christmastime in miami

Just got my JetBlue tickets for Miami in December. They now fly non-stop from BDL to FLL. Got the 'more legroom' seats; will see how that works out.

Friday, December 10th

Left early for the airport but security lines a little long. Took Jetblue flight327 nonstop BDL/FLL.

Miami Shores

Well the flight worked out very well. The seats were great and worth the extra money. I was in seat 2D and was able to board first, find an overhead bin for my carryon [no luggage checked even though the first piece is free] and sit comfortably for the three hour flight. Even got a whole can of soda and two packets of cashews.

Arrived early and met at airport by my hosts. Dinner at home of veal chops and asparagus with bearnaise sauce.

Saturday, December 11th

'Christmas Tree' @Shuckers

Spent most of the day at the restaurant [the real reason for my trip] decorating and setting up rooms for the annual Holiday Party. Lots and lots of nutcrackers. Met two new employees; one from Puerto Rico and the other from Romania. Too much to eat [as usual]: ham/eggs for breakfast, huge tuna sandwich for lunch, beer and wings at Shuckers on the water after work at 4 and spaghetti at home. Tired! Tomorrow is the big day. Sixteen for lunch and 70 for the buffet at 6:00. Have to break down the luncheon between 2 and 4 and set up that room for the party.



 Sunday, December 12th

Wan, harpist, from Thailand

Let's just say it was party-prep all day! Lots of manual work which I managed to avoid mostly [the excuse being it wasn't my kitchen]. Set up, change and reset were the orders of the day. Anyway all went beautifully and the food was terrific: Carved turkey and tenderloin, nova, shrimp cocktail, passed hors d'oeuvre and a super dessert table. The guests were very impressed and the best thing is that it is over until next year!

Went to Norman's in Miami Beach on Collins after the party was over and had some perfect hamburgers with a sweet potato fries and a cold Presidente beer. See food blog for Shucker's and Norman's and Big Apple Deli meals.

Monday, December 13th

storm 'damage'

Cold spell in Miami; 60's and very windy.

Slept in. My legs will recover eventually. I fell up the stairs yesterday [on my umpteenth trek from basement to kitchen] with a 55 cup coffee urn. No damage to either the urn or this ancient body. We took back the linens and dessert table to the rental place and did some restaurant shopping a Costco.

Today a day of rest and food: sausage and egg breakfast, brisket on an onion roll [takeout from Big Apple Deli], roast leg of lamb for dinner. Home tomorrow; maybe it will be warmer in CT.

Tuesday, December 14th

What goes up must come down! So we spent the morning dismantling the decorations and setting up the dining room for dinner service tonight. I, fortunately, had a flight to catch so got to leave at 3. This was quite an early arrival at the airport for my return flight but with the help of my Kindle and iPhone, I managed to survive and rest my weary bones.

Good flight home; on time departure and a smooth ride to BDL. Sleep!


Back in CT it was colder than FL, so be careful what you wish for.