Just reading, 'riting and resting!!

Hello, again!!

Adjustng to the Fla life - they are an hour ahead of Chg time, so I wake up earlier but have absolutely NO trouble going back to sleep. Paul leaves really early (around 4:30 or 5:00 am) and doesn't get home 'til 6:30 or 7:00 pm. He's a workaholic... Larry has been doing some Doral auditing on personnel sheets for Paul (at home), so Molsen and Copper and I try to stay out of his way. (As if we could distract him) He's working on the patio, but we had to go to the Mall to get leashes for the yard because every time we opened the door, the doggies wanted to chase birds. (I refrained from that so I don't need restraints.)

Yesterday evening was quite exciting, but disturbing. We heard lots of sirens and horns and figured there must have been an accident nearby. About 5 or 10 min. later - more of the same. Then a helicopter came right over the house, very low, and Larry & I went outside just in time to see the copter land in the park field next to the house (approximately half a block away). Ambulances, fire trucks, emer.vehicles all lined up and we waited. They brought someone from the wreckage (on the free-way), put them in the helicopter and airlifted away. Didn't see anything on the news - no "updates" like in Chg Perchance that isn't news here, or no one is interested. News is just things like cloned puppies, woman having octuplets, new restaurant openings (THAT is news - it's usually closings) Feel free to let me in on any happenings in your vicinity. Superbowl Sunday is coming up!! Who knows - we may joourney to Tampa just to be in on the action - partying, not football!!

'Til next time then. carry on!

Two Days in Florida Sun

As you can probably tell by the Blog Title, we are taking advantage of the warmth, the sun and Paolo's free time. After a Larry-prepared breakfast of French toast, bacon, coffee, etc., we headed for the beach . We parked in a near-by garage (after many attempts to find a parking space), then toted our snack-pack filled with soft drinks & edibles, beach towels and other beach paraphenalia to a spot on the sand. Tied to confiscate some beach chairs, but the ever-vigilant attendant said , "That will $10 per chair and $10 if you want an umbrella." Big deal!! We came to be in the sun (no umbrella) and $40 would pay for our intended lunch. We all laid out enough to get totally "crisped" (except Larry, of course, who never seems to burn), dropped our "beach" stuff off at the car and went in and out of shops along Lincoln Mall strip. As we sauntered along, we surveyed all the outdoor dining selections and decided on "Carnevale" for Italian food.

Umm-mm, delicious - with red wine, of course, and Larry ordered a frozen something or other. Drove back to the house and discussed "What's going on tomorrow?"

Today is "tomorrow" and that's Sunday! Larry, Paul & doggies walked me the 3 or 4 blocks to church where the guitar group blasted a few lively hymns, the Knights of Columbus were preparing their fund-raiser barbeque, and the sunshine promised another day near the water. To relax, read, just hang out, we traveled to ... Doral Spa Pool. Got all settled in, applied our newly-purchased suntan oil, the waitress came by (NOT Jessica!) with menus and we basked!!

Decided to get a little lunch and- then - the sun went in, clouds hovered, skies blackened and we decided to go shopping ... of all places, Macy's ... Everyone bought something but yours truly!

Went back home to have margueritas, then go to dinner. After that,however, we watched a movie (Burn After Reading) and just decided to order pizza and watch TV. Jonferes had to catch a 6:30 a.m. plane, Paul goes to work early, and Larry, the dogs and I just laugh, roll over, and wait for the mid-morning sun to come up.

It's really warm and nice here - but don't know what you guys are doing (except Jane). Karen, who are you taking to breakfast on Sat.; Mary B., are you coming to visit while I'm here; Bern, did you guys do anything different in NoLa; Laddie, lots of cool biker T-shirts here; Bri-boob, better adjust your itinerary; Hillary, where the heck are you; Sheila, we tried getting peppermint milk shakes, but they were closed on Sundays; Jason, more interesting journeys await!! ALL of you - comment away - it's a work-week, so we won't be doing "touristy things"

Sorry about your Chicago deep freeze - wish you could all enjoy the sun and sand. Til next time

Think Spring - !!

BEGINNING ADVENTURES

Today's temperature started out in the mid-sixties; so we decided to go to Miami Beach and, amongst other things, view the ocean, white sand, sun-bathers (!), and just walk along the shore.

Our next stop: Miami Ink - hilarious!! Couldn't take time to find a proper "peanut" drawing that we liked so I settled for a more expansive transfer. It was getting late and we decided to head home - right in the midst of the "rush" hour.Dashed in and out a few shops across the street - each of us had our own interests and specialty shops we liked;



but our main interest and absolute delight was "Casa Casuarina," the "legendary mansion" most recently owned by Gianni Versace. It has been turned into a hotel and is open to the public for tours, etc. but you can eat lunch inside. So-o, that's just what we did!!



Absolutely beautiful...almost like a museum ... can't believe people actually lived there. Reminded me somewhat of Hearst Castle in Calif.

Took pictures - Paul joked with the waiter and he told Paul we could sneek into a room near our table (Versace's private dining room - now a more private room for those who can host a small dinner party and pay for it). All the walls were small stones & pebbles arranged in mosaics and borders; Versace's large table had been removed and smaller -sized tables with white cloths, place- settings, candle centerpieces, etc. replaced it.

We enjoyed our lunch and took peeks into the pool area, etc - spent almost the rest of the afternoon there. Left, strolled around, and looked into a few more shops Jennifer was fascinated with the body-wax emporium and after a somewhat " disgusting survey," we journeyed on.

Well, have to go now. The sky is blue, the sun is bright and since it's going to be in the mid to high 70s, we feel obligated to hit the beach. Hope you are all bundled against the wind, wearing your mittens, and keeping warm. We are - staying warm, that is!!!

Blogging has gone on long enough - we have to get ready to go to the beach again - or somewhere!! Sun is bright, sky is blue, and we are roasting!!!

Later ..

We Arrived in Miami

Okay, everyone - Here we go!!!

After a smooth and uneventful air flight a (thank goodness), we were met at the airport by Paul. Drove to their Miami home and had a glass of "welcoming chardonnay."

Decided to go to Bahama Breeze for dinner (Jane & Laddie will appreciate that - we spent a few good times there when we were in Florida before)

After a "few" Bahamaritas (with "sidecars") and "ultimate" pina coloda (lots & lots of fresh, shredded coconut!), we ordered appetizers to share, rather than meals - picture coconut shrimp, firecracker shrimp, clam claws, spinach & artichoke dip - and a reorder of coconut shrimp. (needless to say - I loved the

coconut & the firey (hot) shrimp. Home - retired to our respective roms - lights out - tomorrow is another day!!! (Rather, today...)

Going to Miami!!!!

I'm getting ready to go Miami tomorrow and am setting up a blog so everyone can see what I am up to. Please visit my blog every day!!