Stolen Swans are Sweet/ Fall Sickness

Everyone in the Orlando area has heard a lot about missing swans of Lake Eola. It was a coincidence that one of the Dr.'s I work with had been at the lake the week the swans were noticed to be missing. Since they are microchipped, he noticed a few were gone. They weren't totally surprised, since they roam free and could die or run away, or be stolen. The following night after the round-up for their vaccines, a couple was seen taking 2 swans. The witness took down the license plate and called the police. Come to find out, the two were stealing the swans and selling them to a broker of exotics up in Jacksonville. It was obvious it was someone who was familiar with large exotic birds. Because, seriously, who wants to really go up against mean, black swans? They are vicious.

A few days later, when some of the swans were returned, they were checked over at the clinic. They were slightly dehydrated and scared. One of the swans had surgery 5 weeks previously and had an injury at the incision sight. Two of the stolen were the mating pair. These people obviously knew what they were doing. Dr. Brown had mentioned earlier that babies go missing all the time. They are probably easier to sell and catch. And they are stinking adorable. Don't believe the whole "ugly duckling turning into a swan" thing. Those little things are just almost worth stealing. Just kidding, guys. I would never, ever steal a swan. Have you ever smelled swan poop? Just gross.

I have contracted my yearly dose of October/November sickness. I believe it happened Sunday when baby Austin, who is recovering from a cold, decided to drip his juice from his sippy cup into by Bacardi and Juice. So much for the alcohol killing the germs. I've had a sore throat for 4 days and it was confirmed today that it is not strep. Good to know. Right now, I have no voice to speak of. (literally) It's not more than a whisper. So reluctantly, I will have to take a sick day for tomorrow. I am so sick of eating wonton soup, but it's all I can stomach for now.

Paula Deen's Sourcream Muffins.

You have to try these.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1/2 pint sourcream
2 sticks butter, melted
2 cups sifted self-rising flour ( has to be self-rising or it won't work)

Mix all your ingredients in a bowl and make sure the butter is room temp or close to it. Drop mixture into un-greased muffin pan. Bake 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy with preserves or just plain.

En Vacances Avec La Famille

I spent the weekend at my brother's place in Savannah. Family can be such an adventure sometimes. We get closer to realizing that we are becoming our parents. My brother and dad talked at great length about planes and finances. Two of my favorite topics, of course.

We took a trip the the two Civil War forts just outside the city. I am a sucker for old buildings. I even snacked on the pecans from the tree in the courtyard of Ft. Polaski. I haven't fallen over dead yet, so they must have been okay.

Nate was such a fine host driving us all around town. We ate lunch on Saturday at the Pirate House which is essentially a tourist trap. The secret tunnel is quite a nice touch. I have my doubts that they actually used it to take drunks to the river and ship them off to Australia. But it's a nice story.

I discovered pralines on this last visit. I really wish I hadn't. Anything involving sugar, vanilla, and nuts is a fine treat. I bought 1.5 lbs, mostly as a gift for the Handshews and to share at work. I did do some sampling on the way home. I'm scouring Food Network online for the perfect recipe. They would make excellent gift or party favors for a bridal or baby shower.

Savannah Swing Part Deux

Savannah Swing

Beautiful Fall

Oh, the time of year I look forward to every single time it comes around. It's a time of year when the seasons begin to click. Well, as much as a season can click in the state of Florida. It is nice to be able to open your windows and feel the crisp, coolness of the morning air.

This type of weather has really affected what I want to listen to music-wise. I've been craving Jamie Cullum, Radiohead, Norah Jones, and Adele. Something with a jazzy, slightly sad basis always goes well with the changing of the seasons.

I really have enjoyed Pandora, but I need to find an affordable alternative to buying downloads. I tried Napster and Rhapsody, but they only allow you to stream your music from an Ipod Touch. Napster does give you so many download credits per how many months you sign up, but you only get up to like 64 if you sign up for a whole year. I just want access to downloadable music that is easy, affordable, and legal. I've said goodbye to my Limewire days.