The World According to Bella

Looking for Spring
Today I went on a field trip with Mr. C and Mrs. S. We went looking for spring. We had to drive from Northern Florida to Georgia to find it. Spring was everywhere. 
I did not like Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island as much as Mr.C. There was no beach to run on nor birds to chase. But it was kinda cool to look at these gnarled limbs.

Mrs. S was totally into trees today. She couldn't take enough pictures.

Live Oaks and Spanish Moss

 Wisteria

Magnolia Blossoms (above photo)

A tree with moss hanging drenched in white blossoms

Azaleas

I just did not share Mrs. S's enthusiasm for trees and flowers. I like a little more action and found it at Ft. Frederica on St. Simon's Island. 

Here I could imagine what it would be like if I were the mascot for the British army who were protecting this island from the Spaniards  

and firing cannons over the river at invaders. But the best part at the fort was all the oak trees. Squirrel chasing was great.

After a 7 hour day I was exhausted. All I wanted was dinner and a very long nap.

Love, Bella

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First Taste of Spring

that there are close to 300 million pounds of strawberries that are grown in central Florida. Most are within a 20 mile radius of  Plant City (and yes, that's a real name). Strawberry harvest season runs from December through March. 

Strawberries are the early bird berries of the season. This recipe comes from Texas Sweet Citrus Marketing,Inc. and serves 4.

Rio Spinach Salad with Poppy-seed Vinaigrette Dressing

Salad Ingredients:

• 2 Texas Red grapefruits
• 8 oz. of fresh spinach, torn into bite sized pieces
• 1 pint fresh strawberries
•  3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 recipe Poppy-seed Vinaigrette
• optional adding sliced avocados

Salad Directions:

• Peel and section grapefruit-reserve 1 TB. grapefruit juice
• Combine grapefruit sections, sliced strawberries, almonds and spinach in a bowl
• Toss and add dressing

Poppy-seed Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 TB. olive oil
• 2 TB.apple cider vinegar or Balsamic vinegar
• 1 TB.grapefruit juice or lemon juice
• 1-2 tsp. sugar 
• 1/2 TB. poppy seeds

Directions:

• Add all ingredients in a blender, cover and blend well 
• Refrigerate several hours