Of course I’m on vacation! Some of us just define that word a little differently. Unfortunately, I spent most of our beautiful weekend down with a slight case of who-knows-what, but I’m ready to go this week. I start with a trip down to the Southeastern Guide Dog Campus in Palmetto for a little puppy hugging, and a chance to learn how these magnificent dogs become companions to visually impaired persons, as they have for the past 29 years. The school is self-sufficient, operating its own breeding colony, with approximately 50 breeder dogs. They use threebreeds; Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Goldadors (Labrador/Golden Retriever mix). Check out my facebook page later for a look at my puppy hugging skills, and we’ll have a special look inside the care and feeding of these dogs later in Kelly’s Kitchen.But please make a note now to join me at the 26^th Annual Walkathon March 3^rd in Vinoy Park. Check here for all the details.

   But I must say the most special part of my vacation is going to be at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday night - opening night for Les Miz! My short list of all-time favorite musicals has Les Miz at the top (sorry Phantom) and with the 25^th Anniversary production here for a limited, two week engagement I’ve decided to treat myself and a coworker to dinner at Maestro’s. Chef Benito creates a special Menu menu for each Broadway season production, and for Les Miz, it’s delightful. I still haven’t quite made up my mind what to order Tuesday night, but I know it will all be delicious. Tickets are still available, and if you’ve see Les Miz before, you must see this new edition. Still breathtaking, heartbreaking and will leave you wanting much more. Bring a hankie...

   What else will I find to do on my time off, another great staycation for Ann Kelly? Oh, no problem with the upcoming weekend, since it’s the first Sunday in February AND Super Bowl Sunday. Start your day at the Hyde Park Fresh Market (the official sponsor of Kelly’s Kitchen) from 10 am to 3 pm and pick up a few thing for the party later on. I’ll have some suggestions for you, of course.See you soon, and if you think there are a few places I should be checking out while taking some time off, let me know at ann.kelly@coxmg.com.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

It takes a village to raise a puppy, especially if that puppy serves proudly as a Southeastern Guide Dog