The alarm going off at 6:15 wasn't exactly my idea of the ideal way to begin a Saturday, but it was worth it.
The occasion was as close to a trip to Europe as we get without actually getting on an airplane: a visit to Winter Park. Winter Park is not far from here, but has an ambiance few Central Florida cities attain. True, Park Avenue has sadly become home to more upscale chain stores than independent businesses, but it's still a lovely place to walk on a cool, sunny morning after a visit to the farmer's market. (By "cool," I mean temperatures in the low 70's.)
The market was the excuse for our trip, to replenish our supply of Winter Park Honey. We came home with six bottles: two of our favorite Blackberry Twist, one of Avocado (said to be especially good for women, but whatever, we both liked the flavor), and three of our soon-to-be-new favorite, Raspberry. I didn't think honey could get any better than Blackberry Twist, but you've never tasted honey like this!
On the way out we picked up some almost-local (Plant City) strawberries for tonight's dinner, and a half gallon of fresh-from-the-tree, raw orange juice. (They tried to sell us their grapefruit juice, but we like what we get from our own tree even more.)
Before leaving we walked up Park Avenue to check out construction on the Penzey's that will soon be open. I can't wait! And having not had breakfast yet, we decided not to resist the allure of Croissant Gourmet, sharing a strawberry crêpe at an outdoor table.
What a lovely Saturday morning! All that accomplished, and when we arrived home it was only a little after nine o'clock. Now we're working on the more mundane chores, like shopping and cleaning the thick blanket of green snow (aka oak pollen) off the roof and walkways.
Then we have company to look forward to at dinnertime!
