Welcome to the Bistro!

​Mary's Blog and Sharon's chalkboard features - February 21, 2020

​And, another fine week it has been!!! Horses are going crazy being cooped up with the kooky weather.  They can’t go out to romp and roll in the rain or ice so they’ve been pretty house, ah, stall bound.  Lucky for Z and Picasso they are ridden on a regular basis so at least they can stretch their legs fairly often. There are some horses in the barn that, if they are not able to go outside due to conditions, will literally stand for days. No wonder they get cranky. Picasso has actually been a little “off” for the last few weeks. I had the vet come to check him out and his temperature is fine, he’s eating “like a horse” and drinking water. I think part of it is the standing around. He is considered an “elder” now, although he doesn’t look or act it. So, the Dr.’s orders were, “keep him moving, take his Temp daily and call me if it is over 101. Back to work my lovely P. Z and I are really ramping up our work so he’s pretty tired once we are done with our rides. He is, more often than not, wet and sweaty even in this cold. What a fun horse! Very willing, kind and talented. That’s not to say he won’t try to get away with being on the lazy side and trying to do less that what I want. I constantly need to be aware that he is following my directions and not daydreaming.  Doggie potty breaks are definitely a challenge. Although we did get in 2 walks this week and yesterday Maddie plopped herself down in the middle of the drive for some sun bathing. What a joy my furry buds are!
 
I was lucky to visit my mom in St. Pete for a few days last week. My sister Marj and her husband Mike came in from Atlanta.  The weather not the best, not the worst and at least warmer than here. I got some nice walks in and Marj played golf with mom several times. She will be 91 in a few weeks and still walks nine holes 3 or 4 days a week. Boy, does she hit a consistently straight ball. 

​If you’re ever in the St. Pete area on a Saturday be sure to hit their Farmer’s Market. It is one of the best I’ve ever been too. Plan to spend several hours if you want to see it all. In addition to the produce there are vendors with handmade jewelry, clothing, organic meats and enough food stalls to make you crazy trying to decide what to eat. And, the dogs… dogs, dogs, dogs everywhere; all sizes and breeds. I think there were more dogs than people. They were all very well behaved. Some were dressed fancy, some in doggie strollers and all happy to be with their humans! And, one of my favorite restaurants, Ceviche, a Spanish tapas bar is downtown too. It serves a plethora of “little plates” and mean Sangria. I always get the grilled sardines, sautéed spinach with figs and potato and manchengo cheese frittata. And, their gazpacho is almost as good as ours! I’m looking forward to my next visit coming up soon.
 
Speaking of good, Sharon and crew have some awesome Chalkboard Features this week. Mr. Chipps is in charge of pulling them together – a feat in itself! For a Starter FRIED CLAM STRIPS: Thick and Juicy with Seafood Sauce. Bistro Plates Include…CANADIAN LAKE PERCH: Sautéed to Golden Brown and Served Over Buttermilk Mashers, Grilled Asparagus and a Drizzle of Hazelnut Brown Butter; BISTRO FILET: SIX OUNCES F Teres Major Filet Grilled and Accompanied with Tomato Cobbler, Glue Cheese-Bacon Skinny Beans and DJB Zip Sauce; RAINBOW TROUT: Boneless and Skinless Fillets Topped with a Butter Cracker Crust Presented with Boston Baked Beans, House Made Creamed Corn and Tartar Sauce and Last, Not Least SEAFOOD PASTA: Spaghetti tossed with Lobster, Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab in a Garlic Cream Garnished with Peas, Tomato and Parmesan. YUM!!!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!!
AND,
WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS.
 
XXOO, Mary, The Pups and Ponies!