Random acts of kindness

I just got back from the mail box. Even though I rarely receive anything worth wild I still love checking the mail. I think this comes from my childhood; my grandmother and I were pen pals and she always included a little spending money each each letter. I couldn't wait for that extra cash to buy who knows what (candy probably). That was many, many years ago (I wish I still had all those letters, damn) and I can't remember the last time anyone sent me money so I find it odd that I still like checking the mailbox, which is almost always filled with request from others for me to send them money...hum.

Anyway, I digress. Today the mailbox was jam packed full of all kinds of catalogs, letters and one big padded envelope address to me. I don't remember ordering anything and it's not my birthday so I assume that it's something someone sent in hopes of me paying for it. Remember the CDs clubs that would randomly send you a pack of CDs and expect you to pay for them or send them back, which was a total PITA? Well, that's what I expected so I saved that envelope for last. Another strange thing came in the mail today as well...I think it's like the 3rd time I've gotten the same stupid thing...have no clue who the lady is or how she got my name and address, but it's one of those chain letters that asks you to mail a dollar to 6 people on the list then add your name and send it to all your buddies. Whatever...file 13!

Back to the big padded envelope. I open it up to find a Vegetarian Cook Book...awesome!!

After racking my brain I remembered Kyle and his wife Jen stayed with us one night during the Shamrock Showdown. Jen was noticing my cookbooks and mentioned that she had one similar to one that I already had, but hers was for Main-Courses. I told her I had a difficult time coming up with main-courses that didn't seem like side dishes. I guess she remembered and bought the book for me. How sweet! There was no card or note so I'm glad I remembered that conversation.

I like stuff! And, it's my turn to cook dinner, so great timing too!!

Snack Jacks

First off, I have to admit that I am a food snob. Not just a little picky, but full-on outright food snob! My friends say I should be a food critic…if it wasn’t for the writing part, it might be the job for me. I rarely give a restaurant a second chance if they fail to impress on the first visit…it isn’t, however, the story with my favorite beachfront beer drinkin’, crab eatin’ hang out.

The first time I went to Snack Jacks was not long after I moved to Florida. A friend and I were driving about checking out the beach when we stumbled upon this beat up and battered looking establishment. I was totally disgusted when shown our seats…the table was sticky and the place smelled of rotten seafood, which made it difficult to see the really beauty here. The menu seemed to be full of fried this and that – I can’t even remember what I ate, but swore I would never go back.

The second time I went to Snack Jacks was prior to the preview of Norman Kent’s movie, Willing to Fly. The showing was at an auditorium not far from Snack Jacks so that seemed like the logical choice, plus the locals loved the place (I could not understand why, but followed the group). This time I DO remember what I ate…a crab cake sandwich with fires and a Heineken. I remember this distinctly because several hours later, in the middle of Norman’s movie I began throwing up. I tried to ride it out in the parking lot, but my head was pounding and I felt like complete shit. I decided to leave Ian to find a ride home and drive myself back to DeLand. At the time I didn’t really know how to get home, but was able to make my way back on Hwy 11, which is quite desolate and back woods country. I remember pulling over on several occasions to vomit and preying to myself that freaky Jason doesn’t pop out of the woods with a machete. Obviously, that didn’t happen and I lived.

2 strikes and the place is off my radar, right?? WRONG!! I don’t really remember my next visits to Snack Jacks or when I changed my tune, but it has become one of my favorite places. I’ve made a couple of beach jumps there, brought our dogs there for a nice lunch on the porch, been bitten by a Chihuahua, gone there to fly kites, we take all of our visiting friends and family there…it’s just a great place with good vibes and cold buckets of beer.

Kolla and Scott moved not too far from there so this weekend Ian and I drove up there to drop off a dresser and to go to Snack Jacks for lunch. Kolla and I both got our usual, Yuengling and crab legs…mmmm yummy! But were mostly disappointed at our meal…Kolla described our legs as dried up crab jerky (which pretty much sums it up). About an hour after lunch my tummy wasn’t feeling too good and I skipped dinner…but I didn’t complain and will most defiantly be going back for another round!! Any one want to join me??