Tonight we are in Sanford Florida, another Comfort Inn.
Today we traveled up A1A where possible and through to Orlando today. Saw many people with green on today, must be John Deer or Packer fans.
A stop at McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach FL it was right alongside highway 1. it had been damaged by the last three hurricanes but looked amazingly well kept. Out front was a big cypress the circumference was roughly 16 feet and 20 feet tall. We had seen the live ones at Fairchild and were told they were from the African continent and that elephants used to rub off the bark for moisture. The inside of these trees were mostly water with a wood outside structure. It had a noticeable large reservoir internally. Another good morning walk.
The scenery was pretty, many palms and underbrush. An emperor palm grove was one of the nicest displays of that variety of palm. There were waterways and stone bridges to breakup the greenery. Three or four painters were painting the scenes that we took in visually.
We traveled up the ocean side highway enjoying the big homes and condos. Most painted in the yellow orange shades. We found an out of the way restaurant. We sat outside even though it was around 64 and real windy, but no snow. The waves crashed along the shore giving that rhythmic beating of the surf against sand. The Sebastian Beach Inn by Melbourne FL. Both had a bowl of good chili and a Yuengling beer.
We drove by Patrick Air Force base and it reminded me of my Navy days. We had gone to Cape Canaveral to fire a A3 Polaris missile down range, I seem to remember 1,800 miles and within 100 feet of the target. I digress, we were coming back from the E-Club and cut across an landing strip. All of a sudden there were the Air Patrol telling us we were in a restricted top secret area. The air strip was being used by U2 planes flying over Cuba. We told them who we were and they said OK get back on the road.
Towards Cape Kennedy we went. Found a nice close parking space, got to the gate and saw a 37$ entrance fee for both, I said I thought we paid for this with our taxes? We looked at each other and said we saw this twice already and the second time the kids in their mid teens didn’t think much of it. Back to the car we went. Heading out of the area there was a bunch of cars parked alongside the road all looking toward the Cape. I stopped and ask a guy what’s up. He said there was an air show and it was just about over. He said did you hear about the accident they had here yesterday, one of the planes did a couple rolls and an end over and crashed near by. Reminded me of 1961 when I was in Seattle on the old Blackfin, there was a flyover of 5 or 6 planes and one veered off to the right and crash beyond my sight line.
Off toward Orlando we went. We found Universal Studios Citywalk to find Emeril’s Restaurant. We went to the parking lot and mentioned we were going to Emeril’s to eat, he asked if we had a reservation? No we were just going to try, he gave us a free pass, otherwise 11$. Got to the front door of the restaurant and were told that the only reservation open for two was 11pm. Or we could eat at the bar, first come first served. That was our ticket. Skip to the next paragraph if you don’t want to know what we ate. Sitting down with a couple other couples, one that frequents the restaurant, and said many times during the year they are 4 to 6 weeks out. Shirleen a glass of cabernet Lady in Red I think by Kestrel, frightfully full and rich and I a cosmopolitan and a glass of chardonnay. Shirleen’s dinner was comprised of a Roasted Filet Mignon With a White Cheddar Grit Cake, Sunnyside Up Quail Egg, Serrano Ham and Natural Reduction Sauce and I Andouille Crusted Texas Redfish With a Grilled Vegetable Relish, Creole Meunière Sauce, Toasted Pecans and Shoestring Potatoes. What a treat!! jerr
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
March 16 Friday Day 19
Addition to Yesterday March 15 we ended the day by going to the American Orchid Society sight in Delray Beach. The many varieties were overwhelming. We were able to see a chocolate tree with its fruit, situated alongside a vanilla bean - technically an orchid. The vine blooms one day a year, during that day it has to be fertilized. In Madagascar it is done with little brushes. The guide said that it is a male hormone and that if a female does this work she may grow facial hair.We also smelled a number of orchids that the guide asked us too. One had one inch sized brown and white blossoms. It was a real heavy smell of Shirleen thought vanilla and he said chocolate, I thought it smelled very sweet - more than any other blossom of any plant I had ever smelled.
The 16th, we started off to the Mounts Botanical Garden in Palm Beach. It was a nice time to walk. This is not a must see but as I said we walked the garden for he exercise.
We then went to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. They had an exhibition of Georgia O’Keefe. Last year we went to her home in the Arizona desert and her exhibit in Santa Fa New Mexico, this again was a fun exhibit to view, this was more of her still life portion of her life along with a portion of her pelvic bone collection and one of her favorite mountain in the desert. I am amazed by some of the colors she uses just beautiful. Other exhibits were of some of the masters, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso and Gauguin. What else should we see but a ceiling made by Chihuly. This could only be viewed from the bottom with the sun passing through from the top which accentuated the colors.
We moved up A1A and Dixie Highway and Highway 1. As we traveled the outside Beach Drive we felt the food urge coming, we traveled a long way until we found something. Most restaurants are on Highway 1 not on the pavement close to the Atlantic. We found Schooners Restaurant – Tavern, they had sold fresh seafood since 1984 but only food now. With the wind blowing through this semi outside seating we had a cabernet and pino grigio, we had fish and chips and dolphin fingers and chips. Down the road we go. This is when we ran into the heavy rains, but no snow or hail.
We did not find a room at the Inn and had to go back south for 21 miles to find accommodations. We then went 11 miles further south for dinner. What we really wanted was a pizza, no such luck. We did find a nice outside seating at St. Lucie FL, where the Mets have their summer camp. We found the West End Grill, we took the outside seating and luck did have it there was a gas fired heater to heat up Shirleen. We ordered a bottle of [yellow tail] - The Reserve - cabernet sauvignon, we did not order the reserve but that’s all they had and compt the price. The flavor was full and flavorful. We did eat light, Shirleen a bacon cheeseburger and I the portabella burger, both with fine fries. Tonight at Comfort Suites at Fort Pierce FL. jerr
The 16th, we started off to the Mounts Botanical Garden in Palm Beach. It was a nice time to walk. This is not a must see but as I said we walked the garden for he exercise.
We then went to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. They had an exhibition of Georgia O’Keefe. Last year we went to her home in the Arizona desert and her exhibit in Santa Fa New Mexico, this again was a fun exhibit to view, this was more of her still life portion of her life along with a portion of her pelvic bone collection and one of her favorite mountain in the desert. I am amazed by some of the colors she uses just beautiful. Other exhibits were of some of the masters, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso and Gauguin. What else should we see but a ceiling made by Chihuly. This could only be viewed from the bottom with the sun passing through from the top which accentuated the colors.
We moved up A1A and Dixie Highway and Highway 1. As we traveled the outside Beach Drive we felt the food urge coming, we traveled a long way until we found something. Most restaurants are on Highway 1 not on the pavement close to the Atlantic. We found Schooners Restaurant – Tavern, they had sold fresh seafood since 1984 but only food now. With the wind blowing through this semi outside seating we had a cabernet and pino grigio, we had fish and chips and dolphin fingers and chips. Down the road we go. This is when we ran into the heavy rains, but no snow or hail.
We did not find a room at the Inn and had to go back south for 21 miles to find accommodations. We then went 11 miles further south for dinner. What we really wanted was a pizza, no such luck. We did find a nice outside seating at St. Lucie FL, where the Mets have their summer camp. We found the West End Grill, we took the outside seating and luck did have it there was a gas fired heater to heat up Shirleen. We ordered a bottle of [yellow tail] - The Reserve - cabernet sauvignon, we did not order the reserve but that’s all they had and compt the price. The flavor was full and flavorful. We did eat light, Shirleen a bacon cheeseburger and I the portabella burger, both with fine fries. Tonight at Comfort Suites at Fort Pierce FL. jerr
Thursday, March 15, 2007
March 14 Thursday Day 18
Guess what we are going to do today? Visit a plantation style home, Bonnet House in Ft. Lauderdale. It is a spot, 35 acres, within the city limits in a natural tropical landscape. Prior to the tour we walked round the large pond. There was a beauty of a swan floating through the pond. An outside ----- away from the house. The walk way to the ---- was select fossilized limestone quarried from Palm Beach and partially moss covered. It is one of those nice looking light yellow homes, built with an internal courtyard. The house was built in 1920 by Frederic Bartlett. You walk through the double gate with a large fish sculpture over the top. Centered in the yard is a running fountain with four paths leading to it.
The home itself was designed and built by Frederick and it was decorated by Frederick and Evelyn in the style of a museum. On the courtyard walk areas are tables with carved animals sitting on top an elephant funerary. Pictures from Bavaria adorning the walls, large monkey and giraffe statues in the hallways, painted overhead areas with tortus and fish. The kitchen had dishware made of English Devonshire clay, causing a pumpkin color cast to the hand painted fruit and compote dish set. We spent time in the room the artist painted many pictures. There were pictures of there family and scenery also some pictures of paintings they gave to art museums, like Van Gogh, Cezanne, and others. Both became established painters with completely different styles. Many of there own paintings are hung in major art galleries. The hidden away home must have sat well with Evelyn, as she died at the age of 107.
Up the coast we went, stopping at Sea Watch Restaurant on north Ocean Blvd a fine fish restaurant sitting right on the water on the north side of Ft. Lauderdale. We were seated in the rear side of the restaurant looking onto the beach, could have not been better. With a glass of Rutherford cabernet sauvignon and mine a St. Michelle sauvignon blanc. They gave us some downright tasty pumpernickel bread for starters, I had a bowl of Bahamian chowder and Shirleen had a lobster and I a red snapper with green beans and candied carrots.
We have see Hiway #1 have an alternate name since Kendall FL – Old Dixie Hiway – seen up through Lantana. Gas in Florida has been between $2.53 and $2.78, Key West had $2.87.
I was glad we are staying at a hotel I would not mind washing clothes at, so it was done. Now it is 8:30am and we want a light dinner. We got the address for a local pizza restaurant but it turned out to be a pick up no eat in. Down the road we go, spotted The Station Grill, looked like a quick place to pick something up. Had a bunch of cars around it. We walked in and found linen table clothes, booths down both side and tables in the middle. Toward the kitchen they had a eating bar, which had six people seated there. The menu was $$$$ with options for lobsters from ½ pound to 8 pound for 146$. We ordered, Shirleen, a bowl of French onion soup and I crab cakes with a glass of cabernet each. The waitress said that they normally don’t do just appetizers but she would check. Well they let us outsiders eat. at Lantana Florida Comfort Inn. jerr
The home itself was designed and built by Frederick and it was decorated by Frederick and Evelyn in the style of a museum. On the courtyard walk areas are tables with carved animals sitting on top an elephant funerary. Pictures from Bavaria adorning the walls, large monkey and giraffe statues in the hallways, painted overhead areas with tortus and fish. The kitchen had dishware made of English Devonshire clay, causing a pumpkin color cast to the hand painted fruit and compote dish set. We spent time in the room the artist painted many pictures. There were pictures of there family and scenery also some pictures of paintings they gave to art museums, like Van Gogh, Cezanne, and others. Both became established painters with completely different styles. Many of there own paintings are hung in major art galleries. The hidden away home must have sat well with Evelyn, as she died at the age of 107.
Up the coast we went, stopping at Sea Watch Restaurant on north Ocean Blvd a fine fish restaurant sitting right on the water on the north side of Ft. Lauderdale. We were seated in the rear side of the restaurant looking onto the beach, could have not been better. With a glass of Rutherford cabernet sauvignon and mine a St. Michelle sauvignon blanc. They gave us some downright tasty pumpernickel bread for starters, I had a bowl of Bahamian chowder and Shirleen had a lobster and I a red snapper with green beans and candied carrots.
We have see Hiway #1 have an alternate name since Kendall FL – Old Dixie Hiway – seen up through Lantana. Gas in Florida has been between $2.53 and $2.78, Key West had $2.87.
I was glad we are staying at a hotel I would not mind washing clothes at, so it was done. Now it is 8:30am and we want a light dinner. We got the address for a local pizza restaurant but it turned out to be a pick up no eat in. Down the road we go, spotted The Station Grill, looked like a quick place to pick something up. Had a bunch of cars around it. We walked in and found linen table clothes, booths down both side and tables in the middle. Toward the kitchen they had a eating bar, which had six people seated there. The menu was $$$$ with options for lobsters from ½ pound to 8 pound for 146$. We ordered, Shirleen, a bowl of French onion soup and I crab cakes with a glass of cabernet each. The waitress said that they normally don’t do just appetizers but she would check. Well they let us outsiders eat. at Lantana Florida Comfort Inn. jerr
March 14 Wednesday Day 17
Today is going to be one of my favorite arts and garden exhibits. So we are headed to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables with an exhibition of Dale Chihuly: at www.fairchildgarden.org or www.chihuly.com . We arrived and found that today was volunteer appreciation day with a program and luncheon. That did not prevent us from doing our thing. This garden has 3,500 palm trees and over 600 variety’s, to many to list. It spreads over many acres and has ponds, paths and buildings to view. We were greeted by glass bulbs, around two feet in diameter tied to concrete blocks laying on the bottom of the pond, 30 to 40 of them. They were his Walla Walla onions, ideas from his home state of Washington. Then we saw floating free form what looked like ice pieces floating in the next pond. They turned out to be made of poly moldings. Colors of the glass ranging throughout the spectrum of color. His color uses in all his displays are brilliant and deep color not dark. He had found a red he liked when working in Norway, this he used in a desert setting He had hundreds upon hundreds of objects outside and in the buildings. Some mimicked the palms or reeds and hanging plantings. How can one describe his brilliance? One way is to go to the Museum of Art in Minneapolis or The Mayo Clinic Gonda building. There are many chandlers hanging in there entry way.
We followed paths through the park seeing a cardinal, many iguana and small lizards. We also saw a great egret snacking on a lizard. Again I did not find a snake, have been looking especially hard over the last two days. One of the main plantings we wanted to see was the gingerbread palm. Its growth pattern is similar to a bunch of celery with the centers taken out with 5 or 6 individual palms 20 feet tall. We also saw the flowering bush called yesterday, today and tomorrow; this plant has a blossom that is purple yesterday, pink today and white tomorrow. Similar to a tree we saw in Amsterdam.
We ate on the grounds, Shirleen ham quiche and I a Cuban type sandwich, grilled with pickles, ham, mojo pork slices and white cheese.
Mid-afternoon we headed into Miami on Route 1, the same one we started out from at mile zero in Key West. Along the way we turned down route A1A into Miami Beach and traveled through its art deco area. Again the housing was orange, pink, light green and many combinations of those Mediterranean colors. The traffic was not as bad as I had expected, seeing a Lamborghini, Mercedes and BMW’s of many varieties, some never seen before, Bentley’s, Rolls Royce and Ferrari’s. Of course I have noted many Corvettes.
We turned down some of the back streets and saw many great styled and large houses with well trimmed vegetation, both in Coral Gables and Ft. Lauderdale.
We ate at Oasis Café on Seabreeze Blvd in Ft. Lauderdale, Shirleen’s mudslide was not up to expectations. I had a mango margarita which was tasty. Shirleen’s grouper fish wrap and my seafood paella that had grouper, scallops, shrimp and mussels with saffron rice. jerr
We followed paths through the park seeing a cardinal, many iguana and small lizards. We also saw a great egret snacking on a lizard. Again I did not find a snake, have been looking especially hard over the last two days. One of the main plantings we wanted to see was the gingerbread palm. Its growth pattern is similar to a bunch of celery with the centers taken out with 5 or 6 individual palms 20 feet tall. We also saw the flowering bush called yesterday, today and tomorrow; this plant has a blossom that is purple yesterday, pink today and white tomorrow. Similar to a tree we saw in Amsterdam.
We ate on the grounds, Shirleen ham quiche and I a Cuban type sandwich, grilled with pickles, ham, mojo pork slices and white cheese.
Mid-afternoon we headed into Miami on Route 1, the same one we started out from at mile zero in Key West. Along the way we turned down route A1A into Miami Beach and traveled through its art deco area. Again the housing was orange, pink, light green and many combinations of those Mediterranean colors. The traffic was not as bad as I had expected, seeing a Lamborghini, Mercedes and BMW’s of many varieties, some never seen before, Bentley’s, Rolls Royce and Ferrari’s. Of course I have noted many Corvettes.
We turned down some of the back streets and saw many great styled and large houses with well trimmed vegetation, both in Coral Gables and Ft. Lauderdale.
We ate at Oasis Café on Seabreeze Blvd in Ft. Lauderdale, Shirleen’s mudslide was not up to expectations. I had a mango margarita which was tasty. Shirleen’s grouper fish wrap and my seafood paella that had grouper, scallops, shrimp and mussels with saffron rice. jerr
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
March 13 Tuesday Day 16
Today we started our day at the Corkscrew Swamp Wildlife Sanctuary maintained by the Audubon Society outside of Naples. It is an elevated two mile boardwalk winding through woodland, marsh and much wildlife. The first bird we say was a red shoulder hawk, got a picture of it diving toward me to swoop onto a branch above me. We saw blooming iris’s. Shirleen was excited to see an alligator in the wild. I told her if we get separated and one attacks her to holler and I will take a picture for remembrance – not to romantic. We say many ibis, cranes, barred owl, wren and Shirleen’s alligator. It was a mother whom had little ones last year but she still maintains them and is their custodian. We also saw crawl marks in the soft mud, suspect it was her coming to her young. Many people taking pictures, some with lens bigger than my cars trunk. They and Shirleen saw a painted bunting, I almost did. We saw cypress knees, reminded me of Mr. Fellegy’s woodworking in high school. Moss covered trees, 600 year old bark less cypress. We viewed a colored sketch of some birds in a pond that a lady was doing. Towards the end of the trip we started to speed up our departure as the coffee was catching up with us.
Off to Marco Island. This Island is much more populated than Sanibel Island. Many high rises along one side of the Island. Houses on canals with boats and gigantic yachts. We drove all over looking for a spot to eat, we finally found one and we used Shirleen’s old adage and it worked again. We ate at Snook Inn, Shirleen with her grouper sandwich and me with my fried clam strips.
Across alligator alley we go. We stopped at an overlook and saw many sunning alligators, all sizes of fish swimming among the alligators.
This evening we ate at the hotel, a first this trip. Surprising, it was tasty, our lightly breaded onion rings, Shirleen’s dolphin sandwich and my deep fired oysters.
Tomorrow we will go through the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables with an exhibition of Dale Chihuly. jerr
Off to Marco Island. This Island is much more populated than Sanibel Island. Many high rises along one side of the Island. Houses on canals with boats and gigantic yachts. We drove all over looking for a spot to eat, we finally found one and we used Shirleen’s old adage and it worked again. We ate at Snook Inn, Shirleen with her grouper sandwich and me with my fried clam strips.
Across alligator alley we go. We stopped at an overlook and saw many sunning alligators, all sizes of fish swimming among the alligators.
This evening we ate at the hotel, a first this trip. Surprising, it was tasty, our lightly breaded onion rings, Shirleen’s dolphin sandwich and my deep fired oysters.
Tomorrow we will go through the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables with an exhibition of Dale Chihuly. jerr
March 12 Monday Day 15
In Ft. Meyer’s there is a winter home that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford used. Edison had many laboratories here. The one we saw in Greenfield Michigan was moved from here. There was his botanical laboratory but it was closed. The main feature was one of the biggest banyon trees in the US.
Because the Twins website said the game was at 12:05 and Shirleen’s information was 1:05 we decided to leave and get there before time. As I had heard the players are more accessible than at home games. Twenty minutes later we were paying 5$ for parking at Hammond Stadium on Albertson lane two away from Kerby Puckett Parkway. Hunger set in so we got in line for a small and large weenie, chesse, nacho’s and a large beer. So who turns around in front of us but Wally E., the original owner of Eberts Drive-Inn in New Ulm from my high school days. I see him at Burger King in NU when I get coffee and chat. We talked a bite, I mentioned that his BBQ’s were the best. His wife said he still makes her make that same old recipe, Wally said he would give me a copy. She asked whom my mom and dad were but Wally said she would not have known them. He asked if I had a brother or sister in NU. I said my sister was Mary GG, he said the one with the beautiful voice. Of course I said I had taught her everything she knows and we all laughed. Now why was that funny???
We watched the pictures warm up, the batters hit and the fielders catch fly’s. as most know I went to the game for Shirleen, but I’ll tell you what, outside games are great!! I could become a fan. The Marlin’s have this pitcher named Willis, he is long and lanky and throws a neat looking sidearm or what every they call it, but it looked great. Another game inspiring fact is that we have never attended a Twins game where they won. Maybe today is the day. The first inning had us out in front 3:0 and never behind again. Really a fun game. A couple twins players wore there black socks up over the calf mussel, another neat nostalgic item.
Heck we still have some time, lets drive 24 miles out into the hinterland to Corkscrew Cypress park. We arrive exactly at 4:30, that corresponds to the time that the walking path is shut down for the evening. This, as those that know me, irked me to no end. It looked good enough to come back to in the morning.
And again, time to eat, but where? Back into Bonita Springs we go, up the road and back and then up again but not far as I had noticed a Italian restaurant on one of the change of directions. As Shirleen says, if there are a lot of cars in there it has got to be good. Of course I saw the Lexus and Mercedes and thought oh boy it is going to be expensive. She was right I was wrong. After a 20 minute wait at the bar and some fine red wine we ere escorted to our table. We were served Italian bread with olive oil with dried tomatoes in it. I looked through the window and I spy Jim H. and ahead through the next window Marge. They were with friends but I snuck up behind Marge and asked her in a professional voice if I could check her ID card. She turns around and started laughing as to the coincident of us stopping at the same place they were going to eat. Boot’s, there long lasting friend from Burlington had found 5$ coupons and they all decided to eat there. Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano in Bonita Springs is a well thought of Italian restaurant, Shirleen’s shrimp and my grouper in lemon sauce with capers was done to a T. Upon leaving we stopped by their table and wished everyone well.
Tomorrow the swamp, Marco Island, trip back through alligator alley ending up at Kendall FL. Now back to the room for some e-mail correspondence and shut-eye. jerr
Because the Twins website said the game was at 12:05 and Shirleen’s information was 1:05 we decided to leave and get there before time. As I had heard the players are more accessible than at home games. Twenty minutes later we were paying 5$ for parking at Hammond Stadium on Albertson lane two away from Kerby Puckett Parkway. Hunger set in so we got in line for a small and large weenie, chesse, nacho’s and a large beer. So who turns around in front of us but Wally E., the original owner of Eberts Drive-Inn in New Ulm from my high school days. I see him at Burger King in NU when I get coffee and chat. We talked a bite, I mentioned that his BBQ’s were the best. His wife said he still makes her make that same old recipe, Wally said he would give me a copy. She asked whom my mom and dad were but Wally said she would not have known them. He asked if I had a brother or sister in NU. I said my sister was Mary GG, he said the one with the beautiful voice. Of course I said I had taught her everything she knows and we all laughed. Now why was that funny???
We watched the pictures warm up, the batters hit and the fielders catch fly’s. as most know I went to the game for Shirleen, but I’ll tell you what, outside games are great!! I could become a fan. The Marlin’s have this pitcher named Willis, he is long and lanky and throws a neat looking sidearm or what every they call it, but it looked great. Another game inspiring fact is that we have never attended a Twins game where they won. Maybe today is the day. The first inning had us out in front 3:0 and never behind again. Really a fun game. A couple twins players wore there black socks up over the calf mussel, another neat nostalgic item.
Heck we still have some time, lets drive 24 miles out into the hinterland to Corkscrew Cypress park. We arrive exactly at 4:30, that corresponds to the time that the walking path is shut down for the evening. This, as those that know me, irked me to no end. It looked good enough to come back to in the morning.
And again, time to eat, but where? Back into Bonita Springs we go, up the road and back and then up again but not far as I had noticed a Italian restaurant on one of the change of directions. As Shirleen says, if there are a lot of cars in there it has got to be good. Of course I saw the Lexus and Mercedes and thought oh boy it is going to be expensive. She was right I was wrong. After a 20 minute wait at the bar and some fine red wine we ere escorted to our table. We were served Italian bread with olive oil with dried tomatoes in it. I looked through the window and I spy Jim H. and ahead through the next window Marge. They were with friends but I snuck up behind Marge and asked her in a professional voice if I could check her ID card. She turns around and started laughing as to the coincident of us stopping at the same place they were going to eat. Boot’s, there long lasting friend from Burlington had found 5$ coupons and they all decided to eat there. Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano in Bonita Springs is a well thought of Italian restaurant, Shirleen’s shrimp and my grouper in lemon sauce with capers was done to a T. Upon leaving we stopped by their table and wished everyone well.
Tomorrow the swamp, Marco Island, trip back through alligator alley ending up at Kendall FL. Now back to the room for some e-mail correspondence and shut-eye. jerr
March 11 Sunday Day 14
Well it is off to Sanibel Island this morning. We checked out of the Baymont motel in Bonita Springs. Went up a couple miles to the Comfort Inn and they were packed for that evening, went back to the Baymont and got the next two nights for less than last night, still to much but the traffic bears it.
Again the scenery is European as to home styles and plenty of palms and flowering red, pink and white bougainvilleas. As we are headed up over the bridge a two tone purple and pink 55 Chevy was in front of us. It had a bad sounding engine, like in fast, but kicked out some engine oil. We turned onto the Island and it takes 6$ to cross onto the island, suspect they want to keep out the riffraff but I sunk through. It is like much of this area, large waterfront homes, two to three stories high with guest accommodations. Yards are kept immaculate, I am sure not by the occupant. We stopped by the info center and picked up another 5 pounds of material. Our adventure was headed to the northern tip of the island called Captiva Island, Shirleen found a restaurant that caught her attention, Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn. She quickly found a Keylime Melon Martini on the menu and I a Margarita of the Sea before lunch. As we ordered lunch I noticed a Shrimp to Shore bloody Mary, two shrimp, a skewer of three green olives, two asparagus and a root vegetable I forgot to ask the name of, I hope I should have ate it as I did. Lunch was ordered my appetizer fried shrimp with orange marmalade with horseradish and Shirleen’s fried grouper sandwich with aioli sauce. Some unique trees were found on Sanibel but never found out what they were.
Off to visit Marge and Jim H. in Bonita Springs, this was found easily with the directions Jim gave us. We sat out on their veranda and looked directly onto the gulf, what a beautiful apartment they are renting. They have had this location for the last 12 years, and I can see why. We had some snacks with beverages before we went to dindin.
We went to Marge’s favorite, although full we found the last parking space. We ate at The Fish House, after a couple of Key West ales, we ordered. My grouper tacos were right on along with Jim and Shirleen’s coconut shrimp, Jim said we should try the Outback ones as they are his favorite, Marge had a quesadilla.
We went back to their apartment and watched the sun set slowly in the gulf. Maybe a little clouds but that made it really different. The apartment that they used is for sale, if anyone has over half a million for 950 sq. ft. and a beautiful sunset step forward. Said our do’s and told them we would see them in Burlington next. jerr
Again the scenery is European as to home styles and plenty of palms and flowering red, pink and white bougainvilleas. As we are headed up over the bridge a two tone purple and pink 55 Chevy was in front of us. It had a bad sounding engine, like in fast, but kicked out some engine oil. We turned onto the Island and it takes 6$ to cross onto the island, suspect they want to keep out the riffraff but I sunk through. It is like much of this area, large waterfront homes, two to three stories high with guest accommodations. Yards are kept immaculate, I am sure not by the occupant. We stopped by the info center and picked up another 5 pounds of material. Our adventure was headed to the northern tip of the island called Captiva Island, Shirleen found a restaurant that caught her attention, Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn. She quickly found a Keylime Melon Martini on the menu and I a Margarita of the Sea before lunch. As we ordered lunch I noticed a Shrimp to Shore bloody Mary, two shrimp, a skewer of three green olives, two asparagus and a root vegetable I forgot to ask the name of, I hope I should have ate it as I did. Lunch was ordered my appetizer fried shrimp with orange marmalade with horseradish and Shirleen’s fried grouper sandwich with aioli sauce. Some unique trees were found on Sanibel but never found out what they were.
Off to visit Marge and Jim H. in Bonita Springs, this was found easily with the directions Jim gave us. We sat out on their veranda and looked directly onto the gulf, what a beautiful apartment they are renting. They have had this location for the last 12 years, and I can see why. We had some snacks with beverages before we went to dindin.
We went to Marge’s favorite, although full we found the last parking space. We ate at The Fish House, after a couple of Key West ales, we ordered. My grouper tacos were right on along with Jim and Shirleen’s coconut shrimp, Jim said we should try the Outback ones as they are his favorite, Marge had a quesadilla.
We went back to their apartment and watched the sun set slowly in the gulf. Maybe a little clouds but that made it really different. The apartment that they used is for sale, if anyone has over half a million for 950 sq. ft. and a beautiful sunset step forward. Said our do’s and told them we would see them in Burlington next. jerr
Sunday, March 11, 2007
March 10 Saturday Day 13
Well today is our last partial day in Key West. Yesterday we heard about the local Flower Society’s garden tour. Four houses are on the itinerary. We pickup the tickets at the orchid show at Fort Martello, where I almost backed over a little MG, but his hollering stopped me and it became a near miss.
The first house was a beauty; it sat on the corner and had a butterfly garden that surrounded that corner. There was matronly lady of age whom recognize Aunt Vi’s name, we will take that at face value. If the last house was being sold for 2.7 million, this one was 5 million. Many full grown palms of semi-rare status and plenty of orchids. A swimming pool of good size, an outside eating and sitting area that was out of a fashion magazine. If we could all pool our money we could buy it and I would maintain it!!
The second house was designed and built by the Fairchild’s whom have a botanical garden in Coral Gables which is where we are headed too in two days. They had a real unique ginger palm tree, supposedly one of two in the country, the other at Coral Gables. There was a royal palm from Cuba that differs from the local by the bulging of the trunk in multiple spots not just a smooth upward trunk. Supposedly a sign of lack of water.
The third house had more of the same, palms, ferns, orchids, and neat pots for plants. We have noticed that most pots are the dark blue.
The last house was the 2.7 million dollar one, small by the other standards but managed to have a swimming pool in it. They had a little cabana alongside it for what looked like a guest lodging. Again many plants, on the neighbor’s mango tree was a gecko that was eating one of the fruits. Again, I could manage this.
We were given an address for a pottery place, after cruising the blocks they mentioned we came up empty handed. Come to think of it, the only planters we ran into are for orchids.
Oh yes, time for lunch. We headed down to Mallory square with the thought that we would eat at the Conch Republic Seafood restaurant. It was shown on the Paula Deen boy’s show a couple months ago. Turns out it was a good place. We started the heavy noon lunch with two key lime pie margaritas, smooth with a bite and a graham cracker crust around the lip of the glass. We then split a 10 oz lobster with a vanilla bean infused drawn butter along with rice, and steam vegetables accompanied by an order of deep fried conch that was accompanied with a orange marmalade with a hint of horseradish. Off the open air seating area we watched the pelicans being fed fish from a local. Again three foot tarpon’s were cruising the area. We walked slowly to our car as Shirleen drove out and off the island.
The trip through the Key’s was uneventful, but we did notice the old train bridge that had had the old road that we had taken built on top of it, now viewed from the new causeway. Along many of the bridges were people fishing from purposely built or old highway concrete abutments. Along with the people mergansers waiting to spot fish for lunch.
Well we got back to the town of Florida Keys and that is when the fun began. We had intended to go to the alligator alley again, but the turn I should have made was not and I thought we could pick it up later. Thoughts are not actually. We got off on a turnpike and asked the attendant for directions, which we followed twice because of 6 lane confusion with two turn off’s. We got another attendants directions and low and behold we were headed north out of Miami. I notice a sign Pembroke Pines, I said to Shirleen, isn’t that where your cousin Jerry S. lives, we were there two years ago. Now I know we are far north out of Miami and not where I thought we should be, but out of the gloom rose a sign that said hiway 75 to St. Petersburg, that’s the way we are headed. By this time it is dark and the alligator crossing signs make you wonder how it feels to run over one? Half way across the state we see what appears to be a long drawn out fire line. As we got closer we could see the swamp burning viciously for many miles into the swamp. One TV camera on a boom truck and a fire vehicle further up were the only sign of emergency vehicles. Looked like they were waiting to see what was happening.
We arrived in Bonita Grand Crossing and found a place to sleep and eat. We ate at a local plaza pizza house, Marsala Pizza Bonita. A nicely made crispy but thickish crust toped with tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil, accompanied with a glass of Chianti and cabernet. jerr
shoould you want to respond and do not want to set up an account with the blog sight email me at red73vet@hotmail.com
The first house was a beauty; it sat on the corner and had a butterfly garden that surrounded that corner. There was matronly lady of age whom recognize Aunt Vi’s name, we will take that at face value. If the last house was being sold for 2.7 million, this one was 5 million. Many full grown palms of semi-rare status and plenty of orchids. A swimming pool of good size, an outside eating and sitting area that was out of a fashion magazine. If we could all pool our money we could buy it and I would maintain it!!
The second house was designed and built by the Fairchild’s whom have a botanical garden in Coral Gables which is where we are headed too in two days. They had a real unique ginger palm tree, supposedly one of two in the country, the other at Coral Gables. There was a royal palm from Cuba that differs from the local by the bulging of the trunk in multiple spots not just a smooth upward trunk. Supposedly a sign of lack of water.
The third house had more of the same, palms, ferns, orchids, and neat pots for plants. We have noticed that most pots are the dark blue.
The last house was the 2.7 million dollar one, small by the other standards but managed to have a swimming pool in it. They had a little cabana alongside it for what looked like a guest lodging. Again many plants, on the neighbor’s mango tree was a gecko that was eating one of the fruits. Again, I could manage this.
We were given an address for a pottery place, after cruising the blocks they mentioned we came up empty handed. Come to think of it, the only planters we ran into are for orchids.
Oh yes, time for lunch. We headed down to Mallory square with the thought that we would eat at the Conch Republic Seafood restaurant. It was shown on the Paula Deen boy’s show a couple months ago. Turns out it was a good place. We started the heavy noon lunch with two key lime pie margaritas, smooth with a bite and a graham cracker crust around the lip of the glass. We then split a 10 oz lobster with a vanilla bean infused drawn butter along with rice, and steam vegetables accompanied by an order of deep fried conch that was accompanied with a orange marmalade with a hint of horseradish. Off the open air seating area we watched the pelicans being fed fish from a local. Again three foot tarpon’s were cruising the area. We walked slowly to our car as Shirleen drove out and off the island.
The trip through the Key’s was uneventful, but we did notice the old train bridge that had had the old road that we had taken built on top of it, now viewed from the new causeway. Along many of the bridges were people fishing from purposely built or old highway concrete abutments. Along with the people mergansers waiting to spot fish for lunch.
Well we got back to the town of Florida Keys and that is when the fun began. We had intended to go to the alligator alley again, but the turn I should have made was not and I thought we could pick it up later. Thoughts are not actually. We got off on a turnpike and asked the attendant for directions, which we followed twice because of 6 lane confusion with two turn off’s. We got another attendants directions and low and behold we were headed north out of Miami. I notice a sign Pembroke Pines, I said to Shirleen, isn’t that where your cousin Jerry S. lives, we were there two years ago. Now I know we are far north out of Miami and not where I thought we should be, but out of the gloom rose a sign that said hiway 75 to St. Petersburg, that’s the way we are headed. By this time it is dark and the alligator crossing signs make you wonder how it feels to run over one? Half way across the state we see what appears to be a long drawn out fire line. As we got closer we could see the swamp burning viciously for many miles into the swamp. One TV camera on a boom truck and a fire vehicle further up were the only sign of emergency vehicles. Looked like they were waiting to see what was happening.
We arrived in Bonita Grand Crossing and found a place to sleep and eat. We ate at a local plaza pizza house, Marsala Pizza Bonita. A nicely made crispy but thickish crust toped with tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil, accompanied with a glass of Chianti and cabernet. jerr
shoould you want to respond and do not want to set up an account with the blog sight email me at red73vet@hotmail.com
Saturday, March 10, 2007
March 9 Friday Day 12
I called a brother of a schoolmate of mine Chuck Malby, he has lived down here for since June 1949. He also turned out to be a submarine sailor, or pig boat sailor. We chatted for awhile, turned out he didn’t know my Aunt whose house is on the front of the blog right now. He was busy tomorrow and we today, but as I said we had a nice chat. He graduated with Junior Traurig and did not know that my Aunt lived here. Nice to hear he goes to St. Mary’s church where we had a mass said for her. After our phone conversation we started off by going back downtown for more sightseeing.
We went along the far coast to catch the furtherest point south in the United States, by Higg’s beach. We picked up a bottle full of sand from this point for the girls to give to their teacher. At the beach we walked through the Key West Garden Club at Martello Fort. Many interesting flowers, they grow so much bigger when you have warm days, today 78 – 80, and 12 months to grow. A couple of noteworthy items, there were blue bottles of all shapes, sizes and depth of blue, that we placed upside down over the metal fence pickets. When we got closer we could hear the wind blowing across the mouth piece of the bottles and making a quiet whistle like we do when we blow over the top. This is a Cuban tradition.
We then walked down the path and there were many yellow ribbons tied to the fence as a symbol of a good wish, seeing there were no yellow cloths lying around I took a long stemmed yellow flower and tied it around the fence wire.
Further up the path was a heavy leafed bush called an autograph plant. Many leaves had names inscribed in them; we found a stick and carved our names with 3\9\07 MN in a leaf. They were also bringing in orchids for tomorrows show, many varieties.
We then went downtown to a butterfly exhibit, they were flying all around. There were many species of butterflies and birds.
We did find close-in parking spot for 2.50$ per hour or 16.50$ per day, it turned out we did the day thing. Behind where we parked we knew the restaurant “Turtle Kraals” was located. It was another place Aunt Vi had taken us for lunch and that is where we had lunch. Shirleen a 6 oz. grilled split lobster tail and I could not resist the deep fried oysters and a bowl of black beans. What can I say delicious with a Key lime margarita to wash the meal down.
Along side the restaurant was the turtle kraals museum. We found out that when we ate there in 1972 that the place quite doing the turtle butchering. And that the tower Shirleen was taken down. I seem to remember that Humphrey Bogart visited these places when doing some movie. We talked to the gal about Aunt VI’s shrimp boat “the St. Michael” named after her father. She said she did not know where a list of boats many be but that there were over 500 of them at one time. The shrimp boats no longer unloaded at the pier as they did in ’72. She said we should go to the library as a Tom Hambright, the local historian, may be able to help. Off we go with map in hand. It would be just a couple blocks away, if you could believe the directions we were given. A right not a left would have made it 6 blocks closer. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by Tom. He and his wife were in there mid 50’s. I also promised him that I would copy the picture of the St. Michael that Aunt Vi had given to us – someone remind me. He brought out the name list for obituaries and we found Lew’s. We then looked through the business books and found them listed in the Polk Co. City Directory of 1958 as owners of Poinciana Package Liquor Store. The previous book was 1952 and they were not listed in it and no books were published in between those years. The next two listing were 1961 and 1962, they were listed as shrimper for those years. From that date forward to 1973 she was listed only as a widow. In 1974 she was no longer listed, seem to remember she let John run the business for her. Ya, doing genealogy on our gypsy tour.
We were off to a guided tour of President Truman’s house. That was a grand visit and history lesson. He visited the place numerous times during and after his presidency. Along with other presidents – Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter and Clinton. Like I said it was a history lesson. The house was used by two admirals’ but made into one house for Truman. There are five bedrooms and two are not open to the public but used by dignitaries as above. This again sounds easy but the maps were misleading and again we walked many blocks out of the way. The redeeming fact is that we walked trough The Truman Annex, a privately held rental area with beautiful homes, well out of my price range I am sure.
We went to Jim Buffet’s shirt shack, I wanted to buy one but nothing appealed. We then went past the first Sloppy Joe’s that Ernest Hemmingway frequented hanging on the ceiling were business cards, pictures of people and undergarments of various kinds. What a dive!!
All day long we saw chickens running in yards on the main street and the roosters crowing, even saw a mother with a small brood of chicks.
For a late afternoon snack at Fogarty’s, we split an order of Bruchetta Pomodoro, well seasoned tomato pieces, fresh mozzarella and ½ inch fired bread slices. Neat the way they put the 5 pieces pointing out to the rim of the plate with the mozzarella heaped in the middle. The thickness of the bread was just right and added to the eat ability. Washing this down with Shirleen’s strawberry daiquiri and my chardonnay.
Walking down the street we saw the hand printed fabric shop that Aunt Vi took us too. It turns out that they no longer print themselves, it is bought in China.
We then walked down to the other side of town, I forget if this was time 4 or 5?, to watch the sunset. This evening it was through thin clouds but striking.
Back to our lodging for the evening to plan tomorrows assault on our last day in Key West. 16,000 steps today, well over Shirleen’s 10,000 daily steps.
We went along the far coast to catch the furtherest point south in the United States, by Higg’s beach. We picked up a bottle full of sand from this point for the girls to give to their teacher. At the beach we walked through the Key West Garden Club at Martello Fort. Many interesting flowers, they grow so much bigger when you have warm days, today 78 – 80, and 12 months to grow. A couple of noteworthy items, there were blue bottles of all shapes, sizes and depth of blue, that we placed upside down over the metal fence pickets. When we got closer we could hear the wind blowing across the mouth piece of the bottles and making a quiet whistle like we do when we blow over the top. This is a Cuban tradition.
We then walked down the path and there were many yellow ribbons tied to the fence as a symbol of a good wish, seeing there were no yellow cloths lying around I took a long stemmed yellow flower and tied it around the fence wire.
Further up the path was a heavy leafed bush called an autograph plant. Many leaves had names inscribed in them; we found a stick and carved our names with 3\9\07 MN in a leaf. They were also bringing in orchids for tomorrows show, many varieties.
We then went downtown to a butterfly exhibit, they were flying all around. There were many species of butterflies and birds.
We did find close-in parking spot for 2.50$ per hour or 16.50$ per day, it turned out we did the day thing. Behind where we parked we knew the restaurant “Turtle Kraals” was located. It was another place Aunt Vi had taken us for lunch and that is where we had lunch. Shirleen a 6 oz. grilled split lobster tail and I could not resist the deep fried oysters and a bowl of black beans. What can I say delicious with a Key lime margarita to wash the meal down.
Along side the restaurant was the turtle kraals museum. We found out that when we ate there in 1972 that the place quite doing the turtle butchering. And that the tower Shirleen was taken down. I seem to remember that Humphrey Bogart visited these places when doing some movie. We talked to the gal about Aunt VI’s shrimp boat “the St. Michael” named after her father. She said she did not know where a list of boats many be but that there were over 500 of them at one time. The shrimp boats no longer unloaded at the pier as they did in ’72. She said we should go to the library as a Tom Hambright, the local historian, may be able to help. Off we go with map in hand. It would be just a couple blocks away, if you could believe the directions we were given. A right not a left would have made it 6 blocks closer. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by Tom. He and his wife were in there mid 50’s. I also promised him that I would copy the picture of the St. Michael that Aunt Vi had given to us – someone remind me. He brought out the name list for obituaries and we found Lew’s. We then looked through the business books and found them listed in the Polk Co. City Directory of 1958 as owners of Poinciana Package Liquor Store. The previous book was 1952 and they were not listed in it and no books were published in between those years. The next two listing were 1961 and 1962, they were listed as shrimper for those years. From that date forward to 1973 she was listed only as a widow. In 1974 she was no longer listed, seem to remember she let John run the business for her. Ya, doing genealogy on our gypsy tour.
We were off to a guided tour of President Truman’s house. That was a grand visit and history lesson. He visited the place numerous times during and after his presidency. Along with other presidents – Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter and Clinton. Like I said it was a history lesson. The house was used by two admirals’ but made into one house for Truman. There are five bedrooms and two are not open to the public but used by dignitaries as above. This again sounds easy but the maps were misleading and again we walked many blocks out of the way. The redeeming fact is that we walked trough The Truman Annex, a privately held rental area with beautiful homes, well out of my price range I am sure.
We went to Jim Buffet’s shirt shack, I wanted to buy one but nothing appealed. We then went past the first Sloppy Joe’s that Ernest Hemmingway frequented hanging on the ceiling were business cards, pictures of people and undergarments of various kinds. What a dive!!
All day long we saw chickens running in yards on the main street and the roosters crowing, even saw a mother with a small brood of chicks.
For a late afternoon snack at Fogarty’s, we split an order of Bruchetta Pomodoro, well seasoned tomato pieces, fresh mozzarella and ½ inch fired bread slices. Neat the way they put the 5 pieces pointing out to the rim of the plate with the mozzarella heaped in the middle. The thickness of the bread was just right and added to the eat ability. Washing this down with Shirleen’s strawberry daiquiri and my chardonnay.
Walking down the street we saw the hand printed fabric shop that Aunt Vi took us too. It turns out that they no longer print themselves, it is bought in China.
We then walked down to the other side of town, I forget if this was time 4 or 5?, to watch the sunset. This evening it was through thin clouds but striking.
Back to our lodging for the evening to plan tomorrows assault on our last day in Key West. 16,000 steps today, well over Shirleen’s 10,000 daily steps.
March 8 Thursday Day 11
My sisters birthday, Happy Birthday Mary!!!
We left early, 7:00 am, for Key West. It is 132 miles and 43 bridges to cross and takes 3 hours for driving. Lots of little towns that spread out lengthwise because of the small island land. Again police all over with radar, as a reminder to slow down. A sign was posted at the beginning of the run to Key West that two people had already been killed on this highway.
We pulled in at the 3 hour mark. We went right downtown to find Aunt Vi’s home. We found it with little trouble. Shirleen recognized the large tree cross from the house and I recognized the two story square house kiddy corner from hers. Her house looked basically the same with more vegetation in front and a house built alongside. What sweet memories it brought back to both of us. We walked to the back from the small alley but when all the dogs started barking we high tailed it to the car. We did notice a large elephant ear plant in the back yard. Now I know why we have one.
Next mission - the church we had gone with her when we were here. We found it very easily and parked in the church lot. We entered the church of St. Mary Star of the Sea , not through the front doors but through the side doors, not like our side door but they have 10 to 12 shutter doors that swing open for air movement. We then went to the rectory and requested a mass be said in her honor, we will receive a copy of the bulletin in April sometime. This incidentally is the same church that Bob Malby’s brother, Chuck and his wife go to daily mass at.
Next to the church is a grotto. Inside it is a rack of candles and we lite one for her as we do in each new church we visit for our deceased parents. The grotto was made by a nun many years ago and dedicated to the prevention of hurricanes striking Key West and for upwards of 75 years none have, close at Marathon but not there.
Outside in the courtyard is a walkway, when we looked at the first of five signs adjacent to the path, we realized it was designed as a rosary.
Next to that garden was another garden with the Stations of the Cross in them. They were mosaic and beautiful in the splendid sunlight.
We the parked our car at the motel we were to stay in the next two days. Went inside and found out the trolley picked up people next door. We find these first day tours of a new city educational and gives us a head start the next day. This was surely the case this time. We were able to get off and on at will but only one full trip.
One of the stops for us was Hemmingway’s house, again something we had done before it was so commercialized. Yes, the six toed cats are still there, all 40 of them. Eat two ton of feed a year. We toured the house with a knockout guide. He gave us the routine stories he continually tells but neat presentation. After looking at the glass chandler in the dining area he said it was from Morono Italy, that we visited last spring. Many pictures of wives, fish caught and visitors. He as you know, was a big man but had many haunts. His bout with dinking was well known and his fight against his mental disease. He had bought this home because it was across the street from the only lighthouse on the island. It was said that way he could find his way home after a night of drinking.
We did see the end of Highway 1 that evening and have a picture of the 0 mile marker.
Again, retracing our previous footsteps we ate at the A & B Lobster House. We gracefully dined with a bottle of wine, and two house specials; Shirleen had hogfish with steamed vegetables and I the rare Ahi tuna with three big shrimp and purple mashed potatoes.
We left early, 7:00 am, for Key West. It is 132 miles and 43 bridges to cross and takes 3 hours for driving. Lots of little towns that spread out lengthwise because of the small island land. Again police all over with radar, as a reminder to slow down. A sign was posted at the beginning of the run to Key West that two people had already been killed on this highway.
We pulled in at the 3 hour mark. We went right downtown to find Aunt Vi’s home. We found it with little trouble. Shirleen recognized the large tree cross from the house and I recognized the two story square house kiddy corner from hers. Her house looked basically the same with more vegetation in front and a house built alongside. What sweet memories it brought back to both of us. We walked to the back from the small alley but when all the dogs started barking we high tailed it to the car. We did notice a large elephant ear plant in the back yard. Now I know why we have one.
Next mission - the church we had gone with her when we were here. We found it very easily and parked in the church lot. We entered the church of St. Mary Star of the Sea , not through the front doors but through the side doors, not like our side door but they have 10 to 12 shutter doors that swing open for air movement. We then went to the rectory and requested a mass be said in her honor, we will receive a copy of the bulletin in April sometime. This incidentally is the same church that Bob Malby’s brother, Chuck and his wife go to daily mass at.
Next to the church is a grotto. Inside it is a rack of candles and we lite one for her as we do in each new church we visit for our deceased parents. The grotto was made by a nun many years ago and dedicated to the prevention of hurricanes striking Key West and for upwards of 75 years none have, close at Marathon but not there.
Outside in the courtyard is a walkway, when we looked at the first of five signs adjacent to the path, we realized it was designed as a rosary.
Next to that garden was another garden with the Stations of the Cross in them. They were mosaic and beautiful in the splendid sunlight.
We the parked our car at the motel we were to stay in the next two days. Went inside and found out the trolley picked up people next door. We find these first day tours of a new city educational and gives us a head start the next day. This was surely the case this time. We were able to get off and on at will but only one full trip.
One of the stops for us was Hemmingway’s house, again something we had done before it was so commercialized. Yes, the six toed cats are still there, all 40 of them. Eat two ton of feed a year. We toured the house with a knockout guide. He gave us the routine stories he continually tells but neat presentation. After looking at the glass chandler in the dining area he said it was from Morono Italy, that we visited last spring. Many pictures of wives, fish caught and visitors. He as you know, was a big man but had many haunts. His bout with dinking was well known and his fight against his mental disease. He had bought this home because it was across the street from the only lighthouse on the island. It was said that way he could find his way home after a night of drinking.
We did see the end of Highway 1 that evening and have a picture of the 0 mile marker.
Again, retracing our previous footsteps we ate at the A & B Lobster House. We gracefully dined with a bottle of wine, and two house specials; Shirleen had hogfish with steamed vegetables and I the rare Ahi tuna with three big shrimp and purple mashed potatoes.
March 7 Wednesday Day 10
Today was Abby's 11th birthday and the first thing we did this morning was give her a call to wish her a Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!
As we were driving through Sarasota we saw a sign which said Sarasota Garden Club, found out it was 70 years old beautiful small garden that had 150 members and private contributions help maintain the premises.
A couple blocks down the road was Shelby Botanical Garden, this was a large outside garden with many paths to follow. A grand old mansion was open and there was a display of Mariposa masks. They were highly decorated with multiple themes of butterflies or snakes or hummingbirds or leopards or mask with in the mask and local leaf patterns in intense colors. Ranging in price from 150$ to 3,500$. The gardens a must to see if in the area. This is the area we picked up the white beach sand, the whitest coming from this Gulf side.
Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice, Florida. We split a grouper sandwich and a margarita each. We walked the pier and saw quite a few people fishing but only one angler caught something while we walked by – a crab. At the end of the pier was a well tanned guy making palm flowers for the ladies at a price. I never found out how much because he was teaching some mid 70’s ladies how to do it. Looking for a good tip!
We took alligator alley across southern Florida. If you do, watch your speed, we saw many cop cars. I had just passed a truck doing 52 in a 55 and pulled over and behind me a Mercedes was scooting past me at a good rate of speed, as my radar detector went off. He pulled right over to the side for Mr. Policeman. I gingerly went on my way.
Mutineer Restaurant, we split a 6 oz lobster tail with 6 shrimp in a garlic sauce with steamed vegetables and a couple glasses of merlot wine. I know white is preferred but red was less expensive and we like it better.
We stayed at Florida City for a three hour jaunt into Key West the next morning.
As we were driving through Sarasota we saw a sign which said Sarasota Garden Club, found out it was 70 years old beautiful small garden that had 150 members and private contributions help maintain the premises.
A couple blocks down the road was Shelby Botanical Garden, this was a large outside garden with many paths to follow. A grand old mansion was open and there was a display of Mariposa masks. They were highly decorated with multiple themes of butterflies or snakes or hummingbirds or leopards or mask with in the mask and local leaf patterns in intense colors. Ranging in price from 150$ to 3,500$. The gardens a must to see if in the area. This is the area we picked up the white beach sand, the whitest coming from this Gulf side.
Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice, Florida. We split a grouper sandwich and a margarita each. We walked the pier and saw quite a few people fishing but only one angler caught something while we walked by – a crab. At the end of the pier was a well tanned guy making palm flowers for the ladies at a price. I never found out how much because he was teaching some mid 70’s ladies how to do it. Looking for a good tip!
We took alligator alley across southern Florida. If you do, watch your speed, we saw many cop cars. I had just passed a truck doing 52 in a 55 and pulled over and behind me a Mercedes was scooting past me at a good rate of speed, as my radar detector went off. He pulled right over to the side for Mr. Policeman. I gingerly went on my way.
Mutineer Restaurant, we split a 6 oz lobster tail with 6 shrimp in a garlic sauce with steamed vegetables and a couple glasses of merlot wine. I know white is preferred but red was less expensive and we like it better.
We stayed at Florida City for a three hour jaunt into Key West the next morning.
March 6 Tuesday Day 9
Happy Birthday Danny! - brother-in-law for those who don't know.
We ate a lazy breakfast at Steve and Mary Ann's and off we went towards St Petersburg.
We wanted to see a manatee as long as we were close. We went to Homosassa wildlife Park in Homosassa Florida. The park is a refuge for injured Florida wildlife animals. This was a hoot, we saw flamingo’s during breeding season. A volunteer guide talked about the alligators in the pond, and that this was not their eating season and that even eating a a bird could cause them problems even death. During here presentation two alligators slipped into the pool and came close to the platform perched high above the water that she was speaking from. They pushed each other and frightened her. After that episode she talked about the hippo in the next pond. It is not part of Florida’s wildlife but it was in the park before it took in strays, it was finally resolved by the governor proclaiming the hippo was a citizen of the state and could live there until the end. They celebrate it’s birthday in February of each year by giving it an immense birthday cake, as she was spoiled by her first owners with peppermint candies. Now to the big shooe, as Ed Sullivan used to say, the manatees. As we went over the bridge to the other side of the park we were greeted by wild manatees on our right and injured manatees on our left. Both were quite the sight, much much bigger than I ever expected. I think she said later 1 to 3 tons. We took in the show, again delivered by volunteer guide. They presentation was next to the freshwater pool that fed the river with 300,000 gallons of fresh water an hour. That part of the pool was a light green, for a guy who is partially color blind. These docile animals are mammals that need to breathe. Two were lying in the river a short ways off but when the gal entered the water more came to her for slices of radishes, whole carrots and leafy lettuce. It was fun watching her pet the animals as they snuggled up to her. This was a great show, to bad these animals had been injured by boat propellers and being hit by them. The manatees were all female, as if any males were present offspring might be produced and they could not be kept in the park and they could also not survive in the wild. As they would have to be left go.
Down the road a long long way we go, hunger caught up with us and I saw a sign that said Catches Waterfront Grill was ahead at Port Richey. So there we ate. Sat outside to take in the rays as we devoured deep fried onion rings and zucchini, which was a meal in itself. Shirleen had grilled grouper and I had deep fried grouper with fries and steamed vegetables.
As the sun was setting I stopped at a beach in some town to watch it set, I know an old romantic. We had our picture taken by a guy and his wife who were setting on the beach doing as we were doing. I then noticed he had a hat on that said Scheel’s on it, he was from the Eau Claire Wisconsin store.
Can you believe it - No dinner that evening. Called Jim and Marge H. said we were running a day late and would come back that way to try and catch a Twins game and visit them. We owe them lunch.
We ate a lazy breakfast at Steve and Mary Ann's and off we went towards St Petersburg.
We wanted to see a manatee as long as we were close. We went to Homosassa wildlife Park in Homosassa Florida. The park is a refuge for injured Florida wildlife animals. This was a hoot, we saw flamingo’s during breeding season. A volunteer guide talked about the alligators in the pond, and that this was not their eating season and that even eating a a bird could cause them problems even death. During here presentation two alligators slipped into the pool and came close to the platform perched high above the water that she was speaking from. They pushed each other and frightened her. After that episode she talked about the hippo in the next pond. It is not part of Florida’s wildlife but it was in the park before it took in strays, it was finally resolved by the governor proclaiming the hippo was a citizen of the state and could live there until the end. They celebrate it’s birthday in February of each year by giving it an immense birthday cake, as she was spoiled by her first owners with peppermint candies. Now to the big shooe, as Ed Sullivan used to say, the manatees. As we went over the bridge to the other side of the park we were greeted by wild manatees on our right and injured manatees on our left. Both were quite the sight, much much bigger than I ever expected. I think she said later 1 to 3 tons. We took in the show, again delivered by volunteer guide. They presentation was next to the freshwater pool that fed the river with 300,000 gallons of fresh water an hour. That part of the pool was a light green, for a guy who is partially color blind. These docile animals are mammals that need to breathe. Two were lying in the river a short ways off but when the gal entered the water more came to her for slices of radishes, whole carrots and leafy lettuce. It was fun watching her pet the animals as they snuggled up to her. This was a great show, to bad these animals had been injured by boat propellers and being hit by them. The manatees were all female, as if any males were present offspring might be produced and they could not be kept in the park and they could also not survive in the wild. As they would have to be left go.
Down the road a long long way we go, hunger caught up with us and I saw a sign that said Catches Waterfront Grill was ahead at Port Richey. So there we ate. Sat outside to take in the rays as we devoured deep fried onion rings and zucchini, which was a meal in itself. Shirleen had grilled grouper and I had deep fried grouper with fries and steamed vegetables.
As the sun was setting I stopped at a beach in some town to watch it set, I know an old romantic. We had our picture taken by a guy and his wife who were setting on the beach doing as we were doing. I then noticed he had a hat on that said Scheel’s on it, he was from the Eau Claire Wisconsin store.
Can you believe it - No dinner that evening. Called Jim and Marge H. said we were running a day late and would come back that way to try and catch a Twins game and visit them. We owe them lunch.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
March 5 Monday Day 8
March 5 Monday Day 8
Another nice breakfast for us, along with yesterday’s leftovers. We went for a walk to burn off calories and get the heart pumping. Steve then suggested that I take the car over early, good thought. We got there about 10:30 and they had not received the hose but should soon. So we took off toward the house and ran through a Starbucks for another coffee.
We got home and dressed for the day. On to lunch, seems to be a never ending saga of where and what we ate. This time Steve talked me into a Firehouse sub sandwich shop. Good subs and chili. You can add up to 20 sauces to your chili, I used Emeril’s green kick it up a notch. We then went past the garage and as we did they called the cell phone that it was done, wish they had put in more time than 2 hours for the 500$.
To wash away that event we went to a winery, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Clermont FL, using traditional Florida Muscadine grape varieties, there output is one million bottles. The tour was super informative, we found out more than most would want. I asked about there lab, she said we have a real good one, I asked GC’s, and HPLC’s, I realized I went to far but found out that her father was a chemist. I then admitted my son and brother were one also and that I was a runner up to them. We tasted different types and each bought two bottles.
After snackies at the house we went to “Up The Creek” in The Villages for fish of which we were not disappointed. Truthfully, I cannot remember what we had if I do I will update like I am below.
jerr
Update for March 3 Saturday
For dinner we went to WC Steakhouse, this is where you never again will want to go to a restaurant that has only opened a week before. We were told 45 minutes well it was much longer, but the redeeming factor was the two for one wines we were drinking, the glasses said WC on them and in Europe I means water closet, rest rooms. Like all good things it came to an end and we ate a very good dinner, mahi mahi, prime cut their way – wood roasted. The waitress was a green card Ukrainian gal, I even guessed where she came from, heavy on the guessed. jerr
Another nice breakfast for us, along with yesterday’s leftovers. We went for a walk to burn off calories and get the heart pumping. Steve then suggested that I take the car over early, good thought. We got there about 10:30 and they had not received the hose but should soon. So we took off toward the house and ran through a Starbucks for another coffee.
We got home and dressed for the day. On to lunch, seems to be a never ending saga of where and what we ate. This time Steve talked me into a Firehouse sub sandwich shop. Good subs and chili. You can add up to 20 sauces to your chili, I used Emeril’s green kick it up a notch. We then went past the garage and as we did they called the cell phone that it was done, wish they had put in more time than 2 hours for the 500$.
To wash away that event we went to a winery, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Clermont FL, using traditional Florida Muscadine grape varieties, there output is one million bottles. The tour was super informative, we found out more than most would want. I asked about there lab, she said we have a real good one, I asked GC’s, and HPLC’s, I realized I went to far but found out that her father was a chemist. I then admitted my son and brother were one also and that I was a runner up to them. We tasted different types and each bought two bottles.
After snackies at the house we went to “Up The Creek” in The Villages for fish of which we were not disappointed. Truthfully, I cannot remember what we had if I do I will update like I am below.
jerr
Update for March 3 Saturday
For dinner we went to WC Steakhouse, this is where you never again will want to go to a restaurant that has only opened a week before. We were told 45 minutes well it was much longer, but the redeeming factor was the two for one wines we were drinking, the glasses said WC on them and in Europe I means water closet, rest rooms. Like all good things it came to an end and we ate a very good dinner, mahi mahi, prime cut their way – wood roasted. The waitress was a green card Ukrainian gal, I even guessed where she came from, heavy on the guessed. jerr
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
March 4 changed writing
March 4 Sunday Day 7
Had a nice brunch at the house. Among the items we had were a crescent roll, ham and four egg mixture baked for 30 minutes for half an hour and in another bowl add a bag full of hash browns, mix a cup of cheese – your option as to what type - and pour in a pint of cream mix and bake in same oven, with the egg mixture.
After that the following episode - when we pulled into Steve and Mary Ann’s on Thursday the power steering sounded funny. Should have looked into it then but, Oh well were on vacation I’ll check it a little later. Well this was too late but I started the car and it made a lot of noise. What to do, Steve said maybe they have a Gemini Goodyear car fix it shop. We went on line and found one not more than 4 miles down the road, as long as you take a left not a right out of Stonecrest subdivision.
I eventually found the shop, nice looking from the outside and they check the power steering pump, which I thought was the problem, and it was not at fault. They did find a leaky high pressure hose, from the rubber hose itself. What else did they find, and thank god they did, a nail in the sidewall of the rear drivers tire. So they ordered the hose to be put on at noon the next day.
We had set up a time to meet Dick A. at his home in Dell Web Country Club. Throughout the troubleshooting of the car this time had changed twice. We finally made it over at his place an hour or so later. We toured the home and he gave us a tour of the grounds. A nice quiet neighborhood with plenty of sporting activities of which many he partakes of. We then ate at the Outback, even after calling ahead and guaranteed 20 minutes till seating, it took nearly 45 minutes. They made up for it with a very good meal. We went back to Dicks and talked for a while longer, discussing many and forgetting Lenny’s last name and then it came, Vernlund. We wrapped up the evening with Steve and Mary Ann.
jerr
Had a nice brunch at the house. Among the items we had were a crescent roll, ham and four egg mixture baked for 30 minutes for half an hour and in another bowl add a bag full of hash browns, mix a cup of cheese – your option as to what type - and pour in a pint of cream mix and bake in same oven, with the egg mixture.
After that the following episode - when we pulled into Steve and Mary Ann’s on Thursday the power steering sounded funny. Should have looked into it then but, Oh well were on vacation I’ll check it a little later. Well this was too late but I started the car and it made a lot of noise. What to do, Steve said maybe they have a Gemini Goodyear car fix it shop. We went on line and found one not more than 4 miles down the road, as long as you take a left not a right out of Stonecrest subdivision.
I eventually found the shop, nice looking from the outside and they check the power steering pump, which I thought was the problem, and it was not at fault. They did find a leaky high pressure hose, from the rubber hose itself. What else did they find, and thank god they did, a nail in the sidewall of the rear drivers tire. So they ordered the hose to be put on at noon the next day.
We had set up a time to meet Dick A. at his home in Dell Web Country Club. Throughout the troubleshooting of the car this time had changed twice. We finally made it over at his place an hour or so later. We toured the home and he gave us a tour of the grounds. A nice quiet neighborhood with plenty of sporting activities of which many he partakes of. We then ate at the Outback, even after calling ahead and guaranteed 20 minutes till seating, it took nearly 45 minutes. They made up for it with a very good meal. We went back to Dicks and talked for a while longer, discussing many and forgetting Lenny’s last name and then it came, Vernlund. We wrapped up the evening with Steve and Mary Ann.
jerr
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Day 6 Saturday
March 3 Saturday
Cool morning to wake up to but no snow and still wearing shorts. A leisurely start to our day today with a light breakfast. Off we went to the west to try and find a spot alongside the river that they had visited two years ago. After a pit stop for directions we found a spot to eat, found Coach’s Pub & Eatery in Dunnellan. As usual the food was acceptable along with a couple of wines. We then progressed to Rainbow Springs Park. As it turned out there was an art fair being held there. We walked down to the waters edge, the water was crystal clear. So much so that we could watch the fish swim around the dock, they looked like bluegills and bass. There were a number of black mergansers and a turne then suddenly we heard the hooting of a great horned owl. The park reminded me of a big swampy area, the beauty of the moss hanging from the trees, the lichen on the tree trunks and fan shaped palms.
jerr
Cool morning to wake up to but no snow and still wearing shorts. A leisurely start to our day today with a light breakfast. Off we went to the west to try and find a spot alongside the river that they had visited two years ago. After a pit stop for directions we found a spot to eat, found Coach’s Pub & Eatery in Dunnellan. As usual the food was acceptable along with a couple of wines. We then progressed to Rainbow Springs Park. As it turned out there was an art fair being held there. We walked down to the waters edge, the water was crystal clear. So much so that we could watch the fish swim around the dock, they looked like bluegills and bass. There were a number of black mergansers and a turne then suddenly we heard the hooting of a great horned owl. The park reminded me of a big swampy area, the beauty of the moss hanging from the trees, the lichen on the tree trunks and fan shaped palms.
jerr
Day 5
March 2 Friday
Started out the day with a home spun breakfast at Steve and Mary Ann A.. We then went on a little stroll through the neighborhood; it sure is neat to see the palms and other southern plants. The weather is off and on rain and somewhat cool.
During the walk we went into an active cemetery for blacks. It is in the subdivision but accessed from outside via a path. Because of its location it is hard to get too. It is quaint but run down, there are some headstones, some concrete markers and small metal name plaques. The vault lids are lying on the ground; suspect that the vault itself is buried directly beneath the lid and not six feet down like ours, not much concern about frost line down here. This cemetery needs attention and if in any of our towns I would think a scout troop would pick it up. Think the name of it is Stanton cemetery.
Lunch was at one of “The Villages” restaurant, had one of the best Ruben’s I have had since the old days at the Kaiserhoff. Steve thought that I should have a jacket so he tried to make me wear Homer (the jacket) and then tried to make me buy one. Well I didn’t and we continued to drive around the “Villages” complex looking at the differently aged areas, ranging from double wide’s to some monsters. Also took a look at the blue tarps from the tornado damage of a couple weeks ago, six or so mile from there home.
It was 4 pm and time for our afternoon nap. Upon wakening we had wine and appetizers. I mention the crescent roll wrapped cocktail weenies that can be made ahead and frozen. Take out what’s needed and bake on a sheet pan for 20 minutes at 350deg. Another wine and it is time to go to dinner.
We went up the road of this subdivision to their restaurant. The grouper Steve and I had was just delicious, his broiled and my Cajun blackened. Mary Ann had shrimp and Shirleen had salmon. We skipped dessert because of the obvious consumption of the day.
Back home we sat down for a while and watched TV and talked. Steve and I headed our own ways to the sack before the gals.
Started out the day with a home spun breakfast at Steve and Mary Ann A.. We then went on a little stroll through the neighborhood; it sure is neat to see the palms and other southern plants. The weather is off and on rain and somewhat cool.
During the walk we went into an active cemetery for blacks. It is in the subdivision but accessed from outside via a path. Because of its location it is hard to get too. It is quaint but run down, there are some headstones, some concrete markers and small metal name plaques. The vault lids are lying on the ground; suspect that the vault itself is buried directly beneath the lid and not six feet down like ours, not much concern about frost line down here. This cemetery needs attention and if in any of our towns I would think a scout troop would pick it up. Think the name of it is Stanton cemetery.
Lunch was at one of “The Villages” restaurant, had one of the best Ruben’s I have had since the old days at the Kaiserhoff. Steve thought that I should have a jacket so he tried to make me wear Homer (the jacket) and then tried to make me buy one. Well I didn’t and we continued to drive around the “Villages” complex looking at the differently aged areas, ranging from double wide’s to some monsters. Also took a look at the blue tarps from the tornado damage of a couple weeks ago, six or so mile from there home.
It was 4 pm and time for our afternoon nap. Upon wakening we had wine and appetizers. I mention the crescent roll wrapped cocktail weenies that can be made ahead and frozen. Take out what’s needed and bake on a sheet pan for 20 minutes at 350deg. Another wine and it is time to go to dinner.
We went up the road of this subdivision to their restaurant. The grouper Steve and I had was just delicious, his broiled and my Cajun blackened. Mary Ann had shrimp and Shirleen had salmon. We skipped dessert because of the obvious consumption of the day.
Back home we sat down for a while and watched TV and talked. Steve and I headed our own ways to the sack before the gals.
Day 4 Thursday
I am back on a Win XP again.
March 1 Thursday
Welcome to thunder storms this morning, but it is 50 degs. The rain and forecast for more was enough to say lets do Atlanta some other time. Being 25 miles outside of town and the TV stations saying the traffic was backed up awful through Atlanta we took off at 9 am. Five lanes of parking lot traffic into the round the town loop, rain hitting us in spurts like machine gun bullets. Of course never had that it us but just imagine. I was pleasantly surprised that when the hard rain fell the traffic slowed down. Getting around Atlanta in a heavy rainstorm should not be left to retirees!! Saw a J&R Schugel truck 20 miles south of the city.
Made a mistake at lunch, stopped at a Shoney’s buffet exit 101 in GA and was their fried chicken and roast pork delicious- ate too much. Shirleen is in command as I sit in the front seat writing this. I thought it was right that she got to drive in the rain showers also.
We meandered down to Mary Ann and Steve, our neighbors that had lived on Candi Lane when we did. We arrived at there house, 86deg, about 5 pm. Had a couple beers to wash down the dry road conditions we drove in. Out for supper, went to “The Villages” for an Italian meal sitting outside, the girls had lasagna and Steve and I had mahi mahi and spaghetti, Steve had a mild white sauce and mine had mussels and a red sauce. Across the street was a songfest. These it turns out are held daily til 9 pm. The group had two people in it, she sang he sang and played guitar and sang all types of music and people are dancing in the square. It was quite a sight, someone sits out chairs and there are tents with beverages. Neat concept.
jerr
March 1 Thursday
Welcome to thunder storms this morning, but it is 50 degs. The rain and forecast for more was enough to say lets do Atlanta some other time. Being 25 miles outside of town and the TV stations saying the traffic was backed up awful through Atlanta we took off at 9 am. Five lanes of parking lot traffic into the round the town loop, rain hitting us in spurts like machine gun bullets. Of course never had that it us but just imagine. I was pleasantly surprised that when the hard rain fell the traffic slowed down. Getting around Atlanta in a heavy rainstorm should not be left to retirees!! Saw a J&R Schugel truck 20 miles south of the city.
Made a mistake at lunch, stopped at a Shoney’s buffet exit 101 in GA and was their fried chicken and roast pork delicious- ate too much. Shirleen is in command as I sit in the front seat writing this. I thought it was right that she got to drive in the rain showers also.
We meandered down to Mary Ann and Steve, our neighbors that had lived on Candi Lane when we did. We arrived at there house, 86deg, about 5 pm. Had a couple beers to wash down the dry road conditions we drove in. Out for supper, went to “The Villages” for an Italian meal sitting outside, the girls had lasagna and Steve and I had mahi mahi and spaghetti, Steve had a mild white sauce and mine had mussels and a red sauce. Across the street was a songfest. These it turns out are held daily til 9 pm. The group had two people in it, she sang he sang and played guitar and sang all types of music and people are dancing in the square. It was quite a sight, someone sits out chairs and there are tents with beverages. Neat concept.
jerr
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Suwanee GA 8:29 pm
Well no scraping the windows this morning. We stayed alongside the creek running through Gatlinburg last evening. Through the Smokey Mountains we went. Up to 3,200 feet and down then up then down. We all of a sudden realized we were headed the wrong way. I pulled out the pc and spun it up and hooked up the GPS. No signal, but with Maps and Streets I found the Podunk town we were in, turned around and picked up the signal and wound up cutting cross country to get back on track.
Today we went to visit our next door neighbors from Queens Ct, Dee and Dick E. . We followed the GPS to their front door and at that time it said we had 3 yds to go, I think it was 3.1 yds. What a fun visit, we had a glass of wine before we went to the clubhouse to eat. The soup and I can’t remember the name of it was super and the grouper was prepared just right, and tasted delicious.
We then toured the lake, what a nice place to retire, especially when you like to fish and have warm weather. After some more chatting we left toward Atlanta in order to jump into the city mid morning.
Seemed like a long day, I think the mountains got the best of us. Till Later, Jerr
Today we went to visit our next door neighbors from Queens Ct, Dee and Dick E. . We followed the GPS to their front door and at that time it said we had 3 yds to go, I think it was 3.1 yds. What a fun visit, we had a glass of wine before we went to the clubhouse to eat. The soup and I can’t remember the name of it was super and the grouper was prepared just right, and tasted delicious.
We then toured the lake, what a nice place to retire, especially when you like to fish and have warm weather. After some more chatting we left toward Atlanta in order to jump into the city mid morning.
Seemed like a long day, I think the mountains got the best of us. Till Later, Jerr
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Tuesday Day 2
We first had to scrape the car windows of frost before we could leave Franklin IN, 25 degs. Down past Louisville and into the beautiful rolling countryside with many horse corral between it and Lexington. Also saw two J&R Schugel trucks moving west, New Ulm trucks with bases in Champagne-Urbana and Atlanta GA. On some hiway markers we noticed a state ran wayside artesian exhibit by Beave KT. It had over 700 artesian from the area. So many minds with so many different talents and crafts. Found our ornament, a holly leaf’s appointed on a gourd. That we could pack easily. Their café was home-style, we split a Kentucky brown sandwich made of a slice of Pullman bread layered with slices of turkey, ham and a delicate sauce topped off with a slice of tomato crisscrossed with bacon and baked. The catfish fillet was deep fried with a light batter made of corn meal, back to where they know how to fry fish.
We entered the hallowed hills in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We drove the canyon of the artists of Gatlinburg and went through another artesian shop of the surrounding Appalachia’s. And from there to dinner at The Park Grill in Gatlinburg. This place had a salad bar, with unknown mozzarella balls and anchovies. The fillet Mignon and freshly prepared trout was delicious. Staying in Gatlinburg 62 deg.
Jerr
We entered the hallowed hills in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We drove the canyon of the artists of Gatlinburg and went through another artesian shop of the surrounding Appalachia’s. And from there to dinner at The Park Grill in Gatlinburg. This place had a salad bar, with unknown mozzarella balls and anchovies. The fillet Mignon and freshly prepared trout was delicious. Staying in Gatlinburg 62 deg.
Jerr
Monday, February 26, 2007
Day 1 Monday
What a day to take off on, left two inches of snow on the driveway. Got out before the plow did its number. We crept slowly to the Iowa boarder. Once there is was pedal to the metal. We wondered how many semi trucks we saw and how many miles are racked up during one driving day by all those truckers. We started to see power line utility trucks in NE Iowa and throughout Illinois, all headed to the west. Bet we saw 60 of them.
Along the road we saw 3 turkeys, 40 deer or so, one bunch about 30.
At mile 636 we entered St. Elmo's Steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis. That shrimp sauce was as good as remembered. Fresh horseradish and cocktail sauce. They had an interesting bread. Thinly sliced, about 1/4 inch 2 inch round without crust pile high with fresh Parmesan cheese and baked a light brown. Rib eye was good also.
As we were leaving my telephone rang, it was a wrong number, Dennis J. was calling home and he mis-dialed us instead. -- Till Later Jerr
Along the road we saw 3 turkeys, 40 deer or so, one bunch about 30.
At mile 636 we entered St. Elmo's Steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis. That shrimp sauce was as good as remembered. Fresh horseradish and cocktail sauce. They had an interesting bread. Thinly sliced, about 1/4 inch 2 inch round without crust pile high with fresh Parmesan cheese and baked a light brown. Rib eye was good also.
As we were leaving my telephone rang, it was a wrong number, Dennis J. was calling home and he mis-dialed us instead. -- Till Later Jerr
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Warm Weather
It has been a long time since I last entered anything. We have been busy preparing for our departure south. The travelogue will monitoring our leaving Monday morning, headed to Indianapolis for the evening. Hope to eat at St. Elmo's Steakhouse, land of the best tasting shrimp cocktail. Their cocktail sauce is heavily sauced with horseradish. The next day gets us into Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. More to come!!! Jerr
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Cool Minnesota Winter
Been a while!
Today, seeing it was cold here, we decided to go to the Mall of America and take in the tulip show. It sure made it a colorful day, there were many wooden shoes some used as plant containers and others on the bottoms of peoples feet. We took the time to watch a group of Hollander dancers with wooden shoes. It was entertaining. As we were watching I noticed a guy taking pictures of the dancers, he looked familiar. It turned out to be a guy and his wife that we traveled to Holland back in 2002. We chatted 20 minutes or so and had a good time catching up on their travels. We had run into them two or three years ago at the State Fair. We have never run into people that we have traveled with other than these two.
We ended up eating a pizza at Buca's in Burnsville, always like their pepperoni, sausage, caramelized onions and an unmentioned ingredient blue cheese.
Tomorrow is another day if anything really interesting I shall annotate. Oh yes, I again saw the two red-tailed hawk yesterday.
Jerry
Today, seeing it was cold here, we decided to go to the Mall of America and take in the tulip show. It sure made it a colorful day, there were many wooden shoes some used as plant containers and others on the bottoms of peoples feet. We took the time to watch a group of Hollander dancers with wooden shoes. It was entertaining. As we were watching I noticed a guy taking pictures of the dancers, he looked familiar. It turned out to be a guy and his wife that we traveled to Holland back in 2002. We chatted 20 minutes or so and had a good time catching up on their travels. We had run into them two or three years ago at the State Fair. We have never run into people that we have traveled with other than these two.
We ended up eating a pizza at Buca's in Burnsville, always like their pepperoni, sausage, caramelized onions and an unmentioned ingredient blue cheese.
Tomorrow is another day if anything really interesting I shall annotate. Oh yes, I again saw the two red-tailed hawk yesterday.
Jerry
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
January 24,2007
Wednesday was a low key day, as usual I walked the mall with Shirleen. That afternoon I again saw two hawk’s diving around the bluff, about ¾ down the hill. I watched on dive down and it looked like it chased a squirrel but missed dinner.
Jerry
Jerry
January 23, 2007
Tuesday afternoon we attended a well done Beginning Genealogy presentation at Old Main Village. Dr. Win Grundmeier lined up the event, my old physical chemistry prof. Shelley had some nice handouts for researching family histories.
Jerry
Jerry
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday January 22
Monday morning Abby wanted breakfast so we made pancakes with a couple pieces of Schmit’s bacon. Today was our farewell lunch with Michelle and Mark. We ate at Neighbors and of to Sussex they flew. The rest of us then continued with normal life activities.
I looked out over the bluff mid afternoon and saw a hawk diving into the snow half way down the hill. After carefully following that hawk, as it jumped around a couple times from tree branch to tree branch. It was big and we felt it was a red tail hawk. Then to our astonishment we saw it fly across to the south followed closely by another great. Neat to watch.
Jerry
I looked out over the bluff mid afternoon and saw a hawk diving into the snow half way down the hill. After carefully following that hawk, as it jumped around a couple times from tree branch to tree branch. It was big and we felt it was a red tail hawk. Then to our astonishment we saw it fly across to the south followed closely by another great. Neat to watch.
Jerry
Sunday January 21, 2007
Sunday brought us to brunch at the Old Country Buffet. It surely surprised me how good the food was. After brunch Abby had a sledding party with some girls at Mount Kato. Danielle wanted to go sledding so Michelle, Mark K , Sheryl and Mark went to the hill by Spring Lake Park. No one got hurt, but tired out, Oh yes.
Arrived at the house late afternoon. Grandma Shirleen had already made the dumplings (knoedel) by using prepared 32 oz. bread crumbs, one egg and a quarter cup flour. This resulted in 32 - 1 ½ inch dumplings. The cutlets were well browned in the pressure cooker then cooked in it; the meat was taken out and after the sauerkraut was drained then added to the browned and fatty residue and pressure cooked for a while. After cooking and the lid being off a finely grated potato was added to thicken along with a tablespoon of brown sugar. This was now ready to eat after a half pound of butter was melted to put on the dumpling after cutting them.
Then came Christmas present opening. The night before and through early morning snow fell about three inches, it decked out the trees behind the house again in white trimming. A graceful eagle flew the ridge just before eating.
Then we ate with Michelle’s Riesling wine as an accompaniment. The girls wondered what was for dessert after their fish sticks? Grandma said the chocolates on the table and the pineapple angel food cake left over from Friday night. The cake was attached by all. The evening was topped off by having Danielle go with Michelle and Mark to the Country Inn and Abby slept over with us.
Jerry
Arrived at the house late afternoon. Grandma Shirleen had already made the dumplings (knoedel) by using prepared 32 oz. bread crumbs, one egg and a quarter cup flour. This resulted in 32 - 1 ½ inch dumplings. The cutlets were well browned in the pressure cooker then cooked in it; the meat was taken out and after the sauerkraut was drained then added to the browned and fatty residue and pressure cooked for a while. After cooking and the lid being off a finely grated potato was added to thicken along with a tablespoon of brown sugar. This was now ready to eat after a half pound of butter was melted to put on the dumpling after cutting them.
Then came Christmas present opening. The night before and through early morning snow fell about three inches, it decked out the trees behind the house again in white trimming. A graceful eagle flew the ridge just before eating.
Then we ate with Michelle’s Riesling wine as an accompaniment. The girls wondered what was for dessert after their fish sticks? Grandma said the chocolates on the table and the pineapple angel food cake left over from Friday night. The cake was attached by all. The evening was topped off by having Danielle go with Michelle and Mark to the Country Inn and Abby slept over with us.
Jerry
Saturday, January 20, 2007
What a Full Day!!
Today was an eventful day. Started with the breakfast posted yesterday. Of course something’s change. To the eggs, cheese and bacon crumbles were added. For toast we used the leftover bread from last night, Sheryl may have eaten some. Saucing the eggs was evolutionary, from Tabasco, to a New Orleans hot sauce, Tabasco Chipotle and a Paul Newman pineapple salsa.
After some fine conversation we were headed out again, Shirleen and I for meds and the rest to Target for B-day presents from Shelley and Mark. We did meet them outside Target as we were making our walk for the day.
Off to Aunt Colleen and Uncle Pat. We had a pleasant visit for an hour or so and then off to the next event.
Aunt Mary and Uncle Dan’s open house for the Army recruit – Joe(y). I appreciate Joe’s taking on a job many cannot handle. Thanks Joe!! I sure am PROUD of you; this comment seems so inadequate to my true feeling. So what next, the full Mary/Dan/Joe/Nate/Amanda/Alec/ Emily / Luke, Denny/Pat/Shirleen/Jerry/Mark/Sheryl/Abby/Danielle families went to where? The Kaiserhoff, ribs were had by many, along with tasty coleslaw and many Ray’s salad slobbered with much salad dressings. It is always nice to go with a big group of this family to the K, as this is where we had many fine dinner gatherings with Mom and Dad. We also realized that there was one person who would have remembered that Denny was a bartender their, Kay G. We had a nice Minnesota good-bye as we all struggled to leave and depart for home.
It was then head for the shed time. We arrived back in North Mankato and Jerry got to watch his Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale AZ.
Tomorrow we have brunch and later afternoon Christmas present time. We will cap off the evening with sauerkraut, knoedel oozing with butter, and pork cutlets, not sure what Marks family will have?
Standby, Jerry
After some fine conversation we were headed out again, Shirleen and I for meds and the rest to Target for B-day presents from Shelley and Mark. We did meet them outside Target as we were making our walk for the day.
Off to Aunt Colleen and Uncle Pat. We had a pleasant visit for an hour or so and then off to the next event.
Aunt Mary and Uncle Dan’s open house for the Army recruit – Joe(y). I appreciate Joe’s taking on a job many cannot handle. Thanks Joe!! I sure am PROUD of you; this comment seems so inadequate to my true feeling. So what next, the full Mary/Dan/Joe/Nate/Amanda/Alec/ Emily / Luke, Denny/Pat/Shirleen/Jerry/Mark/Sheryl/Abby/Danielle families went to where? The Kaiserhoff, ribs were had by many, along with tasty coleslaw and many Ray’s salad slobbered with much salad dressings. It is always nice to go with a big group of this family to the K, as this is where we had many fine dinner gatherings with Mom and Dad. We also realized that there was one person who would have remembered that Denny was a bartender their, Kay G. We had a nice Minnesota good-bye as we all struggled to leave and depart for home.
It was then head for the shed time. We arrived back in North Mankato and Jerry got to watch his Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale AZ.
Tomorrow we have brunch and later afternoon Christmas present time. We will cap off the evening with sauerkraut, knoedel oozing with butter, and pork cutlets, not sure what Marks family will have?
Standby, Jerry
Friday, January 19, 2007
Dinner for eight - Jerry Style
Friday night, Michelle and Mark made it from Sussex at 7:30 pm. The wine for dinner was a bottle of wine from Nate at Christmas, Chateauneuf du pape 2002 a red Rhone, and Sheryl also liked it, girls didn't, Sheryl had a glass of her white SCHMITT SÖHNE Riesling Spatlese. Rib eye steaks were had and enjoyed by all, the girls wanted to add - we ate ours with ketchup. The sinful potatoes were eaten by most, the girls passed. Corn always goes and did. Next were the fire grilled basil and garlic salt French bread. It was grilled in the afternoon and ate by all. The girls could only have more bread if they ate some fried mushrooms; they ate a small infinitesimal portion of them to get more grilled bread of grandpa's. For dessert we had pineapple angel food cake with cool whip on it, the girls ate strawberry or chocolate ice cream. It was determined that Michelle would cook breakfast Saturday for the group at 11 am. We will have scrambled eggs with cheese, shredded potatoes, bacon and Jimmy Deans sausage.
More to come, Jerry
More to come, Jerry
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Friday the 12th
Friday was busy, Shirleen and Eloise had Country Club bridge and had a great score, both morning and afternoon. Jerry worked on turnover of Junior Pioneer items with Terry and Darla. At noon Bob P., Louie L., Pat E. and I had the first Long Range Planning Committee of the German-Bohemian Heritage Society. The afternoon had me in the GBHS research center, Angie, Joleen and Rita worked on various items.That evening we drove back to New Ulm for the MVTL Holiday Party. It was fun for Shirleen and I to visit with old friends.
Jerr
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Jan 4, 2007
Returning from Phoenix we spent a night outside of Kansas City. The reason, to eat at Lidia's Restaurant in Kansas City. Shirleen's Bone-in-Ribeye and my Tri-Pasta dish were right on.
The next morning we drove back to North Mankato, of course stopped at Chips restaurant just north of Des Moines for lunch, needed the Thursday arrival for Shirleen's bridge at the Club the next day. Jerr
The next morning we drove back to North Mankato, of course stopped at Chips restaurant just north of Des Moines for lunch, needed the Thursday arrival for Shirleen's bridge at the Club the next day. Jerr
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