Grandma's Crockpot Ground Beef Stew
January 6, 2014

You may know this dish by a variety of names: Hobo Stew, Beggar Stew or Mulligan stew are of few. My grandma use to make this on Sundays after church. I loved into the house, out of the brisk fall or winter air, to the smell of this stew. Ahhhh... memories.
I like making this crockpot meal because it's fast, easy and affordable. I've simplified this even more by substituting individual spices such as thyme, bay leaves and parsley with Italian seasoning. In today's dish, I didn't include potatoes, but you certainly can.
5 Reasons I'm Not Afraid to Observe the Florida Black Bear
December 5, 2013
I enjoy watching the Florida black bear in my yard almost every night. I'm in awe of them. I find them to be beautiful, magnificent creatures.
Most of my friends enjoy reading about my bear-watching adventures on Facebook. A few seem to think I'm foolish or downright stupid.
In the name of education and to alleviate anyone's concern, I'm sharing with you...
Upcoming: Florida Black Bear & Wildlife Conservation Festival
October 10, 2013
I'm obsessed with bears.
Alright, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but since moving to the Ocala National Forest, I've developed a keen interest in the Florida black bear. (How could I not? They're in my yard all the time.)
On our own, we've learned quite a bit. Being naturalists, we not only are interested in nature but we also desire to learn all we can about the environment in which we live. For us, this now includes bears.
This weekend, we are planning to attend the Florida Black Bear & Wildlife Conservation Festival. (Festivals are just one of the things I love about fall.) Today, I'm creating our itinerary for the weekend. I don't want to miss anything.
Wow! Is that right up my alley or what?
I called the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce to get more information. Not only has the date been moved from March to October, but they've changed the name this year to include additional wildlife such as the coyote. While there are vendors there, the event itself is free. The purpose truly is to promote awareness. I like that.
The event includes children's activities, presentations and even field trips into the Ocala National Forest for a mini-hike. (Did someone say hiking and field trip?! My excitement just went up 10 notches!)
Hope to see you there!
Your Turn:
What types of festivals do you enjoy? Or what aspects of nature interest you? Share in the comments.
Subscribe to Life on My Planet

Alright, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but since moving to the Ocala National Forest, I've developed a keen interest in the Florida black bear. (How could I not? They're in my yard all the time.)
On our own, we've learned quite a bit. Being naturalists, we not only are interested in nature but we also desire to learn all we can about the environment in which we live. For us, this now includes bears.
![]() |
Photo Credit |
This weekend, we are planning to attend the Florida Black Bear & Wildlife Conservation Festival. (Festivals are just one of the things I love about fall.) Today, I'm creating our itinerary for the weekend. I don't want to miss anything.
What is the mission of the Florida Black Bear festival?
The purpose of the festival, according to their website, is "to increase awareness and promote the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native wildlife species, as well as Florida's unique ecosystems that serve as wildlife habitat."Wow! Is that right up my alley or what?
I called the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce to get more information. Not only has the date been moved from March to October, but they've changed the name this year to include additional wildlife such as the coyote. While there are vendors there, the event itself is free. The purpose truly is to promote awareness. I like that.
The event includes children's activities, presentations and even field trips into the Ocala National Forest for a mini-hike. (Did someone say hiking and field trip?! My excitement just went up 10 notches!)
Admission, Location and Hours:
Admission to the festival is FREE. It will be held in Umatilla, Florida on October 12, 2013. The event hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit their website for more information.Hope to see you there!
Your Turn:
What types of festivals do you enjoy? Or what aspects of nature interest you? Share in the comments.
Subscribe to Life on My Planet

10 Things I Love about Fall
October 9, 2013
I love fall. I must inform you, however, that it is not for the same reasons you may enjoy the season.
Our season is different from fall in many other states. When I think of fall, I do not think of crisp breezes or leaves changing colors. Its hot, humid and trips to the beach are still an option. Still, there are things I enjoy in the fall.
Our season is different from fall in many other states. When I think of fall, I do not think of crisp breezes or leaves changing colors. Its hot, humid and trips to the beach are still an option. Still, there are things I enjoy in the fall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons