Calm Reflections, Unexpected Snacks, and Soda Can Flowers

Day 26 of My 28 Day Refocus

Tideview Preserve
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021

You might think that after five hundred and thirty days of hanging out here in Atlantic Beach, I would be getting bored of some of my favorite places. Maybe it’s that the tide and the storms bring natural variation every day or maybe it’s that I split my focus between the view and the little dude or maybe it’s that I am hardwired to do the same show eight times a week. Whatever the reason, I can say that I am not the least bit bored with the views at Tideview and I hope you aren’t either.

Fishing For Lunch, Tideview Preserve
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021
Codee, Tideview Preserve
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021

In The Gardens:

San Marzano Tomatoes and Honey Nut Squash, Upcycle Balcony Victory Garden
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021

Who else has had the pleasure of the honey nut squash on their plate? They can be tricky to find, but the small squashes were bred for a chef that was looking for a butternut squash with more flavor and less size….So, basically a honey nut squash is a concentrated butternut squash and they are super delicious and really adorable. You know, if you’re into that sort of “vegetables can be cute” thing like I am. I bought a packet of seeds last year and have had some limited success growing them on the balcony, but as I mention often, I grow things more for the entertainment than the yield…at the moment. Honey nut squash produce these bright, shiny blossoms that make me smile even if they never become squash. As a side note, I can’t get any variety of squash to survive in the garden, but I do have a few peppers holding on.

Gatherer’s Gold Peppers
Dig Local Community Garden, Dutton Island Road
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021
Codee Enjoying an Unexpected Snack
Dig Local Community Garden, Dutton Island Road
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021

On The Streets Where I Live:

High Flamingos, First Street
Neptune Beach, FL – August 27, 2021

Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach share a town line and they are similar in a lot of ways, but there is a little more of the funky beach vibe in Neptune. This particular little patch of front yard is probably my favorite along First Street. The owner is quite an artist about using recycled materials to scatter some fun into native plants beds. They also have wildflowers for the pollinators and a couple of other cute sculptures.

Recycled Flower, First Street
Neptune Beach, FL – August 27, 2021
Neptune Flower, First Street
Neptune Beach, FL – August 27, 2021

Sweating It Out:

I love a quick walk down First Street. It’s a straight shot and there are so many people out running, walking, biking, and roller blading to help move you along. On the way back, a very pleasant older gentleman on a bike remarked, “Now THAT’S what I call a power walk!” While it was a bit startling, his encouragement was nice and reminded me that I hope to hear that same phrase during a load out again soon enough.

On The Plates:

Chicken twice in one day? Almost unheard of for me. 😉 Both meals were really yummy and pretty filling, though. Supper included Applegate Organics Chicken and Apple Sausage, spaghetti squash, roasted cauliflower and orange pepper, basil, olive oil, nutritional yeast and a dash of crushed red pepper. Dinner was shredded chicken breast with roasted eggplant, onion, and grape tomatoes. I threw a couple of over grown arugula leaves that I had on the balcony in there for a little brightness. To round it out and up my fat intake, I had a couple of servings of raw cashews. I also had an apple because I love a little sweet at the end of my day.

Cronometer:

Perfectly on that razor’s edge of the calorie goal for the day….Just the way I like it.

Garmin Says:

Stay safe and moving, y’all!

PS.

Sweet Dreams, The Condo
Atlantic Beach, FL – August 27, 2021