V e P

I had a lovely seafood risotto tonight at Vino e Pasta; my favorite Italian restaurant. I am sure I have mentioned it in a prior post. The risotto was loaded with clams, mussels, calamari, and three large shrimp on top. Yummy!

To the Gym

I finally joined a gym (again). Let's see how well I stick with it this time. I am definitely in need of a workout; and I could stand to lose a little weight. (Not surprising, considering how much I love food). This could be interesting !

Clang, Clang, Clang

... went the trolley. OK, trolley, streetcar, streetcar, trolley? Is there a difference? Tonight it was Streetcar Charlie's in Ybor City to celebrate the birthdays of Bob and Clyde. This group event was organized by Cruise Director Julie (aka Bob, but a different Bob), who now gets another 15 minutes in the spotlight (such as it is) on The Urban Flaneur.

This was my first visit to Streetcar Charlie's. Living in downtown St. Petersburg, I don't venture into Ybor very often but it was well worth the trip across the bay to dine at this restaurant, and more importantly to help friends celebrate their birthdays.

Frank and I both opted for the cedar-planked salmon which was very tasty and cooked perfectly to a medium rare. It was served with a side of either yellow rice or mashed potatoes,and steamed broccoli, all just average. Others in the group had burgers or pasta, which all looked good. The menu is eclectic with something for everyone. I would definitely recommend the salmon and Streetcar Charlie's when in Ybor City.

That's all I'm Saying.

Ready for Prime Time

Finally, the photographs from the Buenos Aires trip are ready and posted on Picasa. I have two versions; the short version for

most of you, and the long version, by popular request, (Glen), for those that have problems sleeping at night.

Enjoy

Buenos Aires 2009 - Short Version

Buenos Aires 2009 - Long Version

Teaser

The photographs from Buenos Aires are almost ready for posting. Here is a teaser of the Puente de la Mujer

525,600 Minutes

60 minutes in an hour; 24 hours in a day; 365 days in a year = 525,600 minutes in a year.

There is a song in "Rent" called "Seasons of Love" which asks " How do you measure a year in the life?". Their answer is, "How about Love?" That works for me.

So where am I going with this... well, I love living in downtown St. Petersburg. And I am very please to announce that I have just signed a renewal of my lease for another 525,600 minutes. The saga continues.

That's all I'm saying.

To Spain and Back

OK, not really Spain, as in the country on the other side of the pond, but Spain, as in the restaurant in downtown Tampa. It has been a few years since I dined here, and I forgot how much I enjoyed it. We actually started out heading to Taps (I have never been), but the entire trendy population of Tampa was already there, so we headed up the street to Spain. It is a great space with white and off white furnishings. (click on Spain above to check out their site) The tapas are great, although the sangria was not up to Ceviche's standards; good, but not as good as Ceviche. We shared four tapas:

ä Pulpo a la Gallega - octopus with olive oil, garlic and paprika serve over potatoes

ä Pimientos del Piquillo - pimento stuffed with crab meat in a spicy pimento sauce

ä Mejillones Lorbe - mussels in a red marinara sauce

ä Jamon Serrano, Queso Manchego y Aceitunas Espanolas Curtidas - serrano ham, manchego cheese and cured Spanish olives

Oops, I almost forgot to mention the dessert, Chocolate con Churros, oh, so yummy. The hot chocolate was so thick you had to eat it with a spoon, if any was left after dipping freshly fried churros in it.

All were very good...

That's all I'm saying!

From the Medical Desk - Update #2319

Update: I was a Moffitt today to get the results of my MRI and CAT scan. I am very pleased to report that I am still tumor free (YEA!). I will return in eight weeks for another CAT scan. I also have a couple of potential drug trials to consider. So, today was a good news day.

That's all for now.

BOOM 2

BOOM !

Happy 4th

Happy Fourth of July from Maggie Valley North Carolina. The Simpson family has gathered here to celebrate my brother's 80th birthday, on July 5th. The weather has been great; cool mountain air and clear skies. It is a nice change from the hot and humid Tampa weather.

Enjoy the weekend and fireworks everyone.