I just got word that Project June Bug has received a Cordon D'Or Blue Ribbon award!! What a great way to start the new year! Cordon D'Or recognizes books that have a culinary connection, and the judges loved the depiction of Chris the wannabe chef and Jenna the foodie. I'll be receiving the award at a dinner later in the spring. It's going to be held at the Don Cesar, a gorgeous historic art deco hotel on the gulf in St. Pete Beach. It's one of my favorite places in the area. I can't wait!
In other news, I'm finally home again after an extended stay in NJ. The holidays were a whirlwind of food, friends, family and fun. (I gained 5 pounds that I've been trying valiantly to get rid of!) It was such a joy to experience Christmas with the grandbabies. In typical kid fashion, they gots loads of toys but seemed more fascinated by the boxes. The triplets are toddling around and starting to talk, and little Andrew is sitting up and trying to cut some teeth. As much as I loved spending time with the family, it was great to get back to the warm weather and Florida sunshine. I'd almost forgotten how gray and dreary winters in NJ could be!