SUMMER RETURNS

Hate to continue speaking of the weather, but it was so unlike Florida last week that I can't help it!! Old age, thin blood, whatever, my goosebumps kindled goosebumps ... But NOW - The sun is hot! The sky is blue! The temperature has returned to 80s, so I'm happy again.

We were so entranced by the slow warm-up that we sat out on the patio, ate cheese and delicious fruit (umm, pineapple!) and slivers of coconut. Of course, Paul & I had to wash it all down with chardonnay. Very pleasent evening - even the doggies were docile and content to lay around the yard. (Larry was happy sipping his flavored water.)

Thursday, we went to Doral to have lunch at Champions - a more casual, sandwich & salad-type restaurant. You can also watch some of the golfers on the beautiful course. Moira and her friend, Sarah met us there. Moira is the cutest and liveliest Irish lady you would ever want to meet. She moved to the States from Ireland in the late sixties and still has the brogue to go along with her wit. She and Larry worked together at Mattiott Oakbrook Hills in the food & beverage services. (Moira was going to pick up a niece at the airport.) She just retired and has a small condo with her husband in West Palm Beach. She loves it because so many friends, especially from Ireland, stay there during the winter and you can "play a different game of cards every night." Just listening to her talk about all the things she does reinvigorates you - oh, well - back to my book and easy chair!!

Paul came home around noon on Friday - had to take a few "mental health" hours (right, Jane). He needs it!! We all decided to go to a movie - the last one on our "best picture" list before next Sunday's Oscars. Saw "The Reader," with Kate Winslet. Rather erotic to begin with, but as the picture and story progressed, it was quite good. While we were journeying there, Paul got a call and he had to go back to the office after the movie...he came home about four hours later. Larry, however, put the time to good use. He hung a wrought iron lantern-type chandelier in the front, outdoor entrance to replace the smaller one that came with the house. (Bern and Brian had given it to them - they had replaced it with another fixture at their house.) Looks great! Sheds more light and shows up the front of the house to better advantage.

Saturday, we left early to travel to Coconut Grove, FL. Art Festival. As we approached, you could tell it was an annual event. People selling flowers (also because it was Valentine Day), sun hats, souvenirs of all sorts; also many trying to get you to park in various lawn spaces for prices anywhere from $10 to $20. We opted for regular garage parking at a flat, all-day rate of $10 - safer and closer to festival. Next on the agenda - BREAKFAST & COFFEE!!

Walking along the brick sidewalk, Larry spotted a menu hanging on the side of an apparently open-air establishment that looked like an "early-opened" bar. We decided to try it because they served breakfast and we were hungry. It was absolutely great!! It was French - the waiters even spoke the language - somewhat different from the Spanish we hear so often around Miami. Very casual - find your own seating (lucky to find your own waiter). It was so "New Orleansy" it was unbelievable! I had an Omelette du Buchon...the name of the chef who opened the place about 4 or 5 years ago, coffee very strong, omelet ingredients fresh & tastey - we thoroughly enjoyed it. (Found out that this little section IS a French Quarter area - like Nawlins.) On to the Fest ...

It was truly an ART festival - very creative, original, expensive. The sculptures, large glass and sand-blasted-design vases, and huge, outdoor-type bronze works - all were very different. We especially like one artist's booth - bronze sculptures - table-top size to a little larger. They were so inventive. Parts of some items were hinged and opened to convey another aspect of the design. Larry took lots of pictures; so I'll just turn much of this Blog site over to him!

We did see some cute things before entering the Festival itself - Sheila! The big giraffes were awesome! Wish I could have shipped one to you - whether you like lawn ornaments or not. Hill! They had the funkiest, brightly- colored little cat - would have been perfect for home or school cubicle - only $675 - a steal!! There was a whole range of Humpty Dumpty art - why eggs I don't know; but some were laugh-provoking. Anything to get your attention, I suppose.

Tomorrow is another day and we may go to Ft. Lauderdale. Since you are all probably tiring of these Blog rants, I will carry on with tales of that city in the not-too-distant future. Also, my thanks to those of you who sent Valentine Day greetings - cards (Drahoks & Challacombes) and the "fun" phone calls and emails from others! Love you ALL!