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.

By threedrodi via flickr

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

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 :)

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

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

I'd love to know what your favorite lemon recipes are! 

Leave them in the comments section below

YUM!!  

Happy Friday!

 Koi Fish Kite by Al Corr via flickr

 arch by pcallahanphotography via flickr

 

sailing by pontfire via flickr

flying kites on the beach - how fun!

Happy Friday

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea.  -Isak Dinesen

Horseback Riding at Oak Hollow Farm

 

Sometimes it's nice to do something other than go to the beach or to have a day off the water. 

Oak Hollow Farm over in Fairhope, Alabama is the perfect place. 

Go horseback riding through meadows, under live oaks and by ponds on their 300 acres.
You can even bring a picnic for later.

They need 4 hour notice to get the horses ready for you. 

Call the owner Glenda Bishop 251 928 4840 to schedule your ride 

or email glenda@oakhollowfarm.net.

$30 per person for a one hour guided trail ride.

Oak Hollow Farm
14210 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532

251 928 4840

Japan

Catbird reminded me that we can help by donating to the Red Cross. 

You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or go to their website and donate any amount.

United Airlines is also giving you incentive to donate. They will reward your generosity with Mileage Plus miles. Through April 30, 2011, Mileage Plus members can earn a one-time award of 250 Mileage Plus bonus award miles for donations between $50 and $99, or 500 Mileage Plus bonus award miles for a donation of $100 or more to the American Red Cross.For more information or to donate follow the link above.

Thank you

Happy Friday

I'm longing to see a few incredible sunsets from the end of the pier........

Happy Friday! 

-Susan

Photo by Peter Good. Spring sunset at Good Haven House

Happy Friday

Sometimes all you need is a different perspective.

See you at the beach (under the pier!)
-Susan

Photo of Pensacola Beach under the pier by sparkalyn via Flickr

Happy Friday!

Spring is almost here. Makes me want to jump for joy!

See you at the beach,

Susan

photo by catastrophe!! via Flickr

Happy Friday

It is good to have an end to journey towards;
but it is the journey that matters in the end.
- Ursula Le Guin

See you at the beach,
Susan

Happy Friday

Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do.

- David Wilkerson 

 

See you at the beach,

Susan

photo by punkrooster via flickr

Finally.............. Slipcover Update

If you remember last spring we had new slipcovers made for the living room love seats.

I finally got to see them (and sit on them) in person.

I'm thrilled!

They turned out better than I could have hoped due to Taube Lansing's beautiful work. 

Lansing Upholstery and Fabrics over on Bayou Blvd. in Pensacola, 850 206 1771.

Thanks Taube!

Our Christmas Elves

This post is from Dawn and her family who stayed at Good Haven House over the Christmas holidays in 2010.

Our family enjoyed a special holiday week-long visit to Good Haven House. The housekeeper decorated the house with a wreath, some lighted garland on the mantel, and a small Christmas tree. 

  With the Christmas tree that we brought decorated with hand-made ornaments we made during the week, the house seemed very much like a home away from home. Everyone enjoyed their time, including the children and the dogs. There were plenty of books, videos, and games for the kids to enjoy and the dogs loved the large yard. 

Our time spent enjoying nights on the deck, gathering around the fireplace, baking cookies, and decorating our tree created a very memorable Christmas for the entire family.
-Dawn and Family

Thanks so much Dawn for taking the time to share your visit and photos with us. We hope to have you as guests at Good Haven House again in 2011!

See you at the beach!

Susan

Happy Friday and Happy New Year!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

See you at the beach in 2011

-Susan

Image of fireworks at Pensacola Beach by Randy Mehoves

Merry Christmas (and happy Friday)

Christmas at Johnson's Beach, Perdido Key

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

See you at the beach,

Susan

Happy Friday

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer"
-Albert Camus

See you at the beach,
Susan
 
photo and directions for making your own sand 'snowman' via www.sandcastlecentral.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Even turkeys like to go to the beach. Yes, they do!

Gobble Gobble,

Susan

image by adrianebelize via Flickr

Happy Friday

A girl can dream......

See you at the beach,

Susan

Happy Friday

Hope you get to spend some time with your best bud this weekend. 

 See you at the beach,

Susan

image 'buds' by sina [big shot photos] via flickr

Happy Friday

Hope you have a scary weekend.

BOO!
Sue