Daily News
by Lee Wilbur
“This is the WLMX ROAD ADVISORY Helicopter....There’s a bad accident at Mile Marker 179, southbound on I-75 just south of Exit 185 in Ft. Myers. Motorists are advised to take extreme caution. There’s also another minor accident in the northbound lane on I-75 just south of the Tucker’s Grade Exit in Punta Gorda. Traffic is still moving. Motorists are advised to take caution. Firetrucks, police and ambulances are on the scene along with a SWAT response team, a unit from Home Defense, representatives from the Dept. of Motor Vehicles,and a K-9 patrol unit. A LifeLift helicopter has just landed in the median strip as a precaution. Motorists are advised to stay clear of the rotating propellors. It is unclear at the moment if The DEP is sending in a vehicle as six of their vehicles have been involved with the cleanup of two gallons of bleach lost from a pool cleaners truck. Border Patrol has been alerted.
It’s 5 a.m. and the SUNKIST HERALD has landed in our driveway. Deposited there by an ex-NASCAR driver who is reduced to delivering the daily newspapers with a 1991 Nissan Avenger and tuned exhaust ports. It’s delightful for the neighborhood to hear his delivery vehicle in the morning. Much more effective than an alarm clock. Stimulating to be awakened each day in such manner, Encourages me to get up and write socially necessitated articles such as these.
Front and center lead story of the morning: “Teacher Shot by Masked Gunman As he Answers Doorbell.” Thankfully this was in a nearby town eight miles away and we won’t have to be quite so worried. I’ve been seriously considering keeping my pellet gun ready and loaded by the door. However, since we don’t have a doorbell, we should be safe enough. I’m also quite thankful I don’t have any gold to sell. About a month or so ago our local pawn shop had to close down when the proprietor was killed. Apparently, one of his clients was a bit disturbed over dealings and decided to take him out. Unclear was whether the client realized he wasn’t getting enough money for a stolen item or simply needed a place to stay for the rest of his time in the “Sunny State.”
A few weeks ago, the Herald informed its loyal Florida Readers of another milestone. Florida had now moved to a much sought after position as the “Drug Capital Of The United States,” thus bringing sorely needed revenue into the state. For those of you who didn’t realize this and are either interested in making some spare cash on the side or stocking up your own supply, the Herald gave a brief explanation. Simply come on down. Go to one of the many “Pain Control Clinics.” Tell the “Doctor” you are in severe agony (Probably should use a cane or crutch depending on the number of pills you want) and he/she will in his or her considerate Southern manner prescribe the appropriate dosage of the current “Oxydaunting” drug of choice. With the some 179 clinics in Florida you might want to bring a good-sized van to carry these drugs. Of course, this might also depend on how large a loan one has been able to obtain and guarantee from the Small Business Board. Oh, and there’s no reason to hurry or to think this is not a good long-range business proposition. The now governor of Florida has decreed that there is no reason for the state to institute electronic prescription information among pharmacies as this would surely control and curtail this newfound income. His prior business, before being elected to current welfare position.....owning medical clinics.
It’s also comforting when the Herald brings news that the days of agony, the time spent worrying over tax revenue, may soon be over with the possible advent of “Online Lottery.” Of course this will be available to Florida residents only and only if they have filed a life history with the Florida Board of Gambling and Income Drain. Those citizens eligible to apply must be over 80 and have an income of less than eighteen hundred dollars a month. Additional recognition will also be given to those who are partially blind. It is rumored that the Illegal Immigrant Union, after clandestine opposition will probably be included in this group and the life history requirement waived.
As summer is in the offing (There is no spring here) and the thermometer begins to read in the 80s each day, we begin to think about returning to Maine for the week of spring in June and a hoped-for month of summer between July and August, knowing that our favorite, October, is on its way. We’ll soon be reading the “Police Beat” once again in the Island Newspapers to learn whose bike has been “borrowed” and of lost dogs and speeding violations. It will be comforting to know that one of the local motels is still being charged for a zoning violation brought to light some five years ago, and that the dump will now accept used car batteries on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. as well as Saturday mornings at 10. It’s comforting as well to know that this investigative and insightful news will only be delivered once a week.
While taking a break from warm Florida weather with a short trip to Arizona where we ran into a severe winter snowstorm we were able to sample some excellent restaurants. In the awesomely beautiful town of Sedona, we had dinner at Dahl and Delucca’s, an Italian restaurant highly recommended by our Hostess at her B&B, Apple Orchard Inn (Great accommodations). We were fortunate to meet the co-owner and chef, Lisa Dahl, who gave AJ and I one of her beautiful new cookbooks. The dinner was elegant. Recipe is from Lisa’s cookbook. Write me if you would like to obtain a copy.
* R E C I P E *
PORTOBELLO STUFFED WITH SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE
Marinade and Portobellos
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp. fr. gr. bl. Pepper
4 large sprigs thyme
1/2 cup marsala (optional)
6 large portobello mushrooms
For the Filling
10 oz. Frozen spinach
1 lb button mushrooms
2 tbs.T olive oil
1 cup chopped Sweet onions,
sprinkle of sea salt
3 garlic cloves pressed
1/2 cup plus 6 T finely grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs 5 oz. Soft goat cheese crumbled
For the marinade: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, pepper and marsala in a medium bowl with thyme. Cut stems from portobellos and place stems in food processor. Arrange stemmed portobellos, gill side up, in a large glass baking dish and pour marinade over. Marinate 4 hrs, turning occasionally to coat.
Make the filling: Cook spinach, Drain and squeeze out water. Allow to cool. Place in small bowl. Add half the button mushrooms to the processor with portbello stems. Process until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with remaining button mushrooms. Heat oil in heavy skillet over high heat. Add the chopped onions and saute, about 3 min. Add chopped mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and increase heat. Cook until almost all liquid evaporates, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Season mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature.Add spinach, the half cup Parmesan and bread crumbs. Toss to distribute evenly. Add goat cheese and toss gently. Preheat oven to 400 deg. Transfer marinated portobellos with some marinade clinging to them to a rimmed baking sheet, gill side down. Roast until beginning to soften, about 15 min. Turn mushrooms over. Divide filling among mushrooms. Sprinkle remaining parmesan over the tops and bake until heated through and cheese begins to brown, about 15 mins. Recipe is simpler than it sounds. Serves six.