Weekend Wanderings ...

Still a little difficult to get this hour difference in time engrained into my psychi; but know I will have to get "unengrained" when I'm back in Chicago. Smell of coffee wafts across the room - doggies barking wildly so we know something is going on outside. Larry said his neighbors next to the house moved (non-payment of rent) a day or two ago and another leasee is moving in...a single mother, three children - she's in the military. The dogs "told" us they were moving in!! Jonferes wanders in - PJs & all - wanting to know what's for breakfast...we eat, discuss taking a trip to Miami to check out expo for the half-marathon to be run Sunday (even though Pro Bowl is going on, too).

We climb into the car & head out. Beautiful day sunny - humid. Paul & Jennifer go into the Expo Center to get a shirt & packet for Amy Gaw, who has signed up for the marathon but can't make it...we decide to drive around Miami proper (since I have only seen South Beach), but can't make much headway because of heavy traffic and a proliferation of cones marking the marathon paths. It's now mid-afternoon and, guess what?? Time to eat again!!

Paul's office employees at Doral had taken him to this restaurant for his birthday...he & Larry said it was very good; so we tried it. Outdoorsy-type place - raw wood decor - choice of outdoor seating amongst the trees & vines. Actually, right next to our table was a huge tree, very tall, that they had built the restaurant around...neat!! The place was called Perricone's Market Place & Cafe...fresh fish, tender meats, freshest little salads. We thoroughly enjoyed it all - and more pinot noir! The place also has a deli where you could buy meats, cheeses, sandwiches etc. Good thing we were full...we only glanced at the offerings, else we would have bought out the place!! Walked around a little - journeyed homeward...

Got comfortable on the outside patio...kind of like a cabana out there now. P & L put up long canvas-like drapes that can be closed all around the area, thus creating a little, private room...the park across the way is full to the brim...three or four birthday parties going on at the same time, pinatas, mirauchi(?) bands, loud laughter...the evening has just begun...

Larry prepared a polenta dish, spicey, very delicious; and the best salad (must get the recipe for the dressing). And before you all even think we are gluttons, it was rather late in the evening - suppertime!!! Vivian & Mary live in back. They share the fence with P & L. Mary's daughter was having a birthday party for her boyfriend - more music, dancing & and a very tall guy with the LARGEST head of hair - kind of cool, actually; but don't try it at home...could be mind-boggling!! Laughed into the night...then bedtime - and tomorrow, Sunday ...

Molson & Copper walked me to Prince of Peace church...guitar Mass...then home to hot coffee & cinnamon rolls. (Too soon for lunch!!) The day is a little cooler - may rain. We decide to go to the Sunset Mall (or whatever) in Coral Gables - not to shop, but to see a movie, Crazy Heart. Jeff Bridges was excellent You guys will like it - even more if you like country music. Stopped by Costco on the way home (thought of you, Sheila),They have a new white wine that is really light, tastey, and very good with last minute snacks. The name is RIONDO (Spago Nero) an Italian wine - try it...you will like it!!

Yes. guys, it's meal time again...tonight's fare is stuffed shells ala Larry - cheeses, spinach in the shells, light tomato sauce and melted mozzarella - very nice! More wine...we watched "Hurt Locker" on DVD sometime during these days...good movie. Jennifer's meeting is tomorrow; so we drove her into Miami to the Marriott Biscayne where she will be staying and having her meeting... She does her presentation tomorrow and leaves for Chgo Tuesday morn... We all wondered if Hillary got moved into her new place yet...let us know. These bloggings won't be so long & boring (really?) from now on...just tend to keep rambling...

Until then,

Marma

Reliving History ...

When I went to create a new blog for you tundra-dwellers, I came across an undelivered blog. It is (and was) so disarming to me that I thought, perhaps, you might want to share the story of a near-loss, a gaping fear of no retrieval. a fun afternoon marred by a sadness I just felt was not to be lifted. Anyhow, like it or not, I'm posting that tale so you know the story first-hand.

...and. when we went to see Hanna's Auschwitz play in November (2009), Jen & Jason surprised me with my "new" ring - all bright & glistening, refurbished and in the original setting, resized and ready to wear...which I did,,,and am...looks new and the jewelers did such a nice job, it even looks larger! (That helps - easier for all to see!!)

I jest, but I love my ring and am glad it is the original...

Special "thanks" to Jen for finding the lost gem and to Jason & Jen for "rehabbing" the ring.

Hope you weren't too bored with it all ...

My love to ALL

Marma

. . . TIME-TRAVELER'S TOPICS

Well, fellow Chicagoans ...

It's time to let you all in on my sudden decision to flee the frigid weather in favor of Florida sunshine. Needless to say, just stepping off the plane at 11:30 pm and having to carry our coats was a welcome relief in itself. (Jennifer accompanied me. She came early for a Monday business meeting and sat next to Linda Yu, Channel 7 news anchor, during the flight!!) Paul & Larry met us; whisked us to their abode; took our luggage to our respective rooms (that hotel training sure does pay off) and we (again, Jonferes and I) settled down for a late-night snack and free-flowing pinot noir, Tomorrow is, indeed, another day!!

Friday morn ... bright. sunny, warm - doggies very curious about household visitors - good ol' Larry preparing breakfast (Jennifer says "as expected!") - plans for day?? ... a surprise! So, dear friends, we shall see ...

It's still a time-warp for me...an hour added to my Chi-town schedule (as if I had one!) puts me further into the day...and any TV viewing of favorite programs goes well into the night - or morning...but onward...

Wandered into the backyard - P & L have installed a new fence and it does make things more private and the doggies can go out without the worry of having to chase them all over the neighborhood. Weather is sunny - mid 70's = we're having dogs (NOT those dogs) and burgers on the grill - of course, more vino - then Jennifer & I prepare for our surprise journey of the evening.

'Tis late, late Friday evening and we had such fun!! Went downtown Coral Gables to see "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" - hillarious - Pabst beer cans sitting on coolers - gals spraying themselves with veg oil to suntan - most all of the early-day cliches you associate with trailer park living...music was fun and the three girls who played the leads were really good...if you were artistically inclined, you could purchase "original" painted hub-caps for your home decor...just sayin' ,,,

afterwards, we went across the street to John Martin's Irish Bar. A combo was rocking away as we entered, but we went from the bar into a really cool, dark-wood dining room...ate "ample sufficiency"...had a little Guinness...wandered along the main drag - then home. Great evening...lots of laughs...balmy weather, but chance of rain on Saturday,,,speaking of which - it IS Saturday, so ... We will see what the next two days bring; before Jonferes has to go to her downtown hotel.

Thinking of you all,

Marmason

A 'THANK YOU' ADDENDUM

This is a tale of appreciation ..

In bringing you all up to date on the escapades of Jen & Jason's visit to Miami, I neglected to tell you of an episode that could have been a VERY sad day ...

We were all traipsing along in the hot sand at the beach; wading knee-deep in the surf; then putting our shoes back on to "pound the pavement" along the boulevard of South Beach establishments. We had stopped at an outdoor eatery to grab a bite to eat and try the huge tropical drinks being touted ...

After we had ordered and the menus collected, I reached for my napkin and noticed the diamond was missing from my engagement ring. I was devastated!!! ... all the places we had been - I figured there was no way it would ever be found - I was on the verge of tears.

Everyone was concerned and said we should at least look around the table. We moved glasses, silverware, napkins - nothing. I decided it was too daunting a task to retrace our steps; but, Jen insisted we at least search the immediate area since I had just moticed it being gone. Jen pushed back her chair and started looking all over the floor... After a few seconds, Jen said, "Here it is!"
Absolutely unbelievable!! That little diamond & she found it. Jason carefully wrapped it in a linen napkin & stored it in a zipper pocket in my bag.

To Jen, I will be forever grateful - for her caring concern, for her perseverance AND for her spectacular eyesight! "Thank you," Jen - your succesful "search & find" revived my saddened heart ...

After a very delicious lunch and spirits lightened by those mammouth fruit drinks, we wandered off to other vistas - I, at least, felt like we were walking on air!!

Marma

JEN ANN & SAVING GRACE

This is an addendum to my "Last Hurrah" posting. I absolutely do not know how I neglected to tell you about this "happening." It occurred during our Sunday outing at the beach ... you, know, when we were walkng in the sand, strolling ankle-deep in the surf, then ambling over to see the Versaci mansion and visit a few shops. Have told you all about our luncheon and our gigantic drinks!! ... and this is what I DIDN'T tell you ...

We had just ordered drinks and were perusing the menus when I folded mine and said I had selected my entree (or whatever). I looked down and noticed the diamond was missing from my engagement ring!! Needless to say, I was very disheartened. All the places we had been - even strolling in the sand - I could see no possible solution - wouldn't even know where to begin to look. Jen said, "Let's just look around here. You just noticed it; maybe it caught on something." We searched around the table top; pushed glasses around, shook napkins... Jen pushed her chair back and started looking round the floor. "Here it is!!" We all couldn't believe it... In her hand was this cute, little "sparkler", kind of chipped & forlorn; but I was so happy!! Jason wrapped it in a linen napkin; tucked it in a zippered pocket in my bag; and I began wondering how to get the empty ring off my finger.

I never take my rings off. The empty setting was very rough. It not only caught on everything, it, but it hurt when I touched my hands or face. Just turned it over toward my palm for awhile and started working on it next day. Tried cold water and soap - wouldn't move over my knuckle. Waited a day, and Jason said to try Vaseline. Cold water & Vaseline - that did it!! Finger was a little sore; but we wrapped the ring up, put it with the diamond, and will see if it's worth repairing. The ring is rather fragile from wear - I think a prong had worn off and the diamond was loose in its setting...

So-o-o, that's the story...Jen and her soothing persistence...I will be forever grateful...she is so caring and the gentlemen with us were extremely concerned...they kept telling me to be careful with the retrieved gem and they all checked again as soon as we got home. What could have been a "downer" to a great day was averted. Needless to say, we accepted that "buy one, get one" offer on the drinks!!

Gratefully,

Marma

THE LAST HURRAH

Can you believe it?? Left Miami on March 11th and it is now April - almost Easter. So many have asked me about those last days in Miami (with Jen & Jason) that I've decided to "clue you in." My computer "Internet action" was on the fritz, but thanks to Juluia (Jane's neighbor) and Jonferes (my own "go-to" person), I'm in business again. Let us move back a few weeks - - picture sunny skies, high 70's, clear blue water, relaxation - a-n-d -

Jen and Jason were scheduled to arrive at the Miami airport late Thursday evening (March 4th). Paul was in Orlando for a business meeting. Larry & I waited for the doorbell to ring - and it did! The couple arrived, told us about the cab driver taking them in the opposite direction miles out of the way - we commiserated, had a snack and retired for the night.



Friday, the three of us went to Dolphin Mall for a shopping experience. (Jen was suffering from withdrawal.) Stopped on the way back home to have lunch at a really cool Italian place Paul had told us about - really great food, wine even better!! Jason & Jen were to spend the night at the Doral Resort; so, after grabbing their suitcases, Larry drove us to the Spa Hotel for their check-in. Paul came home a little later. Tomorrow is another day...

Saturday was pretty busy...Paul & Jason scheduled nine holes of golf on the Red Course; Jen made an appointment for a lengthy massage; Larry & I went to the pool for sun & relaxation. The three of us had lunch at Champions; met up with Paul & Jas; toured the area a little; went back to rest a little before heading to South Beach for the evening.

We wandered a few of the side streets for awhile and then went to Esplanada - a two-block area set off on week ends from traffic. Really cool! A number of variety stands selling homemade crafts, apparel, jewelery, etc. Many eateries - all crowded - wanderers with drinks in hand. We decided to put our name in at a tapas place. Had many sangrias while waiting - par for the course,;after all, it WAS a Spanish atmosphere!! After being seated, we had fun picking dishes from the menu, but service was not as attentive as expected. Took a long time to "dine"; but we were seated outside and could see into the restaurant proper. Evidently, the background of the inside stage for the entertainers was the glass window just across from us. Such fun watching those flamenco dancers do their stuff, pulsating music and all... Homeward once again. Sunday is going to be a day at the beach.

As planned, we had a marvelous breakfast, then left for the white sands and hot sun of South Beach. Walked along the beach for some time, then decided to get something to eat and quench our thirst. Actually, we satisfied that thirst first...you buy one huge daquiri for something like $25 and get the second one free. Sounds great, but you can't share! Second drink goes to the same person - makes walking a little more difficult! Journeyed on down to the "main drag" and "people-watched." Went in and out of a few stores. Jen hesitated about purchasing a lovely necklace. After alot of prodding, coaxing, "it looks like you", etc., she gave in. I was glad...it will go with many of her outfits. (It was in the same shop Hillary fell in love with the sunglasses!) On Sundays, it seems, many of the restaurant tables out front of the stores are replaced with Market-type booths...fresh prduce, homemade salsas, dips, baked goods, etc. Quite interesting! Larry bought some delicious avocado dip and I bought some fresh tea leaves to try. Could have done a little more sight-seeing, but - onward - back to the domain...

Monday, we hit the Doral pools again - Jen has to get a little color before going home. Paul wandered by, in business attire, of course. Unfortunately, Jen has to leave this evening, so we went back to get her suitcase and eat before she leaves. We stopped at Latin Cafe - an informal place with good Cuban food -very good, but so-o filling. Upon leaving, Jason and I wanted to try their Cuban coffee...Larry said it was different but tasty. They serve it through an outside window in tiny expresso-type cups...very thick, strong but sweet, different coffee taste. Good! Drove Jen to the airport and reluctantly bid goodbye...

Jason is very excited. Today is the first day of practice for the golf pros who are playing in the annual Doral Open. We have our passes in hand, a little sunscreen and cameras at-the-ready. Going to be a long day, so, naturally, we HAD to eat. Stopped at the Chicken Kitchen, noted for their deluxe Cuban fare; filled our gullets to the brim & headed toward the Doral's Blue Monster.
We wandered wherever there was action and a golfer Jason would recognize. Tiger is supposed to show sometime and Paul is keeping us informed. Guess he is very protected, practices early before others arrive and then goes out again to practice drives or putts, whichever he deems needs more attention. We went into the merchandise shop so Jason could get a flag or something for golfers to sign. Thought about a hat but opted for the flag - and a felt-tip pen (nothing like being prepared). Paul informed us that Tiger was to have a press conference in the hotel just above the gift shop and if we hurried we might be able to get a picture. Jas & Larry hurried to the area just outside the conference room while I ambled, somewhat slower, up the stairs. There was somewhat of a commotion and I moved over a little as a group of guys came scurrying by. In the midst, less than an arm's-length away, was Tiger, with his "men", on their way to the press session. Larry & Jason had been shooed out of the area and we were all moved around the corner. One "gentleman" also told Jason (upon seeing his flag & pen) that Tiger would be signing no autographs. So much for THAT! At least we got to see him up close and personal...it was secretive, however; would've been a great photo-op if the watchdogs hadn't been so sttentive. That's okay - Jason just "flung his flag" at other pro golfers and let them fill in the space he had "saved" for Tiger.

It's Wednesday, March llth, our last day in the Miami sun!! We packed our suitcases, took a change of clothes for the plane and headed once again to Doral and the Open practices. More pros practicing today, especially on the putting green - even Tiger. Jason, with souvenir flag in hand, found an autograph or two to fill in the blank spaces. He seemd to be having a ball - told Ernie Els that he was Jen's favorite golfer...when Ernie asked "How come?", Jason said because he was always the pro golfer in her crossword puzzles. Ernie laughed and said that was a good enough reason!! We went to the Point across from the Blue Monster and had hot dogs & beer (at least for Jas)...mighty good, too. We met up with Paul at his office, went to change into our "Chicago" clothes, climbed into the car for our ride to the airport, bid our sad farewells, and went to await our plane..

Uneventful flight home. Jen is to meet us upon arrival. Took forever for our dumb suitcases to traverse the carousel; but, once we had them in tow, we went outside to meet Jen. What a rude awakening! Cold, cold, snowy, 22 degrees, wet - Jason had no coat - freezing. Jen arrived and threw his coat to him. Thank goodness her car was so warm. Glad to be home, but will miss that weather!!

Could bring you all right up to the present, but what do you care about going out to breakfast with Karen, grocery shopping, greeting Sheila as she comes in for her own personal errands, running into Jane & Laddie unexpectedly in downtown Elmhurst & going to Vine & Dine for vino. attending Isabel's Confirmaton & luncheon, journeying to Glen Ellyn for Hanna's "Bye, Bye, Birdie" play (excellent), on to Telanders where we almost forgot to go home...and this was all up until Sunday a.m. What a homecoming!!

... and now, we are all looking forward to getting together for Easter - I know I am! All kinds of sweets after a long "dry spell". Perhaps there will be more to "blog" about, hopefully with pictures, after that little happening. Sorry this is so late...and so lengthy...but you all kept asking, "What about when Jen & Jason were visiting?" Cheez!! Now you have it - such as it is...

Belatedly,

Marma

SURPRISE!!

Guess what!! There is activity in the house in back of Paul & Larry's house! It had been sold but just sitting there. We do know one thing - they have a little dog. Fence time?? One other thing I learned today & it only happens about every nine years or so - it's called "square root day" ... third month, third day, year-09 ... cool, huh?? But, onward -

Sneaky Paul said he was taking off early Friday because he has been logging so many hours (which he has) and to bring our bathing suits, meet him for lunch at Champions in the Hotel and then we would go to the pool. Larry and I did as instructed - dropped by Human Resources to see if Paul was ready (he wasn't); chatted with the "help" and then made our way up, out and into the restaurant. As we navigated the tables, Larry said, "There they are!" ... and, indeed, there THEY were - the Telander family, Brian, Bern, Nick & Hanna - in all their vacation garb - ready to eat and party on! What a surprise!!! Such fun - they kept razzing me because I didn't see them until I got right up to the table; but, come on ... I wasn't LOOKING for them, after all. Larry and Paul had known for a week or so and didn't say a word. It was a great and well-kept secret surprise.

We changed into our suits and went out into the bright, 80-degree, sunny poolside area and basked, sipped on various exotic coolers, and laughed. Telanders are going to shower, "clean-up" and proceed to South Beach. We, P, L & I are to meet them later ... and we did! Wandered along Ocean Drive, looked at restaurant menus, settled on an establishment, and - ate. While waiting for food, Brian spotted a shop just across the patio from us with Tommy Bahama shirts, Panama hats, etc. He HAD to investigate - came back wearing a cream-colored, fedora-styled straw hat and wore it most of the weekend. Kind of Jack Nicholson look, what with the sunglasses & cigars!! We didn't finish eating until 10:30 or thereabouts, so we walked a few blocks to our car and drove home.

Saturday was another beautiful day - thought we were going to South Beach to stroll the sandy beach, but decided to stay at Doral's Blue Lagoon and go into Miami later in the aft. While at Doral, Paul & Nick commandeered a golf cart to seat us all and we toured the area with Paul as driver-docent. Place is really building up for next week's Championship Golf tourney - high spectator stands, VIP & various sponsor tents, picket fences, etc. TV studios go in next week. Many golfers out to try the courses - lots of groups. Went back to our respective quarters to get ready for our second journey to South Beach and environs.

South Beach and shops and Lincoln Avenue with all the restaurants and outdoor seating. BUT, before we got to all that, Nick wanted to get his ears pierced - both of them - with small hoops put in. We turned the corner - wahla!! - tattoo parlor/piercing! Checked it out, made arrangements; but Bern, with her "gut feeling", thought they were being scammed because Telanders knew they would have to sign a release; but the tattoo proprietor said a notary was also required...an additional $20...when Bern talked with the notary on her cell, it went up to $25, cash only...they agreed on pre-set $20...ears were pierced...Nick was smiling...Bern was still quite p----d, because of her "gut feeling." We all laughed, but Bern kept reminding us -all evening - of the "scam."

So many shops and Hanna, especially, was in "hog" heaven - Nick even found jeans and a cool belt - Paul & Brian talked Rolexes as they went in and out of jewelry shops and Bern just sized up all the cool stuff and made mental notes. We toured the tables up and down Lincoln Av and opted for Dileos - Italian - very good. Wandered some more and then - home.

Sunday arrived - Larry & Paul made brunch for all - picked up Telanders; brought them back;
had mimosas, banana daiquiris, and so much food. After eating, socializing, etc, three Telanders were going to relax by the pool and P, L, Hanna and I took Hanna on yet another shopping look-see at really large mall. Later, we all congregated at "Windows" restaurant at Doral, conversed, ate, laughed and Bern reminded us of yesterday's scam! Such a pleasant time. Great food. Telanders are going back Chicago-way tomorrow - Nick is starting Lacrosse - Hanna has to start double sessions for Bye, Bye Birdie - Brian has to go to court to show off his deep tan - Bern has to phone her friends and tell them about "the scam."

Can't believe my winter visit is coming to an end and the weather is still snow-laden in Illinois. Jason & Jen are flying in late Thursday eve - Paul will be in conferences in Orlando until Friday aft - looking forward to more laughter and wine tasting, hot sun by the pool, general meandering, and catching up on any news from home area.

Miss you all, but will see you soon!! Until next session on the Blog,

Marma