It’s Wednesday, March 13, 2024, and here I am, in a t-shirt, laying on top of our hot tub cover, soaking up the sun while writing my Webb column.
Yesterday, I came home from a 10-hour workday, and my daughter Kenzy met me at the car holding two beautiful bouquets of purple flowers. She was so excited to give them to me. I was shocked and asked where she found them. She proceeded to explain that they were all over in our woods and that she would continue to keep our favorite two little vases filled with flowers until the snow flies again.
I knew our daffodils were starting to bloom, but just the stems. No flowers in sight yet. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you were sure to see the photo on my story of Kenz holding the two vases of flowers she picked so proudly. She has been pickin’ her momma flowers ever since she started walking. But I think this is the earliest we have ever had them bloom! Wildflowers are my absolute favorite.
The sun is warm on my skin and feels so nice. The black hot tub cover I’m lying on may help with that, but any warmer and my upper lip sweat may start early! Haha! I can’t have that. Not yet. Gee whiz, it’s only March. That sucker can’t start giving me lip till at least May. (See what I did there?) I crack myself up. Seriously, though, I’m just not ready for that kind of heat yet.
I’ve heard two motorcycles go by since I have been outside writing. Then, I heard a rumble of a bike idling nearby. “Leeeeburrrr!” It was my dad, Lee, who lives right below us. Nickname of Leebur from my brother and I’s friends. (Love it!)
My dad got a gorgeous new Harley here before Christmas up in Vermont. In fact, the day he got it, there was tons of snow where he bought it. He has been so anxious to get this bike out! It’s like a candy apple red with silver ghost flames and just all these pops of red on it. You can’t NOT notice it if you see it. It’s splashy, which is kind of funny for my dad! Usually, I am the splashy one with my bright blue cars.
I’m not bougie with much, but when it comes to my vehicles, I definitely am. I can’t help it! I have a splashy car reputation to uphold, and the brighter the car, the better.
Then you have my brother, who would drive around some old station wagon and just rock the crap out of it — not giving a care in the world! Not his sissy. Big fat N to the O-P-E.
Dad has always taught us to ride after we get a good hard rain after winter so that the cinders get washed off the roads. Cinders are an accident waiting to happen on a motorcycle. It’s like ice if you hit them right. I’ve always listened. Better safe than sorry, and not having a bike for half the season! So, when Dad told me a week ago that he was thinking of getting his new bike out, I said to him with a giggle, “Dad! You are breaking your own rules. There are still cinders on the road.”
He laughed, “I know, honey.”
I said, “Well, I guess that rule doesn’t count when you have a brand-new bike you haven’t got to ride yet.”
He agreed, and let me tell you, there is no more of an experienced rider than my dad. No one I trust more. He taught my brother and me to ride at a young age and our friends, too. It’s been so awesome. He has been a teacher to so many!
As the flowers start to bloom, and you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face, please remember us bikers. Look twice when you are driving a car. Be aware of your surroundings. We are back out there on the roads, just doing what we love.
Give us space, please! Nothing irks me more and gets me fired up more than this. If someone knows what’s good for them, they won’t ride my tail or cut me off. I’m even worse if it happens to someone in our pack. I can get pretty fired up. *enter cheesy smile here*
Yes, Andrea can be a hothead, especially when it pertains to this. So is Leebur. We don’t play around when it comes to this and our pack. Boy, could I tell you some stories!
Also, always assume we are closer than what it may seem, and a car turning in front of bikes is the biggest issue; just take the time to look for us.
So many people I love, love to ride motorcycles, so please be on the lookout as the weather grows warmer.
We really appreciate it. Thank you.
And to my fellow bikers out there, please stay safe and enjoy the rides this season!
Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
(My picture is BEFORE it’s baked!)
Ingredients:
– 3 large chicken breasts
– 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, divided
– 1/4 tsp. paprika
– 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
– 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
– 1 tbsp. mayo
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and 1/2 tsp of the garlic powder. Use a sharp knife to cut a slice through the middle of the chicken breasts, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
For the filling, place the broccoli in a microwaveable dish and add about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 1 minute. Drain any excess water. To the dish, add the bell pepper, cheese, mayo, remaining garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until combined, then divide the mixture between the chicken breasts, using a toothpick to secure if necessary.
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (I prefer to use a cast iron skillet) over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cover skillet with foil and bake in a preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until chicken reads 165 degrees. Let rest, covered for 5 minutes before enjoying.
