A Visit

Between keeping up with the increasingly more mobile Gillian Grace and an ever growing list of chores, housework, and errands I've fallen a little behind on my posts. A few weeks ago Bret's Mom and Dad made the long drive up from Fort Myers for a brief visit. Old Man Winter once again showed us that he was in charge, giving the Webbs a less than warm welcome as they rolled into town. The breezy and chilly temperatures even sent Nana running to the Eastern Shore in search of warmer clothes. Though it was uncomfortable at times, the weather didn't keep us from enjoying the day. Not surprisingly, they fell in love with our lil' Gillybean all over again. After having not seen GG since August, they couldn't believe the many ways she had changed. Gillian Grace was a wonderful hostess (Mommy has taught her well) to Nana and Poppy Webb, even taking them to a new local BBQ joint, The Shed which was once featured on Guy Fieri's, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. We also enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Felix's on the Causeway. Bret dined on one of the evening's specials, cajun blackened fish with a crawfish cream sauce; while I enjoyed crab cakes on top of fried green tomatoes, with a side of hushpuppies and dirty rice. Can you say yum?




Bret's parents brought a special treat with them from Fort Myers, handmade chocolates by a local artisan turned chocolatier, Norman Love. Just by looking at the box, you'd never guess that gourmet chocolates were hidden inside. The key lime box with white satin bow presentation is elegant, sort of Tiffany's meets Key West, but it's the chocolates themselves that are the real star of this show. Expecting to find the typcial boxed candies---brown chocolates molded with decorative forms, I was pleasantly surprised. These chocolates are works of art reminiscent Dale Chihuly's blown glass that covers the ceiling of the lobby at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. They are almost too pretty to eat. Note, I said ALMOST. How do they taste? Let's just say that the box is empty!