Yesterday was another beautiful fall day. As I spent some time out on my plant-filled porch, it was hard to remember all those ominous weather reports we hear so often. Whether you are an optimist who mostly recalls the good days, or you prefer pessimistic predictions, sitting there watching the butterflies going back and forth makes it easier to remember the good days.

Of course, my own mood may have been improved when much of my family arrived in town to help me celebrate my 72nd wedding anniversary. Yes, we widows still celebrate; it still counts! Do you remember the line from an old song, ‘Every day’s a holiday because you’re married to me?’ Well, that was certainly true for me, and I hope it is true for you, too.

After almost two weeks of visitation from the Pennsylvania gang, I felt we had eaten out so often that we could probably survive on water alone for the next month.

In addition to locally notable dining locations like the Grand Marlin, with its wonderful bayside views, we experienced quite a wide range of the various cuisines our town has to offer.

Most unusually, we tried two different Vegan/vegetarian options.

My daughter is interested in Vegan cooking, so she has discovered a number of interesting places in the area. I myself am not vegetarian, but you might say that I am predisposed to enjoy it since salads have always been the most important part of any meal to me. I can certainly say that good vegetarian cooking does not leave me feeling I have missed anything in a meal.

We also attended a potluck supper at Blue Angel Seventh- Day Adventist Church, where my daughter has been taking vegetarian cooking classes.

Each member of the class brought in a Caribbeanthemed recipe, and I must say the spread was really delicious. I suppose a food critic might have thought one or two of the dishes bland and might have quibbled about whether some dishes with pineapple were actually Hawaiian and not Caribbean. But you can’t go wrong with a well-made coconut cake (no milk and no eggs!) gracing the dessert table!

Later in the week my family also tried Sluggo’s Vegetarian Cafe downtown during Gallery Night. Of course, because of the festival atmosphere the ambience was a bit too loud, especially outdoors. But they all gave a good report on the food. Even my pickiest-eater son actually enjoyed a club sandwich made with – get ready for it – “tofurkey.”

For those who have been ‘out of the loop,’ that’s a turkey surrogate made from soy protein. The “turkey bacon” on the club sandwich, itself already a step away from the real bacon, was also made of soy! Was that an imitation imitation or a substitute substitute? You be the judge. Nonetheless, when it came down to actually eating it, I’m told it all worked just fine.

With the visit ended, it’s back to the usual routine now. I guess I’ll have to go buy some groceries. Hey, I hope the folks at Winn-Dixie will still recognize me; I have been gone so long. I guess they’ll recognize my hat, anyway!

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Well, now that I have gone on so long about food, it might behoove me to remind you of the exercise classes geared toward seniors at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center. Offered by Select Physical Therapy, they are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 until 10 a.m. It’s only $3 a session. You can call 932-9223 for more information. Let’s work off that tofu!

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This past August had five Sundays, five Mondays and five Tuesdays, all in one month. It happens once in 823 years.

I probably will miss it next time!

See you next time.