Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Searching for ghosts...
The other day, I received a message on myspace from a woman who had read something I wrote about Loop Road a while ago. She said it brough back memories...her grandparents used to live out there and she would spend each summer with them. She told me her aunt used to own the infamous "Gator Hook" bar and that she remembers sitting on Irv Rouse's lap. Irv Rouse wrote the "Orange Blossom Special" and lived off Loop Road.
Then she told me something I've always wanted to know...the location of the ruins of Al Capone's mansion. From googling, I've known that all that's left are some step and remains of a fountain, but I have always wanted to see them. Saturday was a beautiful day, and despite having a nasty cold, we decided to set out in search of the ghost of a gangster!
Tamiami Trail heading west.
Getting to Loop Road, you pass quite a few Miccosukee Indian homes. If you think this is colorful, you haven't seen the lime green one on Loop Rd.! Seriously, it is lime green.
We decided to hit the Loop via the western entrance at Monroe Station.
The picture below shows how it used to look. The print underneath says it is still an oasis for travellers, but obviously it ain't true anymore!
Warning for tourists (and stupid locals).
You can tell it's winter. The cypress trees are all brown and bare instead of their usual lush green.
This is one trail I'd like to explore more one day.
More alligator warnings and a poster reminding idiots it's against the law to release non-native reptiles. Pythons, Boas and the occasional Anaconda are becoming a big problem in the Everglades.
Sweetwater Strand. My dinky little camera just can't capture the true beauty of this spot.
This is why there are so many warnings posted. Roadside gators. There were a few German tourists pulled over taking pics of these two sunning themselves, so of course I had to take a few myself. Say what you want, but I think they are cute! Not cuddly cute, but stay at least 12 feet away cute...
He missed most of the gators.
In the ghost town of Pinecrest, there are still a few hold-outs. They live out there for a reason. To be left alone. And they make sure you know it!
You can't read this sign, but we have now gone from gator warnings to panther warnings. "Do not hike alone" "Keep small children close and supervised at all times" etc.
The only sign that Pinecrest was once an actual town...well, kinda sorta. These pumps do not work and the gas station is on private property. In fact, there was an old man sitting in a lawn chair a few yards from here shooting. Yeah, he was just shooting at a target, but it spoke volumes..."I may be old, but this is my place and I've got a gun and I know how to use it! See, I can hit the target!!! So don't get any ideas..."
Ya think this has been parked here for a while?
Very close to the gas station, there is a side road that we'd never ventured down before. This time we did. From the description given to me, this was how you get to the ruins. We drove down a very long rock road. It was quiet and peaceful. I imagined what it must've been like to live back here in the 30's or 40's...and how awesome it would be to live here now. We only passed one or two "dwellings". Then we came to a fork in the road. We took the road to the right and came to this imposing stack of signage...
There was a pole gate that was open, but were not feeling comfortable enough to go any further. If I had seen someone around, I would've asked about Capone's place and if we could take a look. But it was very...very...quiet. I am sure this is where they are, though.
A shot of the road...
Proof that folks really do live out here!
Then she told me something I've always wanted to know...the location of the ruins of Al Capone's mansion. From googling, I've known that all that's left are some step and remains of a fountain, but I have always wanted to see them. Saturday was a beautiful day, and despite having a nasty cold, we decided to set out in search of the ghost of a gangster!
Tamiami Trail heading west.
Getting to Loop Road, you pass quite a few Miccosukee Indian homes. If you think this is colorful, you haven't seen the lime green one on Loop Rd.! Seriously, it is lime green.
We decided to hit the Loop via the western entrance at Monroe Station.
The picture below shows how it used to look. The print underneath says it is still an oasis for travellers, but obviously it ain't true anymore!Warning for tourists (and stupid locals).
You can tell it's winter. The cypress trees are all brown and bare instead of their usual lush green.
This is one trail I'd like to explore more one day.
More alligator warnings and a poster reminding idiots it's against the law to release non-native reptiles. Pythons, Boas and the occasional Anaconda are becoming a big problem in the Everglades.
Sweetwater Strand. My dinky little camera just can't capture the true beauty of this spot.
This is why there are so many warnings posted. Roadside gators. There were a few German tourists pulled over taking pics of these two sunning themselves, so of course I had to take a few myself. Say what you want, but I think they are cute! Not cuddly cute, but stay at least 12 feet away cute...
He missed most of the gators.
In the ghost town of Pinecrest, there are still a few hold-outs. They live out there for a reason. To be left alone. And they make sure you know it!
You can't read this sign, but we have now gone from gator warnings to panther warnings. "Do not hike alone" "Keep small children close and supervised at all times" etc.
The only sign that Pinecrest was once an actual town...well, kinda sorta. These pumps do not work and the gas station is on private property. In fact, there was an old man sitting in a lawn chair a few yards from here shooting. Yeah, he was just shooting at a target, but it spoke volumes..."I may be old, but this is my place and I've got a gun and I know how to use it! See, I can hit the target!!! So don't get any ideas..."
Ya think this has been parked here for a while?
Very close to the gas station, there is a side road that we'd never ventured down before. This time we did. From the description given to me, this was how you get to the ruins. We drove down a very long rock road. It was quiet and peaceful. I imagined what it must've been like to live back here in the 30's or 40's...and how awesome it would be to live here now. We only passed one or two "dwellings". Then we came to a fork in the road. We took the road to the right and came to this imposing stack of signage...
There was a pole gate that was open, but were not feeling comfortable enough to go any further. If I had seen someone around, I would've asked about Capone's place and if we could take a look. But it was very...very...quiet. I am sure this is where they are, though.A shot of the road...
Proof that folks really do live out here!
So we didn't actually accomplish our mission, but we came close. We had a nice, relaxing drive on a road few have driven on. We saw gators, hawks, ibis, herons, egrets, cormorants, anhingas and a few German tourists. It was a good day.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Why does this keep happening to me?
Thursday I went to see my new neurologist. It was only my second time seeing him. I got in the exam room and he told me that he was leaving in 30 days. In a nutshell, it's not the patients or staff, but the burocracy (I know I didn't spell that right) of the "higher ups". So he is going somewhere else...not far, but he couldn't tell me where. I told him I'd google him in a couple months and find out where he is and he smiled and said, "Yup! That'd work!". He has no idea who the doctor is that they're bringing in, and my old, original doctor has completely stopped seeing patients, although he is still active in the practice. So now I am wondering what to do: should I see the new doctor in a few months and see how they are? Or completely blow them off and follow my current doc? I think I'll keep my next appt. and at least meet the new person, and then make my decision. Ugh...I just hate when this happens.
Within the past couple years, it has happened to me alot...my dentist up and leaves town without a word, my eye doctor has left, my pediatrician disappeared off the face of the Earth without a word to anyone (and he had been in practice a very, very long time!), my son's dentist-the same thing and my original brain doc tells me he's going to stop seeing patients and they're bringing someone new in (my current doc).
Do these people not understand the stress they are putting their patients through when they pull up stakes and disappear like that?!?! I understand if they are leaving the practice to start somewhere else that they are not allowed to tell patients as they could then be accused of "stealing patients". But maybe they decided to retire or move away...why can't they have the courtesy to tell that to their patients?
If anyone knows why doctors nowadays seem to lack any respect for their patients when it comes to this, please...let me know.
In the future, I am going to bring a check list with me anytime I see a new doctor:
1. How long have you been in practice?
2. How many times have you moved?
3. Do you plan on moving anytime soon?
4. Do you plan on retiring soon?
5. If you were to decide to move or join another practice, would you have to common courtesy to let your longtime patients know OR would you disappear on them leaving them feeling abandoned and orphaned?
6. Huh, would you?
7. WOULD YOU?????
Current rant has ended. Hope y'all have a great weekend and stay warm!
Within the past couple years, it has happened to me alot...my dentist up and leaves town without a word, my eye doctor has left, my pediatrician disappeared off the face of the Earth without a word to anyone (and he had been in practice a very, very long time!), my son's dentist-the same thing and my original brain doc tells me he's going to stop seeing patients and they're bringing someone new in (my current doc).
Do these people not understand the stress they are putting their patients through when they pull up stakes and disappear like that?!?! I understand if they are leaving the practice to start somewhere else that they are not allowed to tell patients as they could then be accused of "stealing patients". But maybe they decided to retire or move away...why can't they have the courtesy to tell that to their patients?
If anyone knows why doctors nowadays seem to lack any respect for their patients when it comes to this, please...let me know.
In the future, I am going to bring a check list with me anytime I see a new doctor:
1. How long have you been in practice?
2. How many times have you moved?
3. Do you plan on moving anytime soon?
4. Do you plan on retiring soon?
5. If you were to decide to move or join another practice, would you have to common courtesy to let your longtime patients know OR would you disappear on them leaving them feeling abandoned and orphaned?
6. Huh, would you?
7. WOULD YOU?????
Current rant has ended. Hope y'all have a great weekend and stay warm!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gran Torino
I saw the new Clint Eastwood movie, "Gran Torino" last night. All I can say is...GO SEE IT! I don't want to say too much and spoil anything for those who are going to see it, but damn...what a movie! It was the last thing I thought of when I went to bed, and the first thing I thought of when I woke up the next morning. I just really, really loved it. Clint Eastwood is a terrific actor and a fine director.
If you have the chance...watch this movie. You will not be disappointed.
WARNING: This movie made me laugh (alot), but it also had me bawling like a baby. Be prepared and bring some Kleenex.
On a side note, I decided I have to take the jars of jam to the postal store so they can wrap them up good. I can't find the right size boxes to save my life! I haven't forgotten...you should be getting them next week!
If you have the chance...watch this movie. You will not be disappointed.
WARNING: This movie made me laugh (alot), but it also had me bawling like a baby. Be prepared and bring some Kleenex.
On a side note, I decided I have to take the jars of jam to the postal store so they can wrap them up good. I can't find the right size boxes to save my life! I haven't forgotten...you should be getting them next week!
Friday, January 9, 2009
And the winners are....
I used an extremely high-tech way of determining the winners of my little giveaway.
Ok. I lied. I used the old "name on a piece of paper stuffed into a hat then randomly drawn out by my son" way. And the winners are Some Cranky Guy & Lisa!!!!!! Congrats, guys! Now email me your addresses and I will get them out as soon as I can find good boxes to send them in :)
Everyone else, I PROMISE you that as soon as my tree produces more fruit, I will get my sister to make more jam and I will send each of you a jar. I hate not having enough for everyone now.
Thanks for playing :)
Ok. I lied. I used the old "name on a piece of paper stuffed into a hat then randomly drawn out by my son" way. And the winners are Some Cranky Guy & Lisa!!!!!! Congrats, guys! Now email me your addresses and I will get them out as soon as I can find good boxes to send them in :)
Everyone else, I PROMISE you that as soon as my tree produces more fruit, I will get my sister to make more jam and I will send each of you a jar. I hate not having enough for everyone now.
Thanks for playing :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Homemade Guava Jam, Anyone???
My sister has made some guava jam from the guavas I grow in my backyard. I already promised two people that I'd send them some, but I figured I oughta do something fun and have a drawing to give away a couple more.
So...if you'd like a jar of delicious homemade jam, just say so in a comment! I will randomly pick two "winners" on Friday at 6:00pm (or close to it).
The two folks I already promised some to - you needn't bother. Your's will be coming soon. I have just been really slow to do it, sorry!
So...if you'd like a jar of delicious homemade jam, just say so in a comment! I will randomly pick two "winners" on Friday at 6:00pm (or close to it).
The two folks I already promised some to - you needn't bother. Your's will be coming soon. I have just been really slow to do it, sorry!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Up, Up and Away
On my way to work in the morning, if the weather is nice and calm, I often see these drifting overhead.
I always take it as an omen that my day will go well, and it usually does. But, oh...I'd rather be up there than stuck at my desk!
I always take it as an omen that my day will go well, and it usually does. But, oh...I'd rather be up there than stuck at my desk!Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year, Happy Birthday
20 years ago today, I gave birth to my first son. It seems like only yesterday! I wanted to do something special for him today, but he was insistant on not making a big deal out of it....so we ended up at the zoo. We hadn't been in ages and it was fun to see all the changes and new animals. So the following are random shots from our day at Metro Zoo...
Obligatory elephant shot. (But I do love them!)
This Alligator Snapping Turtle was funny. He kept his mouth open like he was posing for the camera. See the little pink thing in his mouth? They wiggle that and it looks like a worm, thus luring in unsuspecting fish.
Gaboon Viper! Really a very beautiful snake.
Western Diamondback
A Rainbow Eucalyptus!! One of several, actually in the zoo's Australian area. Beautiful! I can't wait for mine to get bigger and start coloring.
A gorgeous Harpy Eagle!
There is a pond filled with all kinds of freshwater fish and turtles. This remote controlled camera was there being run by some other folks.
A Great Horn Bill (very fun to watch!).
Meerkat!
Malayan Sun Bear
A very cool Cassowary
Please excuse any mispellings. I'm tired and too lazy to double check anything right now. I took alot more pictures, but of course, once I got home and downloaded them, I saw that most were blurry messes. I really hate my stupid camera.
Obligatory elephant shot. (But I do love them!)
This Alligator Snapping Turtle was funny. He kept his mouth open like he was posing for the camera. See the little pink thing in his mouth? They wiggle that and it looks like a worm, thus luring in unsuspecting fish.
Gaboon Viper! Really a very beautiful snake.
Western Diamondback
A Rainbow Eucalyptus!! One of several, actually in the zoo's Australian area. Beautiful! I can't wait for mine to get bigger and start coloring.
A gorgeous Harpy Eagle!
There is a pond filled with all kinds of freshwater fish and turtles. This remote controlled camera was there being run by some other folks. 
A Great Horn Bill (very fun to watch!). 
Meerkat!
Malayan Sun Bear
A very cool Cassowary
Please excuse any mispellings. I'm tired and too lazy to double check anything right now. I took alot more pictures, but of course, once I got home and downloaded them, I saw that most were blurry messes. I really hate my stupid camera. Hope everyone hasd a healthy, happy, wonderfully blessed New Year!
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