4.29.2011

4.28.2011

Close To Home


Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who lost dear ones and property in the tornadoes and storms that ripped through Alabama and other southern states yesterday. 



If you'd like to help, the Red Cross is taking donations for Alabama residents affected by the storms yesterday. To donate, visit the Red Cross website or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to give $10.
Thank you

4.25.2011

Big Sale April 25 - May 7, 2011



SALE for April 25 through May 7, 2011, $1000 per week
(not including $150 housekeeping, 11.5% taxes and $100 pet fee if applicable.)
Nightly rates apply for less than a weeks stay
Call 773 474 2456 or email info@goodhavenhouse.com for more info

Thanks,
Susan

4.22.2011

Hoppy Friday!



Guess who I saw at the beach today? 
Resting up for a busy weekend.

Hop to see you at the beach too,
Susan

4.17.2011

4.15.2011

Happy Friday


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Colors are the smiles of nature.   - Leigh Hunt  

Hope you have a colorful weekend
-Susan



4.12.2011

Dogs at the Beach


Most people are surprised to find out that Florida state laws do NOT permit pets on public beaches!
I know I was.

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Of course you and your dogs can go into the water at our beach.
And I didn't tell you this but I have seen dogs on Johnson's Beach near the public access (not in the National Seashore)  ;)

 Bayview Dog Beach

If you're looking for another place to romp with your dog, the Bayview Dog Park and Beach on Bayou Texar is great. This park allows the dogs water access to Bayou Texar and a sandy beach. It also has benches, tables, water fountains, and a dog and human shower/washing area. The dog park is fenced on land but open at the water. No fees, permits or residency requirements but a rabies vaccine tag is required on pet's collar. Follow the link for a map and more info.


 Always remember:
  • Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your dog.
  • Cool ocean water is tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much seawater. The salt in the water will make him sick.
  • Dogs can get sunburn, especially short-haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong, and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Check for daily water conditions – dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.
  • If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.
  • Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don't let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.
  • Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers.
  • Never leave your dog unattended! You should always be in a position to help him get out of the water.
  • Salt and other minerals found in the ocean can damage your dog's coat. So, when you are ready to leave for the day, rinse him off with fresh water.
See you and your pooch at the beach!
Susan

4.05.2011

Our Lemon Tree



I get phone calls and emails every year when the tree in the front yard starts to fruit.
Guests (depending on what time of the year they're here) want to know if the fruit are limes, lemons, oranges or sometimes grapefruits! They also want to know if they if they can pick them and eat them.


It's a lemon tree and yes you are welcome to pick and eat them and take a few home with you as well!
However, the lemons are not ready to eat until after the first few really cold nights, usually sometime in late October/ early November. When they're ready they have an orangey color to them and they are huge!


Please don't pick them until then as its just a waste.

Some things we like to do with them :)

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Make Lemonade
the lemons are almost sweet and very juicy
you need to experiment with how much water and sugar to use for your taste

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preserved lemons

 Make Moroccan Inspired Preserved Lemons


Make Lemon Meringue Pie

         Ingredients

  • 1  (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
  • Filling Ingredients

    • 1  cup  sugar
    • 1/4  cup  cornstarch
    • 1/8  teaspoon  salt
    • 4  large egg yolks
    • 2  cups  milk
    • 1/3  cup  fresh lemon juice
    • 3  tablespoons  butter or margarine
    • 1  teaspoon  grated lemon rind
    • 1/2  teaspoon  vanilla extract

    Meringue Ingredients

  • 6  egg whites
  • 1/2  teaspoon  vanilla extract
  • 6  tablespoons  sugar

Preparation

Unfold and stack piecrusts on a lightly floured surface. Roll into 1 (12-inch) circle. Fit piecrust into a 9-inch pieplate (about 1 inch deep); fold edges under, and crimp. Prick bottom and sides of piecrust with a fork. Freeze 10 minutes.
Line piecrust with parchment paper; fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake at 425° for 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment paper; bake 12 to 15 more minutes or until crust is lightly browned. (Shield edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly.)
   
Pie Filling Preparation
Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a heavy, nonaluminum, medium saucepan. Whisk together egg yolks, milk, and lemon juice in a bowl; whisk into sugar mixture in pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and boil, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; stir in butter, lemon rind, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Prepare Lemon Meringue Pie Filling; pour into piecrust. Cover with plastic wrap, placing directly on filling. (Proceed immediately with next step to ensure that the meringue is spread over the pie filling while it is still warm.)
Beat egg whites and vanilla extract at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat 2 to 4 minutes or until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves.
Remove plastic wrap from pie, and spread meringue evenly over warm Lemon Meringue Pie Filling, sealing edges.
Bake at 325° for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool pie completely on a wire rack. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
            from Southern Living, APRIL 2004

Lemon Meringue Pie Fragrance Oil

I'd love to know what your favorite lemon recipes are! 
Leave them in the comments section below

YUM!!