I read recently that Summer temperatures in Florida are averaging 5-10 degrees warmer than in decades prior. This past week the heat has been especially intense, with Tampa officially hitting 100° for the first time in recorded history.

Speaking of history, I spent one of those hot days wandering through the Tampa Bay History Center. Located near downtown Tampa, overlooking the Ybor Channel, this museum has the daunting task of covering 10,000 years of human occupation.

While I would have preferred more information (I always do), the various interactive, multimedia exhibits were well-done and quite engaging: I fought the encroaching white men under Seminole chief Coacoochee, briefly joined the ill-fated crew of a pirate ship, and rolled cigars with Tampeños who brought their tobacco skills with them from Cuba.

As you might imagine, I worked up quite an appetite so I left the museum and hopped aboard the nearby heritage streetcar. My destination? The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City (the family actually operates a cafe at the museum, and the scents wafting from it were tempting, but I wanted to explore the original, historic location).

Even though the restaurant occupies a full city block and can seat 1,700 people, there was an hour wait for a table when I arrived on a weekday. Lucky for me, there was one open stool at the bar. I slid into a spot between two regulars who were happy to give me recommendations on the large menu. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and the famous 1905 salad and I was not disappointed.

Between the character of the sprawling building and the delicious food I can easily understand why it is the oldest, continuously operated restaurant in the state. Definitely an informative (and filling) way to spend a scorcher!

Wondering what to do on a record-breaking* hot day? Westley suggests reading a good book!

I’ll have to rely on his review of this particular book since he hasn’t allowed me to read it yet…

*Today, nearby Tampa hit 100°F for the first time ever. ☀️

I guess I misunderstood when my neighbors said they leave nuts out for the squirrels. 🥜

Makes me wonder just what in the world those squirrels are building…

There was a slight dip in temperature this evening so I headed out to Treasure Island for sunset. Not only was the sky lovely but pelicans were feeding, a dolphin cruised by, and even a manatee made an appearance. What a wonderful way to end the day!

Back in March, a friend let me harvest some seeds from a vine in her yard after I admired its periwinkle blooms. I planted the seeds in my yard, wished them luck, and promptly forgot about them.

My front yard is full of drought-tolerant plants (mostly native) – they have to be pretty tough to survive because I don’t baby them. So, I was thrilled when I noticed the first tendrils after the rains started in May.

I now have several healthy Butterfly Peas (Clitoria ternatea)* growing in my yard. They aren’t just showy in my yard but in my kitchen, too. The flowers (fresh or dried) can be steeped to make an herbal tea with a flavor slightly reminiscent of chamomile.

While the tea is tasty and beneficial (supposed to help with memory) my favorite thing is that the tea is just as colorful as the flowers! Even better, I can change the color from blue to purple with just a few drops of lemon juice (the only time in my life that I’ll drop acid). While I like both colors, I’m definitely partial to the blue. How about you?

If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen playing with my food (technically drink, but you know what I mean)…

*Yes, the first part of the binomial does refer to women’s genitalia – yet another example of why we really need to stop letting men name things!

Woke up early to go kayaking with my friend Becky this morning. It was slack tide when we hit the water at 8:30 which made for an easy and enjoyable paddle. The sun was a bit warm so we were appreciative of the light breeze that accompanied us.

Speaking of accompaniment, we were joined by a few Double-crested Cormorants. Endlessly entertaining watching them dive under our kayaks as they chase after the fish we stir up. It’s a pretty successful technique because we saw more than one gulp down a meal.

There was a distant manatee sighting today but sadly, no dolphins for us, though mullets put on a show with their flashy jumps. While paddling straight across the open water is a more direct route to Shell Key, it’s more enjoyable to slip into mangrove tunnels and explore (plus, they’re shady).

All in all, a lovely way to spend the morning!

• Note, This was my second trip out there in two weeks, I just can’t get enough of Shell Key Preserve! These photos are from both trips.

I often check out Facebook Marketplace, there are all kinds of random items listed for sale on there. Sometimes I find a great deal (or even better, items for free) which makes me happy.

Other times I find items like this which just make me laugh. I do hope it was posted as a joke… 😂

My annual summer cold arrived last week, lucky me. 🙄 I’ve been trying my best to rest and heal, though I know it just takes time. There’s a saying in my family, “If you treat a cold, you’ll get better in 2 weeks. If you don’t, you’ll get better in 14 days.”

I think my garden* heard me sniffling because my first guavas of the season just ripened! I harvested a couple dozen of the roughly ping-pong ball-sized fruits (and promptly devoured half of them).

They are not only delicious but good for me – containing high amounts of Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin A, folate, and potassium. I think I feel better already!

As you can see, there’s a lot more on the way. Both of my Strawberry Guava bushes are absolutely loaded this year. Even after I thinned fruitlets multiple times since I was worried the branches would break from the weight of all the growing berries (yes, botanically speaking, a guava is a berry).

Should be a tasty Summer!

*During the rainy season, yard work still has to happen no matter what, or else the jungle takes over…

The final part of my NC/VA trip last month was spent relaxing at a beautiful farm just west of Richmond. This picturesque property is in the process of being lovingly transformed into a flower farm and art retreat. It’s the brainchild of Kim (my good friend Karen’s talented and determined daughter).

Kim may lament the pace of progress (mostly due to bureaucratic delays), but I’m amazed by all she has accomplished thus far. While awaiting permits for her art studio, Kim converted part of the barn into a vibrant, creative space where she hosts classes each Spring and Fall. As for her flower farm, the varieties she has selected for cultivation are colorful, yet unique with a touch of wild in them. Definitely not run of the mill cultivars.

Though it was a short visit, it was just wonderful to soak up some country air and catch up with Karen. Oh, before I forget – there were also fireflies! It was mesmerizing to watch them dance above the lawn as we chatted in the evening. Such a magical time…