Downsizing and Moving In

  After moving our Airstream from Mississippi to Pensacola, we were faced with a dilemma.  Ranman has another month of work before we can hit the road towards Maine.  Also, the RV parks in the area don't qualify for my aesthetic requirements in a camping situation and our neighborhood covenants don't allow us to park it at home. As luck would have it, our dear friends Andrew and Faith have allowed us to park TZD at their beautiful farm in Chumuckla.  The location is remote enough to feel like we are traveling, but near enough to Pensacola that Ranman can be close to work. We have water and electrical hookups, as well as a nice sunny spot for our solar panels if we want to go off grid for a couple of hours, haha.
  We did not practice towing TZD because of another attempt at ridding ourselves of the rest of our "worldly" possessions. Our second, and final yard sale was a decent success but we still have some large pieces of furniture, and most of our art left to liquidate. It is looking like we will have to donate those last items to charity.
  Many people that I have talked to about this nomadic lifestyle have all said that traveling and living in an RV is appealing, but they cannot wrap their minds around getting rid of their stuff. I can definitely understand where they are coming from! Ranman and I have spent the last 25+ years accumulating beautiful things from our travels to put in our home.  We have lived in small and large spaces, and are currently moving from a small home with a great location in the heart of Pensacola.  Even with a small floor plan, like many Americans, we have way too much stuff!
  It really pains me to see some of my treasured things go to another home. However, some of my favorites are staying close to my heart because I have been able to talk some of my friends and family into buying them. It's the things that I can't find a home for, that causes the most heartache. I try to tell myself that I have had plenty of time to enjoy them, but it still feels like I have lost a loved one.
  Despite the hard work and grief of selling our possessions, we still managed to have some fun with our hosts and friends on Mother's Day. Ranman grilled some delicious surf and turf, while I provided accompanying salads and dessert. My favorite is the Grilled Flank Steak with Rosemary and Faith loved the Fresh Corn Salad.

Grilled Flank Steak with Rosemary 

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
4 1/2 tablespoons honey
6 large garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon dried
1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 2 1/4-pound flank steak

Mix all ingredients except steak in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add steak and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours, turning occasionally.

Prepare barbeque (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Grill steak to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.


Transfer steak to work surface. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut across grain into thin strips Arrange on platter and serve.



Ina Garten's Fresh Corn Salad

Ingredients
5 ears of corn, shucked
1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes until the starchiness is just gone. Drain and immerse it in ice water to stop the cooking and to set the color. When the corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob, cutting close to the cob.

Toss the kernels in a large bowl with the red onions, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil. Taste for seasonings and serve cold or at room temperature.