Love, Food and Fun

Happy Valentine’s Day! Make it special for someone you feel special about. Hasn’t the weather been gorgeous! It’s a great time to be working outside, working on your plants, on your yard, or working on your exercise routine (That’s what I’m telling myself!). It’s also getting difficult to find places to eat out with all the guests and visitors arriving, so try to stay close to home or even cook your own meal. Or eat breakfast at 10:00 AM, lunch at 2:30 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM. You’ll find a way, you always do! Last week my friend Nancy and I drove to Goodland and to the Little Bar! What a great TREAT that was!! We got there a little early, as they were just opening. I know lots of people have been to The Little Bar in Goodland, but just in case you haven’t been there, you’ll want to try it. We wanted to eat Stone Crab Claws in the worst way, and we got ‘em! We ordered the appetizer, and it came with about seven stone crab claws. Speaking of FRESH! They were absolutely delicious! The staff cracked the shell and then we dug in to get the meat out of it. The lady at the door couldn’t have been nicer. The staff was as friendly and helpful as they were knowledgeable. If you can, call before you go, just to make sure they have the stone crabs that day before driving there. I’m sure they go quickly. They are REALLY good! The Little Bar is open for lunch and dinner. Oh gosh, you’ll enjoy them!

• Oh yes, two days later, the Goodland Civic Association held one of their annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfasts. Many of the community members were there, as usual, cooking, dishing out, pouring coffee and orange juice, making the eggs and the best pancakes you’ve ever tasted at a cookout (I know, I say that every year, but they really ARE!), and the delicious sausages cooked the way sausages should be cooked! Of course Greg Bello was there, his usual cheerful self, waiting on people, and the team of Jim and Donna Inglis were working, along with many other community friends and regular helpers, to make the event successful! There was also really nice music by Michael Buck. It was a great event, and the very next day, Sunday, they did it again! I wanted to go again, but just couldn’t.

• I had the pleasure of attending the 55th Annual Military Ball at the Vanderbilt Country Club presented by the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Officers Association of America. And I had the honor of sitting next to Admiral Jerry Johnson (USN Ret). Admiral Johnson is a Four Star Admiral and Vice Chief of Naval Operations.  The second in command of the Navy! I felt so humbled to be seated next to him! I would love to mention all the officers who attended and their positions, but instead I’ll just mention that this organization supports the JROTC Cadets from Naples High School, Palmetto Ridge High School and Gulf Coast High School! I will include a photo taken at the event by Charlie McDonald Photography.  Kylie Gust sang the National Anthem. It was a spectacular evening! Sitting at our table also, was last years’ president of the MOASWF organization – Sgt. Susan Farr, and this year’s president, Major Jeffrey Cahoon. The picture included with this column included Nancy Senosi, Cassie Demetsky, Elena Innis, Brigette Smith and of course, me!