Orzo, Owls, Lights, Rum and Coke, and a Package

Each day brings new surprises here in paradise and today was no exception. We spent the afternoon with Joanna's sister, Diana, and husband, Gerhard. Diana is an excellent cook (it runs in the family) and even makes leftovers seem like a restaurant meal. We had a most excellent dinner, the highlight being a dessert she made this afternoon called "White chocolate Orzo Pudding". It's a lot like rice pudding (my fave)but with orzo. Man was that good! I am including the recipe here: (<---It's that good!) It comes from Giada's new cookbook.

Naturally, after a big meal I decided I needed to take a walk. As I paraded through the neighborhood on a warm sunny afternoon, I met this little guy along the way;

Cape Coral is famous for its burrowing owls. These are the smallest of the owls and they build their nests up to 20 feet underground. They are amazing and very beneficial to the environment eating bugs and insects. This little guy was soaking up the afternoon sun and I think I got a nice video, too. It made a pleasant day even better!

We headed home in the rush hour traffic as the sun dropped below the horizon. When we pulled in there awaited a package from Washington DC on my doorstep. An invite from the White House? At the very least an appointment as an ambassador to British Honduras!

No...wait..., something even better! A personally signed copy of Mike Tirrell's favorite book entitled: Without a Trace!

 I will read it with pleasure! Thank you Mike!

As it was not yet dark and feeling fat from all the great food, I decided to take a bike ride. Little did I realize more fun lay ahead! I pedaled around Swan Lake enjoying all the lively decorations on the homes. As I entered my final lap, one home was particularly well done. I decided to stop and snap a fight eye. Since the owners were sitting out, I asked permission first. Not only did Al and Carol give me permission, they invited me over to sit and enjoy a rum and coke. A rum and coke!!!!!!!!
Enthusiastically I said yes and spent the next 20 minutes in lively conversation with 2 of the nicest people I have met here so far. Al and Carol are married 40 years and hail from the Burlington, Vermont area.
They like to decorate their house for Christmas.

You think the outside is nice? You outta see the inside! I will have to go back and snap a fight eye of that! It was so good I made Joanna come over for the inside tour. My jaw was hanging!!! Al and Carol are a delight and the results of their efforts are pure joy!!
As we departed sporting large grins I promised Al I will return with my bottle of Papa's Pilar Rum. Now if I can just remember to get a picture when I go back!!!!!