"WEARIN' OF THE GREEN

Top of the mornin' to everyone ... St. Patrick's Day indeed!! Raining, dark, gloomy ... not to stop us, however ... We are in search of a pub with shamrocks galore, leprechon waiters & waitresses,music and festivity. Of course, Paolo has to work ... not to worry, we are still searching!! Larry has attached the GPS and entered "Duffy's" ... Jennifer & I climb into the car and we are off to Duffy's!!


We near the place the pub is supposed to be and it is surrounded by cars ... dilemma number one ... parking ... round the block a couple of times and - aha! - there's one - not too far away ... dilemma number two ... a table for three. Inside, very "pubish", cute place, jovial waiter in his bright green Duffy shirt ... another "aha" .... table in back ...
green beers ... house speciality? Deluxe hamburgers!! Decided on that instead of traditional Irish fare. Absolutely delicious ... watched Obama select his NCAA choices and list them in his brackets ... Jennifer & I are NOT copying him ... we filed our choices last night!!

It's still raining a little, but we can find our way home okay ... time to pack for tomorrow ... back home again ... later ...

See you soon!!

O'Marma

DINING AT DORAL

Believe it or not, I haven't been to Doral since I arrived in January. The "Windows" restaurant has been converted into a brand new eatery called "Mes Azul" (Blue Table). It is in the same general location, but the area has been opened up considerably ... very bright ... new dark wood, wide planked floors - just beautiful. Lunch is buffet only; but just about anything you would want for a midday feast ... choice of pastas - at a "create-your-own" station with a variety of sauces, meats, sea foods, veggies, etc. - stations with different cheeses, fruits, soups, salad-makings, short ribs, two or three chicken choices, antipasto, etc. etc. and, naturally, desserts. Very enjoyable! Paul dropped by once or twice, but had a meeting with execs; so he couldn't dine with us. We sat at a table that overlooked the practice putting green and could have glimpsed the Blue Monster 18th hole of the golf course, but some stands were still up from the previous week end's golf tourney (Ernie Els won!). Not used to the "table attention" ... whenever we left the table, our napkin was refolded, our water glass refilled (whether it needed it or not), the table "cleaned" as if no one had been there ... such elegance for a Hoosier native!!

After lunch, we looked around the adjoining area. A brand new bar-lounge is right off the new restaurant ... dark woods, choice of black leather/wooden chairs at long bar-height, long tables or softer upholstered chairs next to little round tables ... the bar was circular - nice and big. The back-drop area behind the bar, housing some of the liquor bottles, was reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright window ... two-thirds of the wall, dimly lit; the various-sized glass portions in deep colors of amber and deep reds. This was all new since last year ... very cozy, inviting and looked like a fun place to meet for libations. There was also an outer "sun porch" type lounge that was bright, more open, mostly softer-type seating with a view of the golf course and flowered pathways. Really nice!!

We looked around the shops, walked through the newly revised spa area ... it is now maintained by Pritiken and has been redone ... hopped into the car and headed home. After all, St. Patrick's Day is coming up ... tonight we relax with wine ... tomorrow it's green beer ... until then ...

Marma

SCENERY SASHAYING ...

There are so many things that intrigue me about Florida ... palm trees, for one. There is such a difference in foliage and trunks ... the "bottle" trunks are very cute - look as if you had set a sangria bottle on the lawn and it suddenly turned into a plant. Then there are the very tall, willowy, bendable trees, reminiscent of "Stretch Armstrong" in all his stretchable glory ... moderate size palms with softer, feather-like fronds ... and, of course, the coconut palm. We made a trip to the Tropical Gardens Sunday, just to wander the many paths and tie a name to some of these palms ... orchid show in progress and we arrived midday; so, once again - parking was at such a premium, we went elsewhere ... the elsewhere being an outdoor market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and miscellaneous wares - many booths, a variety of exotic edibles that I had no idea what they were (and whether fruit or veggie) ... could have asked, but then I probably couldn't have understood them - very pronounced accents!

Stopped at an historic landmark - Paul read the sign while I tested the coral reef stone exterior. It was an entrance to something - some new land discovery - but stood all by itself, with a locked door and weather-dimmed windows, spider webs, over-grown ivy and bushes crowding the one path ... crazy landmark just sitting there with no purpose other than to make dumb bunnies like us stop and take pictures. There was a rectangular room inside that I suppose could be used for something - I have no idea what since there was nothing around except ... well, you know, nothing!! Took a picture or two - perhaps I will show you those at another time. (Actually, reminded me of a Hansel & Gretel house out in the forest with me waving at an obscure person in the window ...) Strange picture for you to imagine, right?

Have you seen or taken notice of banyan trees? Jennifer HATES them ... said they would take over your yard, your sewers, your house and even YOU. (Perhaps she exaggerates...). I think they are kind of awesome. They look like two or three small trees growing close to each other; but as they start growing, vine-like tentacles drop down, attach themselves to the ground and another tree develops. Over the years, it becomes one huge tree with the foliage high above; but the roots keep expanding. Maybe Jonferes is afraid they will come along, octopus like, grab her, and pull her into oblivion. (See what happens when I keep going at this??)

Paul & I meandered over by the park next to his house ... as usual, a birthday party was going on ... what attracted us was the inflated structure outside a little boy's party. The party's theme was pirates and ships ... kids running around with patches over one eye and rolled kerchiefs on their heads. We wanted to see the BIG toy - a sinking Titanic ship ... really great for an inflatable. It was a double slide ... to climb to the top, kids went up where the ship's smokestacks were and slid down ... from the side it looked very real ... sinking into the water, portholes on the sides along with the name - totally cool!!

Well, guess that's it for now. Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day ... street parade and pub party at John Martins in Coral Gables ... don't know what will happen, but we're giving it a try!! So, without further adieu ...

I remain,

Marma

GENERAL BLOGGINGS ...

The sky is black as the ace of spades, the wind is spinning everything out of control; and now, the rain is changing from speckles on the window to torrential downpour ... yet the Apocalypse is not supposed to happen until 2012!! That's the mood of the afternoon. The savvy Internet is decrying the ouster of a couple of American Idol favorites (?) ... a gal is suing her school because she can't take her girl friend to the prom (and I had to listen to you girls worry about being asked) ... and, Karen, did you realize nurse anesthetists are pulling in more dollars per year than family physicians? ... I hear Emily wants to study in Greece this summer - better check that out carefully, Em ... according to our local news (and that's ALL they broadcast here), Tiger Woods not playing in the Doral golf tourney plus the cool and windy weather of recent days has cut into the attendance (there goes Paul's bonus!) ... the Survivor game is getting really nasty (you better leave Boston Rob alone, Russell) but my friend, Colby, is still in (he gave me an autographed picture after his first appearance on the show) ... Jane and I have been hooked on "A Good Wife" ever since it started and, according to the last poll (TV watchers), it is now in the top five ... just shows what good taste we have ... Hanna performs in the "Secret Garden" tonight (don't worry Bern & Brian - it's a PLAY) ... will be anxious to hear all about it! Guess Emily is home, vacationing from school - also that Jane has a week's vacation (good) ... Hillary's birthday is Sunday; write on her Wall ... you don't have to get her landlady's permission ... hey, guess what??

I can roust the doggies and see what's outside ... the sun is shining brightly ... things are very wet and it's humid ... television is working ... that's all I have to say - except it's meatless Friday and I hope it's fish night ... so, until there is something a little more interesting to "blog", I'll just meander along and wish everyone a pleasant and "fun" weekend!

This is, distractedly yours...

Marma

MOVIE MADNESS

Newspapers, magazines, television, general conversations ... all seem obsessed with the upcoming Oscars and various new movies coming out. Just may be US, but we fit right into that entertainment category. First off, the weather has improved a little but is still overcast, very windy and cool. What better time to catch a movie?? "Alice in Wonderland" has been hyped for so long, we couldn't wait to see it, so-o-o ...

Friday afternoon, Paul took off early and we journeyed to Sunset Mall to catch the movie at IMAX ... big mistake ... sold out through Saturday. Tried another 3-D performance at the same theater and only one time left - an hour and a half from our pre-scheduled time. We decided to wait ... perhaps I should make all of you wait, too! Good or bad? Worth the wait? Johnny Depp? (Who EVER questions Johnny Depp?)

We enjoyed it very much, but there were a few things I had problems with. Alice was now a young woman and didn't remember ever having been to "Wonderland" . I would have liked the March Hare and some of the other creatures to be larger. I think the whole idea of "Wonderland" should be like Dorothy seeing "Oz" for the first in color. Very different and exciting. Mr. Depp was great, but the Red Queen upstaged him. She played "golf" with a live, upside down flamingo and a little balled-up porcupine ... a few ideas for the "Ralphie Open, huh?? Know the Mammosser and Bullock kids would love it.

Saturday seemed to be Costco shopping day because Paul & Larry were hosting a small get-together for Academy Award viewing on Sunday. After arriving back home, stashing the groceries and checking the booze, we opted for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. The sun is shining now ... the week's outlook, weather-wise, shows promise.

Sunday arrives: a cleaning scurry takes place (I watch); furniture is moved around to accommodate open TV viewing; tables along one wall are set with a chafing dish, napkins, small plates; red and white wines and a bottle or two of beer are placed in the "wine" table iced-compartment (sound familiar Jane & Jennifer?); glassware is arranged in proper order next to a carafe; and the margarita-making machine is set in a convenient spot, just waiting for orders!! Come 7:00 pm, the festivities begin ...

Vivian & Mary from "across the yard" came in the door, all laughter and in partying mood. Corks were popped; appetizers presented; two types chicken wings placed in the chafing dish and the ol' margarita machine started doing its business ... we settled in for an evening of subdued anticipation and checked our award choices on a pre-printed ballot. Paul had already listed HIS choices on his phone and began copying them ... he thinks he's so cool ... he also was quite confident that HIS list would be near-perfect and HE would be declared winner of the evening. We all scoffed, checked our own listings, and (amidst much derisive bantering) settled in for a long telecast.

It is now Wednesday. You all know how the Oscars turned out. What you DON'T know is how OUR fest turned out ... it was great!! Lots of food (almost all gone); much refilling of glasses; luscious, lime-colored margaritas poured one right after another; and a few distractions - Paul laughing at text messages at irregular intervals - from Jennifer, and from Laddie. Sometimes we were privy to what provoked the laughter, sometimes not ... I can just imagine!!

As the telecast dragged on, the "working girls" had to leave, taking their ballots with them. Their choices weren't progressing too well anyway. We had all been given little Oscar lapel pins; and, as they left, they said they would save them for next year ... perhaps they will reciprocate and host that one ...we shall see!

We HAD to wait for the final announcement of Best Picture - Paul LOVED Avatar and just knew it was going to get the award - Larry, too ... Best Picture - Best Director - sorry guys ... better luck next time!!! You all know that the "dark horses" won ... and guess what??? ,,, So did I !!! Myriad reasons why I chose "The Hurt Locker" and Paul defended Avatar to the end, but ... I got the Oscar again this year, so onward!!!

Almost time to return home ... hoping all is well back there and that Easter is on everyone's minds ... after Spring vacations, that is! Going outside now, to partake of the hot sun. It is nice out there for a change ... figures - when it's about time to exit.

Jonferes is coming in on Sunday. Hopefully, we will find a St. Patrick's pub to celebrate the ol 'sod ... and drink a little green beer. (Paul has taken to drinking Killian's Red in frosted mugs - sounds good doesn't it?) And, I understand Jennifer went to Old Navy to purchase a green shirt ... don't want THAT to go to waste!! Grab you a St. Pat's pin or something, raise your ale and make a toast to family & friends ... green shakes from McDonalds will do for you "underagers" ...

Much love from our abode to yours ...

Marma

THE WEEK THAT WAS ...

Everything is going so rapidly - the week, the month. Can't believe it's March 1st and that Easter (and SPRING) is just a few weeks away. I know that you have had beau coup amounts of snow and that the temperatures have not been kind; but, do not envy me too much. The sun shines brightly, but often the temps are cool - not conducive to swimming or even sunning semi-clad. The winds are what keep the evenings sweater-needy and the days getting re-acclimated to the warmth. Not complaining, mind you - just remembering way back when we all came crafting and how we lounged by the pool in the hot sun ... and that was November!!

Have been watching the Olympics - loved the "Night Rider" bob sled team winning the gold; hoped Lindsay Vonn could have hung in there - as well as Bode Miller; Shaun White will be hard to control now that he has another gold medal to show the girls; didn't think the Closing was anything "to write home" about, so ...

Don't know if you "crafting ladies" remember the two (older) sisters who worked as attendants at the Blue Lagoon pool, but last time I was here I talked with them every time I came into the area. Have yet to see them this year, but when Paul came home Friday, he brought a cherry-topped cheesecake with him that they had baked for me. It's Lent ... neither Paul nor I are eating sweets ... Larry hates cherries so doesn't want to freeze it ... the sisters made a smaller version for Paul's office, so he can't give it to them ... don't want to waste it ... maybe give it to the girls in "back of the yard" ... Want to send a thank-you note, but feel I should at least taste it ... let you know!!

We went to breakfast at Le Bouchon du Grove in Coconut Grove where we attended the art festival last year. We were fascinated with the eclectic atmosphere of the place last time; but, the service was so very poor and the food so late in arriving at our table that we were somewhat disappointed with it. The food was still excellent and the French atmosphere still intact , but ...

After our meal, we traveled to Hollywood FL, just to see what was there. Had read about galleries, restaurants, etc., but - alas - one or two , small galleries with little art work in them and a string of woe-begotten places that were time-worn and not too inviting. (Wonder if the economy curtailed things or if this is the way it has always been.) We strolled around for awhile ... Paul & I had our picture taken next to a bike rack made of all recycled materials - pretty cool ...

When we crossed the street, we glimpsed a little, green sprite of a lady dancing along the intersecting boulevard with shopping bags in hand ... SHE was a trimmed growth of shrubbery -- flaring, tutu-shaped skirt of fluttering leaves ... so cute ... and, of course, as we were admiring the anonymous gardener's work, it started to drizzle rain drops!

On our way back to the car, we stopped to admire a huge "elephant tree". The base looks like the stumpy foot of the pachyderm and towers way up and out. Even though it had been trimmed, it was very impressive. They had put a huge, gilded rope with a long tassel around the tree just above the "leg" ... looked like the elephants dressed for parades in India. Made it to our car just in time ... drizzle turned to rain ... homeward!

Sunday, after breakfast and the Sunday "funnies", we went for a drive along a route that I believe was predestined to be tropical nursery row. After awhile, both sides of the road were lined with nurseries selling various types of palm trees, tropical plants, some statuary...we stopped at one of the nicer ones ... walkways with paver-stones ... colorful birds in large cages ...the tall tropical trees, with their high-up foliage, forming a shaded canopy over our heads ... everything for sale or for on-site construction. One colorful parrot kept yelling "allo" at Larry as we strolled ... dumb bird only knew Spanish but we were leaving - should of been "adios" don't you think??

Found literature for an Asian Festival - food, dancing, customs, etc. - to be held next week-end at a tropical garden area a few miles down the road. If all goes well and we don't have interfering plans, we will see what goes on ... looks very interesting, fun and cultural. (Could use some of that culture stuff, right??)

... and that truly, is the week that was ...

Marma