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Crossing the rift where the Appalachian chain separated from the MotherlandSunrise on the Irish West Coast
It’s our first day in Ireland and we already have many stories to share. Our flight from Florida with a stop in Boston left at 7.15pm so as we flew East over the Atlantic our view from our window seat morphed from an eye level view of Orion’s Belt and the setting of the pink moon to lakes of fire shimmering on the horizon. We arrived at Shannon airport at 5.30 am so all was quiet as we skipped through customs and retrieved our baggage. Luggage carts are free to borrow if you return them to the corral outside.
Shannon airport at dawn
They say there are two kinds of travelers, those that travel light and those that wish they did. We, of course, brought too much and still didn’t have what we needed handy. Nancy needed first aid supplies for a wound on her hand and they were already stowed in the overhead compartment. We always have mints or gum in our purse, but we both had changed to travel purses and mints didn’t make it to the checklist. So checklist for next trip starts with first aid kit in personal carry on and refreshing mints for a long masked night on an airplane.
On a happier note, we recommend flying into a smaller airport. Fewer people seems to translate to a more relaxed atmosphere. Also our choices in clothing kept us warm and dry through intermittent showers. My Columbia hiking pants also made good traveling pants, impervious to coffee spills and comfortable enough to sleep on the plane. Our Columbia waterproof hiking boots allowed us to tromp around country lanes to get todays treasured photos.
Cows and rocks and weeds!Our friends that provide Irish cream and butter!Spring lambs at play
Thanks also to the lovely Mr. Lyons , who allowed us to trespass at his gate. Instead of shooing us off his driveway, he stopped, asked us if we were ok and chatted with us about his travels to North Carolina, Alabama and Florida.
Mr. Lyons gate on the Burren HighwayA path for another day
A friend warned me to be leary of Irish men. As we were getting on the Aer Lingus flight, a gentleman in business class started a banter with us and said you just had to look at Nancy’s twinkling eyes to know that she was trouble. When I replied that I had been warned off talking to charming Irish men, he said that he had been given the same advice. He said that not only did he not heed the advice, but he ended up marrying one.
So lots of lessons today. Take what you need, but not too much. When you get into a car and there’s no brakes or accelerator pedal on the left side, move to the right side. Hug the middle line so you don’t lose the left side mirror of your rental car and frighten your passenger. Yield to the right in a roundabout. Stop and talk to cows and watch the calves and lambs frolic in a spring meadow. Don’t pick the dandelions, the bees need the food, although we considered pulling the young leaves for a salad. Do talk to strangers and allow them to be a blessing to you.
Drive on the left, sit on the right!Conquering the world one photo at a timeFoodie heaven
We hope to get back and see more of the Burren, but made sure we got some hot smoked Atlantic salmon, local cheese and soda bread crackers from the Burren Smokehouse. For nature lovers and foodies, it was a good start of our tour of the West Coast of Ireland. We started in the Midwest and will head to Sligo this weekend . Come back and hear the rest of the story.
We were privileged to attend an event at the Palladium last night that featured world class musicians. All were women with the exception of special guest Michael Ross on bass. Other special guests included jazz legend Rose Bilal, who wowed us with her performance of All of Me and Satin Doll. Rose’s long career includes opening for Gladys Knight, the Delphonics and Wilson Pickett. She toured internationally with John Lamb, bassist for Duke Ellingham and Kenny Drew, Jr. She is also known for her paintings and sculptures. Her book, A Stroke Saved My Life, is available at Barnes and Nobles.
Smooth vocals of Rose Bilal
The band was led by saxophonist Valerie Gillespie, adjunct professor at USF and frequent soloist with the Florida Orchestra. Her extensive CV includes playing with jazz greats Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin and traveling with Xavier Cugat Orchestra.
Saxophonist Valerie GillespieArmando’s Rumba by Chick Corea featuring Saxophonist Valerie Gillespie and Jazz pianist Judi Glover
You might also catch Judi Glover playing in a band with her husband Alex. We were inspired to attend this concert after seeing her play with Scotty Wright at an event on the grounds of the Carter G Woodson Museum.
Patricia Dean on drums and vocals
Patricia Dean is one of the few performers who sings and plays drums. She has played with jazz legends Nat Adderley and Ira Sullivan.
Lorri Hafer of the Hillside Singers
Lorri Hafer, best known as the vocalist with the Hillside Singers who charmed us with the song I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing
March 18, 2022: Worm Moon- Last Moon of Winter; First Moon Signaling Return of Spring
It was a good night to view the Worm Moon. We load snacks and gear and head toward downtown St. Pete to await the rise of moon over Tampa Bay.
Looking out to Tampa Bay from the Flora Wylie Park Section of North Shore Park in St. Petersburg, FL
It’s a pleasant breezy evening. The sky on our side of the bay is clear, but clouds are forming along the horizon on the Tampa side. Fragmented strains of Reggae music are carried on their waves toward us from Rise up Florida festival at Vinoy Park. Explains why it was difficult to find a place to park. Bugs seem to be asleep. Birds are gathering their last nibble of the day. Kayakers and boaters are grabbing a few more minutes of daylight to enjoy the Bay. Crickets and nature’s night sounds start to come alive. The clouds across Tampa Bay take on a sunset glow. We nibble our snacks and await the rise of the full moon.
Yellow Crowned Night Heron
In the distance, more clouds move in. The sky in the east where the moon is to appear, comes alive with sound, flashes, strikes. We watch the firework beauty. Rain is too far away to be of concern.
Kayakers grabbing a few more minutes.
We’re curious why the eastern clouds have a light upper edge, like a halo. Pretty. We stare at the light rim, as the clouds continue to explode with bursts of light.
Moon glow – the reason for the halo rim on the clouds
Then amongst the flashes —the moon rises in its full glory! Nature provided a grand entrance for the Worm Moon. A moon that is the last full moon of winter and the first moon that says spring is returning. Google the name to see the association with it signaling the return of spring.
March 18, 2022: Moon rising over Tampa Bay among Nature’s fireworks
February has been set aside as the specific month (Black History Month) to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve citizenship and equality in the USA. February is a time to turn the spotlight on the contributions, triumphs, and sacrifices of African Americans. It is a time to pause, to reflect, to recognize and understand how the injustices imposed on the Black population have become ingrained within and shaped our nation’s history, with adverse effects. It is a time to look at our prejudices, our racial biases of peoples other than those from our “clan.” A time to consider the importance of diversity and how closed hearts limit the appreciation of the uniqueness of an individual or ethnic group of people.
Today (Sunday Feb 28) was a day of joy, a day of savoring the richness, the uniqueness, the essence, the flavor associated with black heritage. After church, we lunched with friends at a Louisiana Creole Café that served Southern and Creole food. Conversation is always thought provoking with this group.
Eating Southern Soul and Creole.. Even-though I enjoy food, the lively conversation was better. At Woodson African American Museum listening to jazz
Next, we headed to the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, previously called Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum) for an outdoor Jazz concert presented by the Scotty Wright Quintet. Could not have been better! The program included the music of B.B. King, Charles Brown, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Buddy Johnson.
Terrific performance in a beautiful outdoor venue, where music, weather and the social atmosphere of attendees spoke to one’s soul with an inviting whisper. So enjoyably refreshing and invigorating! Think of our loss, without the past and present great African American musicians.
Enjoying the finesse of piano player Judi Glover
The band pulls out all the stops in a soul-stirring blues
Amazing talent of trumpet player James Suggs
A brief on the Woodson Museum of African American Museum: The Museum celebrates local Black history as well as the accomplishments of African Americans. Under the executive director leadership of Terri Lipsey Scott, an exuberant influencer, the Museum seeks to present African American history to a broad diverse audience through activities that will aid in the understanding, respect, and appreciation of African American accomplishments in art, culture, history, music and literature.
Terri Lipsey Scott & Scott Wright at today’s event
An end goal is to present, protect, interpret, preserve history and to enhance our ability as a society to respect, value diversity and foster equal rights and social justice. Additionally, the Museum provides educational scholarships for Black students.
The Woodson Museum is named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950). Woodson was the second African American to graduate Harvard with a doctorate degree and the only person of enslaved parentage to earn a PhD in History from any institution in the United States.
Woodson believed it was critical to teach the history of Black Americans to the public to ensure intellectual survival of the race within broader society. Otherwise, they would become a negligible factor in the thought of the world and be in danger of being exterminated. Woodson is known nationally as the “father of black history”.[2]
The Journal of Negro History was founded in 1916 by Woodson. In February 1926, he launched the celebration of “Negro History Week” to talk about the contributions that Black people had made to America. Negro History Week is considered the precursor of Black History Month[3] which was founded in 1970.
For me, an extra effort is required to arise before the sun appears. I do well to put my feet on the floor by 7am. But this morning, with intent, my feet touched the floor to get ready for a volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity. Rather than just financially supporting Habitat for Humanity, both of us had been wanting to physically support the cause. Unity of Gulfport provided an avenue by being one of the volunteer groups for the Pinellas County area.
The contractors hit a delay in receiving their supplies. Hence, they were unable to provide us, the volunteers, with tasks of which we were capable. So, we were released from duty for the day.
Under construction in Largo
Not to be thwarted, we decided to do something else that would be fun and supportive of a cause. Since we were already in the Largo area, we called Kathlena, a friend in Largo to determine how to unfold the day. She suggested meeting at the Florida Botanical Gardens to see their “Arts Annual Exhibition” and to participate in celebrating African American Heritage. See Deidre’s blog “African American Heritage Celebration” for today’s switched event.
As we left the Habitat for Humanity site, I started to think a little more about the organization. Something Jimmy Carter supports must be great – right? But I still wanted to research the background of the organization.
Habitat for Humanity is a global US non-governmental, nonprofit Christian based housing organization founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. They served in executive roles until 2005. Yes, review of the history of the organization indicates disputes and conflicts within the organization. However, overall, to me, Habitat remains a worthy nonprofit.
To apply for a Habitat home: https://www.habitat.org/housing-help/apply Habitat’s homeowner selection is managed at the local level. For qualifications, requirements and volunteering, contact your local Habitat, or call 1-800-HABITAT (1-800-422-4828).
General requirements: Lived and worked in area for one or more years, at least one year of steady reliable income, reasonable credit, attend 20 hours of home ownership classes, volunteer 350-450 hours of sweat equity and contribute $1,000 toward closing cost.
Completed home next door to the house we were to work on. This completed house belongs to a “sweat equity” individual that was in charge of organizing the on-site volunteers and provided us with alternative days and locations to assist.
Background history on the founder’s path to establishing Habitat: In 1965, the Fuller family stopped to visit friends at Koinonia Farm on a road trip from NYC. “After spending several hours with the intentional community’s founder, Clarence Jordan, Millard and Linda decided to stay and began a relationship with Jordan that ultimately led to the creation of Habitat for Humanity.” Millard Fuller was a successful businessman and lawyer and was a self-made millionaire by the age of 29. In 1968, searching for a way to refocus their lives on Christian service, the Fullers gave up their wealth, moving with their children to the Koinonia Farm in southwest Georgia.
The Fuller’s move to the farm in 1968 brought renewed energy to Koinonia Farm which was suffering from the lingering effects of the 1950’s Jim Crow racial policies of Georgia. Jordan and Fuller along with other members of the Koinonia community decided to change the Farm’s organizational structure to one of social services. Koinonia Farm became Koinonia Partners. Several programs associated with the construction of affordable houses for low-income families were initiated for families who had previously lived in dilapidated shacks. Koinonia Partners built 194 homes from 1969 to 1992.
Believing the poor needed capital, not charity, the primary focus of Koinonia Partners was Partnership Housing and developing a revolving “Fund for Humanity.” The Fund for Humanity would use donations to purchase building materials. Volunteer laborers along with the family that would eventually own the house would construct a simple, decent house. The homeowners would then repay the cost of the materials to the Fund for Humanity at 0% interest. In this way, the work was not a give-away program and the funds repaid were then used to begin work on additional houses.
The Fullers’ four years of guidance at Koinonia Partners was followed by three years of building “partnership housing” in Zaire/Belgian Congo (the Democratic Republic of Congo). These efforts helped model the structure of Habitat for Humanity and eventually lead, in 1976, to the creation of Habitat for Humanity International (commonly called Habitat for Humanity). The international operational headquarters are located in Americus, Georgia and the administrative headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia. Habitat for Humanity operates in more than 92 nations.
Back to Jimmy Carter: In early 1984, Millard Fuller courted President Jimmy Carter. Carter’s hometown is Plains, Georgia, which is only a few miles from Habitat’s headquarters in Americus, Georgia. Carter gave not only his name and reputation to the new non-profit, but also his own resources – making financial contributions regularly and participating in an annual week-long effort of building Habitat homes all over the world. “The Carters’ involvement with Habitat for Humanity propelled the organization to even faster growth. By 2003, Habitat affiliates worldwide had built over 150,000 homes and were active in 92 nations.[8]”
Jimmy and Roselyn Carter at Habitat site
A little information on Koinonia Farm: Koinonia Farm was established in 1942 by Clarence and Florence Jordan and Martin and Mabel England. Koinonia members divested their personal wealth and shared a “common purse” economic system. The practiced vision was an interracial community where blacks and whites lived and worked together in partnership, sharing resources, being wise responsible stewards of land and natural resources. In 1993, the “common purse” structure and organization structure was modified.
During the early foundation era of Koinonia Farms, one can image the open hostility experienced due to Jim Crow politics and philosophy. In the 1950’s, the Jordan family and Koinonia residents were excommunicated from Rehoboth Southern Baptist Church for their views on racial equality, the local Chamber of Commerce requested that Koinonia sell its property and disband, a boycott of the farm was implemented and the Ku Klux Klan performed acts of terrorism and intimidation such as dynamiting Koinonia’s roadside produce stand and firing shots into the compound.
“As a way to survive in the hostile surroundings, Koinonia members created a small mail-order catalog to sell their farm’s pecans and peanuts around the world. The business’s first slogan was “Help us ship the nuts out of Georgia!” The business evolved to include treats made in the farm’s bakery.”
When I look back at the conflicts faced by African Americans as they sought racial equality and at the perseverance of Koinonia Farm to maintain their practice of equality. I love the Farm’s first slogan “Help us ship the nuts out of Georgia!” The Koinonia Farm Store business continues today. Click here for a pdf copy of their 2019-2020 catalogue which provides a brief of the Farm Store.
When we woke at 6 this morning to get ready for our volunteer assignment at a Habitat for Humanity site, we didn’t know that we would end up with a different assignment. We arrived with our lunches and snacks in our work clothes and closed toed shoes to learn that our tasks had to be postponed to next week. Such is the nature of the building trade, dependent on the shifting schedules of subcontractors.
Since we were already in Largo, we called our friend Kathlena to see what she had planned for her Saturday. She invited us to join her at the African American Heritage Celebration at the Botanical Garden in Largo.
Entertainment at the African American Heritage Celebration
We were able to engage with several local artists who were displaying their work.
We first met Chris Aikens, aka ROD for Rebel or Die, whose inspiring characters come to life with their piercing eyes and strength of spirit. His Wounded Phoenix again shows persevering amidst adversity. I also enjoyed his fashion sense and that of his wife, who was also beautifully dressed. Check him out on Facebook under Chris Aikens or Instagram @rebelordieart
Aikens’ gorgeous wife, Kim
Chris Aikens with his painting, Wounded Phoenix
Artist Brenda Bohannon with her work, Blessings
Another inspiring artist is Brenda Bohannon, who posed with her work, Blessings, an homage to her mother and her gratitude with being showered with blessings such as peace, love and joy. You can find her at http://www.bbotheartist.com.
Shanita Allen with her charming children’s books
I met a special lady named Shanita Allen, a children’s book author featuring a young African American girl named Ari. I bought Let’s go Dreaming into the Stars with the accompanying coloring book as a gift for my friend’s grandchildren. You can find her at shanita@letsgodreaming.com
The highlight of the exhibit was the works of local students. One of the first prizes was given to Josiah Brooks for his piece, Woven Together, and second prize to Bella Tolliver, both in grade 5 at Lealman Elementary
My companions, my sweet Nancy and our friend Kathlena, planting seeds in the virtual garden bed at the Tree, a life size tree woven with cloth. This was one of the fun interactive exhibits that you were encouraged to touch and share your reflections and wishes.
When I posted my abundance of collard greens, a friend suggested I make Caldo Gallego, a hearty Cuban soup. We had already invited the after church lunch bunch for black beans and rice with collards so I made a quick run to the grocery Sunday morning for Chorizo sausage.
I checked a recipe online for the basic ingredients, but here’s what I actually cooked: 5 small potatoes cut up and parboiled , a quart of chicken broth, 1 small onion chopped, 2 small carrots diced, 6 chorizo sausages cut into bite size chunks and browned before adding, 2 bay leaves. After soup had simmered long enough for potatoes and carrots to be tender, I added the collards that had been previously sautéed in olive oil with garlic. All this was done in a rush, while I also cooked rice, baked a pan of cornbread, and seasoned the canned black beans with onion, bay leaf and fresh oregano. Usually I cheat with Goya black bean soup in the red can because you get a nicely seasoned gravy.
While at the grocery Sunday morning, I couldn’t resist some showy colored spider mums and some sweet pink roses to cheer up a fading Valentines arrangement. This proved fateful to Nancy; she dropped the knife as she was trimming the stems. Of course it landed directly on top of her foot and bled profusely.
We managed to pull it together, get to church on time and hosted an extravagant Collard Greens celebration. For Nancy, no meal is complete without salad with fruits and nuts.
As you can see, Nancy’s axiom is that it’s not enough until it’s too much.
Soup, salad, rice and beans, cornbread, sautéed collards, sliced tomatoes and avocados and good company
Pinellas County is full of rejuvenating places (natural garden spots) awaiting discovery. A crisp clear Valentine’s Day was a perfect setting for a walk in nature. The original plan was to go to Moccasin Lake Park, a 51-acre nature preserve with trails under a canopy of mature oaks and wetland boardwalks. That plan was put aside when we discovered the park is closed on Mondays.
In its place, a jewel that I didn’t know existed was discovered- Abercrombie Park. Located in the Jungle Terrace neighborhood, it is one of the City of St. Petersburg’s four archaeological sites. Abercrombie Park consists of 2.4 acres of uplands and 1.2 acres of submerged land. Within the archaeological park is “a Native American midden (shell mound). The mound is part of the larger Bayshore Home Site Complex, a pre-Columbian village occupied by Native Americans between AD 140 and 565, during the early Weeden Island period.”
John Abercrombie, M.D. and his wife donated the first tract of land for the park for the “rest and refreshment of those who may be weary in body or spirit and to preserve for future generations an unspoiled bit of the native beauty of Florida…” They came to the area from Memphis, Tennessee in 1884. Check out the below plaque for more information.
So, what did I enjoy the most about the park! The old Florida trees, the entrance framing of the park. As you enter the park, you see old growth trees that create a tunnel walk leading straight to the Boca Ciega Bay. You look to the right and see trees with limbs dragging toward the ground, begging children to climb. You walk inward and find a boardwalk that weaves through old growth. You look down and see pools of water teeming with tadpoles, minnows, or ?? and find Florida plants of medicinal value. As you continue and leave the boardwalk, you angle uphill to the midden (shell mound referenced earlier).
You may need a computer to view the videoBidens alba. Great source of nectar for pollinators. Uses: soothes skin irritation. Leaves are edible and can be used as medicinal remedies. See your herbalist.
Returning you see people coming and going and walking their dogs. And realize this is their oasis for neighborhood gathering where they walk or sit on benches, chatting away catching up on the latest news. A homey feeling. A delightful day!
The necessity of cooking collard greens on a Saturday night was precipitated by a visit to the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. We saw people walking with large green bags and found our way to the Publix stand with stacks of boxes of super fresh greens. We were surprised to be gifted with two large bunches each and a bag to carry them.
It was a beautiful day in St. Petersburg FL and 22nd St. S was an exciting block party filled with food and craft vendors, local farmers and youth organizations. Check out the youth farm at www. Stpeteyouthfarm.org.
We admired the purple cauliflower displayed by the 15th St. Farm, located on a half acre near Tropicana Field. They offer hands-on organic gardening classes. Contact Emmanuel Roux at eroux@UrbanFoodPark.net for upcoming events. I’m looking forward to the completion of their event barn and farm-to-table dinners.
Last but not least, we met a representative of the Woodson African American Museum who invited us to attend the Woodson Warrior Scholarships Gala on March 27 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum. The special guest speaker will be Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize winning creator of the 1619 project and a staff writer at the New York Times magazine. Learn more about how to donate to African-American scholars at Woodsonscholarships.com
One of the 2021 scholars Charnecia Cummings
P.S. We were happy to see the League of Women Voters registering new voters. For more information, go to lwvfl.org
I didn’t care much for collard greens until my friend Marilia showed me how she cooks them. First you must wash them thoroughly and dry each leaf. Then you cut out the stem to about halfway up the leaf.
Remove stem from collard leaves
Stack the leaves and roll from the bottom into a tight bundle. Slice into ribbons.
To sauté, you’ll need a large deep skillet. Place over high heat and when the pan is hot, drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Crush a clove of garlic and put into hot oil. Immediately add the sliced collards and stir to distribute the garlic and oil. You can add a little salt when the collards have wilted. They should be tender but still green.
This method of cooking will preserve the immune boosting vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is especially important for healthy T cells, a part of your immune system that attacks invading bacteria and viruses.
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