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