Mac /n Cheese

In addition to several home projects that I am working on, I have to get inventive with menus.
I have used zucchini in the past to make lasagna but now I will try it for mac 'n cheese. I researched on the internet and found a recipe for cheese sauce and another that used zucchinis but since I don't have all the ingredients of any, I try to make my own.

Here are my ingredients:
2 zucchinis
Salt
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
Pepper
Garlic
garlic powder
Cheese about 12 slices

Parmesan cheese

First, I spiralize 2 zucchinis.
Next, I salt them while I make the cheese sauce (salt to remove excess water from the zucchinis).

In a saucepan, I melt the butter.  Then I add the flour, pepper and some salt and mix until smooth.

Next I add the milk slowly while mixing. Then I add my cheese and stir until melted.
Next I rinse the spiralized zucchini and place in my casserole dish.

Then I add the cheese mixture.
Then I add some more pepper.
Next I add some crushed garlic and some garlic powder
Then I add more slices of cheese on top and some Parmesan cheese.

Next I bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

It was still a bit watery so I guess I could have used less milk.  By the way, here are my other substitutions:

Also I ordered all-purpose flour but it was substituted for Spelt flour due to the shortage.
I had coconut beverage already so used instead of milk.

What modifications to recipes have you tried?

Time for projects -- the one with the solar

My driveway is dark at night although I put lights around the house. I decided to add some solar lights at the end of the driveway. Next I went to ebay and bought 30/60/90W LED Solar Street Light Radar PIR Motion Sensor Wall Timing Lamp+Remote

I received the items and proceeded to put together when I noticed that I needed to attach them to something.
to affix them. What to do?

I strolled through Lowes looking for something to affix the solar lights. I saw some wooden fence posts but was too heavy. Next I saw some SteelTek but too expensive. Then I saw some Shelf track and an idea popped into my head. I bought 4.

Yes, I am feeling inspired but not by your price!	Hey, what are you?	I could use you -	I like your price!

I laid them on the floor in the room and worked out how it would be attached. I would have to fasten these in the ground. I had a bag of cement mix and a shovel. I didn't like that the posts were white as they didn't look good next to the solar.

I went to Home Depot and bought black spray paint. I put the poles on a black garbage bag outside and sprayed. Next day, I flipped over the poles and sprayed the other side.

Plus, I have to keep my mind off certain events of 2020.  This project is to be continued as I still have to get the poles in the ground and the solar lights attached.  I do have a bag of cement mix so I will let you know in another post if it worked.  TO BE CONTINUED...

The Ottomans of the Renaissance Festival

It was Pirate's weekend at the Renaissance Festival. It was a cool and windy day. Some people were dressed for the occasion and some wore sweaters.  We walked from the edge of the 20th century back to the 16th century where the entrance of the village was located. We browsed the vendors until we came upon a new show: Blades of the Ottomans. Not far from the Crown Stage where Broon captivated an audience that extended into the lane.

This is my 3rd visit this year and still finding new things to do! 

Have you ever been to the Florida Renaissance Festival? If yes and visited multiple times in a season, did you find a new act? 

Renaissance for modern times

On the 9th day of February in the year 2020, we used our 2020 or hindsight vision and traveled back to the Renaissance Festival in Quiet Waters Park. We parked at the edge of the 18th century and we walked back to the 16th century for the entrance.
We then saw some acts which made our day:

From left to right: Moonie, Kamizake Fireflies, Judas & Magnolia
Kelly Irish Dancers, Masala Gypsy Dancers, Blackenshear
Bard & Minstrel, Joust, The Parade

Quiet Waters Park has a lot of activities but this is my favorite at this time of year.  Do you have a favorite activity at a park near you?

Reflections on Strasbourg

I had framed my travel pictures and reminisce about my time in Strasbourg. 

Strasbourg:
Countries collided now act in concert
To limit CO2 emissions
To increase energy efficiency
To protect their citizens in the digital age
This is the seat of the European Parliament
Where the culture blends German and French influences
In Strasbourg.

The Treats of St. Augustine

January was full of adventure as I traveled to Atlanta and also to St. Augustine.  St. Augustine had some interesting sights and some culinary treats.  I had some macarons and dragonfruit popsicle while exploring the historic downtown but here is the highlight reel of my trip:

The sign didn't lie: whether it was a fish dinner, broccoli bites or a hot dog. The taste was delivered.
	In January, St Augustine has a festival of lights. I personally believe that it is an excuse to have the lights up until January 31st. Why take them down after Three Kings day? Let's party until the end of January. Let's party with the St. Augustine Film Festival!
Did I mention that the DeLeon Grille in The Ponce of St. Augustine was like a pearl? Yes, I did in my last post because it is that good. I usually hear that hotel restaurants are okay because there are convenient but for this hotel restaurant, I left downtown to come back here to eat.
	Colonial Quarters - Strange music venue but a whole lot of fun,  like a backyard BBQ with a band. St. Augustine Film Festival had their centerpiece party here and it was so fun!

In your recent travels, what treats did you discover?

The Ponce of St. Augustine

In January, St Augustine has a festival of lights. I personally believe that it is an excuse to have the lights up until January 31st. Why take them down after Three Kings day? Let's party until the end of January. However, St Augustine has other events like the St Augustine Film Festival (SAFF).  We stayed at the Ponce which inspired me to write a poem:




Have you ever been inspired by your travels?