Over the past few weeks, I have spoken at Rotary Clubs, the sunrise and lunch bunches, at libraries, in restaurants - some I got eat at and others not (what's up with that?). I have spoken with little kids, big kids, some who read and others who are struggling to learn. I have also talked with many adults who are still in the grips of illiteracy; it warms and breaks my heart each and every time I come in contact with such a person. Those of you who have followed my work, from local TV in Atlanta, San Francisco and the national shows I have done for all the networks, know I got in to the TV to promote reading.
The reason my heart breaks when I speak with a grown up who cannot read is I know first hand what daily life is like for that person. It is a living hell. I walked in that hell until age 26, when the Marin Free Library Literacy program took me as a student. Steve and Jenny were my life lines, they taught me, they gave me the life-saving gift of reading. Now for the reason my heart is warmed when I talk with a non-reading grown up is because this person is taking steps by asking for help. He or she is saying, "I want a better life for me and my family." If you can read, please volunteer and help your local reading group. You can be a hero like Steve and Jenny.
Today, I am in Lakeland, Fla., staying the wonderful Terrace Hotel. This is my second visit to the Terrace. I do recommend the place. The GM is Bruce Dunebar; tell him Chef Curtis suggested you stay with him. Lakeland is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a trip for rest and relaxation in Florida, but maybe it should be. There are so many charming lakes, small and large; the people have been so warm and friendly - even the folks I have nodded my head to have stopped and struck up conversations. I am not ready to give up Conyers or Novato, but I do want to bring the boys here and spent some time.
I am writing from the Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro. The owner Chris McArthur just stopped by the table to see if I was enjoying myself. "Hell, yes," I said and he smiled. They have a great staff, wonderful coffee and a cool atmosphere. The patrons range from late teens and early twenties to seniors in age. Everyone looks happy. Good food also. So put Lakeland on your list of must-see places when you are headed to the sunshine state. Next time, I will tell you what brought me to Lakeland for my visit.
Also next week, I will give you Chris and brother Michael's Key Lime Dressing recipe from the Black & Brew. For now take your favorite vinegar based dressing recipe and top your salad with it.
Michael's Summer Salad
Ingredients
1 cup romaine, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup spring salad mix
1 / 4 cup dried cranberries
1 /4 cup candied pecans
8 slices of red delicious apple (small)
8 sweet cherry tomatoes
8 to 12 mandarin orange pieces
6 slices cucumbers
Method
Combine romaine and spring mix, add to serving bowls or plates, arrange remaining ingredients evenly on the salad beds, and serve dressing on the side.
Serve with Chris's Key lime vinaigrette (coming next week!).
Serves two.
