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