With everyone still avoiding the dreaded COVID 19 & 20 variant, it is even more important to stay in touch with friends new and old. Robyn recently visited Scarlett in Kentucky to not only ease her mind concerning her husband’s health, but to get some much needed nurturing herself… as she is battling some foot issues. Seems all 3 of us needed some hugs and laughs to wash away the doldrums.

Since 2 out of the 3 were having trouble walking, they spent much of the time catching up, experimenting with acrylic and watercolor paints, binging and getting hooked on a few alternative TV series, cooking old favorites and enjoying a few adult beverages

 (recipes to follow). It was a great relaxing early fall week with the weather just perfect for sitting on the front porch and gathering with a few of the neighbors over a late night coffee.

They reminisced on their earlier years when life was not so hectic. They told stories from their pasts and had discussions on how to navigate aging, the good and bad aspects of this “I need attention” techy environment and how difficult it can be to stay optimistic with such a changing world. They sounded a lot like their parents! The banter between one another built a much needed camaraderie of those between 57 and 70 and they realized that they were not alone in their thoughts. It was a very helpful week and friendships were made stronger.

So reach out to a friend from the past or make a new friend of a neighbor. Sitting with them on the front porch in the cool fall night with a cup of coffee is a great way to not feel so alone with your thoughts considering what the future holds for you and yours. You will find you are grateful for the time you spent together. It can wash away all of that negative news we are bombarded with daily and bring the perspective of living day to day. After all there is the saying “I plan and God laughs”…something to be reminded of every now and then.

Shrimp & Grits

 Start with Stone Ground Grits from Midway, Kentucky’s Weisenberger Grits

 4 cups of water to 1 cup grits and bring to boil letting them cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to simmer adding ¼ cup butter and a full cup of whole milk or heavy cream and cook approx. 30 minutes stirring on and off.

Fry up ¼ cup of fresh country sausage or cubed country ham from Olde Delaney’s Country Store in Bardstown, Kentucky, with ½ cup beef broth and /1/4 cup white wine along with 2 Tbsp cocktail sauce and a good pinch of cracked black pepper.

Then add the shrimp from Bardstown’s Simply Seafood Market and cook on low until shrimp are opaque DO NOT OVERCOOK!

Fill bowls with grits place shrimp mixture on top and ladle in sauce and sprinkle a dash of Old Bay seasoning on top…ENJOY!

The Fall Table is set and ready for the bowls of Shrimp & Grits…