Hope your weekend was full of relaxation. We got a lot of rain at my house, but it was much needed rain. I love how this time of year everything is blooming. On Saturday I took my food donations to the Greenwood post office, I thought my donations were a little much to leave for my mail carrier. James Wyatt was awesome! He even let me take his photo. I love our small towns here in the Panhandle. I went to the Marianna Farmer’s Market and got lots of great vegetables and a few plants too. Everyone was so nice, I need to remember to go here more often. They are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7am to noon till June. I love that I got an excuse to tell me mom how much I love her on Sunday. A mother’s love is a special one.
Not to late to register for this FREE event. It is in Chipley at the Trinity Martial Arts. It is open to all mom’s and kids in the community. They plan on celebrating mom with fun games, arts & crafts, a memory keepsake photo, food, and lots of love, hugs, and making memories. Tonight Friday, May 10th from 6-7:30. If I didn’t have plans already this is where I would be! If you go be sure to let me know how it was. Tickets are available at 
Did you know Jackson County is the only county in Florida that borders two other states? It borders Alabama and Georgia, as well as the Eastern and Central time zones; Jackson County is in the CST. Established on August 12, 1822, it is Florida’s 3rd oldest county. The county is named after General Andrew Jackson who first traveled through the area during the Seminole Wars and came to live here after the war ended. Marianna became the permanent county seat of government in 1829, only 2 years after it’s founding. Marianna was founded in 1827 by Robert & Anna Maria Beveridge who purchased three 80 acre tracts of land on a beautiful bluff along the Chipola River. Jackson County is also home to Florida’s most haunted bridge. Bellamy Bride is said to be haunted by the ghost of Elizabeth Bellamy, a bride whose wedding dress supposedly caught fire by a candle and jumped off the bridge to extinguish it, only to jump to her death. Another interesting fact – actress Faye Dunaway (some of my favorite movies with her are “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Chinatown,” and “Mommie Dearest”) was born in Jackson County in Bascom, Florida. And the Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public. The caves were discovered in 1933 by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps after President Roosevelt’s New Deal. After the devastating effects of Hurricane Michael on Oct. 10, 2018, the Caverns State Park closed and is still being worked on daily. I overheard in the store yesterday that they are hoping to open July 1st but will have no power for up to 2 years. I see another blog coming about that. I am excited to do a tour of the caves by flashlight!
It’s teacher appreciation day at the Marianna Zaxby’s. Today May 7th show your faculty id and buy 1 get 1 free Big Zax Snak Meal. This is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Our teachers, aids, administration, and all those who work in the schools deserve a huge THANK YOU for all they do daily. A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart!
One of the many things I love about living in the Panhandle is all the local, fresh produce I can get. Marianna has a Farmers Market open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7am to 12pm till July. It is located at the Madison Street Park. This season they have yellow squash, new potatoes, lettuces, green beans, cabbage, onions, and so much more! They also have bakers with yummy jams, jellies, honey, and breads. They also have the Panhandle Arts and Crafters(for sure on Saturdays, not sure about during the week) who bring home made crafted items. I know I am planning to go this week, maybe I will see you there!
The weather today in the Panhandle is going to be much nicer then the weather last night. Local thunderstorms lite up our skies last night for a few hours. This afternoon from 3pm – 6pm at Lafayette Park in Apalachicola they will have free Jazz and artists. Students from the FCHS Seahawk Band begin singing at 4pm. Be sure to take lawn chairs, blankets, and your own refreshments. What a relaxing way to end this busy weekend!
There were so many great events happening today around the Panhandle. It was hard to choose, but I ended up going to the Spring Festival at the Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery. It was a beautiful day and they had so many great booths. I bought a pair or earrings at one booth and a necklace at another. And of course a few bottles of wine. It was great seeing so many happy people.