Saturday, April 15, 2017

Springtime in Paradise

Springtime in Florida is very different from those I've experienced in New York. This past winter and beginning of spring has found us with very warm temperatures (85+) and lots of pollen in the air. The lack of rain doesn't help our allergies either.

Up north, we would witness blooming flowers, such as crocus, tulips and daffodils. The forsythia and flowering pear tree would be splashing yellow and white across the deepening green lawn. There is a true sense of "re-birth" and "cleansing" after a cold and dreary winter. 

During this time, you see more people venturing outside for longer periods of time and neighborhood friendships are rekindled and renewed. Opening windows and doors to let in the fresh crisp air is a welcome relief after the always-too-long hibernation period.

In Florida, I discovered the opposite to be true. During the winter and early spring, flowers and trees bloom, people are out and about at all times. Windows and doors are flung open to accept the welcome breezes, that is, UNTIL springtime arrives in full force.

With the shift in weather and the approaching holidays, most of the residents at our resort begin to head north around April, north towards their summer homes in Canada, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut or New York.  Most will return in the fall once the putrid heat begins to wane. Until then, windows and doors are closed against the oppressive heat and neighbors hibernate when not in the 88 degree swimming pool. Let's just say it's a different world down south in springtime. 

Good thing we had the Jeep.
With a beautiful day in store today, George and I decided to experience a "first." We went blueberry picking at Southern Hill Farms, about 15 minutes north of us. Due to major construction in the area, we needed to take a detour down a long, dusty, unpaved road to reach the farm. We spent about two hours walking up and down about a dozen perfectly straight rows of blueberry bushes, pulling off the sweet fruit and placing them into our buckets (when not in our mouths). I never knew there were so many different types of blueberries! The berry picking became an obsession and I wanted to fill my bucket to the tippity-top.

We picked over five pounds worth of four, out of the 10, varieties offered at the farm:

Flicker - large, firm and excellent flavor
Meadowlark - large, crisp, firm berry with excellent blush
Scintilla - very sweet, tastes like candy 
Chickadee - medium sized, semi-sweet flavor


The mixed berries.
When all the berries are mixed up, the combination of flavors is amazing. My dinner this evening was blueberry pancakes topped  with blueberries and tomorrow's breakfast will be oatmeal with blueberries and local raw honey.  Three pounds have been packaged for the freezer and the remainder will be shared with friends and/or eaten right away.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. We will be spending it quietly. Perhaps a swim in the pool for me, sleeping late for George, and a can of Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets for Lucy. A stop at friends' for dessert (I'll bring blueberries) will end our Sunday. 

Speaking of Miss Lucy, she is hanging in. We're hoping to celebrate her 15th birthday here on June 15th. She constantly amazes us with frequent bouts of "kitten-like" behavior and continues to make us smile. My sweet little girl...her new "habit" is actually an old one. When I first got her, she used to get in the shower and lick the water. She just started doing that again after over 10 years.

Days are warm, sun is bright, breezes blow...life is good. 



Deep thought for the day:  No two people walk exactly the same path. One may look up, while one looks down. Each observes a different view and feeling. Life is unique. Enjoy each moment and don't forget to stop briefly to look, smell, listen and perhaps, pop a blueberry in your mouth. ~vc

1 comment:

  1. Ah, a very nice comparison of our two different worlds. Without experiencing it, one never gives a thought about the contrasts; it's always when it cold here you go to warmth in the south and vice versa. Those in between springs and falls are each unique as well. You too will soon venture north. Safe travels and I'm sure we'll cross paths sometime. Share an itinerary if and when one materializes. ~Chas.

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