Today’s Special: Homemade Calomondin Marmalade

Everyone at Bay Oaks benefits from the exceptional food served by our three professional chefs – but sometimes, it is the simple homebaked goods that really make a meal. This morning’s breakfast featured special culinary gift from Bay Oaks friend Nancy Williams – homemade marmalade of local calomondin trees!

Calomondins

Calomondins are small citrus fruits that grow all over the world and are sometimes called ‘golden limes’. They have sweet skin and a more sour flesh and they can be eaten whole. Rich in Vitamin C – and flavors – calomondins are featured in a number of Old Florida dishes, as residents were quick to remind us this morning.

Mrs. Tucci broke out in Italian upon tasting them: “Che belle sapore!”

Mr. Esprit could not get enough, asking for seconds and thirds to top his croissant.

It was truly a hit – now we just need to get the recipe from Ms. Williams! Our thanks to her and to everyone who regularly donates fresh and homemade food to Bay Oaks – Like Mrs. Lucas, Claire Tomlin from The Market Company and others.

Culinary gifts in the past year have included a stone crab lunch, several baked goods, fresh-caught Florida snapper, lots of produce from friends’ gardens and, of course, chocolates!

Day Trip to the Biscayne Nature Center

Perfect weather. Perfect outing. Perfect day.

Today, Bay Oaks residents visited the Majory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, a non-profit environmental education center in Crandon Park, Key Biscayne. After a picnic lunch in the shaded courtyard, we walked along nature paths, visited the beachfront, enjoyed art in the gallery and had a hands-on introduction to local wildlife.

    

Mrs. Taylor caught up with an old friend. Mrs. Morrison was thrilled by the seahorses: “They got it right! The males carry the young!” And Dr. Gaines had such a wonderful time and was so impressed that he became a member!

Mrs. Wilson was enchanted by the shells and corals – but her favorite part was definitely the gift shop! She has some lucky grandchildren.

Our thanks to everyone at the Nature Center for making a relaxed but also very memorable day.

A Little Seed All Grown Up!

There have been many stewards of Bay Oaks over the last 65 years. All professional women, all dedicated to providing unequaled care for Miami’s seniors without regard of their financial standing.

When Bay Oaks’ President Kathryn Kassner joined the board, more than 15 years ago, the grounds were suffering – but with the help of volunteers, donors and residents, too, Bay Oaks has become rich and lush with plants and trees, flowers and wildlife.

Meet our Guiana Chestnut - which came to us in a volunteer’s pocket as a small seed (Thank you, Susan Rothchild!)- and is now a beautiful tree some 30 feet tall!

   Click for full-size.

On Friday, we noticed flower pods ready to burst all over the tree and this morning, wow! Beautiful 5-petaled flowers the size of large watermelons brought bright red color to this shaded corner of the garden.

  

Aren’t they stunning? Be sure to check out our trees next time you come to visit or volunteer at Bay Oaks.

A Sunday of Romantic Music, Sweet Treats and Entertainment

Ever since the merry group of revelers first came to Bay Oaks to spread cheer with live music and stories for the Holidays, Bay Oaks residents have been eager for an encore and this Sunday,  ‘Afternoon Tea & Classics’ did not disappoint.

Dr. Gaines and Fernanda

Valentina, Juan Diego, Fernanda and other brought their guitars and voices ready to sing classic romantic songs from a bygone era – as well as more modern samples. They also brought lovely roses, some delicious food and – some unique, wonderful gifts!

Art by Claudia Bardasano

Artist Claudia Bardasano donated several painting from her “Amanecer” collection for residents, who loved the colorful pieces. Mrs. Wilson could not stop oo-ing and ah-ing over the art and has already put two on proud display. Ms. Barton was thrilled by the rich color and ‘beautiful, beautiful’ skill of the artist. Many more residents shared stories and samples of their own artistic pursuits.

Soraya with Donations from Macy's Downtown Miami

And Soraya Roberts brought some beautiful perfumes and colognes donated by Downtown Miami’s Macy’s. What a lovely surprise! It was, as ever, fun for all. On behalf of everyone here at Bay Oaks, our sincere gratitude to this incredibly talented group of compassionate, innovative volunteers. Thank you!

Happy Valentine’s Day! A Poem by Bertha Fisher

Valentine’s Day, a poem

by Bertha Fisher

A Day To Express Our Heartfelt Love,

For Our Fellow  Human Beings And God In Heaven Above,

An Appreciation For Every Kindness That Came Our Way,

A Special Day To Celebrate Called Valentine’s Day.

New Wildlife at Bay Oaks ~ Io!

Bay Oaks sometimes feels like a wildlife sanctuary. We are home to a nationally recognized Butterfly Garden, several local birds and squirrels, many indigenous plants, including Florida fruit trees. This morning, we discovered a new critter in our midst: the Io Moth Caterpillar.

Over at the Summer House, Bay Oaks’ Activities Building, we found these little guys feasting on the grass.

They are beautiful to look at – and soon, they will find a spot to settle before emerging like this: