I went to Tampa to celebrate my niece Gabby's 18th birthday and graduation from high school. I had a good time. It was hot and humid. I had hoped to try all sorts of local favorites (well, I really wanted Caribbean food of the Cuban or Jamaican variety). That didn't happen. There were too many things going on. When you are a guest and there are various events planned, you go with the flow.

My sister Elaine does not keep sugar in her house. I wanted sugar or honey for coffee, but there was only Splenda. I guess I should have known better. My body rejected that splenda right away!

I noticed on Sunday afternoon that there were local public markets and people were shopping for produce. On Sunday we went to Publix, a grocery store, to pick up my niece's delicious birthday cake. I wish I known on the first day when I was taken to the Target supermaket that Publix carries guava, mango, papaya, coconut and other tropical flavors. I think the brand was "Latin Flavor".

I have papers to write, but I just decided to treat myself to ice cream from the new spot in Wallingford, Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream

Oh, my word. It is good. I eventually chose cardamom ice cream after testing lemon, thai ice tea, salted caramel, and honey lavender flavors. Yes, baby, it's local, all the way local.
I think I'll go back soon,