Deep in the South, our Azaleas are beginning to "show off" in anticipation of spring like temperatures. This week and next will find us reaching temperatures in the high 70's. It is difficult to believe that just a couple of weeks ago we were bundled up in heavy outerwear in order to survive the freezing temps.
This is one of the things that I adore about living along the Gulf Coast. We have just enough cold weather to pull out our fluffy sweaters and overcoats from storage. Before you know it, the time to put them away to be replaced by linens, cottons and sandals. Southerners are thrilled with the cooler temps however we are anxious to return to our warmer days.
Bellingrath Garden's Beers & Blooms Event Saturday March 12
Bellingrath’s Beers & Blooms is an all-day craft beer festival and concert series on the Great Lawn in the heart of the Gardens. You will hear great music from local bands, and sample a wide variety of craft brews, shop with local vendors at their booths and feast with a selection of food trucks... all in the beautiful surroundings of the springtime Gardens. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for non-members through March 4th. After March 4th, tickets will increase to $35 for members and $40 for non-members.
Mardi Gras in Mobile
Let the good times roll! There are plenty of parades happening in Mobile & Baldwin Counties this season. It is touted as a more "family friendly" atmosphere versus what you'll experience in New Orleans. I've had the pleasure of seeing parades in both places and would recommend them! They have very different vibes! If you are interested in attending, click here for the local schedule.
Be sure to head over to Rouses and pick up a delicious King Cake or two. The stuffed varieties are incredible. We've enjoyed a couple of Strawberry Cream Cheese cakes at my house.
Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
There are parades scheduled to roll beginning at 10AM.
What's New on You Tube?
Are you ready to learn how to sauté Gulf Coast Crab Claws? This quick appetizer only takes minutes to prepare however your family will rave over it. Watch this short video to learn how to put this one together! I'd love to invite you to subscribe to my channel where I'll be featuring Boss partners, great recipes and so much more!
A Tribute to David Carpenter
Last Sunday morning I got the shocking news that my dear friend, David Carpenter had passed away. He was on a dream vacation getaway with his beloved wife Angela. They were celebrating an early anniversary, having been married for almost 40 years.
David had been to my home on the 4th of February to record a YouTube video. He stayed for lunch and visited with my husband and me for a few hours. We always looked forward to spending time with him. He was the finest example of kindness that I had ever met.
Our luncheon topics included business growth, health and of course the tropical vacation he was days away from taking. He was so thrilled to be escaping with his bride to relax on the island of Antigua. He boasted about how travel guru and friend, Adrienne Tate had put together a wonderful adventure for the two of them. This bragging or uplifting of others was typical of David.
We were fortunate enough to host David and Angela for dinner one evening last fall. We try to spoil folks that we care about and this night was no exception. In fact, they invited us to a future dinner at their place with a "David" caveat. He said they would pull out some of the good china if we would do the cooking! This still makes me smile.
As I posted in last week's blog, when he found out my Standard Poodle was ill, he was ready to come over and check on him. That is the type of human he was. I heard that while he was in the hospital he was praying and comforting others, despite his own situation.
All of my life, there have been people who believed in me. David was one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. He was one of the original Boss partners and has stayed with me through the years. He was constantly giving me referrals, especially if I was offering a "prize". I think this humble guy was a little competitive at times! His suggestions for future partners were always top notch business owners. Over the past week, I have thought about all of the times that I would call or text him to check someone out. I knew that this unofficial ambassador of Mobile would give me the guidance I needed.
There just aren't enough words to express my appreciation for David's friendship and support. I was fortunate to call him a Boss partner and friend. My husband and I got to spend some quality time with him throughout the years. We created memories that will continue to spark a grin on our faces. Thank you for your friendship. I know this community will wrap its arms around your family. As my best friend, Kim Lee said, "The world lost a good one".
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
My hope is to be the kind of uplifter of others that David was. Charlsie