15 days to help change the world. Yes, 15 days to bend the curve. 15 days on a path toward destruction of evil. Who knows where we will be at the end of 15 days? It may be but a single, small step in a larger and grander plan. In a long and drawn-out road map. We may be asked something else of us at the end of 15 days. I have no idea. And neither do you. But it is a start. And I do know one thing. Our start - our reaction - is imperative to our success. The bipartisanship I have seen this week has given me hope. And it has given countless others hope as well. Yes, I have come in contact with many people this week who have said the same exact thing. People are really talking to one another. The common foes are trying to come together. They are speaking. They are supporting one another. They are working together. They are even praising one another, and asking each other for help. But better yet - each of the other is actually answering the call to help from their supposed foe. Yes, I said that right. They are working together, my friends! And all THAT - is true leadership. THAT - takes courage. And I know something else. If they do NOT work together - we will not win this war. Let’s all put our differences aside. Again, for the sake of humanity. Let’s all follow their lead. Let’s all follow the guidelines. Let’s all do our own part. Our own part - in this - Our very own World War 19. As the fire-breathing dragon tries to burn us down with his fire. Let’s fight back with water. Let’s all be human again. Let’s all be civil. Let’s all be humorous, and funny, and sarcastic, and just plain silly. Let’s sing together, and let’s laugh together too. Let’s play cards together and speak each other’s languages. Because we can’t win the war by using fire. We have to breathe life - into life itself. And let’s also all be that golden doggy. The precious creature sitting in the back of a golf cart. Watching humanity walk in and out of a grocery store. And as the dog witnesses shoppers stocking up on what goods they can buy, with disappointment and sadness in what they cannot buy. Let’s all have the unwavering faith of this yellow furball. Sheer will and absolute determination. Forever faithful and absolutely in love. Not caring what others think of his actions. Doing the right thing. Sitting on guard. Not distracted by any temptation. Hopeful and fully believing that at any moment his owner will come walking out the door. A dog - who would give his own life to protect his loved one. Knowing only love, and forgoing all fear. Facing the world head on. Faith on his side. World War 19 literally happening all around him. Belief and love in his heart. Waiting - desperately, and passionately waiting - to react… to love, coming out the front doors of Publix. ~ 
Hey there you fine folks - feel free to check out these other stories down below - yes, right here: 2] 3 Wows Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 3] The Dog Days Of Endless Summer 6] Nine Eleven: Before & After 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 23] Faith ~ And Life Lessons Learned Living With Wild & Untamable Hair 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House 26] Deck The Chairs ~ BE THAT CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS OUR VERY OWN AND SHAREABLE WORLD 28] The Scent of Christmas in the Air 34] Merry Christmas ~ And How To Buy For That Person On Your List Who Saved Your Life ~ 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s With To You ~ 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 41] Minnie The Daschund Mouse & Her Birthday Wish 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe 55] The Shamrock 58] Bean’s Corona Kickin’ Chicken 3/16/2020 0 Comments #58) Bean’s Corona Kickin’ Chicken I don’t know about y'all, but I’ve been busy kicking some Corona butt. I’m still living my life.    With some amendments, yes... You know - those simple things in life. Like being able to grocery shop in peace. That’s out the door. Or, planning beyond one dinner out. The door’s been closed on that one too. And, maybe it's the simple act of choosing what brand of soap or even toilet paper to buy… Something we may usually take for granted, or show zero appreciation to on a daily basis. Yes, choice is kinda, sorta, maybe severely limited on our selection of toiletries there too.           But regardless of change - I’m still working. I’m still exercising. I’m still staying hydrated. I’m still washing my hands. Funny thing there - I always did wash my hands. I still have a daily routine. I still plan. I still write. I still paint. I still cook. I still eat. And I still ramble on and on. So, yeah… I’m still simply chugging along. I suppose the only real and big difference here is that I’m gonna take that virus, and give it a swift kick in the you know what, and send it packing. I will NOT be scared at all. And with all these simple and very basic of changes in life happening right now, I know with a hundred percent certainty that there’s one vitally important thing on the above list that is imperative to human survival. And we all certainly don’t need Google or the news to tell us that it is so. And that is food. Cooking. The act of eating. Amidst all the Corona Chaos - we all still need to eat, my friends. Yes, Corona Apocalypse or not - we all gotta eat y’all. So today I’m publishing a fabulous and easy and completely one pan dinner recipe. If you’ll be home busting some Corona behind, do it in style with an easy meal. That is, as long a you have some chicken available at your local grocer. Lord only knows we don’t have access to a lot of toilet paper these days, but your store may, possibly, have chicken. Makes sense, right? This recipe was inspired by the MyFitnessPal One Pan Chicken recipe, with some modifications to suit our tastes. It’s loaded with flavor. Very healthy. And a simple dinner to whip up after a long day of fighting crime - or viruses. I hope you enjoy making this dinner as much as I did. And I definitely intend on making it again real soon. In the interim, I’ll keep living. I’ll keep on keepin’ on. ~  Ingredients: One pound of chicken - we used legs for this meal. One pound of fresh green beans. One small carton of cherry tomatoes. One onion, chopped or sliced. A few garlic cloves, chopped. One carton of chicken broth. One tablespoon or so of your favorite olive oil. Balsamic Vinegar to taste. Sea salt to taste. Freshly ground peppercorn to taste. Directions: Pour olive oil in a large pan. Add chicken and start simmering. As chicken cooks add chopped or sliced onion. Continue simmering. Let chicken continue cooking. Add chicken broth. Add cherry tomatoes and seasoning. Add balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 15 minutes or so. Stirring occasionally. Serve in a bowl and enjoy. Optional: To really kick things up a notch, to really be brave, to really show Co-vid 19 that you are not afraid, serve this fabulous meal with a bottle of Corona Beer on the side. ~~ 
What’s your favorite one pan dinner recipe? What are you STILL doing during Corona Days? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: And for more of Bean’s Recipes - check these other delicious meals right here: 10] Bean’s Soulful Southern Chili 38] The Year Of The Sweater ~ Bean’s Minestrone Soup Recipe 43] Bean’s Bold Beef Stew Recipe ~ 47] Bean’s Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnut Recipe ~ A Super Food For A Super Sunday 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe Also, I’d recommend checking out my experience with MyFitnessPal and how it helped change my life: 7] My ‘Before & After’ ~~ How A Single Act of Kindness, Lime Bubly, And MyFitnessPal Helped Me Lose 77 Pounds In One Year  A funny thing happened last Saturday night. The Earth went through a black hole, and came out the other side, roughly an hour into the future. Either that, or we all jumped at once, head first, into Daylight Savings Time. Ahhh - the time change. Spring ahead. Bleh Bleh Bleh. Fall behind. Blah Blah Blah. And spring ahead, once again... Is it all God’s way of laughing at us? Is he in charge? Or are we? After all, us humans are the silly ones who invented the logistics of changing the clock. Sometimes I think the whole time change thing is the universe's way of treating the Earth like a snowglobe. Or God - he picks up the Earth, with both his large hands, and gives it a big shake, jostling everything and everybody around. And just to really mess around with us, he does it not only once, but freaking TWICE a year. Then laughs at us. All while watching the snow fall. Personally, I think the time change is a whole buncha silly nonsense… an outdated notion - and way past its time - no puns intended - sorta concept. In this era of sheer technological innovation, and where lights can remain on all evening and then late into the morning if one wants, do we really need this twice a year time warp? To save light? Of course some say yes. But more and more people, and many governments included, are stepping onto the #freezetheclock bandwagon. Also - are bandwagons outdated as well? So…. yeahhhhhh. The time changed. And with that the whole world was thrown for a little loop. Household pets and animals were confused. Babies and children’s routines were abruptly interrupted. Everything changed - once again. But I can tell you one, little, minor, insignificant detail that for sure did NOT change because of Daylight Savings Time… and that’s food. Cause every BODY has to eat. So, we awoke Sunday morning. To greet the new day. The sun rose at a different time. We watched the shiny and happy orb situate itself in the sky amongst the clouds at a different angle at a different time. We adjusted the digital clock above the microwave to the new, correct time - cause, if you can’t beat em, join em, right? And, also with that act of stepping into the kitchen… and just like every other morning on the face of this planet, our tummies got hungry. Nope - the time change did not mess with our stomachs, at least. It was then decided that going out to breakfast was going to be a fabulous way to start our new day. We made the executive decision to finally try First Watch. A daytime, breakfast cafe, headquartered in the Sunshine State. And with locations in 26 states and still growing, we were excited to finally give it a whirl. So our tummies lead the way. To the Cafe.      Apparently the whole world had the same idea as us, as even the hosts and hostesses commented that they were inundated with guests at a different time than they normally are… Located @ 13470-1 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, First Watch is known as The Daytime Cafe. And with hours appropriately matching the daytime hours in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States, and then closing their doors well before the sun ever decides to set, the slogan makes a whole lot of sense, even if the time change itself doesn’t. And for those who live an hour behind me in Central time, like Chicagoans, good news is on the way to you - via way of a wormhole. Chicagoland is set to open its first First Watch in the fall of 2020. Right in one of my favorite suburbs - Oak Brook! So with hoards of people all going out to eat on Sunday, we had a wait. But we didn’t mind. They had chairs both inside and out for waiting. And menus to puruze to pass the time. I also took note that First Watch has its own cookbook, published and for sale in the lobby. And, of course, I had to check out the bags of coffee for sale to take home. I must admit I was tempted, but did not purchase. After all, I already have a lifetime supply of Folgers back at home. Or do I?        Once seated in the crowded and friendly and Edison lit dining room, we were both immediately served hot coffee, priced at $2.89 per mug. With the fresh pot then left at our table for our convenience. And, by the way, I am absolutely in love with the old-fashioned jug our water was served from. I must buy one of the same shape some day.     I ordered the traditional breakfast with bacon at a cost of $10.99. And it was worth every reasonable penny. First, there was whole wheat toast topped with whipped butter. Why is bread ALWAYS better in a restaurant? The bacon was out of this world, and the best bacon I ever ate, other than at The Ice Plant in St. Augustine - Let me know if you'd like me to reinvestigate that place, by the way? All for the sake of the written word of course - and not at all because of the free samples they so happily pass out. And the potatoes! Don’t even get me started on the potatoes. Well, ok, here goes anyway. Did your grandfather cook you fried potatoes with butter and onions when you were a child? Did he allow you to eat samples fresh and hot off the skillet, while they were frying? Did you then consume the whole pan of potatoes and then could easily still eat more? Did you then grow up, and forever miss those fried potatoes you so freely consumed in your youth? Well, I found us those grandfather-fried-potatoes, folks. Even though my grandfather is now long since passed. Turns out they were sitting right here in Florida all along. Just waiting for me to come find them. Maybe they thought I went into an alternative universe, and it was going to take me seven million light years to find them. But I found them, gosh darn it! Yes, that’s right. If you’ve been looking for fried potatoes like Grandpa used to make, First Watch is the place to go to. I’ve been to A LOT of diners. And I’ve never had any fried potatoes that tasted this terrific. And let’s not forget about the eggs. ‘Eggs are eggs.’ As they say on Seinfeld. All kidding aside, the eggs were fabulous as well. Seasoned and garnished and perfectly scrambled... yes, they are eggs, but better than I could ever make at home.   And onward to the hubbies plate - he ordered the same coffee and the classic eggs Benedict at a price of $11.79, plus a side of four slices of bacon at $4.89. A picture perfect platter. Our total check came to $35.80 with tax, plus a tip.   I would for sure go back to First Watch in a heartbeat. And am already planning to visit the Jax Beach location at my earliest opportunity - located in the Marsh Landing shopping complex. I’d highly recommend you go ahead and plan a visit as well. If you’re just passing through Jax, you’ll be able to feast on a fabulous breakfast to start your day. And if you’re local to the area, I’m sure you'll want to be planning your next visit as quickly as I am planning mine. But just as quickly as I’d like to jump aboard the next bandwagon on over to the diner, I’d rather just as quickly leave the time change gathering dust behind me. ~ 
Have you been to a First Watch? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below. Also, here’s some more diner reviews for y’all: 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners Y’all may also enjoy: 39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020 48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia 54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs 55] The Shamrock 3/9/2020 0 Comments #56) Shell World ~ Key Largo You can’t pass GO without collecting $200 - and you can’t pass through Key Largo without collecting some shells - at Shell World. Located @ 97600 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Florida, Shell World - to me - is the single best souvenir shop in all of the beautiful Keys. While everyone’s driving to get further and further south, I passionately believe it’s also always a good idea to stop while enroute. And that stop can be a small and very brief break, or it can be a much longer one. It can be a lunch outing, an overnight, or something, somewhere in between. But either way, on our travels we always take a break. Get some lunch. Or I’ll do some stretches, and I always get my steps in. I may get a coffee. Or, better yet, I’ll do some good old fashioned shopping… browsing, souvenir hunting. And when shopping is classified as better than coffee, for me, that’s a good store indeed. On our first trip to the Keys a few years back, we already knew about Shell World and that we were most definitely going to be making a stop there. My mother-in-law had told us about the place, and she had also brought us back a sea urchin from her visit there, which I now have sitting front and center atop my white, antique dresser in my bedroom. And since our first visit to the store, Shell World has moved locations. They’re now situated in the center medium on the Overseas Highway. Their former location had them placed in the Southbound lanes of the highway - meaning all northbound drivers had to cross over to get to the store. Now, travelers going both north and south bound can access Shell World with equal and greater ease.   Don’t let its looks deceive you either. Shell World is huge. Housed in a simple and brightly painted building, once inside, it’s a shopper's paradise. I walked and I walked, and I browsed and I browsed. The store just kept going. I’d say allow at least twenty minutes to a half hour inside Shell World - if you love shopping as much as I do. But I’m pretty confident I might have been inside there even a tad longer than that. You’ll feast your eyes on every type of sea shell you can possibly imagine. Coral, starfish, shark teeth, sand dollars, shells in their natural state and shells that have been painted or otherwise decorated in some fashion, sea urchins, sea glass… the list can go on.     And that’s just the shells themselves. Shell World is not just one room - it is many, many rooms, all connected in one large building. You can walk and walk, and not see the same thing twice. After checking out all the shells, there are then the typical touristy souvenirs such as tees, sweatshirts and hoodies, bathing suits, flip flops, beach towels and other gear for days in the sun, baseball caps and sun hats. And I really loved checking out all the jewelry. I spent way too long browsing through it all, and I think the jewelry sucked up most of my time in the store. I’m actually not very sure how I passed it all up - in order to buy a tank top and some shells from the world - apparently the shells were more important to me. I also purchased a piece of red coral, which was on both my “definitely” and “must buy” lists. And I was really happy with the very comfy and lightweight tank I picked out as well. I then snagged a few postcards, stickers, and a few other unique shells and other finds. All items added up, I spent a total of $57.18 at Shell World. And honestly, I did not even feel too overcharged, only just a bit overcharged, in a place that could easily sell at even much higher prices to brief encounters with endless tourists.      And now that Shell World has officially become a Keys tradition for me, I will most definitely be going back on my next adventure to Key Largo. Whether I’m just once again quickly passing through the island, I will, at a minimum, be utilizing Shell World to get out of the car, do some browsing, and to stretch my legs. And if I’m once again spending the night on Key Largo, I’ll still stop and do the same. I’d highly recommend stopping in while you’re traveling the Overseas Highway. If you love shopping, you’ll be in a shoppers paradise, while you’re also, literally, in paradise. ~  Have you been to Shell World in Key Largo, Florida? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: Hey - you, over there - feel free to check out these other stories about my Floridian travels, right here. And don’t forget to sign up to be a Sunshine Subscriber while you’re at it, y’all: 13] 2 Pro’s & 2 Cons About My 2 Night Stay - In Celebration, FL 18] Sea & Sky Jax Weekend ~ Fun In The Florida Sun, Sea, Sky & Sand 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House 29] Dinner & A Show ~ The 26th Annual St. Augustine Nights of Lights 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 42] Where Does The Chicken Cross The Road? 44] Nothing Finer Than Coffee In The Keys ~ The Coffee Plantation Cafe 46] Key Largo, Montego, Baby Why Don’t We Go? 52] Keeping Cool - And Creamy ~ In Key West 3/6/2020 0 Comments #55) The Shamrock One day - a day that started like any other - I was walking the beach. My beach. My Atlantic Ocean. The eastern seaboard of the United States. Walking along the Atlantic coastline was always the best way to start a fabulous day ahead of me. It was morning. Low tide. Very. Low tide. I followed the tide lines. I walked, and I walked. I had a bag for collecting shells, as I always do. My eyes - searching every which way. Looking for shark teeth. Looking for the best shell God ever created. Looking, searching… for treasure. Treasure - of any kind. And then, NOT just like any other day, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. Was it a shark's tooth? No way, I thought. It couldn’t possibly be. I had only come across two shark teeth in three years of Coastal Living. The odds were against me, greatly. Or the luck. So, as I always do, I walked ahead to check out what caught my eye... what was resting amidst the sand. In the seaweed and brush washed ashore. What was resting among all the tiny and shiny shells? It was a Shamrock. A clover? At the beach? It must have been a fake. Yes, some sort of garbage, washed ashore from distant lands? Fake, plastic flowers? Of course, I thought. I’ve seen all kinds of one and anothers garbage wash ashore. But that was mostly only after large storms or hurricanes had just passed through. Today, and all the previous days beforehand, were perfect. Florida. Winter. Perfect. There were no recent storms. I bent over. I kneeled in the sand and crumbled shells. The skin on my knees pressing onto the rough sandpaper feel of the sand itself. I examined the specimen before me. I blinked. Trying to refocus my eyes on what lay before me. The sunlight was now blinding my vision - light reflecting off the sand and water, making my ability to see the details of the clover challenging. I blinked again. Yes, it was a Shamrock. And actual living and breathing Shamrock. Resting on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. I reached over to it and I picked it up. And I was instantly transported to some new and unfamiliar place - very far away from home. Where was I? I was so confused. What just happened? I was standing inside a Cafe. People around me, everywhere. Friendly conversation, at a most peaceful volume. A calming sound of chatter. Chit-chat. Every table was full. All were talking with one another. Reading books. Scanning the local paper. Chatting with the barista. The building was old, with a low ceiling, and exposed, wooden beams, seemingly holding the roof in place on top of us all. The semi-large room had a very aged, yet warm, and inviting, heavenly appearance. Warped, dark cherry red wooden walls. Photos and paintings and drawings and sketches covering most of the empty space along each wall. Detailed, and shiny baseboards, enveloping all that wood surrounding us. Very dark wood floorboards. And looking up, I noticed the most gorgeous crown molding I ever saw. Crown molding fit for a grand, old, theater lobby. With another shiny glaze of paint atop that wood as well. Where was the beach? Where was my Atlantic Ocean? Built-in bookcases intermixed amongst the walls of the shop. I love books. I was standing directly in the queue for coffee. I love coffee. I looked down. My left hand held my bag of shells. Sea shells of the Atlantic coast. Where was my Atlantic Ocean? Where in the world was I? My other hand also held onto something. Something much lighter. Still looking down, I looked directly to my right hand. I slowly raised my hand up. I uncurled my fingers to see what I felt inside my hand. I tried to open my fingers - they were in a tight grip. After much concentration, my fingers finally opened to show me what I was carrying. I was holding on tightly to The Shamrock. Slightly shocked and confused at the sight of The Shamrock… I gasped. My body shook with this audible gasp. My hand moved abruptly; and during that shake, it was then that I dropped The Shamrock. Not even a millisecond had gone by, when, “You dropped something, Mam,” said a man in line behind me, very politely. At the same time of his words, he bent down and picked up The Shamrock, for me. After picking it up, he paused, still bending over. He was looking at The Shamrock. The Shamrock cupped inside his right hand. Still paused. I thought I heard him gasp? As if in shock? After a short while, the man finally stood up. I disregarded the gasp I thought I heard him make. “You better hold onto this very tightly, Mam.” Huh? I thought. Looking at him, thoroughly confused and unaware. “You have something very special here... Try not to lose it.” Still confused, I thanked him for picking it up and giving it back to me. He handed me back The Shamrock and I accepted it. I once again cupped it in the palm of my right hand. He smiled. And then I turned forward in line again, my eyes glancing at the menu; but my thoughts on the brief conversation that I just had with a stranger. Those thoughts were interrupted, when, “Next.” Said the barista, with a large smile on her face. Looking at me. “What can I get for you today? Would you like to try our Irish Coffee?” “Yes,” I instantly said. And then I was very confused, once again, as to how quickly I agreed to a drink I never drink. “That will be $3.00, please,” said the barista. I looked down at my hands again. Where was my purse? My wallet? I moved my shell bag and hung it onto my right arm; the arm of the hand that held The Shamrock. My right hand gripped tightly on the small and delicate clover. I used my left arm to reach into my pocket. And I pulled out some cash. I felt the cash in my hand and stared at it as I brought the cash up toward the counter. I was as confused about the cash as I was over the sight of The Shamrock in my other hand. I never have cash on me. Ever. Where did this money come from? So, very confused once again, I dropped the crumpled bills onto the counter. “Thank you,” said the barista, with a smile. “Have a seat anywhere you like, and we’ll bring your drink out to you in just a few minutes.” I turned. Wondering where I was going to sit because all the tables were full. In the far corner of the Cafe, surrounded by books, I saw an empty table. I made my way through the crowded tables and chairs, over to the empty table, and sat down. With a sigh. There were three chairs at the table. I sat in the corner, middle chair. My back to all the books behind me. I love books. I placed my bag of shells onto the wooden chair to my left, next to the crowd of people sitting around me at the other tables. My other hand - my right hand - still held The Shamrock. For the first time since I dropped the clover while I was standing in line, I let it out of my hand. I delicately placed The Shamrock on the cherry red, round, wooden table. To my right. Next to and facing the window. I looked at it. I stared at it. I looked up. I looked around me. Everyone around me still chatting. Smiling. Reading books. Flipping the pages of the local paper. A couple sitting next to me got up to leave. They left a newspaper on the table. I followed their walk to the front door with my eyes. I was watching them as they were going to leave the shop; but then, they did something very strange... They didn’t leave the shop. They simply got back in line. To order again? Another coffee? Another Irish Coffee? Yes, they were waiting in line. Starting all over again. Why would they leave their newspaper and table for someone else to claim it, if they were staying for another round? I heard the barista say to them, “Hello. What can I get for you today?” Assuming they were new customers. “Scones…. coffee….? A newspaper?” But they had already read the paper. The paper they left on the table. The paper. Instinctively, I leaned over and grabbed the paper, but very gently. I laid it atop my table, to the left of The Shamrock. I was, for some unknown reason, treating the newspaper as delicately as I treated The Shamrock. The date at the very top of the paper read: March 17 [no year] St. Patrick’s Day. Then, under the date, in large black print, the paper read: Doolin, Ireland. The Doolin Daily. Ireland? What is going on? How did I get here? I stopped my gaze on the newspaper. I didn’t read even one story. I stared at The Shamrock. I quickly glanced out the window. Little shops and businesses surrounded me outside. And beyond the shops, and heading out toward the horizon, there rested, in all its heavenly glory, the Atlantic Ocean. I only saw a bit of salty water, peeking through the buildings and landscape, and the initial appearance of it was very different than it was back at home, but somehow I knew it was my Atlantic Ocean, instinctively.  I looked around the interior of the Cafe. I looked at The Shamrock. I drank my coffee. It was the best coffee I ever had. I gulped it down until it was gone. I wanted more. The barista instantly came over and refilled my cup of Irish Coffee. I looked up at her, confused. “Free refills during your length of stay,” she smiled at me, sincerely. Just come on up to the counter if you’d like to try something different. Free refills? Luck of the Irish? I pondered in my head. I watched as the couple who were in queue again placed another order. I was too far away and it was just a tad too loud in the Cafe for me to hear what they ordered. Obviously they were trying something new? They didn’t order Irish Coffee with free refills? I reached into my pocket for my IPhone. I had to call my husband. Was I dreaming? My phone wasn’t there. In its place was a pocket full of shells. My phone was not with me here. Inside this Cafe. I looked at everyone around me, and in front of me. I was going to ask someone if I could borrow their phone. Yet, not one person had theirs out. They were all either deep in thought, chatting, or reading. And smiling. I did not want to bother any of the customers. They were all deeply involved in what they were doing at their own tables. Never mind about the phone, I thought. I’ll wait a bit. And then, when someone pulls out their phone, I’ll go up to them and inquire to borrow it. I waited. And waited. And I waited. I sat there for hours. In the Cafe. Not one person pulled out a phone. People came and went throughout this time. But they never really left. They merely ordered again, and switched tables. An entire day passed. But I didn’t seem to mind? Smiling - saying hello. Saying goodbye. Thanking the barista on the way out of queue. The Barista - smiling at every patron, on both their way in and on their way out, of queue. The world around me was at peace, I thought. Inside this quaint little Cafe. A Cafe I didn’t even know the name of. Only after the entire day had passed did I realize that not once did I ever really physically attempt to actually LEAVE the Cafe myself. I was really and truly enjoying my time in this lovely little coffee shop. I had not tried to leave. We were now approaching the Golden Hour. Still soooo, very confused. Hours later. I couldn’t leave. Yet I also knew I couldn’t stay. I had to get home. My dog and husband would be wondering where I was by this point in the day. Having never come home from my walk along the coast since early that morning. What time was it? Certainly, my husband was trying to get in touch with me? Of course. But I didn’t have my phone. I looked around the Cafe again. No one argued. No one yelled. No one cut in line. Everyone waited their turn - with patience. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their drink, and no one complained. No one crabbed about the taste of their drinks, or about the very friendly, yet somewhat slow, service. And the Barista just kept smiling. And yet, still, during all these hours, I hadn’t read anything in the newspaper resting in front of me, except the top header. Finally, I flipped the paper over and I read the headline on the bottom front half. It was an editorial story. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day. In large, bold, black, and Times New Roman font, the paper read: “The Shamrock & The Holy Trinity ~ how the small three leaf clover became a symbol of God himself.” I put the paper down, once again. I didn’t read the story. I didn’t need to... In the past, I had heard about what The Shamrock symbolizes. I knew offhand that each of the three leaves represents the following: The Father. The Son. & The Holy Spirit. So, I thought about The Shamrock. And I thought... I thought about the Cafe. I looked at the Barista, who was still smiling. I thought about how I could not seem to get up and leave the Cafe. I was still sitting in this same chair, after hours and hours had gone by. I looked out the window. The sun was starting to set. I still could not find a cell phone, I still did not call my husband. But I also just now fully realized that I did not make much of an effort during these past hours to get out of my seat, to walk around the Cafe, or even ask one person if I could borrow their phone. I never actually tried to leave the Cafe. Not once, in all these hours. I was at peace in the Cafe. I enjoyed my time here. A simple and relaxing time. A time and place where everyone was happy. And everyone was at peace with themselves and the world around them. Focused on the present moment. Focused on the here and now. Not rushing onto their next errand or appointment or other destination, but happy and content to be where they were, presently. I looked to my left, on the chair next to me. My drawstring bag of shells. I’d like to get them home and put them in the kitchen sink to soak for a while. To wipe off all the excess dirt and sand. Home. It was the first time I actually truly wanted and desired to leave the Cafe - to really get back home. And in that next instant, I looked up, to my right, and out the window. The Golden Hour was now upon us. Shoppers were carrying packages. Paper shopping bags with large handles. Green and gold and shiny bags, with tissue sticking out the top. Themed for the holiday. Amongst the carefree crowd, I saw a man, and a dog. Walking together. I watched them with the sun back-lit surrounding their shapes. They appeared to me as black silhouettes. Floating in the coastal winds. They walked closer. As they inched toward the Cafe and came into light, closer to me and toward my window. I noticed the two silhouettes were my husband and my dog. They had found me! Without a cell phone. Without a text. Without an email. How had they found me, across the world from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean? In a Cafe. In Ireland. I stood up. I went to gather my things and run out the door. To make my first real and physical attempt to leave the Cafe that day. I refolded the newspaper and placed it nicely aside on the table, leaving it for the next customer, just as the table next to me had done when they got up hours ago. I picked up my shells. I stared at The Shamrock. I bent over one last time to pick up the small and delicate clover. When The Shamrock was in my hand, I looked at it, resting in my palm. Ready to leave. And then, I looked up. My husband and my dog were standing directly in front of me. Inside the Cafe. In front of my table. Both smiling at me. “How did you find me?” I gasped. Smiling back at them. Breathless. Shocked. And thoroughly confused. “Easy,” laughed my husband. “They have the best coffee this side of the Atlantic,” he paused. “And free refills,” he declared. So matter-of-factly. “Where else could you possibly be?” He reached for my right hand with his hand. Dog leash in his other hand. The Shamrock was tucked neatly inside my right palm. He grabbed my hand gently. The Shamrock now gripped inside both our palms. Both our fingers weaved together, holding The Shamrock securely in place in both our hands. I wondered if my husband even knew or felt its presence, I thought. And then I thought - I have a lot to tell him. Even though I had nothing to say really, about my very simple day. We started walking, headed for the front door. Finally. Our furry creature barked with happiness. In agreement with our action. She then easily led the way toward the front door of the Cafe. Guiding our way to an unknown future. We laughed. We pushed in unison to open the front door. It was stuck. All three of us stopped. We pushed again. No movement. Was it jammed? All the customers in the shop stopped their conversation, and had their eyes on us. My dog barked. The door wouldn’t budge. Was it locked from the inside? I turned around to face The Barista. At the very same moment, she said to me, “You have to give it a little kick, and then it’ll open just fine,” she smiled. So simply. So calm. So matter-of-fact. All the patrons looked at her as she spoke, and then looked quickly back at us. I thought I saw a hint of confusion in their eyes. Then, they all turned away. And began chatting with one another again. My dog barked again. I said, “O. K.” And I gave the door a little kick. It didn’t budge. But the force of impact hurt my knee. We both pushed on the door, it wiggled just a bit, and we saw it had some momentum, but was still clearly stuck in the shut position. My dog barked. Impatient, and ready to walk outside. So, I stood back just a tad, to gain what little momentum I could, and then pushed forward and kicked my right leg into the door with all my strength. The door slammed open. A wave of fresh and salty air rushed into the warm Cafe. I inhaled. And smiled. My dog barked again, and this time she kept barking. She was very excited. All three of us walked out. Walking forward. Me, having no clue where I really was. But I didn’t care. Yes, I really could care less. All the confusion stopped as I walked out the door and into the coastal air. I inhaled the salty breeze. I was at peace. I was calm. I was patient. I was so very happy. I knew not what was around the next corner. I knew there were cliffs at the edge of this small town. Cliffs that overlooked the other, unfamiliar, and far away side of my Atlantic... Cliffs that shared the same water as my Atlantic, thousands of miles away. I saw a sign in a corner window of a small restaurant across the way. Free refills with drink purchase. The window of the restaurant was warm and inviting and enticing. Yet… How would we get home? Where were we going? And most importantly, where was my IPhone?... Ahh, hush, I told my brain. I really didn’t care. I kept walking the pebbled street. My feet heading in the direction of the neighboring restaurant. I held on tight. To my family. And to The Shamrock.~  ‘The Shamrock’
What do you love most about St. Patrick’s Day? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: And, for more stories straight from all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, check out the links below. Plus, you can sign up to be a SunShine Subscriber while you’re at it, ya know: 2] 3 Wow Plus 1 Piece Of Magic I Experienced At Jacksonville, Florida’s Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens 18] Sea & Sky Jax Weekend ~ Fun In The Florida Sun, Sea, Sky & Sand 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 23] Faith ~ And Life Lessons Learned Living With Wild & Untamable Hair 24] In Real Life ~ My First Visit To A Southern Living Idea House 26] Deck The Chairs ~ BE THAT CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS OUR VERY OWN AND SHAREABLE WORLD 34] Merry Christmas ~ And How To Buy For That Person On Your List Who Saved Your Life ~ 36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You ~ 41] Minnie The Daschund Mouse & Her Birthday Wish 49] A Picture Worth A Thousand Words ~ Happy Valentine’s Day, World 51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe 3/2/2020 0 Comments #54) Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs If you live in Jax Beach, then you’ve most definitely heard of Angie’s Grom… But have you heard of Angie’s Subs??  Angie, short for Angelo, opened up his first sandwich shop up by the Mayport Naval Station back in the 1970’s. He also owned Angelo’s Pizza & Subs and a few other shops around town over the years, before selling The Grom and Angie’s Subs to the current owner. And Edward Malin, the current owner of both the infamous Angie’s Grom as well as Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, also happens to be currently running for Congress in Florida’s 4th District, on a platform of federal tax reform. Beyond the potential amendment of the federal income tax being his very passionate and number one campaign platform issue - which would directly affect the paychecks of every working American - Ed also has a vision aimed more locally. Starting right here at Angie’s. And right here at The Beaches. His aim is to renovate Angie’s Subs into a fairly large and elaborate tourist destination. The plan consists of knocking down the current Sub shop, and rebuilding the property into a three story distillery and barbecue restaurant in its place. And let’s not forget a new parking lot. But Malin promises the original subs will still all be sold, just as they have been for the past thirty years. And with sub sandwiches on the menu printed with names such as “My Wife Kicked Me Out” and the “Dirty Gringo” I wonder what the menu will look like in the future, residing in a brand new three story building a few years from now... Will the Father Dan still be on the menu? Will out-of-town tourists flock to purchase a Scrippy or El Guapo? Only time will tell. I do know tourists need to eat while they’re here though. However, all these future changes still have to make their way through the highly bureaucratic city government approval process, and any renovations are not likely to commence for approximately two years.    In the interim, I’m absolutely in love with the rough and casual, aged exterior of Angie’s Subs. I love pulling into an aged and pebbly parking lot, faded striped lines, and no formality. Beautiful moss covered trees overhanging the old cemetery and little park situated next door. Glancing at the building itself, I could finally take in, up close and personal, the large murals I see every day when driving down Beach Boulevard. And walking up to the old strip mall style building that houses Angie’s Subs, I noted an outdoor seating patio situated under the perfect Florida blue sky, and, by the front doors, one is greeted with old, wooden rocking chairs and benches.         Once inside, there are paper copies of the menu to take with you on the go, but the menu is also up at the front counter. And there are two front counters inside. The counter on the furthest left is where customers place their orders, and once taken, patrons are guided to the next counter, to the right, to pay their check.         After we ordered and paid, we were then free to pick any seat, and our order was brought out to us after it was freshly made. Hot. And hot they were.    Ceiling above our booth.     Hubby. I ordered one of the subs listed as an Old Standby on the menu: the classic roast beef sub on whole wheat bread, for $6.99.    Each sub comes standard with mayo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion and an oil/vinegar mix. I chose to leave off the mayo and the oil/vinegar sauce - alleviating a lot of calories in the process. And hubby ordered one of Angie’s newest subs - the Angie’s Philly. The Philly is a cheesesteak sandwich that includes steak, italian sausage, mayo, cheese, sweet peppers, onions, and mushrooms, priced at $7.49.   We also both ordered a bag of their chips, priced at $1.65 per bag, and a drink, priced at $2.50. Our total check was $24.53, plus a tip. All drink sizes are the same price, so we both ordered a large, since we were paying for it regardless. And because of this single choice, I was then met face-to-face with a literal JUG of free-flowing pink lemonade throughout my meal. Ummm, I happen to love pink lemonade. So, this is the place for me. Pink lemonade, in a styrofoam jug. A supersized pink lemonade. Enough pink lemonade to feed an army. And free refills. Need I say more? I was in Heaven. A Sugar-Coated Heaven. Glad I left that mayo off.    We both loved our subs. I loved my hot, and custom-made, toasty sub so much that I can easily go back to Angie’s Subs any day. And they’re fast too. So I can do this on my lunch break, and with it not very costly eithe. And not having to worry about time. And you know what else? The food I bit into reminded me of Chicago! And that sentence situated above this one is very, very deserving of the exclamation point I placed at the end of it. As well as deserving of its own paragraph. Bringing high praise for Angie’s Subs from me. For the mere fact that the declaration and the act of comparing the word “food” and “Chicago” is a complete and utter rarity for me in Florida. What I mean more simply is, the Tastes of Chicago are very, very difficult to find here in the South. Very difficult, indeed. But I was able to taste Chicago in that sub. Within one to two bites into my meal. I said right away to my hubby that I was reminded of Chicago. I could just taste it in the way the sub was carefully created, and made just for me, and just the way I want. With the quality food and detail placed in each sandwich. It tasted like my sub was thoroughly cared for while it was being produced and before it was served to me. It tasted of passion. A passion for food. And that is something, after living thirty-something years in the foodie capital of the world, is very, very challenging for me to find, outside of Illinois. And apparently something practically impossible to replicate outside the casual and relaxed borders of Chicagoland. From a Chicago-foodie, this is a large compliment to the Chef. So, while I may never try the Ten Dollar sub - priced appropriately at $7.65 - or the Minorcan, or the Peruvian, I do know I’ll be back for another repeat order of an extra, extra large pink lemonade, plus an Old Standby. Yes, I thank you, Angie’s Subs in Jax Beach, for the best sub I’ve had in years. For the best sub I’ve had since living in The Sunshine State. And I will be back. Very, very soon.~ 
Ummmmmm, hey, you, over there - check out some of my other local dining reviews, right here - you know, down below: 9] Sago Coffee: A Cup Of Friendly & Flavorful Florida *Part of ~ Bean’s Coffee Shop Challenge ~ 15] V Pizza ~ The Very Best Pizza In Jax Beach! *Part of ~ Bean’s Best ~ Award Winner 2019 16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed them They Will Come 19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach 21] Cinotti’s ~ And Why Life Is Too Short To Not Eat Donuts 35] Happiest Of Holidays @ Hawkers Asian Street Fare 40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville 45] Dessert First, My Friends ~ Cantina Louie 50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners 53] Totally Terrific & Tasty Thai @ Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine Have you been to Angie’s Subs in Jax Beach? What’s your favorite sub sandwich? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below: |
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