Previously I have mentioned that while a psych nurse in the former St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan, Juilliard students visited and played for our psych patients. During one of those dates I answered the unit door and who walked in was student Jon Batiste to play for our patients. I later realized this as I watched him on Stephen Colbert and have followed him. So when son in law extraordinaire sent me Jon’s tour schedule decided to partake.
In checking Jon’s tour dates found he was at Tanglewood on June 28th. Decided to take a short sojourn there and snagged an Expedia hotel for $95, inclusive of taxes. My next venture was the ticket which was not as easy. Spent 2 hours on this and learned why Taylor Swift and Joe Biden are on it. Investigating over 6 sites I found the $42 lawn ticket would be anywhere from $69 to $100 on these sites with the later being 58% over the cost of the ticket. WOW! So then I decided to check out the $81 seats and found fees an additional 50% over ticket prices – about $125. Finally, I found a new site with no fees, and we all know that to be an untruth, but the $81 seat became $107., so I ordered it.
Catch his latest album on Amazon $13.94
And as an aside, even though I am not a music buff, Tanglewood is a God like experience if you want to hear music. Went decades ago catching Renee Fleming, and the night remains an idyllic experience forever in my mind. Also in the area is Jacob’s Pillow, which features dance companies so intend on making a weekend of it with a 2pm Jacob performance on the 29th. The summer is looking up!
Have you seen this latest John Oliver segment? What a crisis this is! I recall this first hand as I lived through it with a fellow nurse who signed her life away to these loans.
Sadly, and no joke, she was only relieved of these loans through death.
Let’s hope Joe gets to the bottom of this!
If you’ve got a half hour see the entire show, but even 5 minutes is enlightening, and presented in John Oliver fashion – funny, accurate, and leaves you scratching your head.
As I write this only 30 days till I blast off to the Catskills, and my new abode. My daughter has visited twice, and neighbors have come by and introduced themselves. What a nice gesture. I believe that’s the way it should be?. I no longer know..
The folks who are to work on my cabin are already looking into quotes, and busily making plans to help with the renovation. Nice as I don’t have to wait for someone to run out of weed money before “they” come by to fix something. If only I had met Mike, my current handyman extraordinaire, when I arrived. What a gem he is.
Life would have been so much simpler.
And..final thought will I make a soft landing in the Catskills at 67? Will I have neighbors that like me?
No activity on selling the florida condo since my last offer, and then the offer rescinded. Perhaps the market is changing, and people are staying put? I wonder and consult the psychics for an answer. Am told the skies will open and someone will come along to purchase this florida abode so I can return to where I belong, the North.
It’s been a long 8 years trying to fit in in the south, and while I’ve done tail flips to accommodate folks here, I no longer try. I hibernate in the condo making sure there is no one out when I venture forth, or take a different path to avoid them. Sunglasses and hats help. They don’t like me, nor did they ever, and while we are all Americans I often wonder. How did we ever get through over 250 years?
For those who wish to try the same path as me, have a few words of advice:
Rent
Keep your home North for at least a year
Check the voting patterns of those in the community you are interested in. Lie and say you voted for the rapist president.
Quote Bible passages in your conversations, they like that.
Go to the supermarkets, check out the clientele, listen to conversations. It is enlightening, and you’ll often hear those from the North say, “It’s different in the south.” Heed the warning.
Learn to say “mame,” “you all,” “bless your heart,” and practice your drawl so they think you are native. Be insincere.
Make sure you can tolerate the extreme heat, live through a hurricane or two, and several lightning storms before your transition, and make sure the dog or cat can as well.
Buy a gun as they all have them, except me.
And if you do decide to take the plunge…. Good luck and may the stars be in alignment for you, as they sure as hell weren’t for me.
Oh, I forgot two, no three – don’t drink or swear, and if you are gay definitely stay away.
For the past 8 years I have watched these mini buses sail down US 1 picking up a variety of clientele with backpacks, bikes, and other paraphernalia. And this past Tuesday was my day for a ride. For a nominal fee of $1 per ride, or $2 day pass, I was getting a ride. Should I had to take UBER or LYFT this transport would surely have depleted my wallet by at least $60. How I miss NYC mass transit.
My car of 132,000 miles was once again ill, and the car repair spot was 15 miles away. Left at 7 am and deposited the car at the helpful hands of A1A Auto Center on the “island,” and just missed the bus. While usually in NYC if you run behind the bus and wave your arms, the bus stops, this guy did not. Looking over the internet info I thought another bus was due in a half hour but after 45 minutes called the dispatcher and found either I read the website wrong or it wasn’t updated. While the Trolley for the St. Aug tourist attraction passed every 15 minutes one needs a ticket for the venue to board, thus I was declined transport. It was a frosty morning being beach side so glad I wore the winter coat with gloves and hat stashed in the jacket pocket to warm the hands and head.
A bit after 10 the bus arrived and I received a bus schedule with correct information from the driver. Then was transported to the Depot, which is an area with 4 buses next to a side walk in front of a strip mall. As the driver did not announce the Depot I stayed on the bus till told to get off. Never quite saw a Depot like this. Then when I attempted to board my connecting bus the female driver pitched an attitude telling me to get off as this was her 20 minute break. Another lesson learned in Sunshine Bus etiquette. Wish they had a booklet of instructions..
From here on to the Main Street Library, my favorite go to spot in St. Aug., besides the post office and Georgie’s Diner, (great Greek place with Reubens to die for). Arrived at the library at 11:30 am ate my bag lunch in the park next to the library, then spent several hours reading, and checking emails at the library. At 3:45 pm caught my now favorite and only mass transit in St. Aug and back to A1A Auto Center.
Had very friendly driver, Richard, on the return ride. Mr. Richard was retired military, and knowledgeable about getting me to my destination as the bridge had drawn closed and little opportunity to make my Depot connection. Hats off to Richard who also explained the funding source for this vital transport. Apparently, it is a combined effort with City, County, State, and Federal government. Glad to see my tax dollars being used well, and government working together..
With the return Depot connection made I arrived on time to the repair shop. While Gary got Heddy Lamarr* running it was time for her to be laid to rest. However, Gary, the knowledgeable mechanic who attempted this resuscitation informed me she was not long for the road though he could not predict her dod (date of death). He told me to purchase a Toyota. Had gotten that last tid bit after Heddy’s last illness but upon visiting the Toyota dealership they only showed me cars $40,000. and up. Guess they weren’t trying to “WOW!” me, St. Aug joke with this dealership, so I decided to give Heddy a few more miles as I didn’t want to put out that much cash.
After paying $303. for the repair the car began to die badly on the ride home. Knew it was her time and headed directly to the Toyota dealership to see if perhaps they would “WOW!” me now. Here I met the wonderful young Trey, who came through with a car and deal beyond compare even giving me $700. for Heddy. And because Heddy was packed to capacity Mr. Trey even assisted with transfer of goods to the new vehicle. His mom trained him right and what a lucky lady to have him!
Here’s my new babe. Have to name her, any thoughts?
When I told my daughter of the purchase she asked if this one was free as it is the fifth punch on my rewards card. Sadly, had to tell her had to use her inheritance for this one.
For Sale
And while I’m at it I’ll do a plug to sell the condo. $200,000. monthly fee $265, taxes $600., monthly electric $40, ( I unplug all my electrical cords when not in use), water $40 month – one person used sparingly, has a pool, washer and dryer in the second bedroom with custom cabinetry with adequate space for a twin bed and dresser, beautiful gardens, large storage closet and large closet off the master bedroom with another good sized closet off the smaller bedroom, one bathroom. Some pictures.
And for a joke – want to keep you on your toes!
A final mention..
**The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. Tells the story of Heddy Lamarr, fascinating.
If only men listened to us, but Joe Biden does!
A must read.
That’s enough for today. Thanks for reading me.
I lied, another plug for Joe. Did you see he signed the
Executive Order on Advancing Female Women’s Health Research and Innovation
this week? If not, check it out and thanks to our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden for putting the bug in Joe’s ear.
The more I hear of what lara trump is doing to the rnc, the more I applaud, in fact I want to give her a standing ovation. she started with the flowers, and now she’s fired 60 people, all with the intimate knowledge of how the campaign needs to work, and seven months before the election. Great work, Lara!
Keep it up, Lara, at least it’s keeping you from that God awful singing career, and more money to pay off your father in laws legal bills.
You know the best part, all the rest are falling in line. It’s what’s call brainwashing, and less money for campaign ads, and items to promote rep candidates.
And just maybe from all her actions the rapist president will actually like Eric best?
Love listening to the banter of Joe and Mika. She’s been on this week alone, and handles it well. The commentaries are insightful and love it when Joe goes off base. Especially love to watch Mika’s attempt to hide her facial gestures. Gosh, if I were her I’d be laughing all the time.
This past week he mentioned that the rapist president had 2 out of 3 foreign wives, so 4 of his kids are from immigrants. Listening to him rant about immigrants makes one wonder – does he feel that same way about his kids??????????
So tired of talking of the rapist so decided to check out what Hill is up to. In my red neck St. John’s County home I have an enormous poster that proudly graces my entry way. It is a salute to an amazing woman who despite all odds, survived.
Currently, Hill is busy working on a Broadway fund raiser with Lin Manual Miranda, of a play called, Suffs, The Musical. Previews begin on March 26th, and will open on April 3rd with the fundraiser. Tickets $500 to $5000., and Hill is a producer of the play. Oh if I could only be a fly on the wall and see all the NYC glam…
The play, co-produced by Hillary is the story of the women’s suffragette movement with all proceeds going to the Biden Victory Fund, and Hill’s Women Leadership Forum. And after this as an added bonus Lin will be working on the Biden campaign for Latino turnout for Joe!
Go Hill.. Go Lin.. Go Hill.. Go Lin.. GoHill.. Go Lin..
Like this photo as it is a true depiction of the rapist president’s situation. he can’t find anyone to post bond for his appeal in the NYC case, and the clock is ticking with $112,000. a day interest. he’s broke and needs to start selling off his assets, and what are they?
eric trump – the least favorite of his children, loyal but stupid, easy sell off..
melania – now she’d go for top dollar, and believe she’d go gladly. After all she lied on her naturalization paperwork she needs to get out of Dodge soon. Am sure she doesn’t want to share a cell with d.t.
his gold toilet in trump tower – maybe they could find more documents he flushed there?
his Las Vegas Casino – oh, sorry that’s wrong he only has a hotel there. Somebody was smart enough in Vegas not to give him a casino gaming license.
his sneaker line – does anyone really want gold sneakers they can’t return??
And last but not least rudy guiliani – after all he’s in the same mess, and tr never paid him for services rendered.
Woke to a new day and time, took a swim, watched Sunday Morning with my gal pal Jane Pauley, and was on my way by 11 am. Had two things left on my list and was looking forward to them.
Wave Hotel– Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
The Wave Hotel is quite the place. It starts with the parking garage – an interesting version of art deco.
Then the Hotel and lobby..
Such beautiful and relaxing spaces.. Next the restaurant/bar listening to Reggie on Sax while sipping a peach mimosa – $15 including tax and tip, however, all other items listed from the breakfast menu $25-$35 range. Pricey, but priceless listening to Reggie..
View from the restaurant to the lobby..
The Bar and Restaurant
The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is located in the hotel’s backyard. It is a must see and is free. Sculptures worth millions are located in this garden and are gracefully placed among palm trees. Haven’t seen a collection as beautiful as this since my visit to Rockefeller’s Kykuit. What an awe inspiring site. The Garden can also be viewed in the evening and what a site that must be.
Mother and Child by Henry Moore
Post Modern Man by Eric Goulder
Jete II Enzo Plazzotta
Even the seating and lawn ornaments were exquisite.
then the flowers and trees.
What a collection!
From here visited the Lakeridge Winery on 19239 US Hwy 27. Great free wine tasting and service. Also found some delicious Port Wine, and purchased. Quite good.
Final stop… Starvo’s – a recommendation from the sheriff at Lakeridge Winery. Cops always know where the best food is. Yum… Gyros were almost NYC like and the coconut cake sublime.
The Main Library is my favorite place in St. Augustine. The staff is amazing, helpful, pleasant, and if an award is to be given to library staff it is these folks. It’s one of the few things about St. A. I will miss. They treat all with respect and care greatly for the enormous amount of homeless that hunker down in their domain. This winter they even had a box of free blankets for them. One of the many wonderful staff members is pictured above in holiday regalia.
What spirit for the holiday!
After my library visit went to a garden festival at a local farm. When leaving the car a woman asked me to sign her petition to run for office against 5 men. I asked if she was a republican, and she said yes. Then I asked if she will endorse female health care and she stated in a nasty tone, “That ship has sailed,” and she walked away. Sad, as women should stand with other women on this issue, especially for their daughters.
Thought this gal had an interesting store working from her trailer.
And the food was quite tasty from the food trucks. Had a great chicken sandwich from the VFW Food truck. They were retired military and their son was the cashier. What a nice young man graduating from high school and looking to go to technical college. A straight A student as well..
My fare and the gal even substituted coleslaw for fries. Nice touch.
More vendor pictures..
And I found some very healthy African Violets for only $5. each. In another life I grew them from leaves in an aquarium. May do that again. Have been investigating the purchase of a green house for the cabin and still thinking about bee keeping.
Arrived at the hotel at 4 pm, and off to the pool. Met a delightful senior from Wisconsin. and together we chatted while soaking up the sun. Had heard of a free sunset opera at Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel, and was intrigued. Called and received all the info making my way there after a short jaunt to Dollar Tree. Needed bubble bath for the evening soak.
Once I arrived at Lowe’s found there was a guest lot with a parking fee of $45.00. Was grateful I had no one behind me so was able to back out before going through the gate. Have to be careful with these sort of fees. Also, florida has the highest volume of toll roads in the nation. At one point in my journey there was a 17 mile trip on a toll road costing seven dollars. Luckily, I found the alternate route button in WAZE and traversed back roads. Saw much of the area and shall we say enjoyed the ride…
Back at the hotel walked International Way and attempted to decide what to eat for dinner. Every type of food imaginable is served on this road. And McDonald’s even serves PIZZA! Finally decided on Taco Bell and the manager gave me a free taco! Guess she didn’t want to make change at the end of the night, but how lovely. From there returned to the hotel, soaked, and read a book.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 