Live Oak Branches.
1. My brother and I have continued our adventures. Saturday, we went to St. Augustine. We took the scenic route to get there, which means driving up through the towns along the St. Johns River, and making the right turn to the coast at Palatka. There is considerable vegetable farming in the stretch between the St. Johns and the coast, including potato farming. Appropriately enough, there’s a town called “Spuds.” The direct route would have taken us up I-4 to I-95 and north to the St. Augustine exit. I have a real fondness for the Central Florida outback, and much prefer the slower roads (and I drive slow anyway). He enjoyed the ride. He’s never made a visit like this before (he and his ex-wife came to Disney a few times, but never so much as came to our house–I blame that on her).
2. We stopped at the lighthouse in St. Augustine first. The oaks pictured above are on the grounds. We went on into town, and walked around the historic district. It was a beautiful day, and there were a fair number of visitors. We had a nice lunch, stopped in a bar to hear a girl play guitar and sing, took a few photos. You may end up seeing some here or on my Flickr page. We were heading out of town (to take the expressway route home, it was dark). We stopped at a red light and someone ran into us from the rear. A pretty good shot, but we weren’t hurt. The left rear bumper area was crumpled, along with the left rear quarter panel. Car turned out to be driveable home. My poor little Civic Hybrid! So, we got out, and the woman who rearended us was not too steady on her feet. We made sure she wasn’t hurt. Her airbag had deployed, and she was actually trying to stuff it back in! Police came, and it was apparent she was impaired. They determined it wasn’t alcohol, but was prescription drug abuse. We drove away as the tow truck came for her car; she was standing there crying. The trooper told me he might not arrest her but take steps to get her to some rehab. I have no strong feeling she should have been hauled off to jail. Maybe she’ll straighten out. I’ve had the damaged appraised, close to $4000. I think we’ll be out our $500 deductible as the other driver did not demonstrate insurance. In Florida, if you cause an accident, and don’t have insurance, they suspend your license. I’ve garaged the car until my repair appointment (and then it’ll take 12 days). With my Honey out of town, we’re just driving hers.
3. Sunday was pretty laid back. A visit to Gemini Springs Park. An unexpected treat there was a tropical bird club was having a get together at one of the park pavilions. Lots of parrots and such. Look for pix here or on Flickr. An afternoon lunch at The Swamp. That’s a riverside eatery with a small marina on the St. Johns in Volusia County. There was a guy playing guitar and singing. Our table overlooked the river, and it was fine (the food was . . . edible).
4. Yesterday we went to New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach. There’s a joint right at the beach in New Smyrna which consistently wins the “Best Hamburger” award in the Central Florida region. Don is a lover of burgers, and we indulged. They really are good. The beachy area of Daytona was pretty deserted although it’s race week out at the Speedway. We just walked a bit, took a few snaps, and left.
5. Evenings, we’ve been watching movies (on demand, pay per view, on the cable). We’ve watched Jodi Foster in The Brave One (think Death Wish with better acting and filming). I think there’s a visceral level in all of us which likes, for want of a better term, vigilantism. Blow away those evil, heartless, violent criminals. The justice system seems inadequate at times for real retribution, doesn’t it? Generally, I vote for letting the legal process work, and I’m not a death penalty advocate. We also saw 3:10 To Yuma. This modern western with Russell Crowe had been touted as on a par perhaps with Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. It doesn’t come close. Last night it was Fracture. This is where Anthony Hopkins shoots his wife for cheating, and legal proceedings follow. Mr. Hopkins plowed no new ground, played it pretty much by rote (mailed it in, perhaps; think Hannibal Lecter without the macabre dining habits). It was okay, a diversion, but, in my view, a pot-boiler.
6. We haven’t touched our musical instruments between last Thursday’s open mike and now. We may rehearse a bit today and go to a different open mike tonight. Also in Mt. Dora.
7. Bro’ hasn’t risen yet for the day, and I’m thinking a trip to Leu Gardens. Should be lots of things blooming. I’ve posted quite a few floral shots taken there on Flickr (and maybe here). Not too far a drive; feel we’ve been in the car too much during his visit. He’s a photograpy enthusiast, and a heck of a printer. He does fine art printing for artists (meaning he photographs and prints their creations). He has one of those big printers that uses paper on a roll and so forth. He picks up a few shekels doing this. He also is a whiz at recording, and has recorded bands, storytellers, and individual musicians, either for demos, or for their actual CDs for sale. I’ve already mentioned his bass, guitar, and banjo playing. My big brother is a man of many parts.
8. I’m ignoring politics for now. It goes on for so long I get bored with it. I bet the candidates are bored with it.
9. I haven’t seen Babycakes since my Honey left! I’m hoping for at least a stop-by visit today, maybe after we finish our outing to Leu Gardens, and she’s home from kindergarten. I miss her!
10. We’ve had “Chamber of Commerce” weather. Sunny, moderately warm. Today might have a bit of rain. Don doesn’t seem to be missing cold, gray Illinois.
Out for now.
