Sand Dollar Days

Jon got off work in the early afternoon and took me to lunch at a little chicken joint called Chik-Fil-A. It was 73 and sunny, and we were both off for the rest of the day- it seemed like a perfect opportunity to go to the beach.

We went to Jekyll Island to go beach combing. It was a spur of the moment decision. It turned out to be a great day at the beach.

Due to storms off shore last night and this morning there were loads of treasures to find. Shells, horseshoe crabs, bits of coral, various types of vegetation, gelatinous blobs that used to be jelly fish, and the best thing of all- sand dollars.

Jon and I have never seen a complete sand dollar while beach combing. Ever. There are often broken pieces, but we've never seen one in it's entirety.

When I was a kid, my Grandma and Grandpa Spranger sent me some sand dollars with the story about the doves inside (search your favorite search engine for "legend of sand dollar" for more on this). Ever since then I have had a fascination with sand dollars. I have always searched for a perfect specimen.

Today was wonderful. Jon and I found 22 sand dollars, each one complete and whole. It was amazing. We only brought the 16 that were dead home. The ones that were fuzzy were still alive so we put them back in the water to live another day.

We've begun the preservation process that began with soaking these bad boys in water and then bleach water. Now they have to sit and sun bleach for the next week or so. Then, Jon and I will paint on a layer of thinned glue to help preserve them.

Here's the ones we brought home after they've been soaked:

We had so much fun today just walking the beach. The sand dollars were a bonus.

God is good. He sends us reminders of his love all the time. These are a reminder for me.

When we got home we were hungry! So, I quickly made up a batch of sausage gravy and biscuits. This was my first ever experience with it.

Loved it. Jon also loved it.

These are going to be a regular at our house. Enjoy!

Here's to you and your culinary adventures, friends. Cheers!

Turkey Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
Serves 8
345 calories per

1 can Grands Homestyle Biscuits
16 oz turkey breakfast sausage*
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups skim milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Prepare biscuits according to package directions.

Brown and crumble the turkey sausage. Drain if needed.

Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and milk, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add milk mixture, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to pan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 3 minutes or until thick.

Split the biscuits in half. Top each serving(one whole biscuit) with about 1/3 cup gravy.

Serve immediately.

* Can be made with meatless sausage crumbles.