justjoycee

Key Largo

2012-02-12T19:39:00.000-05:00

Really relaxing day in Key Largo.

I Wish you love,

Joyce

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

I Wish You Love and Blue Skies,

Joyce

Some pics I took.....

2012-01-18T23:13:00.000-05:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

At The Park.....

2012-01-13T15:38:00.001-05:00

It was a nice afternoon and I made some new friends.

I Wish You Love,

PEACE!!

Tamal En Cazuela (Cuban Pork & Corn Meal Casserole)

2012-01-04T04:39:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1 lb. pork chunks

2 cloves of garlic

2 bay leaves

1 medium onion

1 medium green pepper

2 packages of Tamal En Cazuela

1 can of tomato sauce

1/4 cup of dry wine

1 envelope of Sazon Goya Seasoning With Azafran

1 teaspoon of cumin

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1/2 cup of olive oil

Approximately 3 cups of water

Garlic Powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Note: The Tamal En Cazuela comes frozen and I find it in the Cuban freezer section at my supermarket. It comes already seasoned, so all you have to do is add water and cook on low until it thickens. The package says to add 2 cups of water, but I only add one, because I find it's too watery if I add 2 cups. If you can't find it you can use yellow corn meal(the coarse one), follow the directions on the box. And, it may need additional seasoning since you are making it from scratch. You can add a few teaspoons of your sauce to it to give it more flavor. Just make it pretty thick, the same consistency of grits, but a bit thicker. If you have any questions, please email me:).

Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

In a skillet with a 1/2 cup of olive oil, brown the pork chunks on both sides.

Take the browned pork chunks out of the skillet and set aside.

Dice up the onion, green pepper & garlic.

In the same skillet cook the diced onion and green pepper for a 3-5 minutes, and then add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.

Until it looks like this.

Now add the 1/2 cup of dry wine and let it reduce.

Add all of the remaining ingredients. After you add the tomato sauce fill the can with water and add to the skillet.

Put the pork chunks back into the skillet.
Bring to a boil, cover, turn down the heat to simmer and let it cook for an hour.

Open your 2 packages of frozen Tamal En Cazuela and place in a pot with 2 cups of water.

(My pot is not dirty it's just about 50 years old, and used by many women in my family, who were cookin fools, who had tremendous attitudes by the way, never afraid to speak their minds, and they were also real women, and real LADIES!!!!!!) Don't ask me where that came from.....I probably inherited it from those women!!!!!!!!

You see what happens to me when I start cookin with their pots and pans?????

Anyway, lets go on, shall we.

Heat on low until it starts to thicken.

Keep watching and stirring.

When it has thickened to the consistancy of thick grits, turn the heat down to low and let it set for about 5 minutes.

Don't cover it.

I just love this pot and all the women who cooked with it, too!!

Here's the Cuban bread that I serve with it.

Slice it up like this.

Now we'll plate it up.

Put 2 or 3 big spoonfuls of the corn meal in a bowl.

Then put a couple of spoonfuls of the pork and sauce on top.

And that all there is to it. Mix it up and eat.

You're gonna love the flavors.

This is really comfort food at it's best.

I Wish You Love and Many Different Flavors In Your Life,

Mimi

2012-01-03T17:48:00.002-05:00

❉ Listen 2 Me Carefully ❉

(Click link above)

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T15:12:00.000-05:00

I Wish You Love, and More Love in 2012,

Joyce

Wordless Wednesday Pt.2

2011-12-28T14:30:00.001-05:00

I Wish You Yummy Love,

Joyce

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

2011-12-26T22:38:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T12:23:00.003-05:00

I Wish You Love,

Mimi

An email from Stella.....

2011-12-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

Lying in bed this morning I received an email from my sister-in-law that was very uplifting. After I read it I jumped out of bed put the coffee on feeling good about the day ahead. It's funny how a few caring words can make us feel so much better. Her words were so sweet and kind. Positive thoughts can make a world of a difference.

She wrote: "Life has a way of beating us up and whipping us back into shape. lol. I look in the mirror and laugh, the outside is a little worn out but the inside is still ticking, looking for new and exciting things to do, after all we're not dead yet...hahahahaha! "So remember the next time you look in the mirror, (no negative thoughts) just think! What can this experienced gorgeous women do today to make a difference in someone's life, even if it's just to give a smile! Enjoy the gift of life God has given you even if others don't appreciate it. Live life like you are a queen, because you are the queen of your world...you're beautiful inside and out, you're loved more than you know! So keep kicking it till you can't....Lol"

Thanks to her I will kick on through the day and try my hardest to make someone else feel as good and confident as she has made me feel today. After all isn't showing that you care for others is what it's all about? I think so.

I Wish You Love,

Queenie

Feed the Good Wolf.....

2011-12-15T14:55:00.001-05:00

I awoke startled as I do most every morning. Wondering if I did the right thing. Looking back, regretting, wanting to cry my eyes out. One thing is for sure. I don't have any tears left. They are all dried up. I don't even have the energy to cry. I hardly have the energy to do anything. So I roll out of bed. I look at myself in the mirror. I see a face that I don't recognize. It is a mask I order to say nothing about the fragile feelings hiding in my soul. And I tell that face that you have to keep going no matter what. You are on your own now.

Soooo..... I look into the mirror and I stand taller, shoulders back, and take another look at my face again. I see all that I am. I see what I have done in my life, what I have learned. I know what I can do and I know what I will not do. I know who the people are around me and what I can expect from them. I can see if they are real or not. If they are compassionate I can feel it. If they do not have compassion I can feel that too.

So when I wake, yes, I may have these thoughts that pass through my mind, that do not make me feel good. But, they pass quickly and I think of how I got where I am today and what I have to look forward to, and I feel better. I know in time this waking up startled will eventually go away, and I will wake happy. I realize that now it's all about the challenges I face and how strong I must be to face them. I remind my self to give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way to me.

It's life and I must be strong and have courage to face whatever comes my way. And I will continue to love and feel love, to laugh and feel happiness, to live and be true to myself and others. I will feed the good wolf.

***************************************************************************************************

Cherokee Wisdom

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

"Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

*************************************************************************************************

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

P.S. I hope you feed the good wolf too.

Understanding.....

2011-12-14T16:54:00.000-05:00

I don't understand a lot of things and I know we aren't supposed to understand everything in life, but I find myself constantly wanting to. As if I found the answer it would make me feel better, most likely it wouldn't. Why this, why that, we as human always want the answers. Well, it's not always that simple, and may be very complicated. I guess some things should be left alone, we are not supposed to understand everything, or know the "why" of it all. It takes a while for me to get to that point of just forgetting about it, and reminding myself that "it is what it is". Somethings are not ours to understand. There is not always an answer. We just have to accept things and go on with our lives.

I Wish You Love and Understanding,

Joyce

The day just started.....

2011-12-12T18:49:00.002-05:00

The day just started, yet the day has coming to an end. Daylight has gone and darkness is now upon us. Evening has arrived so quickly. I remember when it seemed the days dragged and dragged and I never thought they would be over. What is the difference between then and now? Relativity I presume.

I wish you love and a wonderful evening that does not pass by so quickly so that you might have joy and comfort until the sun rises in the morning.

~Ana Joyce

Paul Harvey Wrote:

2011-12-12T01:00:00.001-05:00

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.

And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And, it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what Ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hannukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.

I Wish You Love and Better for Your Children and Grandchildren,

Joyce

Every morning.....

2011-12-08T12:01:00.001-05:00

Every morning when my eyes pop open and I see where I am, depression tries to take me. I pull out my sword to fight shoving my sword right through its heart killing it. It wants to take me into it's kingdom of pain and sorrow but I will not allow it to. My armour is thick and will stop it from penetrating my body and my soul. I still have a passion for life. I still desire.

Depression will not enter my kingdom. My kingdom is mine and I will not let you pass through my gates. I will fight you with cannons and arrows and alligators in the moat.

So keep riding "depression", ride through the forest and do not return.

~jz

A Short Story

2011-12-04T23:57:00.001-05:00

Abeautiful blonde haired, blue-eyed Puerto Rican Princess sat on herbalcony and stared out over this tropical paradise wondering why. Howone person’s words could change her whole life. She was happy herein Fajardo, where she was born, had grown up and went to school. Shewas happy with her married life, her husband, and his prominentfamily, and their three sons, the oldest was eighteen, the middle sonwas seventeen and the youngest was twelve. The family owned the onlymovie theater in Fajardo, the drugstore with the soda fountain, andthe pharmacy. They had a very good life. When she wanted to go to SanJuan to shop, the chauffeur would take her. This chauffeur would bethe one who changed her life, her destiny, and her fate. The words hewould say to her would change her life forever. It would be thebeginning of a whole new life, one that would bring heart break, andpain and tragedy to her and her family. She wished the chauffeurhad never spoken those words to her. She asked him, “Why?” “Butwhy did you have to tell me this, I did not need to know, I did notwant to know.” “You have ruined my life”, she said.

A fewunthoughtful words can ruin many lives. It can change everything in afew seconds. Words that cause so much pain. Telling someone somethingthey did not know, or did not want to know, or maybe did not need toknow. It was a crying shame, she had to hear those words. If onlypeople were not so cruel, to speak the unspeakable. But yet, it wassaid. It was brought out in the open, for all to see. And yes, itwould change many lives forever, and take all involved down adifferent road. An unforeseen road. One must wonder what path theselives would have taken had these words not been spoken.

Yes,her life had been a happy one. She had lived a life of poetry andviolins. A life of fun and laughter, until that day those words werespoken, that day she was told by the chauffer that her husband washaving an affair. He even told her who the other woman was. She wasdevastated, to say the least. Once those words are spoken, you cannot take them back. Did the chauffeur realize the pain and sufferinghe was going to cause a whole family by telling her this, that hiswords would change their lives forever? Their destiny was interruptedand taken in another direction, never to look back. She took heroldest and youngest sons to New York City to stay with family,leaving the middle son in Puerto Rico with her husband to finish highschool. This decision would come to haunt her later in life. Hermiddle son and his father did not get along in Puerto Rico, what hehad to endure was tragic and he was very unhappy living with just hisfather and missed his mother and brothers terribly. This experiencewould stay with him for the rest of his life.

After a year orso her middle son graduated from high school, the family reunited inNew York. Things were not the same in Puerto Rico for her husband. Hisfamily frowned upon what had happened. He wanted to get his familyback and try to make it in New York, so he took the middle son and left Puerto Rico for good, where he became an accountant.But, during their separation she had met another man. When herhusband found out, he took a pair of scissors to all of her clothes.On that day she left their home in New York, never to return.

So, now you have a man, a husband and a father whose life wasdestroyed because he made a bad decision, and someone told on him.Three sons whose lives had changed drastically because of it, and awoman, wife and mother who had no choice but to leave her country,her life, her home. Everything was turned upside down. Her sons wereaffected terribly by this event. Everyone was. It was so tragic, andso devastating that everyone’s lives changed. Her oldest sonhad to leave medical school, they no longer had the funds. Her middleson was tainted by the suffering and unhappiness he had to endurewhile living with his father in Puerto Rico for a year or so, alonewithout his mother and two brothers. And the youngest would now growup in New York.

Timepassed and eventually she and her new partner left New York and movedinto a condo by the beach in Florida. She was happy again. Her sonswere grown. The oldest was drafted into the Army, went to Korea, cameback and became a ballroom dance instructor and a pretty goodclassical pianist. Her middle son worked on Wall Street. Her youngestbecame an engineer, married and had four children. The brothers andtheir father all stayed in New York, and at some point ended upliving in a very large house together.

Theyears passed. The father was getting older and was not well. Themiddle son was the one who ended up having to care for him. One daythe middle son, having had some resentment from his teenage yearswith his father in Puerto Rico, decided he had enough and took a gunand shot his father in the head and then shot himself. The father didnot die right away, however the middle son did. The father was in thehospital for a month, before he died of his injury, so he knew thathis middle son had tried to kill him. When this attemptedmurder and suicide occurred, the oldest son told the family not totell her, that he would go to Florida to tell her personally. Didthey listen to him? No. The youngest son’s wife called on the phoneand told her partner what happened. Her partner was now older andpartially blind. When he was told what happened he knew he had notchoice but to tell her the tragic news. When he told her she becamehysterical. She was screaming, and he was so sad and felt so bad forher that it caused him to have a heart attack and die. Now she hadlost her son, her ex-husband and her loving partner, all in a matterof days.

How she survived this, no one knows.

Anotherperson’s words changed her life once again.

Words that changed herdestiny.

Just words…..

This woman.....

2011-11-16T11:41:00.001-05:00

This beautiful woman sits and contemplates her past and her future. She remembers all those decisions she made in her life and asks herself if they were wrong or right. She knows they were all made with her heart. Some were decided quickly, without thinking at all. She mostly just did what her heart told her to do. So now as she reminisces she wonders, if she had it all to do over, what would she have changed. There are some things she would definitely change. She would not let some people stay in her life so long. She would not have made those moves so quickly, maybe slept on some of those decisions. Maybe said no instead of yes so many times.

But she knows she can't go back, that time is running out, and now it is her time to make her mark, to show who she is and what she stands for, and most of all to find her happiness some way, some how, and laugh and laugh until the happiness tears come.

❤jz

It was a fabulous time.....

2011-11-04T21:11:00.001-04:00

There was a vacant lot on our street and remained so for many years. It was the perfect place for playing. It had a big tree and was overgrown because no one ever mowed it. It had hills and trails that were made from us running through it day after day. It was like we had our own little jungle. We'd climb up in the tree and swing from ropes we had hung on the branches and play Tarzan, yelling as he did "Ah... ah ah ah....ah ah". It was great for hiding when we played hide and seek.

There were a lot of kids born on 112 Terrace, I'd have to say 18 at least, of all ages. Other kids would come over from the nearby streets, and we are talking 20-25 kids who played together all the time. We played Simon Says, dodgeball, tetherball (my Dad made it for us with an old tire, cement, an iron pole with a rope with a ball on the end of it), Hop Scotch, hide and seek, softball, and rode our bikes, and skated.

We played all day until suppertime. We were free, our imagination soared as we invented our own games and made our own rules. We learned many things, and were able to experience life in our world and settle our differences and make decisions on our own, without any adults to help us or influence us in any way.

It was a fabulous time.

I Wish You Love,

I love walking at the beach early in the mornings.

2011-11-04T20:48:00.000-04:00

I love walking at the beach early in the mornings. I feel the sea breeze on my face, and I hear the waves hitting the shore while I walk. Eveyone says "good morning", and have smiles on their faces. It's dark when I first arrive and as dawn arrives you begin to see the waves breaking and the clouds start to appear. It's so beautiful. Taking a seat on the shore and waiting for the sunrise is very good for the soul.

I Wish You Love and Beautiful Sunrises to Enjoy,

Joyce

Things change.....

2011-10-28T10:37:00.001-04:00

In life change is inevitable, and nothing lasts forever. If you really think about it we change in someway everyday. Things happen to us. Good things and bad things. We like change, we thrive on it. We are constantly looking for something more in our lives to fulfill us. We want to feel things like the thrill of competing, of accomplishment, and having a purpose in life. We yearn, we desire, and want passion in our lives. We want to show our love and be compassionate towards others, and most of all we want to feel loved by others.

Having said that, I must say that my blog will be changing. In a good way I hope. I do hope a lot. I will be doing something I have always done since I was a little girl, writing. Writing down my thoughts, how I feel about things. I have kept diaries all of my life. You know what they say about the girls who keep diaries. Tallulah Bankhead said, "It's the good girls who keep diaries; the bad girls never have the time." This may be true, and with a name like "Tallulah", you may have to live up to it. Actually "Tallulah" is of Native American Indian origin, and the meaning of Tallulah is "leaping water". Actress Tallulah Bankhead was raised in the American South not far from Georgia's Tallulah Falls. I knew I liked her quotes for some reason, she's my kind of gal, being from the South and all. I digress. Anyway, I don't know if I am a good girl or not, who is to say? I had some bad girlfriends and bad can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. But I know there were times I wanted to be a bad girl in the worst way, but usually I chickened out.

So I will post my stories, thoughts, and poems, and hope that they will be enjoyed, maybe bring back some memories, something you can relate to, maybe learn something new, like where the name "Tallulah" came from, or maybe just make you smile.

Just remember, in the end, it's all about the love we give, the tenderness and passion we feel, and the hope within us that never dies.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

My love blog: http://iwishuluv.blogspot.com/

Mornin

2011-10-17T09:58:00.001-04:00

Sitting on the front porch, watching the rain fall, chirping birds flying around, and coffee.

Life is good.....

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

JoyceeZeePhotos Summer 2011

2011-10-09T02:19:00.002-04:00

http://tumblr.com/ZRsj-xAScP-r

Writing down my thoughts at 4 am.....

2011-09-30T04:05:00.000-04:00

The Last Night

This it the last night I will sleep in this house. But I cannot sleep. Tomorrow at 8 am the movers arrive. I have everything ready. Everything except for myself. I am sad. I'm being sentimental. I love this house. Of all the houses I have lived in, this one is my favorite. I was the first person to walk in this new home and I will be the last to walk out.
I will miss some things I never took for granted. The Jacuzzi bath which I filled with bubbles and laid back to relax in at the end of the day. The dishwasher that I was so thankful to have. The garage was the first and only I have ever had, and I loved opening it with the remote and just driving in. The Mediterranean style living room and dining room was so beautiful to me and so pleasing to my eyes. My office where I went to express my feelings about love and life with stories and poems, that looked out over the front yard where I could hear the birds and watch people walking, and cars going by.
So tomorrow I will leave you, with the smell of my perfume that lingers where I dressed. The aroma of delicious home cooked meals in your kitchen. The music that I danced to that echoed down the hall. I leave you with my words, my dreams, my passions, my deepest desires, my thoughts, my secrets, my wishes, my laughter, my happiness, my pain, and my tears........knowing gladly that your walls cannot talk.
I will take with me the memories, knowing I will never be back, but thankful for the time I had here.

~ jj

The Invitation

2011-09-29T10:51:00.001-04:00

http://iwishuluv.blogspot.com/2011/09/itdoesnt-interest-me-what-you-do-for.html

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T15:48:00.008-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

The Sunrises

2011-08-25T19:10:00.000-04:00

It was a great sixteen day vacation.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Beautiful Women of the Past.....

2011-08-03T12:05:00.002-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

I Wish You Love: Living is like tearing through a museum.....

2011-07-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

I Wish You Love: Living is like tearing through a museum.....: "Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in ..."

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-26T20:30:00.000-04:00

I'm a Mac!

I Wish You Love,

Joycee

Driving home followed by the moon.....

2011-07-16T01:27:00.001-04:00

Downtown

Moon over Miami

I stopped on I-95 Southbound to take these pics.

The new Florida Marlins Stadium in the background.

Looking West

Downtown Looking East

Down South and looking east, almost home.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

THIRSTY THURSDAY'S "Blue Long Island Iced Tea"

2011-07-06T20:18:00.005-04:00

2 cups ice cubes
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce gin
1 ounce white rum
1 ounce white tequila
1 ounce Blue Curacao
Splash of sour mix or OJ (optional)
Lemon wedge for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, Blue Curacao into the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously to combine and chill. Pour the mixture, ice and all, into a glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce♥

Wordless Wednesday.....

2011-07-06T19:20:00.000-04:00

Pretty Duckie!!

I Wish You Love,

Joycee

4th of July BBQ.....

2011-07-06T01:07:00.001-04:00

George made these delicious BBQ Ribs for 4th of July!!!!!

After a couple hours in the oven he finished them off on this magnificent indoor grill!!!

It nevers smokes, you just add water to the bottom.

Served with fresh corn on the cob and potato salad.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

P.S. If you want more info about this grill, let me know.

Pics I took around the yard today.....

2011-06-25T22:22:00.003-04:00

I love the late afternoon thunderstorms we have been having. The grass is getting greener. The trees are looking just beautiful and full. The flowers are in bloom.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

I can't stop watching!

2011-06-23T20:20:00.000-04:00

For the past week and a half my life has been totally overwhelmed by the "Casey Anthony Trial". I have been "glued" to the tv and also watching it on the internet, sometimes until the wee hours of the morning. . Addicted is not the word for it, it is consuming me. I did the same for the "OJ Trial", I did not miss a thing.

I like watching the live courtroom, seeing the faces of the the accused and the witnesses, the procedures, the protocol, the day to day process, and the hard work that is put into a trial like this by the judge, the attorneys, the court reporter and all of the individual roles involved in the courtroom proceeding. I love seeing the evidence brought forward, and the painstakingly efforts of the attorneys to prove their case.

My main question when it comes to crime has always been how the criminal mind works. I find it hard to comprehend that human beings can't feel emotions, and are encapable of knowing what they did was wrong. Having no feelings for other human beings, no remorse for what they have done, and being able to poison, beat, rape, or kill another person. I can't understand it, so I guess that's why it absorbs me, and I wonder the why and the how of it all.

So I watched and I wonder, and I ask myself why. Hopefully justice will be served in this case, after all a beautiful little girl was killed, and someone has to answer for it.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

First trip to the beach this summer.....

2011-06-18T14:01:00.000-04:00

It's very hot here now, the daily temps are usually hitting over 90 degrees. So, we natives can't stop thinking beach everytime we go outside and that sun is shining down on us, and I mean when you open the front door it feels like a sauna. Here's a look at a beach we went to last week. Virgina Key Beach is on Key Biscayne and has a playground for the kids, and picnic benches under the Seagrape trees. It was cloudy and a cool breeze was blowing which made it a perfect afternoon for kids playing, and grown-ups relaxing.

I took these pics with my iPhone4.

The playground.

Seagrape trees are protected here, they are just beautiful this time of year.

Relaxing and reading "The Scarlet Letter" on my Kindle.

This beach even has a basketball court.

Tiki huts and BBQ's are all around.

Miami is for me!

I Wish You Love, and a Great Summer!

Joyce

2011-06-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

♥ I Wish You Love ♥: It makes no difference.....: "It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake. A s..."

We took a little drive.....

2011-06-11T17:35:00.011-04:00

We took a drive today and it was really nice. We drove down Krome Avenue from Kendall to Homestead. If we had kept going, we would have ended up in Key West, which would have been fantastic. We'll do that next time. I took a few pics. You could see the smoke from the fires out in the Everglades. All the farmers markets, which are right on their farms, were busy with people buying fresh fruits and vegetables. There were tomatoes, all kinds of peppers, cabbage, limes, bananas, watermelon, lychee's, mangoes, and lots of corn too. At one stand we saw peaches, which is my favorite, and I am sure they had to be brought in from Georgia. Most the the stands make fresh fruit shakes and smoothies. We saw horses and ponies, and goats, and a couple llamas. All the plants nurseries, and feed stores were busy too. It was a really enjoyable sight seeing tour that made us feel like we were in the country, and not really that far from our home. It's nice living here in Miami, because you have the best of many different worlds, from the farmland, to the Everglades, to the beaches, and everything in between.

Silver Palm Drive, Southwest 232 Street, going East

Old General Store on Silver Palm Drive in the Redlands

Still going south.

Going South on Krome Avenue looking towards Everglades fires.

The smoke from the fires.

Amazing!!!

This is what we saw when we first arrived at the shopping center in Kendall, we thought it was rain coming until we realized it was the smoke from the fires in the Everglades.

People buying hay, and feed for their animals.

Plant nurseries are in abundance and you can also buy these big rocks for your garden.

I hope you have a really nice weekend, and I am also hoping for some much needed rain.
I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Have one of these and call it a day.....

2011-06-10T20:35:00.003-04:00

Fluffy Dog

1 ounce if Cointreau

1 ounce of Irish Cream

Mix with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, or serve over ice.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

http://allcocktails.com/cocktail-fluffy-dog-recipe.html

Love works miracles everyday.....

2011-06-10T20:25:00.000-04:00

http://iwishuluv.blogspot.com/2011/06/love-works-in-miracles-every-day.html

If we should deal out justice only.....

2011-06-09T20:46:00.003-04:00

http://iwishuluv.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-we-should-deal-out-justice-only.html

2011-06-05T17:35:00.001-04:00

♥ I Wish You Love ♥: It's better to have a heart without words.....: " ' It's better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.' ♥Mahatma Gandi"

Angels

2011-06-04T21:04:00.001-04:00

I Wish You Love and Angels To Watch Over You,

Joyce

Yesterday's sunset.....

2011-05-31T11:52:00.003-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

"For love of country they accepted death" ~James A. Garfield~

2011-05-30T09:45:00.000-04:00

A young woman lays down on the grave of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Noah Pier on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery May 31, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia. Pier was killed Feburary 12, 2010 in Marja, Afghanistan.

(Associated Press)

I hope you and yours have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and that you remember why we celebrate it.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Thirsty Thursday's LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

2011-05-25T22:58:00.002-04:00

Ingredients:

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce gin
1 ounce white rum
1 ounce white tequila
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup Coke
2 lemon wedges
2 cups ice cubes

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, Triple Sec, and lemon juice into the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously to combine and chill. Pour the mixture, ice and all, into 2 glasses or beer mugs and top off with the cola. Garnish with lemon wedges.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Under the tree.....

2011-05-23T13:16:00.004-04:00

None of the women in my family worked outside of the home. I don't remember my friends moms working either. They cooked and cleaned, and mostly took care of us kids during the day. In the evening time when the men arrived home from work, supper was always ready and we sat down at the table as a family to eat. After supper we would meet all my aunts, uncles, and cousins under my grandparent's Sapodilla tree in their backyard to relax and talk. There was a lawn chair for each of us, and the grown ups would sit around in a circle and talk about their day, tell jokes, and laugh a lot. Aunt Louise would make homemade ice cream. She had to crank the machine manually, and when her arm got tired we would help her. I loved the peach flavored the best. It was wine down time for them at the end of their day.

The brothers were pranksters and teasers, and before the night was over they would pull a prank on someone. They would discuss all kinds of topics, and everyone spoke and everyone listened. They laughed. They would grab us and hug us and tickle us, let us sit on their laps while they talked. Sometimes they would disagree, and argue their point of view, and tempers flaired. But no one would get mad and leave, they always stayed and talked it through. No one went home mad. That was one of the rules. Kiss and make up before you go to sleep at night. Never go to bed mad.

A lot of times, mostly on the weekends when we stayed up later, they would tell us stories about growing up in Georgia. Friends and other family would come and spend time with us. Sometimes really scary ghost stories that scared the crap out of us. Me and my cousins would all sit close as we could together and hold hands we were so scared. We would not walk home alone, and home was right next door. Made us grab on to our parents arms as we walked to our houses when it was time to go to bed, and it was really dark and we would be really scared and we would have nigthmares. One of the stories they told was about "Bloody Bones" who lived behind one of my aunts shed who lived about three houses away. None of us never went behind that shed until we were about ten years old.

So, this was what we did for many years and as the years went by we all went through the trials and tribulations of life together. If something needed fixing, they helped each other fix it. They were plumbers, casrpenters, plasterers, brick layers, electricians, and gardeners. If someone's car broke down, they helped each other get to work and back, and then fix the car. Whatever had to be done it was done. They faced death and sickness together and supported one another. There was marriage, childbirth, and divorce. We laughed until our stomachs hurts. And, we cried tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

I Wish You Love,

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-19T16:17:00.001-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

I made my own this morning.....

2011-05-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

This morning I made my own face and body lotion, as I always do. I don't like paying a lot for creams and moisturizers and I have my theories about the ingredients in them. We won't get into that right now. So, I make my own concoctions, which always includes extra virgin olive oil. I take about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, one 4 oz. jar of Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Cream, 1-2 ounces of St. Ives Collagen Elastin cream, and 1-2 ounces of Johnson's Baby Lotion, or Baby Oil Cream, enough to fill my pump bottle. You have to experiment a little, depending upon the size bottle you want to use. You don't want the mixture too thick or too thin. You can use whatever creams you like. I mix it up in a measuring cup and then use my kitchen funnel to get it in the bottle, usually having to pound it a little on the counter so it will go down into the bottle. I use this lotion of mine for my face and body and I really love it. There are endless good ingredients you can use to make your own, but olive oil is a must ingredient for me. So try it ladies, it's fun, inexpensive and works well to moisturize you skin.

Let me tell you a little about the moisturizers. Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream contains Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Wheat Germ, Sunflower See Oil, Collagen and Elastin. It is made in the USA, and no animal testing. St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer is dematologist tested, non-comedogenic, not tested on animals, and made in Switzerland. I have always like St. Ives products. Johnson's Vanilla Oatmeal Baby Lotion is clinically proven for mildness, and smells really good. I use it to thin down the mixture and for the calming smell. Besides, it's for babies, and I like that. Any extra virgin olive oil will do, and you can add more for thinning out the mixture if you need to. I found all of these lotions at Walmart.

Making your own is a good way of adding the ingredients you like depending upon the type of skin you have. So enjoy! And remember don't skimp, use it sparingly! If you have any questions, let me know.

I Wish You Love and Beautiful Skin,

Joyce

Thirsty Thursday's MIDORI SOUR

2011-05-12T15:12:00.000-04:00

Midori is a premium liquor with a refreshing taste of natural melon.

1 ounce of Midori Melon Liqueur

1 ounce of whisky sour mix

2 ounces of Sprite or 7-Up soda

2 cherries

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the Midori, sour mix and sprite, stir, and add cherries.

I Wish You Love,

Joycee

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T01:40:00.001-04:00

I Wish You Love,
Joyce

For poetry and photos.....

2011-05-11T01:23:00.000-04:00

iwishuluv.blogspot.com

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

http://iwishuluv.blogspot.com/2011/05/mothers-arms.html

The Kentucky Derby Festival

2011-05-06T15:15:00.003-04:00

kentuckyderby.com

Saturday is the 137th Kentucky Derby. An annual horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. The first derby was held in 1875. It is the oldest horse race in the US, and is the first race of horse racings Triple Crown. It is also called "The Run for the Roses". It is followed by the "Preakness Stakes" then the "Belmont Stakes". The horse must win all three to win the "Triple Crown".

My dad always enjoyed watching it. I remember him calling us in just before the race started and we would all gather around the television and watch it together. It is known as the greatest two minutes in sports. So, I have carried on the tradition. I love watching all the pre-race festivities. The Kentucky Derby is all about the Churchill Downs Race Track in Louisville, the thoroughbred horses and their colorful names, the jockeys, the red roses, the fashion, the Mint Juleps, and the hats. Especially the hats. Beautiful, colorful, feathery, flowery, huge, small, ugly, tall, outrageous hats!!!!!

http://www.kentuckyarts.org/exhibits/Derby_Hats/Derby_Hats.htm

Now here's the recipe for a Mint Julep. I have pictured Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon because it was my late brother, Johnny's favorite, but you can use any bourbon you like.

MINT JULEP

A true Southern Pleasure

                                     Ingredients:

                                     Bourbon, Water, Sugar (or simple syrup) and Mint - is all you need.
                                     1 Tbsp. simple syrup (or use fine sugar and water)
                                     2 oz. bourbon
                                     6–7 fresh mint leaves (and a mint sprig for garnish)
                                     Metal Cup (preferably silver)
                                     Crushed ice

Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-oz. glass, then fill with crushed ice. Add one tablespoon of simple syrup and one tablespoon of water. Add 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon. Stir gently until cup frosts. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, sip and dream.....

Simple syrup directions: Combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Pour mix over a handful of mint leaves, and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerate overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves, but continue to refrigerate. Stays fresh for several weeks.

                                               Now to the race........marvel at the names!!!

The iconic race at Churchill Downs kicks off the Triple Crown season. The 2011 Kentucky Derby will feature a massive 20 horse field. Here is a look at the 20 horses in the Kentucky Derby field according to their post positions. I got this info from here: http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/news?slug=ycn-8427029

1. Archarcharch - Jockey: Jon Court

The first post position has 12 wins at the Kentucky Derby, tied for the most in history. That bodes well for this horse, which is a contender but far from the favorite. Court has never won a Triple Crown race.

2. Brilliant Speed - Jockey: Joel Rosario
The number two horse has won the Derby nine times. This horse is considered a long shot, and Rosario lacks any Derby wins.

3. Twice The Appeal - Jockey: Calvin Borel
Borel is the hot jockey, winning the Derby three times in the last four years. His experience will be needed, as the three post has just eight wins and this horse is a long shot.

4. Stay Thirsty - Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
The four post has 10 wins at the Kentucky Derby. This Todd Pletcher trained horse is in the middle of the pack in this race, but the post should help.

5. Decisive Moment - Jockey: Kerwin Clark
This post is tied with the first post with 12 wins. That should help a horse that is a long shot and a jockey that is fairly green.

6. Comma To The Top - Jockey: Pat Valenzuela
Valenzuela famously rode Sunday Silence to the Derby title in 1989, but this post position has only produced the Derby champion six times. The horse is a long shot.

7. Pants On Fire - Jockey: Rosie Naprivnik
The chances of Pants On Fire fall in the middle of the pack. The number seven post has produced the winner eight different times.

8. Dialed In - Jockey: Julien Leparoux
This Nick Zito trained horse is one of the early favorites. The post is also successful, producing 10 Derby winners.

9. Derby Kitten - Jockey: Javier Castellano
Castellano rode a Preakness winner in 2006, but he is on a long shot here. The post has only produced four winners in history.

10. Twinspired - Jockey: Mike Smith
This horse is another long shot, but the post position has seen some success. 10 different winners have emerged from this position.

11. Master Of Hounds - Jockey: Garrett Gomez
This position has only produced three winners in Kentucky Derby history. Gomez is a seasoned jockey, but has never won a Triple Crown race. This is probably not the horse to do it for him.

12. Santiva - Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
This is another long shot horse, and it isn't helped by the post position. Only three winners have come out of the number 12 post.

13. Mucho Macho Man - Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
This horse is considered a contender, but only four horses have won from this post position.

14. Shackleford - Jockey: Jose Castanon
This is another horse that has what it takes to win. It will have to work extra hard, because this post has only produced the Kentucky Derby winner on two occasions.

15. Midnight Interlude - Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Espinoza won the 2002 Derby aboard War Emblem, and this is one of the better horses in the field. The 15 post has only produced three Derby winners.

16. Animal Kingdom - Jockey: Robby Albarado
This is a horse with little chance to win, and the post won't help. The 16 horse has only won the Derby three times.

17. Soldat - Jockey: Alan Garcia

Garcia won the Belmont Stakes in 2008, and he is aboard a pretty good horse here. However, this post has never produced a Derby winner.

18. Uncle Mo - Jockey: John Valezquez

It was announced on May 6 that Uncle Mo will not run.

19. Nehro - Jockey: Corey Nakatini

This is another strong horse with a good jockey. However, the 19 position has never produced a Derby winner. With so many good horses in the area, it could be extra tough for Nehro.

20. Watch Me Go - Jockey: Rafael Bejarano

The number 20 post has produced a pair of Kentucky Derby winners. However, this is one of the longest shots in the entire field.

The winner gets a blanket of roses and lots of fame and lots of money.....

It's an American tradition. If you have never watched it, I guarantee you will enjoy it.

I Wish You Love and a Great Saturday!

"Listen to me carefully"

aka

Joyce

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-05T02:04:00.000-04:00

It' easy! Just fill your blender with frozen sweetened stawberries, add tequila, add sweet and sour mix, a little triple-sec, and blend. While it's blending sugar your glass. Enjoy!!!!

I Wish You Love and a tasty Strawberry Margarita,

Mimi

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Sunrise Sunday.....

2011-05-01T09:46:00.000-04:00

Wishing you a very happy Sunday, full of fun, laughter, and lots of love!

Joyce

Thirsty Thursday's "APRIL RAIN" Cocktail

2011-04-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

2 ounces of Vodka

1/2 ounce of Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth

Lime Peel for Garnish

Pour the vodka, vermouth, and lime juice into a shaker over ice. Shake well. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with lime peel. Enjoy.....

Cheers!

Cent Anni!

I Wish You Love,

Joycee

Wonderful Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T00:33:00.003-04:00

I Wish You Love on this Wonderful Wordless Wednesday,

Joyce

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T22:21:00.000-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

A day to remember.....

2011-04-22T01:08:00.004-04:00

I Wish You Love and Hope on this Good Friday,

Joyce

INTAXICATION: Urban Word of the Day:

2011-04-21T18:23:00.008-04:00

Defination:

Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

Sentences:

I love feeling intaxicated!

Mom: It's okay kids, Dad's just suffering from a mild case of intaxication. He'll be fine tomorrow.

I was in a state of intaxication when my refund check arrived in the mail.

Have a good Thursday night,

I Wish You Love,

Mimi

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.phpterm=intaxication&defid=99708

Thirsty Thursday's "Bahama Mama"

2011-04-21T00:53:00.002-04:00

1/2 ounce of rum

1/2 ounce of coconut-flavored rum
1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 cup crushed ice

Combine rum, coconut rum, grenadine, orange juice, pineapple juice and crushed ice in an electric blender. Blend until the drink's consistency is slushy.

I Wish You Love,

I Wish You Love.....

2011-04-18T14:15:00.003-04:00

A new blog.....

George's Fritas aka Cuban Hamburgers

2011-04-16T11:17:00.002-04:00

Ingredients:
2/3 lb. ground chuck
1/3 lb. ground pork
2 Spanish Chorizo Sausages(ground up in a food processor)
Shoe string potatoes

Combine all ingredients, make patties and cook on medium heat as you would regular hamburgers, until done. He doesn't add salt or pepper because the chorizo has all the spices you need. You may have to turn them a couple of times because they tend to burn easily. Place on hamburger bun, top with ketchup and shoestring potatoes.

Hope you enjoy them, they make a nice Saturday lunch, at least that's what George says.

Lots of Love,

Joyce

Thirsty Thursday's "Jack & Coke"

2011-04-14T01:11:00.000-04:00

2 ounces of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey

6-8 ounces of Coke

Fill a rocks glass with ice, add the whiskey and then fill to the top with Coke.

Cheers!!!!

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T15:48:00.000-04:00

I Wish You Love,

Mimi

Thirsty Thursday's TEQUILA SUNRISE.....& A Beautiful Sunrise!

2011-04-07T14:10:00.014-04:00

Thought I'd put my pic of the sunrise first!

Ingredients are:

2 ounces of Tequila
4 ounces of Orange Juice
3/4 of an ounce of Grenadine Syrup
1 slice of Orange & 1 Maraschino Cherry for garnish
Fill your glass with ice. Pour in the Tequila, then the Orange Juice, and then slowly pour in
the Grenadine, letting it settle to the bottom of the glass. Garnish and you are good to go!!!

I Wish You Love and Fantastic Sunrises!!!!

Joycee Zee

Try it Tuesday.....

2011-04-05T16:11:00.001-04:00

This is a great side dish, or great for just eating by itself with crackers. Only 100 calories. Contains sugar snap peas, roasted potatoes, red peppers, and garden herbs. It's my favorite! Try it!!

I Wish You Love,

Mimi

Thirsty Thursday Appletini

2011-03-31T18:26:00.005-04:00

Ingredients

2 ounces of Absolute Vodka

1 ounce of Green Apple Schnapps

Pour the vodka and the schnapps into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it well, and then strain it into a cocktail glass. If you are making two cocktails double it up.

Garnish with a slice of green apple, and drink it slowly.

There are a variety of recipes for Appletini's. I am suggesting Absolute because it is the vodka that I prefer, however you can use whatever vodka you like. This recipe has a sweet taste, however, If you prefer a Sour Appletini, by all means, use Sour Apple Pucker instead.

Cheers!!!!

I Wish You Love,

JoyceeZee

Dessert before dinner.....

2011-03-29T17:54:00.001-04:00

Once in a while when my grands were here after school I would say, "Okay today it's going to be dessert before dinner." They thought my announcement was very cool and I was given hugs and kisses and laughter filled my kitchen and there were a few jumps for joy. And for me.... it was Priceless!!!!!

Cherish the moments.

I Wish You Love,

Mimi

It's time for the beach.....

2011-03-27T15:42:00.004-04:00

Today's temperature is 86 degrees. Beach days are here again. Time for flip flops, bathing suits, tanning lotion, swimming, and sand between the toes....... Yippy!!!!!

I Wish You Love,

Joyce Beach Bun

What caught my eye......

2011-03-25T23:38:00.001-04:00

I went to the park again today to walk. It was a beautiful South Florida day.

This is what caught my eye.

Some dead tree trunks.

Looking at the other side.

This is a Seagrape Tree.

A view of the marina through the trees.

This Oak Tree trunk stood out from the crowd.

It was a little windy and the water was choppy. I didn't see the manatee's today.
That's the outdoor restaurant on the right.

I usually listen to music on my shuffle for a while , and then I turn it off so I can hear the sounds around me. I like to hear the wind blowing, making the trees rustle, and all the birds. Due to the time change it doesn't get dark here until around 7:30 pm, so it was around 5:30 pm, and the seabirds started coming in. They were on their way to the marina where they landed on the docks.

It was exciting to see the flocks flying in for the evening.

These beautiful blue skies were just smiling at me.

Days to be thankful for.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Thirsty Thursday Classic Manhattan

2011-03-24T01:31:00.005-04:00

A Manhattan is a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Commonly used whiskeys include Rye (the traditional choice), Bourbon, Blended Whiskey, and Tennessee Whiskey. The cocktail is often stirred with ice and strained into a cocktail glass, where it is garnished with a Maraschino Cherry with a stem. A Manhattan is also frequently served on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass (low ball glass).

You will need:

3/4 ounce of Sweet Vermouth
2 1/2 ounces of Whiskey of your choice
1 dash of Angostura Bitters
1 Maraschino Cherry
1 twist orange peel

Combine the vermouth, whiskey, and bitters with 3-4 ice cubes in a mixing glass. Stir gently, don't bruise the spirits and cloud the drink. Place the cherry in a cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Rub the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim of the glass and twist it over the drink to release the oils but don't drop it in.

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Cuban Steak Sandwich Repost

2011-03-24T01:02:00.001-04:00

I made this for dinner tonight. I had the steak out to cook and just had no idea what I wanted to do with it. Do you ever have days like that? Well, it was one of those days for me. I don't think I was in the mood for cooking at all. But, oh well, I got over it, and I decided just to make the steak sandwiches. Don't worry the bellies were full and everyone was happy!

To make this sandwich you'll need 1 package of cubed steak, Cuban bread, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and shoestring potato chips. Season the cubed steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fry it in about 1/2 cup of vegetable oil on medium high heat until done. Drain on a paper towel. Cut about and 8 inch piece of Cuban bread, then cut it down the middle. On one side place the lettuce and tomato on top, on the other side place the steak (cut in bite size pieces), top with ketchup and then the potato chips. Put both sides together and cut in half.

Okay, follow me!!!

How easy peasy was that? I guess I was just in an easy peasy mood today!!! No brainer day, nothing complicated, you gals know what I mean:), and some of you guys do too!

Just making it simple once in a while!!!

Love You Gals & Guys,

Just Joycee

Cuban Style Picadillo, White Rice & Fried Plantains

2011-03-21T16:57:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:

1 & 1/2 lbs. ground chuck
1 medium onion
3 cloves of garlic
3/4 cup Stuffed Manzanilla Olives
1/4 cup olive juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried whole oregano

2 bay leaves

1 package of Sazon Goya con Azafran seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste
1-8oz. can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup Edmundo golden cooking wine
2 cups of long grain white rice
2 really ripe plantains

1 cup vegetable oil for cooking plantains
4 Servings

Oop's, I forgot the cooking wine and the bay leaves.

Please note: This cooking wine is not for drinking, I repeat, not for drinking! I know, I know, you should always use wine that you can drink in recipes. But this is the wine that the Cubans used for their recipes, and it really gives the dish the authentic Cuban flavor, and that's my story and I'm stickin to it!!!!!

Okay, dice the onion and the garlic.

Start browning the meat on medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic to the meat, and cook until meat is no longer pink. I throw the onions and garlic to flavor the meat as it cooks.

Drain out as much of the oil that you can.

After you drain out the excess oil, add all the remaining ingredients.

Bring to a boil. Then, turn down the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, that way the juices will evaporate and it will thicken up a bit. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Then you can turn the heat down to low, put a cover on it, and let the flavors blend together while you make the rice and fry the plantains.

The plantains should be brown and soft like this, very ripe.

Now, cut off the ends of the plantain.

Make a slit with a knife from one end of the plantain to the other and take the peel off carefully not to smash the plantain, as it will be very soft.

You want to slice them about a half inch thick and cut on an angle like this.

Now they are ready to fry.

Fry the plantains in the oil on medium heat, turning them a few times so they don't burn.

You want them to be crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.

That's why I turn them 2-3 times.

When they are done, drain them on a paper towel.

I use an electric rice maker for my rice. All I do is take 2 cups of rice and put it in the rice maker pot, rinse it with water 5 times, until the water is clear. Then I add 2 cups of water to the rice, 2 teaspoons of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil, stir, put on the top and push the cook button. It cooks itself in about 20 minutes.

Cooking the rice on top of the stove in a pot with a tight fitting lid will work just fine. Just remember to rinse it and use the same amount of rice and water, l teaspoon of salt for every cup and a little olive oil. Bring to a good boil, place the lid on and lower the temperature to simmer and don't touch it for at least 20 minutes.

When it's done I fluff it with a fork.

Now to plate it, you put a good helping of rice in the center of a plate like this.

Put some picadillo on top of the rice and spread the fried plantains around like this.

Serve with a side of Cuban bread.

And, that's all there is to it.

Muy Delicioso!!!!!!!!

If you have any questions about my recipes please send me an email at jomat25@yahoo.com, or if you want to leave a comment, that would be great!!!

I hope you enjoy these recipes.

With Love,

Joyce

Spring has sprung.....

2011-03-20T12:13:00.004-04:00

These are a few of the flowers and trees that are blooming, or will be blooming soon in my neck of the woods.

Gardenia

Royal Poinciana

Pink Hibiscus

Bougainvillea

Purple Orchid

Yellow Flame

Rose Red Hibiscus

Pink Hibiscus Tree

Pink Izora

Golden Trumpet

I Wish You Love and Beautiful Spring Flowers,

Joyce

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T13:11:00.002-04:00

My Grandma Betty was a wonderful Irish woman. She was a twin and her sister's name was Etty. She married my Italian grandfather, who was a carnival man. When the carnival went to Tennessee, where she lived, they met. It was love at first sight. And that's why I am an Irish Italian Girl!!!!!

Have a green beer today!!!! Cheers to all!!!!

I Wish You Love,

Joyce

Watching the manatees play again.....

2011-03-16T15:20:00.001-04:00

While I was taking my daily walk at the park, the manatees were playing. It is so cool to watch them pop up their heads and twist and turn on the surface of the water.

Hope to see them tomorrow.

I Wish You Love,

Joycee

Bread Pudding Banana Cool Whip Caramel Dessert

2011-03-12T03:27:00.005-05:00

Invert the Bread Pudding on the plate. It's very good and has pieces of apples in it. Add some slices of banana, then the Cool whip and then drizzle the caramel syrup on top. It is soooo delicious and takes about 2 minutes to put together........

I Wish You Love,

Mimi

Wordless Wednesday~My Walk

2011-03-09T21:02:00.002-05:00

THE END!!!

I Wish You Love,

Mimifly

In case you didn't notice.....

2011-03-08T19:14:00.003-05:00

I guess my big cooking days are over, I mean I'm not cooking much lately, so that's why you haven't been seeing many recipe posts from me. But that's okay with me, because I did my time. I hope it's okay with you. And to tell you the truth, I'm kind of over it. I have been slaving in the kitchen for most of my life, and now I'm free! Well, until I decide I want to cook Veal Parmigiana with Antipasto for a bunch of family and friends. The best part about that is, it will be just because I want to! Don't get me wrong, I still love cooking. But, I'd rather be hanging out at the beach and taking pictures, or writing poetry and short stories, or posting to my blogs. I really find it fun and comforting, and I really enjoy it!

So my blog has changed and so has my life, which is a good thing. My point is, I will be blogging about other things besides just food and recipes, that's what I am trying to say. I will still be blogging about food and drinks but maybe not as often and just maybe I won't be doing the cooking. However, I may partake in some drinking on occasion...lol. "I like drinking more wine than I used to, anyway I'm drinking more." (Don Corleone, The Godfather).

Anyway, I hope you are not discouraged from reading my posts. I do have a new blog called "I Wish You Love" where you will find my photography, along with my favorite love poems and quotes.

So, please bear with me as I try different ways to capture your interest. Thanks for being there, taking the time to share your lovely comments, and making my days more pleasurable.

I Wish You Love,

From just me,

justjoycee

Try It Tuesday.....

2011-03-08T17:44:00.000-05:00

Try this great snack!!!!

Pretzel sticks dipped in Nutella!!!!

It's delicious.....

I Wish You Love,

Yummy.....

2011-03-03T23:41:00.000-05:00

Zucchini Walnut Muffins with Strawberry Cream Cheese.....

Nothing more to say.....

I Wish You Love,

Mimi