OLD Comments Gallery - July 1 through December 31, 2010 - closed to new comments - click on image to view Photo Gallery by Don Boyd at pbase.com

OLD Comments Gallery - July 1 through December 31, 2010 - closed to new comments - click on image to view

This old Comments gallery contains postings from users from July 1st through December 31st, 2010. It is now CLOSED to new comments.

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Please don't inquire about photo prints - these images are all at 72dpi, far less than the desired 300dpi for printing, and if you can get a decent print out of the non-copyrighted images on this site then go for it. Thanks for your cooperation.

A Rogues Gallery of frequent posters with 31 photos is now up at
< https://pbase.com/donboyd/memories_rogues_gallery

OLD Comments Gallery - July 1 through December 31, 2010 - closed to new comments - click on image to view

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Parks		01-Jan-2011 02:48
I looked Bill Haast up on Wikipedia. What an amazing life. Happy New Year everyone!

whitebelt		31-Dec-2010 23:39
Bill Haast will live forever in one form or another. A very unique individual. I always felt sorry for his wife having to look on as he faced those dangers every day, and especially with the King Cobras on weekends. The responsibility he took on with those cobras and protecting the public standing around. He was a very focused individual. God bless him well. Happy New Year everyone!!! Fasten your seatbelts and maintain your centers. This could be the wildest ride of your lives coming up this year. God bless you all.

Don Boyd		31-Dec-2010 19:01
And a belated Happy 100th Birthday to Mr. Bill Haast of the Miami Serpentarium whose birthday was yesterday, December 30. Mr. Haast is still living over in Punta Gorda. He has often been asked if the snake venom he's been injected with would add to his longevity and his standard response was to come back and ask him when he turns 100. : ) Don .

Don Boyd		31-Dec-2010 15:02
A belated Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it and a Happy New Year to everyone! I hope your holidays were fine and that you enjoyed them with family and friends. I haven't even gotten my Christmas cards out yet so I'm really behind in stuff to do. This Comments gallery will be archived tonight and a new Comments gallery will be added for new comments added after 8pm (midnight in GMT which is what is displayed next to the date of each comment). Therefore, if you have something profound to say, and you want it to stick around in the most viewed Comments gallery, then do it after 8pm tonight in the new Comments gallery. For those of you who are interested there is a tribute site for Neil Rogers at: http://www.neilrogerstribute.com/ I added several versions of a 1925 map of Miami that Alvin Lederer contributed. They are all in the 1920's Gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_1920to1929 It was interesting to see that South Beach was the area south of 5th Street on Miami Beach and North Beach was slightly north of Lincoln Road back then. Now the South Beach name extends north of Lincoln Road so that every Tom, Dick and Ernesto can add value to their property by using the name. It was also interesting to see that the existing Port of Miami on Dodge Island was a proposal that far back. Again, Happy New Year to everyone! Keep on keeping on! Don .

charlis		30-Dec-2010 22:46
Manatees... we also have a place up here in Tampa... the place is packed with manatees and people.

Parks		30-Dec-2010 04:21
Hi Guys, There is a place on the Coral Gables Waterway that manatees gather when it gets cold. In the past I've seen up to fifteen manatees there. I stopped there this morning on my way to work and counted 60! It was amazing. I called my friend Darrell and told him to go look. It was mid afternoon before he got there and there were only three left. On my way home I stopped at a friends house that is on the canal but closer to the bay than where they gather. Sure enough one big manatee was swimming down stream toward the bay. They all looked pretty healthy with very few prop scars and a bunch of babies.

Guest		30-Dec-2010 03:43
Industry Mourns Death of South Florida Talk Legend Neil Rogers. h t t p : / / talkers.com/online/

charlis		29-Dec-2010 22:36
Funny story... coworker got bak into work today after a xmas trip to Miami Beach. They went to walk the beach around Lincoln Rd. area. On Saturday they took their son on a walking tour... they walked the beach. Coworked warned the son to watch the water/tide. Mom told the son to look at her so she could take a pic. Just then a small wave came in and the kid's feet got wet... cold! They went to the car and coworker had son take off his shoes and socks. He wrung out the socks... put them and the shoes on the vents of the car and turned the heat up! They drove around and saw other sites... with the shoes and socks on the dashboard! They got so hot they had to open up the windows and take off their jackets. I could not stop laughing!

charlis		28-Dec-2010 22:45
40 degrees on Miami Beach this morning! It had to be just as cold inland as it was up here in N Tampa. Took me 10 minutes to warm up the car enough to scrape ice of the windows! My car was completely covered in ice! Brought back memories of my childhood in OH... my job was to scrape the windows after my dad got the car heated up. I scraped enough ice this morning to make a good snowball... and no one to throw it at! Coworker show up today... he was supposed to be on a cruise but cancelled... too cold where he was going to snorkel!

Miami Girl		27-Dec-2010 14:10
Parks, thanks for the drive-by check of the hotel. We are so looking forward to the trip and cruise, its 11.4 degrees here right now, but we're far enough west of the coast so didn't get the nor'easter snow and wind. Got to think positive!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Parks		27-Dec-2010 04:29
Hi Guys, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Susan, my sister and I drove south to Homestead today. Our first stop was a Burr's Berry Farm for ice cream. Next we went to the Fruit and Spice Park for a walk through the trees and to sample fruit. The last stop was Robert is Here. We bought kumquats and avocados. On the way home we drove past the Redland Inn just to make sure it was still there for Miami Girl. Still there and lookin good.

Arizona Al		27-Dec-2010 04:25
High temperature on Christmas Day in Valley of the Sun...74 Degrees F. Holy Samoley I can't recall why I came here 15 years ago:) Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive, well and liberally applying sunscreen in Phoenix, Arizona

Fran		26-Dec-2010 23:16
College Station, TX, 2:00 pm. today high of 39 degrees. Hmmm cold, cold and cold , dry and the sun is shinning.:) Had a great Christmas, looking forward to a joyful New Year. Especially filled with good cheer! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! P.S. Tasting good cheer for freshness.:)

whitebelt		26-Dec-2010 20:57
No snow, low 40's at 2 PM in Las Animas just above the 38th parallel. Gets any hotter and I will have to head down south to you all.

Nike		26-Dec-2010 19:10
I hope all of you Miami Rouges had a Merry Christmas, where ever you are. We has a white Christmas for the first time in many years. It is 28 degrees today at 2:00 pm.

Miami Girl		25-Dec-2010 13:38
Largo, just commented on FB and gave my cell #. I just remembered I should have given you my e-mail also so I'll do that, we definitely have to get together! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

LARGO		25-Dec-2010 03:55
MIAMI GIRL...PLEASE DO ...I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU!...E MAIL ME THROUGH FACEBOOK AND WE CAN EXCHANGE PHONE NUMBERS...COUNT ON IT....THE LIGHTS IN THE OLD CITY WILL BE UP TIL FEBRUARY....YOU WILL LOVE IT............ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE TOWN?.......DON"T FORGET THE MILK AND COOKIES FOR ST. NICK YA'LL........................LARGO

Miami Girl		24-Dec-2010 20:31
Parks, Burr's Berry Farm is on the list for sure! With all these milk shakes and sticky buns we have to sample (along with the key lime pie and shorty's BBQ) I'm gonna be bigger than the side of a barn when we get back! LARGO, we'll be at the St Francis Inn in St. Augustine on the 12th and 13th - maybe we can get together for a drink or two, or lunch or dinner?

charlis		24-Dec-2010 16:52
PS: I must have been naughty this year as Santa is not giving me the gift I want... a cold day so I can make the BottBoi! Supposed to be in the low 70's. I'm making it anyways as the leftovers will come in handy as we are getting another frigid blast coming... a possible high of 50 on Monday!

charlis		24-Dec-2010 16:47
Holiday food traditions... you've heard my childhood stories... Here is the Tampa adult story... If cold I would make the infamous BottBoi. If warm, my hubby would make the turkey... the first time was via phone to both our mothers on Miami Beach. I would make everything else. The giblet gravy was the most fun of the traditions... you could still get fresh giblets until about 15 years ago. I'd saute the giblets and nibble on the hearts while cutting up the gizzards... daughter got tall enough to help and I had to moe the hearts further away from her. If we made a ham, FIL would come over and help get the ham started. Not bad for a Jew! We'd open the presents and would take breaks to baste the meat... FIL would also get basted! After dinner we would all go outside and meet up with the neighbors and the guys would play the annual "Toilet Bowl" street football game. We'd then gather at a neighbor's house for leftovers, then another round of football, then to another neighbor's for dessert. I'm in touch with the old neighbors and we all agree that those years were the best xmas' ever. Happy holidays to everyone.

Miami River Rat		24-Dec-2010 03:43
Christmas 50 years ago....That was my first Christmas in the Air Force, first away from home. I stayed on base and pulled guard duty at our aircraft hanger from 6:00 pm Christmas Eve to 6:00 am Christmas morning. Lots of guys wanted to go home for Christmas and some others were married and wanted to be with their families, so I volunteered for the guard duty. I thought I'd have more fun going home to Miami for New Year's Eve. It was a mighty fine New Year's Eve and day, so I've no regrets about that Christmas of 1960. Still, it was a lonely night, walking around that hanger by myself and talking to the jet fighter airplanes all night. Merry Christmas to all!

Parks		24-Dec-2010 02:23
Hi Guys, In the holiday theme, does anyone have a holiday food tradition that is unusual? We always serve sour kraut with our turkey. Burr's Berry Farm is open for the season in Homestead. The strawberrys should be very sweet this year with the early cold we've had. Miami Girl, Burr's should be on your list to visit. Susan always gets a strawberry sundae made with strawberry ice cream. I usually go for the strawberry milk shake.

Nike		23-Dec-2010 22:27
Leighton - Agreed I remember taking relatives from Tennessee to Crandon Park on Christmas Day. That and the Christmas lights wrapped around the palm trees freaked them out. It sounds like you will get a white Chrismas in East Tennessee or Western North Carolina. They are predicting rain Christmas morning turning to snow later in the day and more snow Sunday evening and through the night. More accumulation in the North Georgia mountains. Only an hours drive from downtoiwn where we are but worth the drive to play in the snow. Maybe my resolution should be "no more resolutions." Let me know if you are coming through Atlanta and have time for a visit. Happy holidays to you and yours.

Leighton		23-Dec-2010 21:52
Nike - let's just agree to disagree about Fox. It's been covered in here, often, but loved those lights at the Coral Gables home - 60s/70s - he was a car dealer, I believe. We also did the Lauderdale canal boat tour at some point. And, dammit, we went to Crandon most every Christmas, because we COULD. The beach on Dec. 25!!!!! I don't "do" resolutions........

Nike		23-Dec-2010 21:19
Mike T -- Remeber when we had no television? We bought our first one in 1956 at the Sears at Douglas Road and Coral Way. It was a remote. We lived behind Tutan Motors Used Cars and evertime they started a car behind us, the channel would change. Movies were 10 cents and a Coke was a nickel. Royal Castle has the best gutbombers and chili in town. During the Christmas season, Anthony Abraham Chevy had so many Christmas lights, everyone drove by to see. They also kept the new cars under wraps until the "New Car Showing Date." Remember the Christmas lights at the old Tropical Drive Inn? Who said growing up in Miami wasn't great? Happy holidays to you and yours.

Michael Tripp		23-Dec-2010 18:43
To all - Here's wishing that each and everyone of you experiences a great Christmas and a very prosperous New Year. I rarely ever post, but I check out this site on a daily basis (interesting reading, especially the trolls and responses to them). @Nike- The key to staying out of debt: "Don't spend money you don't HAVE for anything you don't NEED!". Lived by this for many years. I can remember when there were no disposable diapers or cigarette lighters. No paper towels in the kitchen etc. I am in my 70's, graduated from Gables in '55.

LARGO		23-Dec-2010 17:16
DON...THANKS FOR TAKING OUT THE TRASH...AND BTW THAT SLIDE SHOW ON HIALEAH RACETRACK (X A VERY TALENTED SCOTT LIVINGSTON) WAS GORGEOUS...FLAMINGO"S AND ALL...........SO HAPPY IT WAS SAVED.............TO ALL MY "REGULAR DEAR FRIENDS"...NIKE HAS NAMED MOST OF YOU...ON THIS SITE.....MERRY CHRISTMAS.....OR WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE IN YOUR HOME...AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR FOR US ALL AND OUR COUNTRY AND THE GREAT BEYONDO........LARGO

Nike		23-Dec-2010 10:22
Dyslexics Untied

Nike		23-Dec-2010 10:20
Happy Holidays from Charles & Nancy Carter in Atlanta to LARGO - ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, Jeff - North Miami, FL, Jackie - Canton, GA, Charlis - Tampa, FL, Fran - College Station, TX, Miami Girl - Rome, NY, Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL, Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO, Parks - Miami, FL, Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ, Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL, Don - Miami Lakes, FL, Roberta Perry Hughes - Wadley, GA, Mike Tripp - Wrens, Georgia, Leighton - East TN & West NC, Ted Crownover - ??, and any other Miami Rogue who ocassionally raeds our Miami Memories. Can you believe just 50 years ago it wa Christmas 1960? We were lsitening to Charlie Murdock play The Twist – Chubby Checker, Stay – Maurice Williams, Running Bear – Johnny Preston, Alley Oop – Hollywood Argyles, Cathy’s Clown – Every Brothers, Handy Man – Jimmy Jones, Finger Poppin’ Time – Hank Ballard, I’m Sorry – Brenda Lee, Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool – Connie Francis, and number 10 that year was Georgia On My Mind – Ray Charles. Think about how simple life was then -- no internet, no computers, no cell phones and if we couldn't afford something, we paid a few dollars a week on somthing called "Layaway." I can't do business without my computer ot the internet. We wouldn't be communicating like this without it. However, my resoluting for 2011 is, "If I can't pay for it, I will pay on it until it is paid for. Then I can have it." What are your resolutions? I cant

Fran		23-Dec-2010 01:26
To the regular posters, Wishing all simple pleasures, memorable moments, and a Christmas that warms your heart/s. Looking forward to the 20's Christmas morning. Yeah, winter is coming our way!

Nike		22-Dec-2010 22:53
Leighton - Welcome back and happy holidays. Glas to hear you get the Truth Channel there. The horse choked on the truth like some others that voted for His Imperial Majesty and now wish they hadn't. Anyone who voted for him and isn't remorseful isn't paying attention. Don't get me started.....

Nike		22-Dec-2010 22:53
Leighton - Welcome back and happy holidays. Glas to hear you get the Truth Channel there. The horse choked on the truth like some others that voted for His Imperial Majesty and now wish they hadn't. Anyone who voted for him and isn't remrseful isn't paying attention. Don't get me started.....

charlis		22-Dec-2010 22:43
Happy Holidays to everyone. I've been busy lately so have not had time to post. Looks like some really cold weather is supposed to come to FL next week... after xmas, darn it! They say that this is the coldest FL December in history. Got a big kick out of reports from a few weeks ago... that was my 2nd week on Miami Beach... slipped on ice on the way to school.

Miami Girl		22-Dec-2010 21:44
Leighton, I guess Don deleted them -- consider yourself blessed!

Leighton		22-Dec-2010 19:02
"Miami Undercover" clip fascinating - need a time machine. Headed back to San Antonio next week, Thank God. A little bit of this area of the country, goes a long way. Enough Fox News to choke a horse. What's all this discussion about mean posters? Has something been deleted?? Mom's open house is now history - always an exhausting production. Once I get the pics downloaded, I'll figure out an anonymous way to get you all the link. Last night, I zonked out at my sister's (out of town), and SLEPT......

Fran		22-Dec-2010 17:02
AZ AL, Well said... I know, I know it's in the 100's, wearing shorts and sandals...:)

Ariziona Al		22-Dec-2010 16:19
E.L. Thorndike's Law of Exercise and Effect (1914). "Events that are followed by a satisfying state of affairs tend to be repeated.Events that are followed by an annoying state of affairs tend not to be repeated." This homey homily regarding recent posted diatribes offered by Alan L. Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Parks		22-Dec-2010 05:26
Hi Whitebelt, I like the idea of the tarpon fly but I think I'll cut the hook off completely. I hate the sight of blood. Thanks for the warning about the mono line, I hadn't thought of that. I'd feel very bad if I hurt one of my kitties.

Miami River Rat		22-Dec-2010 05:26
For obvious reasons, I will say this once and once only: The troll feeds on attention. It craves attention, as attention is its lifeblood. Ignore it and it starves and dies, answer it and it thrives. Your choice.

LARGO		21-Dec-2010 23:56
WOW FRIENDS!!!...DON!!!...???...HAVE NOT BEEN ONE SITE HERE IN AWHILE AND HAD TO GO BACK TO THE SHED AND GET MY BARN MUCKERS ON ...BECAUSE I SURE HAD TO GO THRU SOME MANURE TO GET TO THE CIVILIZED, RESPECTFUL 'CHAT'....TOO BAD DON CANNOT MONITOR ALL THE NASTY ATTACKS THAT SEEM TO BE SPOILING THE USUAL KIND BANTER THAT GOES ON HERE....COULD BE ANYBODY...COULD BE THE SAME INDIVIDUAL...COULD BE 'NOBODY"...............OBVIOUSLY THIS OR THESE ENTITY'S ARE CRAVING ATTENTION...POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE....I THINK SOME OF THE REGULARS ARE IN THE MATURE LANE IN REGARDS TO IGNORING THIS PARTICULAR BRAND OF VIPER...WE DO NOT NEED TERRORIST ON THIS SITE OR ANY WHERE ELSE...I WOULD EXPECT THAT THIS SOCIOPATH (S) WILL CONTINUE TO BULLY AND BERATE MY FRIENDS HERE..... AND THAT IS A CRIME!...BUT I THINK THERE IS A SENTENCE THAT IS ALREADY BEING SERVED HERE...I AM SURE I AM OPENING MYSELF UP FOR SOME SORT OF NEGATIVE RETORT...BUT I HAVE BEEN IN WORSE SITUATIONS, AS I KNOW MANY OF MY "FRIENDS" HERE HAVE....REMEMBER....STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES...BUT NAMES CAN NEVER..EVER...EVER HARM ME!!!!.....LARGO

Miami Girl		21-Dec-2010 23:11
The problem with cute little kittens is they grow into cats like our 17 year old Reba, who just sits there and watches us play with the fishing rods, laser lights, balls with bells and those with treats inside. Sometimes she'll have what we call her "nightly frenzies" and will chase a little stuffed mouse around for about 30 seconds.... but then she's worn out and loves coming to lay on a lap (or my husbands shoulder while he's in his recliner) and sleeping on the bed or under the covers. All of our domesticated pets just want love from their people and they give it back 200%. A beloved pet has it made in the shade! I'll say it again, I never met a pet lover I didn't like. :) Wishing all of the regular posters on this site a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year possible! I have so enjoyed visiting with you every day and hope we can keep the communication going for years to come.

whitebelt		21-Dec-2010 17:08
Parks, indoor cat fishing is a lot of fun. A live mouse is the best bait, but let them run a bit first before setting the hook. I suggest barbless hooks for ease of removal, plus it is more sportsmanlike to catch and release. Those large feathered tarpon flies are also good. Do use a leader of plumb line or cotton as mono can injure your prize catch when setting the hook.

Fran		21-Dec-2010 05:42
Whitebelt, Merry Christmas greetings being sent your way. Wishing you joy and peace!

Miami River Rat		21-Dec-2010 05:36
Whitebelt: There was a row of houses along the river bank right where you described. I don't remember a Cook family. I was friends with a guy that lived there, Joe Querin and his sister Bertie. (Short for Roberta, I think.) Joe and I found a case of rum floating down the river right in front of his house when we were about 14. Bacardi, as I recall. We hauled that over to a hiding place I had on the south side of the river and it lasted for almost a year, what with the limited alcohol tolerance of kids that age and needing to find an appropriate time to indulge.

Parks		21-Dec-2010 05:15
Whitebelt, My purchasing agent bought about a dozen ice fishing rod and reel combos. No, I have no idea why he did that but damed if we haven't sold a few. Anyway they look perfect for indoor cat fishing. I think my kitties will get one for Christmas.

whitebelt		21-Dec-2010 03:52
Back to the more important things to talk about. MRR, did you know anyone named Cook that lived on the north bank of the river a short ways west of 27th Ave? Think the house was right on the river. I need to find a cat mickey. Any suggestions? She has got into one of her won't set still modes. Ms. Soledad has settled in good. Sits on her perch, looks at me, and opens her mouth wide and meows orders to me. I am starting to feel I am being taken for granted. She loves that fishing rod. Run the lure over the furniture, up the window, and skitter it cross the floor and she chases it. The more difficult the place the better she loves it. I love twirling it around her so she runs in circles. Miami Girl. Fran. John and Nike. Merry Christmas everyone.

Fran		20-Dec-2010 21:30
John, I will direct your inquiry to "Miami River Rat". He grew up on or near the river.

Miami River Rat		20-Dec-2010 21:25
John Murray: I swam in the Miami River a bunch but it was way upstream, north of Hialeah and more properly named the Miami Canal that far out. Down my way (27th avenue) the river was too polluted to swim in in the 1950's and early '60's. If you fell in there you'd get some kind of crud and be coughing up green stuff for two or three weeks. I think it's cleaner now, thanks to the EPA. I don't like everything the EPA has done but stopping the dumping of raw sewage into rivers is certainly good.

John Murray		20-Dec-2010 17:14
Does anyone remember swimming in the Miami River?

Don Boyd		19-Dec-2010 21:40
We have some new photos to hopefully identify in the Where? gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_where Jim Staubach writes, in reference to the pool scene photos that were posted a while back: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "To my real surprise a friend in England identified the spot as the Carillon Hotel at 6801 Collins Ave. Google Earth is great. The distinctive windows seen in the screen caps you posted match the windows seen in the pic on this website: http://www.emporis.com/application/?nav=building&id=carillonbeachhotel-miamibeach-fl-usa It seems unlikely that more than one hotel would have that window pattern. The hotel has been so reconstructed/rebuilt that the poolside location looks different but it is the same location." "So, if you will, please delete those poolside caps and post the attached screen caps. This is a location we have been trying to find for years. It is the drug lab house that explodes in a Season One Miami Vice episode entitled "Milk Run." It is the old fenced-in house. Chances are the house no longer exists. Back in the 80s TV shows really blew places up. Nevertheless the apartments on the street may be recognizable even if they don’t exist anymore. We think it is on the water. One very dark screen cap next to and behind the house could be the Bay and you see a light that looks like it’s on top of a radio tower. Hopefully Mark or someone else will recognize the location." Jim ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks for your help, folks! Don .

Miami Girl		19-Dec-2010 16:55
Someone may have mentioned this already, if so I'll just remind everybody about the new TV show called Magic City - set in the 50's and 60's Miami Beach. They hope to begin filming in 2011 - mostly in the area. Can't wait to see it!!

Nike		19-Dec-2010 16:00
TC - The last time I was by Miami High, Shirley's (the equivelant of Arnold's on Happy Days) had been replaced with a Burger King. I'm sure Miami High was the only school in Miami with a burger and fries hangout before school, during lunch, and after school. The others were obvioulsy deprived of the sock hop life. Tsk, tsk...

Fran		19-Dec-2010 14:44
Parks, Great to hear, all is well with the garden. It's dry here and no rain for weeks, under a no burn ban. If we don't get rain soon, looks like no fireworks for the New Year. I need to work on the peanut butter filling, will update when the filling is just right. Have a good one!

Ted Crownover		19-Dec-2010 14:40
Nike, I knew Joe Lapointe. I think those other guys were older than me. Yes, I did eat fries, hamburgers, drank cherry cokes, and contributed to the smokey environment at Shirley's.

whitebelt		19-Dec-2010 13:17
Man and Momma Nature. I was under the impression that when winter approached, you bring the potted plants in before the first frost, and you just kind of let the earth go to sleep. The lawnmower goes to sleep, the water hoses get put away, the sprinkler systems go to sleep. Does in my yard, anyhow. Imagine my surprise to see some of my neighbors still watering their grass and mowing it. Large yards. Brown grass. After the temps have dropped to the teens already. I have seen grass stay green under the snow for a long time, but I have never seen watering and mowing brown grass lawns. These are long time residents here. This is a little square mile out of thousands and thousands of square miles of natural grassland that has survived gazillions of buffalo and cattle and horses. Cutting through the sod is a chore. The roots go down a foot or more. Well established. Water is expensive. It all comes back to life in the Spring. Am I missing something? Parks, I've made heaters for outdoor pets using large coffee cans with light bulbs in them. Surprisingly effective in closed areas. I've seen greenhouses in Memphis that used 55 gallon drums full of water to keep the chill of the plants. The sun warmed the drums during the day. You might make a frame of PVC pipe around your garden that you can drape the plastic over when needed. Gives a little more airspace above the plants so you don't lose leaves in contact with the plastic. During this period of global warming you are going to see more cold nights. The woman is coming up for a visit this week. She is stressed from work. She is a water baby. I will be filling the hot tub in a day or so for her. No permanent heat out there yet. She can handle that, but I don't know about me. I think she will have it all to herself. Winter is for hibernating.

Parks		19-Dec-2010 05:46
Hi Fran, We seem to be down to one resident iguana after last winters freeze and one is enough. A few days ago we had freeze warnings so I covered Susan's garden with a big painters drop cloth. I then stuck a 100 watt light under the cloth to generate some heat. It worked, everything survived. Those nights it looked like we had a big glowing luminare in the yard.

Miami Girl		19-Dec-2010 00:50
Thank you Whitebelt, you're the class act!

whitebelt		18-Dec-2010 22:48
It's OK, Parks, I can swallow the bait and the fisherman. Goatboy, your "Uncle" Neil made a joke of it as part of making fun of Clapton's song dedicated to his son. I seem to remember he used some sound effects to help. He was moralizing, calling Clapton a hypocrite. I was parked across the street from his house in Plantation when he first started that schtick. It was extremely bad taste, even for the worst of shock jocks. Personal experiences just add to the reactions. Your statement "I hope you can one day forgive yourself for your own lapse of judgment." appears to me you may be cut of the same cloth as your "Uncle" Neil. Be advised that in no way shape or form do I feel you or your "Uncle" Neil have ANY moral authority to judge anyone or their judgement calls. I voted my opinion with the radio dial. I expressed my opinion of your "Uncle" Neil's performance, albeit in a lot more tasteful manner than he did of Eric Clapton. I don't have to be a radio host to do so, nor do I believe being a radio host elevates one to a position to be so crass, crude and tasteless in the pursuit of ratings without themselves being judged. Your "Uncle Neil is a piece of shit. He probably forgave himself, but others haven't. His morality is not shared universally. We could debate this a whole bunch, but this is really not the place. This is Don's house, I will respect it. You came back at me with a cheap shot and I responded to you. It is best left there.

Fran		18-Dec-2010 19:01
Parks, How is your lizard/s? How is Susan's garden? Making peanut butter cups, will think of you.

Parks		18-Dec-2010 18:28
Whitebelt, Don't take the bait.

Parks		18-Dec-2010 17:16
Nike & Don, That's harsh considering you are both many many years older than I am. I actually a facination with Civil War artillery so the pictures were fun for me to look at. Did you notice the dents in the turret of the Monitor? The photo must have been taken after it's encounter with the CSS Virginia.

Fran		18-Dec-2010 15:48
Nike, No, Dan Ponce is not in prison. However, you could Google him. I think you would get a kick out of knowing his Bio. He lives in Gator Land, in fact a Gator and ex's cousin. Dianne Ponce, former Miami High cheer leader, Gator, super mom, and ex's cousin.

Nike		18-Dec-2010 12:15
Don -- You need a hobby By the way, you are mistaken about Parks in the Civil War photos. I spotted him leaning on the cannon in the 7th row, 2nd picture from the left. That disguise doesn't fool me. Fran -- I attended Shenandoah Jr High 57-58. Most of the ones I mentioned attended Kinloch Jr High. I didn' know Dan Ponce. Did he go to prison also?

Don Boyd		18-Dec-2010 05:42
For those of you who like to view old photos, here is a great site with old black and white photos from the Civil War which I thought were incredible. No folks, Parks is old but he's not in any of the photos. http://www.mikelynaugh.com/VirtualCivilWar/New/Originals2/index.html Don :)

Fran		18-Dec-2010 03:15
Nike, Bernard, oh yeah...asked my ex about him and he just cracked up. Funny how life just happens...What junior high school did you attend? Did you know Dan Ponce or Dianne Ponce Thompson?

Don Boyd		18-Dec-2010 02:21
Nike, not yet, it's still on the pile of stuff to do and I will get to it when I can. I believe you already sent me some of the stills from the DVD and they're in the "to do" e-mails with photos attached. If I didn't have to view a couple of hundred e-mails a day and respond to some of them and if I didn't have Facebook I would have a lot more time daily to work on photos and get them up on to the site. Or drink more Heineken or Amstel Light to at least be somewhat productive! : ( Don .

Nike		18-Dec-2010 01:41
LARGO - I DIDN't KNOW ANY OF THEM Fran -- I knew them from the neighborhood and Miami High. Did you know Bernard DeCastro? After a 10 years in Raiford prison and getting religion, he ran for public office. I think he still has a ministry. Part of his campaign was to do the "Walkin Lawton" bit and walk from Miami to Escambia County. I don't know how he did. A ministry website that tells about him is http: / / www.martyangelo.com/bernie_d.htm Don -- did you ever get a look at the DVD I sent with the JFK video at HAFB? I have the still frames if you can use them.

Don Boyd		17-Dec-2010 19:20
I created a new gallery for TV and Radio Personalities, moving several images from the main page into the gallery. I also added some still shots of Larry King, then a disc jockey in Miami, from a 1961 TV show called "Miami Undercover" where he gets killed off in the very beginning of an episode called "The Thrush." He was whacked by the Mafia for refusing payola. You can view the episode at: <http://ia700101.us.archive.org/20/items/MiamiUndercoverTheThrush/MiamiUndercover-theThrush.ogv There's some great footage of Scotty's Drive-In, on A1A and Sunny Isles Boulevard just south of the Newport Hotel, in the segment. I made some stills from the footage and will add them to the Restaurants/Drive Ins gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_restaurants Nike: thanks for all the skinhead comments, not that I wanted to know. Eddie got his back shaved so the vet could see all the bite and scratch wounds. She stitched one or two and had to put a drain in on another. He got a few shots for anti-virus purposes and antibiotics. They gave him a bath and trimmed his claws and he's really happy to be home even if he does look weird. I've got to go back Monday to get his drain removed. It's time to trap every stray and possum in the neighborhood or they're going to kill Eddie someday unless he gets much bigger. Don .

Fran		17-Dec-2010 15:05
LARGO, GET THIS, EX GREW UP WITH JERRY AND STEWART REISMAN AND KNEW THEM. ATTENDED HIGH SCHOOL AT MIAMI HIGH WITH THE BROTHERS. COLD WEATHER NOT SO BAD, SUNDAY IN THE LOW 20's.

LARGO		17-Dec-2010 14:45
BTW, FYI...NIKE.....I DO NOT SPEAK "GOAT"...SORRY.....IT WENT DOWN TO 22* IN MY LITTLE WORLD....LOTS OF FROZEN PLANTS..SIIIIGH... :~( ....NIKE DID YOU KNOW A JERRY OR STEWART REISMAN OR ALAN ARONT OR DAVID FRASIER AT M.H.?? I GREW UP WITH THEM IN MY OLD NEIGHBORHOOD ON N.W. 6TH ST....TILL 5TH GRADE.....THEN MOVED TO S. MIAMI.

Fran		17-Dec-2010 04:30
Nike, Bob Motley was or is a bank president in Atlanta. Larry, outstanding receiver on the Miami High football team. Romero was in Atlanta, friends with Motley. All of them went and lived in my ex's neighborhood. Ted Pinder, not sure as to where he lives. Jerry Dirocco he ended up at DEC Digital Equipment Company. Small world, who knew.

Parks		17-Dec-2010 03:49
I'm with you Whitebelt. I didn't think much of him either.

whitebelt		17-Dec-2010 03:15
I listened to Neil Rogers for a while up until the early nineties when he made jokes about Eric Clapton's son falling out of the 52nd floor. Lost total respect, regard, or care for him or his soul from then on.

Nike		17-Dec-2010 01:03
Fran - It'ss the truth. Any guy who has the humility to admit the truth will do so. Ted -- Thanks. I didn't know. By the way, did you know Tim O'dea, Bob Motley, or Larry Lapointe from Miami High? Ever eat fries at Shirley's?

Fran		16-Dec-2010 22:51
Nike, Not sure about the pee pee story. I only inquired as to the weather. Mom's aren't they great! Oh, BTW I just thought that the reason for the pee pee story was that, well it has been cold lately. If you are not careful they say that they tend to shrivel up. Now, I don't know if that's the truth but it sounds about right.:)

Nike		16-Dec-2010 19:09
LARGO -- THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. HOW IS THE WEATHER IN ST AUGUSTINE?

LARGO		16-Dec-2010 18:26
FYI.. NIKE....LMAO..."L" LAUGHING "M" MY "A" ASS "O" OFF / OMG "OH MY GOD" / BTW "BY THE WAY" ..................... LARGO "LAUGHING AT RIDICULOUS GREETINGS ONLINE"..........................LOL "LAUGHING OUT LOUD" THERE ARE MANY MORE................TTFN "TA TA FOR NOW" *<\;~)

Nike		16-Dec-2010 17:27
Stoopid keybored -- Can't spell

Nike		16-Dec-2010 17:25
Don -- I did see the pics of Eddie. Theyare identical. Hope the vet visit turns out for him. RE: Pee-Pee -- Sorry Fran but it just keeps popping up (The story, that is). I jus called my Mother in Cleveland, Tennessee to see if possibly my memory had failed me. She confirmed my age as six when the pee-peeectomy was done. I asked her why at age six compared to near birth. She told me they couldn't afford anything but the cost of delivery as they had no insurance in 1945 when I was born. However,she said, when I was six year old and they decided to have my toncils removed, the doctor told her she should have it done at the same time and he made her a package deal. What a guy!! I was promised ice cream when I woke for the sore throat we knew I would have after surgery. Nobody told me to expect the burning in my croch. I didn't know which end of me needed the ice cream. She inquired why I needed to know about somthing like that anyway. When I told her I was simply sharing things with my Miami Memory firend on the internet, she almost became hysterical and told me I'm still the little boy she remembers. I condiser that quite a compliment. Roberta -- Great story, probably true. Guest -- Okay, I give up. What does LMAO represent?

Roberta Perry Hughes		16-Dec-2010 09:25
Okay.....I got one story of the pee-pee to top any posted, thus far: I know of a man, who, at age 21, suffered from an undiagnosed case of appendicitis, and they ruptured, as a result, due to the fact that they were inexplicably located on the left side, not the right, as per usual. He had the emergency surgery, but when he awakened, to his dismay and great puzzlement, he was in excruciating pain in his nether region, and had no clue, as to the cause. He asked a nurse why he was hurting "down there," and she cleared the matter up for him, with the obvious explanation. You guessed it.....! Turns out that the surgeon was Jewish, so he performed a circumcision, after he did the emergency appendectomy. I have forgotten all of the details, but Mom and Pop....and their grown son....were not happy about it, and threatened to sue, or so I was told. In a mutually agreed upon deal, in compensation, they had no hospital bill to pay. Babies do not recall this surgery, but I am sure a 6 year old does, and you can well imagine, what it was like for a 21 year old young man. Day-um, huh....? Weather-wise, it has been colder than a well digger's arse in Alaska, here in the CSRA. Been running the heat, day and night, which burned up 20% of my propane. Still have 60% in the 200 gallon tank, and you have to be down to around 20% to order more. Been supplementing with electric radiator heaters, which helps a lot. ********************************************************************************************************* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guest		16-Dec-2010 08:33
Nike 12-Dec-2010 12:19 Just someone who has his little pee-pee circumcised at age six because of a religious tradition. I was told we were going to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I'm still not religious and still cross my legs everytime I go to the dentist. JEEEEEEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought THAT particular tradition was supposed to be at 6 DAYS, not 6 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! STILL LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parks		16-Dec-2010 04:12
Hi Rat! I haven't heard of any dead crocs or sea cows yet but I wouldn't be surprised if I did. It got pretty cold last night. There were a record number of sea cow deaths last year. Most of them were related to the big freeze. Despite the record number of deaths the count was the highest yet. Looks like they are making a come back.

Miami River Rat		16-Dec-2010 01:56
Howdy Sports fans: Been gone a while with 'puter problems, frozen fingers and stuff like that. Been cold as a witches',,,, oh wait, family site. I think our weather here in east central Alabama is pretty much similar to what Nike reports from Atlanta. Any dead crocs or sea cows down in south Florida?

Parks		15-Dec-2010 16:26
Don, you cheapskate, you know I don't eat that much! Actually I agree that taking care of the kitty is more important than buying me lunch.

Don Boyd		15-Dec-2010 13:54
Nike, did you get my e-mail response to the Demi photos you sent me? If not, she looks a lot like my boy kitty a couple of months ago. He's going to the vet today because he got into a fight with some critter outside one afternoon and now has an lump on his back from getting scratched or bitten. Here goes some $$$ no doubt but it's better than buying lunch for Parks, haha.

Leighton		15-Dec-2010 07:58
Who circumcises at age SIX?????? And what does this have to do with cats? And my name is not "Leigh" - ever. "Hello" to JWR - I KNOW you're reading this. Decorating commences at the parental casa, for the open house this weekend, weather permitting.

whitebelt		14-Dec-2010 20:04
Too dry usually for frost, Nike. Has been a comfortable 20ish at night and 40ish to 60ish daytime for the last many days. Comfortable outside in the afternoon and inside at night, that is. Damned ground is always cold, though.

Nike		14-Dec-2010 14:48
AZAL - You never know. I'v heard "if you go to heaven or hell, you have to change planes in Atlanta." If you get divererted, or just want to spend a couple of days in Atlanta and need a place to stay, call me. Nancy and I would love to have you as our guest. RE: Temperature/flip-flops, we might have came back from the islands a tad bit too soon.

Ariziona Al		14-Dec-2010 13:52
Nike: The closest I get is Raleigh, N.C. I travel there once a month on a consulting contract with a large behavioral health provider organization. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		14-Dec-2010 11:47
AZAL -- Do you ever get to Atlanta in your travels (medical conferences, leisure, etc?

Arizona Al		14-Dec-2010 04:26
80F today in the Valley of the Sun. Low tonight 62, High tomorrow 79. Global warming is alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive, well and looking for his cut-offs and flip flops in Phoenix, Arizona

Parks		14-Dec-2010 04:12
45F in my front yard in South Miami @ 11pm We have freeze warnings for early morning. Susan covered her raised bed garden with sheets. Where is Global Warming when you need it?

Nike		14-Dec-2010 02:42
Oops, I guess a little TMI? RE: The weather, 21 at 9:41pm in Atlanta and going down to 14 tonight. I'll bet Whitebelt gets frost on the pumpkin tonight.

Fran		14-Dec-2010 00:44
Nike, Sweetie, how's the weather?

Nike		12-Dec-2010 12:19
Guest LMAO@ -- Just someone who has his little pee-pee circumcised at age six because of a religious tradition. I was told we were going to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I'm still not religious and still cross my legs everytime I go to the dentist.

Guest		12-Dec-2010 09:11
LMAO@ I remember our former cat's reaction after we took him to get his "teeth cleaned" at four months. He couldn't figure out why his little pee-pee hurt by getting his teeth cleaned. Every time we would put him into the car carrier to go to the vet, he would cross his legs. I don't care WHO you are, that's FUNNY!!!!!

Parks		11-Dec-2010 17:02
Nike, Nice web site. Needs more cat pictures. Demi sounds wonderful. The technical term for a cat running around like the Energizer Bunny is "Crazy Kitty". My 16 year old Chessie was Crazy Kitty this morning. A happy cat always has some kitten in her. I suggest that you try giving her pill pockets as a treat occasionally. That way when you need to give her a pill she will be willing to accept them with out fuss.

Nike		11-Dec-2010 11:48
LARGO - I couldn't figure out how to provide a picture of Demi on this text-only website. So, I posted it on my company website. Go to 911ExpertWitness.org and select "Contact Us" I will leave it up through the weekend. I have to admit, having this kitten has made changes in me I thought were impossible. For example, allowing a cat on the furniture has always been a no-no. Not anymore. At this point in my life, enjoying a kitten running around like the Energizer Bunny is more important than the possibility of a picked threat in the sofa. The dining room table and kitchen countertops are still off-limits. Of course I need to speak with Demi about getting energized at 4:30 am. We watch less televison since we have had her. What a pleasure. So, if your tired of political pundants, turn off the TV, cancel your newspaper subscription and get a kitten. We told her about her scheduled visit to get her teeth cleaned (wink-wink) when she is four months old. I remember our former cat's reaction after we took him to get his "teeth cleaned" at four months. He couldn't figure out why his little pee-pee hurt by getting his teeth cleaned. Every time we would put him into the car carrier to go to the vet, he would cross his legs. The train around the Christmas tree was an ordeal. Demi thought it was a big toy as it went around and around and kept attacking it. So, maybe next year.

Ariziona Al		09-Dec-2010 17:18
Leighton: In 1982 Don Henley had a song that went high on the pop charts. It was titled "Dirty Laundry".The song is about the callousness (and callowness) of TV news reporting as well as the tabloidization of all news. Henley sings from the standpoint of a news anchorman who "could have been an actor, but I wound up here", and thus is not a real journalist. The song's theme is that TV news coverage focuses too much on negative and sensationalist news; in particular, deaths, disasters, and scandals, with little regard to the consequences or for what is important ("We all know that crap is king"). Give it a listen! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix,Arizona

charlis		08-Dec-2010 22:40
Egg Nog... used to make my own... bought nog at grocery store and added different ligours/liquers... used rum, whiskey, amaretto. We had a tradition on xmas eve... read the Christmas Story (Guy de Mapuasent (sic))... while sipping on hot chocolate spiked with some liquor that I can remember at this moment. It was used in the "eight ball"...vodka and ?.

charlis		08-Dec-2010 22:31
leigh... I have a routine... start the coffee, water and feed the cat, get the paper, make the coffee, turn on the local news and read the paper while sipping coffee. I do not watch the networks like FO, MSNBC, etc.

Miami Girl		08-Dec-2010 21:45
Hey Don, I'll take two!

Don Boyd		08-Dec-2010 07:30
Parks, I used to prefer McArthur's anything to any other brand but now I prefer Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog - it's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Blended Whiskey, Rum and Brandy in egg nog and two glasses of it will give you a seriously wonderful warm buzz. I used to drink it a couple of nights a week and I gained ten pounds in no time so I save it for special occasions. Don .

Parks		08-Dec-2010 02:26
Ok guys, here's a Florida Christmas question McArthur or Farm Stores Egg Nog? I prefer McArthur's.

LARGO		08-Dec-2010 01:20
OK NIKE...AS LONG AS YOU ARE GETTING THE TRAIN SET OUT TO PUT AROUND THE TREE.....PLEASE GET YOUR CAMCORDER READY...I WANNA SEE "DEMI" WITH THAT TOY!!....LOL....................LARGO

Nike		08-Dec-2010 00:29
Ted Crownover -- Did you know Tim O'Dea? Enough newspapers and TV. It's time to get the train set out and put around the tree. Who started this anyway?

Ted Crownover		07-Dec-2010 22:25
YEAH.....Pick up a "good old-fashioned newspaper", then you will know the truth. Just like everything you read on the internet has to be true!

whitebelt		07-Dec-2010 15:18
Leighton, I don't believe we demanded and watched. It was foisted upon us and claimed to be a demand. There was nothing else to watch. The internet age has changed the game. No more monolithic disseminators and determinators of the news that is fit to print. BTW, newspapers were far from being not guilty of slanting the news, but any vestige of real news reporting by them died under the Reagan admin. Fox and Limbaugh is a reaction. It takes a while for things to sort out, but we have so many more viewpoints now to work with to reach a consensus as a society. People will actually have to start thinking now evaluating them instead of being spoon fed and regimented. It will all come out in the wash. Onward though the fog.

Leighton		07-Dec-2010 15:05
Turn off the TV news, period. Pick up a good old-fashioned newspaper. I'm old school, when news was news, and commentary was labeled as such, at the end of the broadcast. I don't need people telling me what to think, or telling me what I want to hear. Life isn't black and white, blue or red, etc. If enough people stopped grasping at these ego-driven "news" jackasses on Fox, MSNBC, CNN, etc., we'd see a return to true news reporting. I work in the production industry, and it has included some "news" shows...believe me, these "reporters" care only about their image, their popularity...themselves. Bad news is good news, and controversy makes for a larger audience. These "evils" are generated by US, because we demand and watch. I want the facts, minus the interpretation. I'm smart enough to figure it out, without a "tutor" (better said, "tooter").

Don Boyd		07-Dec-2010 13:59
Jim Staubach contributed some more old 1984 Miami Vice images that he needs help in identifying the exact location. Please check them out at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_where Thanks! Don .

whitebelt		07-Dec-2010 13:39
Fox is a necessary evil to counteract the larger evils of the "mainstream" dictators of proper thinking. That series sounds interesting. One of the things about Miami that always intrigued me was the enemies that lived together without blowing the whole town up. Pro and anti Castro, Sandinistas and Contras, Ton Ton Macoute and their victims, warring groups from all over Central and South America. Strange place.

Leighton		07-Dec-2010 05:45
DESPISE Fox News - yes, I'll go there. Anyway, this latest TV news: Starz has made a 10-episode commitment to Magic City, a period drama series that captures the collision of mobsters, politicians and entertainers at a posh Miami hotel just as Fidel Castro takes control of Cuba and shuts down Havana as a gambling haven. Mitch Glazer created the series and has written the first three episodes — he’ll write five more -- of a series that will start production early next year in Miami and will air on Starz in 2012. It's being produced by Media Talent Group, whose CEO, Geyer Kosinski will be executive producer with Glazer and Tony To. The subject matter is a tightrope in dealing with the mob, his own complicated family, racial tensions and a city that is about to blow up as a destination for decadence. “Mitch has created a world populated with unforgettable characters and with a big dynamic story,” said Starz president/CEO Chris Albrecht in a statement. “The talented creative team that has come together for Magic City will ensure a show that we think audiences won’t want to miss.” Glazer based the series on his own recollection of growing up in Miami. “I was born and raised in Miami Beach, grew up in those swank hotel lobbies,” Glazer said. “I love that world and those stories. Miami in the early ‘60s was a tropical crossroads, America’s Casablanca. The Rat Pack, CIA, the mob, JFK and anti-Castro warriors, all hanging out in the same Collins Avenue nightclub.” Starz is putting together other series, but Magic City certainly harkens back to that Sopranos-style fare that was Albrecht's trademark at HBO.

Miami Girl		07-Dec-2010 00:51
Parks thanks, that sounds like a plan!! We're going to avoid traffic as much as possible.

Parks		06-Dec-2010 03:15
Miami Girl, Traffic shouldn't be too awful on Sunday. I like your idea of lunch at Shorty's. May I suggest that after lunch you go back North a few blocks on US1 to Kendal Drive. Turn right onto Kendal Drive go a few more blocks to 67th Ave and turn right again. You are now South bound on 67th Ave which will take you to Old Cutler. Turn right on Old Cutler for a nice drive south. You'll pass the Deering Estate park and cross the bridge that so many jumped off. If you turn right at 216 street (Hanlin Mill) you will get to the turnpike where you can continue your trip South.

Miami Girl		05-Dec-2010 21:38
Nike, one of my sisters does. I keep telling her it's because she's old and her brain is getting mushy. After I posted my last comment I figured out that I was being naive thinking you were serious, I should have recognized the sarcasm. LOL

Nike		05-Dec-2010 20:44
Miami Girl -- He really isn't. I just thought I would pretend he was since all of omy other "favorites" were being taken away. Actually, does anyone really like him? Don't get me started...

Miami Girl		05-Dec-2010 19:52
Don and Whitebelt: Our cruise ship comes in on Sunday morning - so common sense tells me it probably will be ok any way we go but then Miami doesn't always go by common sense. We had plans to drive down US 1 and do lunch at Shorty's, so that might be what we try. This last time S. Dixie Hwy was a mess too so we hung a left over to Old Cutler and enjoyed the Ficus trees (or are they Banyan trees?) on our quick little trip down to Cutler Ridge. Nike I agree with you on Fox News, but I'm confused that you like it in the same breath as your favorite president? But then - as you said "don't get me started" on that subject.

whitebelt		05-Dec-2010 16:43
Nike, you can't bounce things off their head with a laser. Cat fishing is fun, without the hooks of course. A cheap short rod with a cheap little fly reel with a ball or toys tied on the end can be very entertaining. Breitbart.com has some very good articles, albeit they take less prisoners than Fox. Of the mainstream press Reuters and AFP are the only ones that come close to being honest. The rest have an agenda revealed by the unnecessary stuff they "report" on. Any loony left protest or concern gets lots of air time from them, making it appear a bigger issue than it is. Don, I hope your kitty came back in. I just don't like cats going outside and inside. Most especially when they come in and drop a dead squirrel or big lizard at your feet. Or come back on the losing side of a cat fight all gashed up and bloodied. Plus the worrying about them.

Nike		05-Dec-2010 15:49
Don - I'll send pics of Demi to your private email. She look just like your little Eddie. Whitebelt - I found the best way to watch them go crazy chasing something is the red dot from a laser pointer. Leighton -- It sounds like you were in the Tri-Cities area or western NC. By the way, the only way to know what is "really" happening in today's world is FOX News. a.k.a. "The Truth Channel." Don't get me started.... Oh well, a little rayer for 2010 - Dear Lord, I just wanted to offer a “Thank You” prayer for 2010. This year you took my: • Favorite actor, Patrick Swayze; • Favorite actress, Farah Fawcett; • Favorite singer, Michael Jackson. I just wanted to let you know, my favorite president is Barack Obama. Amen

Don Boyd		05-Dec-2010 15:20
Whitebelt, I apply a medicine once a month to the back of my kitty's neck and it keeps the fleas, ticks and mosquitoes off of him. I have not seen a flea or tick on him or anywhere in my home since I adopted him and he doesn't bite himself or scratch himself as if he had one on him. Don .

whitebelt		05-Dec-2010 15:04
Miami Girl, decide what route you take by the time of day. Meaning rush hour. Taking US1 from downtown is the easiest on the nerves and really doesn't take that much longer. You might jump over to Lejeune, Red Road, or Ludlam and go in the back way via Old Cutler. You can also sneak down Brickell and hit Bayshore to stay off US1. See the sights. Less stress than dodging the idiots. Hitting the toll booths used to take a lot of time on the Xway. The best cat toy in the world is a fishing rod. Interactive entertainment. Leighton, did it rain on your trip? When we drove to Vero Beach 3 years ago it rained from Little Rock, through Memphis, through Birmingham, through Atlanta, and on down to Valdosta. Driving through Alabama sucks even on a good day.

Don Boyd		05-Dec-2010 14:57
Miami Girl: ah ha, then that's the mess you were in on Friday evening. I've never seen so many cars on Milam Dairy Road at that time of night when northbound rush hour traffic should be really tapering off. What time of day does your cruise ship arrive and what day of week? The shortest route is 836 (Dolphin) to 826 (Palmetto) to 874 (Don Shula Xway) to the Turdpike Extension. But 836 to the Turdpike Extension might be better depending on time of day, day of week. Tolls don't deter traffic to much extent - most people have to do it rather than take arterial roads. But being on the Turdpike Extension puts you further west than most of the county and then theoretically it should have less traffic. Don .

Miami Girl		05-Dec-2010 14:20
Don, we were going North on the Palmetto so that's the gridlock we were stuck in. When I said "further down" I should have added "the Dolphin" meaning we got on it closer to the airport. We basically cut off two sides of the triangle, my son had a GPS and I'm still not sure how he did it. I need an opinion, when we get off the cruise ship in January I'm thinking of getting on the Homestead Extension of the turnpike instead of any of our other options to reach the Cutler Ridge area. After this trip we'll pay the tolls just to get less traffic -- good idea??

Leighton		05-Dec-2010 14:15
Fox News seems to infiltrate this site, quite a bit. My favorite Christmas card, again....the cover is a vintage photo of a young boy holding a dog, in front of a Christmas tree. The inside caption: "Then Jesus appeared, and said, "Kid, it's my birthday, and that's my puppy." Merry Christmas, Dammit!!! Traffic is bad everywhere. I drove through rush hour in Birmingham (in the rain), then later, rush hour in Chattanooga (in the rain). Skipped Knoxville (in the rain), and drove back roads for three hours. Oh, did I say it rained on my trip to East TN??? Lightly snowing right now, although I mowed the grass two days ago.

whitebelt		05-Dec-2010 13:48
My little Soledad is on one of her ripsnort tearing through the house modes now. Helps burn off the treats she bugs me for so often. She is on the plush side. She does this in the morning quite often. She has this thing about walking on top of the clothes hanging in the closet. She also likes to find a spot to nap buried back on the shelves. She likes high places. She gets on top of the kitchen cabinets, which are about 6 inches from the ceiling and likes to survey her domain on occasion. And to spread any grease or dust that collects up there to the closet and myself. Otherwise she is a very affectionate cat. She loves to sit in my lap while I am on the laptop or to sleep on my hip when I lay down on the couch. She will never go outside. Cats that go outside bring fleas and ticks back inside. I spent many years backed up in traffic on those expressways in Miami. Why I love it here with one traffic light. Hang a left and it is 20 miles to the next one, hang a right and it is 37 miles. Two days before I went down to pick up Soledad the woman got a wild hair and bought another sports car. She has always had one. She had a Crossfire until 3 months ago, but sold it because she never went anywhere with it because she was afraid it would get damaged. The battery went dead over the winter two years running. That car was a rocket propelled coffin. Supercharged engine. Poor visibility, stiff ride. Just straight ahead power after you got to speed. It would snap your neck punching it down at 70. All it was good for was meeting your maker in a hurry. Anyhow, she saw a yellow Pontiac Solstice in a car lot and fell in love. Cool little car. Even I like it. Has a turbo charged engine that you wouldn't believe. They have cautions on the sun visors about the rapid acceleration causing whiplash, lost hats, and things like that. That thing accelerates so fast it blurs your vision. Wicked little car, but handles so much better than that Crossfire. There is no where near Miami where you can enjoy what that car can do.

Don Boyd		05-Dec-2010 09:32
Miami Girl: what time was that on Friday? You said "down" so I assume you were going southbound. I went down to Bryson's Irish Pub Friday night from Westland Mall in Hialeah at 6:45pm and I took W. 16th Avenue southbound which turns into Milam Dairy Road (NW 72 Avneue) and northbound traffic on it was gridlock from Okeechobee Road to west of the airport at 25th Street. I figured something happened on the Palmetto and everyone was getting off it and taking Milam. It turned out that a guy pulled over on the side of the northbound Palmetto between Okeechobee and NW 103 Street and got under his car, presumably to remove debris jammed under his car, and some fool ran into the rear of his car killing him. Fatalities on the highways always take forever to clear up. The buddy meeting me took the Palmetto southbound at the same time as I was on Milam and he didn't have problems southbound, getting off at NW 36th Street. Charles, good for you on your kitty adoption and saving Demi's life. We're enjoying the hell out of our kitty though he likes to disappear outside for hours on end. It's 4:30am now and I haven't seen him since 11pm or so and I've gone outside looking for him to no avail. (SOB!) Congrats on your 65th birthday! Don .

Parks		05-Dec-2010 07:06
Miami Girl, I think there was a big police chase on the Palmetto. It can be bad but it's usually not that bad. It's the Dolphin that gets backed up every day. We have three North / South Xways but the Dolphin is really the only East / West Xway. Susan has really been loving our weather the last few days. She is spending a lot of time outside in our garden. Farmer's Markets are opening for the season. A new one opened in South Miami today. Susan brought home a Dragon Fruit, a slice of Jack Fruit and a piece of cherry strudel.

Miami Girl		05-Dec-2010 03:07
To you brave folks still living in the Miami area my heart goes out to you! I've just returned from a quick two day emergency trip to attend a funeral in "the sun and fun capitol of the world ....Miami Beach" and a big chunk of time was spent in a traffic jam on the Palmetto (it took us 1.5 hours to go 5 miles yesterday). We finally gave it up and got off about a half mile from the Dolphin Exp then took a short cut to get on it further down, then encountered yet more bumper to bumper but this time it was moving and scaring me to death because it was going 80 mph! But by then it was dark, the windows were down and we were luxuriating in that clear, clean and sumptuous Miami night sea breeze. I'm being pulled in different directions, love it and hate it - HELP!!!

Parks		03-Dec-2010 18:26
Whitebelt, If Susan is any example they are all still in her night stand. As for the kitty, do yourself a favor and buy a real kitty nail clipper. It works much faster than trying to do it with an emery board. Speed is critical to surviving a nail clipping session with a kitty. If she is really struggling, just do one or two a day and be sure not to clip too much. It's a good idea to have some styptic powder handy in case you cut too much and hit the quick in the claw.

whitebelt		03-Dec-2010 13:01
My kitty needs her nails trimmed, a job I dread. I was thinking of getting her drunk and using an emery board on them. That brings up a question I have always had. How many emery boards has the average American woman in her 60's used in her lifetime?

Fran		03-Dec-2010 10:39
LARGO, I FOUND MY CANDLES THIS AFTERNOON.;) SAVANNAH, PAULA HAS KELP PUT THIS TOWN ON THE MAP. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, "THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL", WONDERFUL BOOK, MOVIE OKAY. THERE IS A NUKE BASE THERE. THE SUBS ARE POWERED BY NUKE ENERGY. SO MUCH TO DO THERE, SO MUCH HISTORY AND FOOD THAT MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH.

LARGO		03-Dec-2010 05:54
FRAN...SOUNDS FRIGHTENING...I SAID A PRAYER AND LIT A CANDLE FOR YOU TODAY...NO I COULD NOT FIND YOUR ADVENT CANDLES...BUT I WILL KEEP LOOKING...STAY SAFE. ROBERTA...YES! WE DO HAVE A WONDERFUL CUBAN RESTAURANT IN THE OLD CITY..IT'S RIGHT NEAR THE BRIDGE OF LIONS (RECENTLY RESTORED AFTER 6 YEARS) THAT CROSSES THE MATANZAS RIVER OVER TO A1A BEACHSIDE ROUTE. THE FOOD IS GREAT, WONDERFUL ATMOSPHERE, AND AUTHENTIC CUBAN LIVE MUSIC SOME NITES. I DEFINATELY WILL WATCH THE PBS SPECIAL AND I THANK YOU FOR THE HEADS UP...I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU AND YOUR COWBOY DOING MUCH BETTER. THE SYFY CHANNELS "GHOST HUNTERS" DID A SPECIAL ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT HAUNTED SITES AROUND ST. AUGUSTINE...MY FAVORITE WAS ON THE ST AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE..AND THEY DID HAVE VIDEO PROOF OF AN ENTITY. YOU CAN PROBABLY GOOGLE THE VIDEO. THERE ARE MANY TALES OF HAUNTINGS HERE...AND IN SAVANNAH...BEEN THERE TOO.............LOVE TO HEAR THE KITTY UPDATES FROM YOU ALL... AND MOST RECENT KIT PARENTS BOTH NIKE AND WHITEBELT....GLAD TO KNOW THEY ARE DOING WELL...THEY ARE SUCH LOVING COMPANIONS....THE CATS THAT IS.... ;>) ..........TTFN............LARGO........... IN MY BEAUTIFUL OLD TOWN LIT UP FOR THE HOLLYDAZE...THE TOWN THAT IS! LOL

Roberta Perry Hughes		03-Dec-2010 03:38
LARGO.....(and anyone else who might be interested)..... IN CHECKING MY TV GUIDE'S LISTINGS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, I SAW THAT, AT 9:30 p.m., ON PBS, IS A PROGRAM CALLED, "BREAKFAST SPECIAL, WHICH STATES, "A CELEBRATION OF BREAKFAST VISITS A CUBAN CAFE, IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FL." THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN TUNING IN. ##########################################################################

whitebelt		02-Dec-2010 23:44
Ms. Soledad has adapted quite nicely to her new home with me. She doesn't have to compete with the other animals for my services. She likes that. This is where Ms. Soledad, and I, used to live. The Rio Grande Sun is a local paper there. An entertaining paper at times. This is their police blotter for the past week. Kind of typical for the area. It is a city of about 10,000 that overlaps 2 counties and 2 Indian reservations. The surrounding area was one of the first settled by Europeans in America. There are families that go back 400 years to the Conquistadors, plus the Pueblo people. Very rural, very redneck with a Spanish accent. I had no real problem going into some very rough areas of Miami at night, but I did not feel comfortable going out at night in that town. It is the village of the damned after dark. Severe heroin and worldview problem there. The zombies really come out at night there. http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2010/12/02/cops_courts/doc4cf680b6affa5310540961.txt One day I was at the garden exit of WalMart when this big Hispanic guy was stopped by a big Hispanic WalMart guy as he tried to run out. The WalMart guy just blocked him and knocked a bunch of DVD's from under the guy's hoodie. The guy dashes into the parking lot about 30 feet away and turns around and challenges the Walmart guy to come out and fight him. This went on for several minutes. Usually the shoplifters just run across the parking lot to Taco Bell or the Chili's and then come out later to sell the stuff in the parking lot. Or score with the drug dealers doing business in the parking lot. I have noticed WalMart seems to be calling the police down on them more lately. A weird area. Good to get Soledad out of there.

Nike		02-Dec-2010 21:18
I know you will all be happy to hear Nancy and I have adopted a litlle black baby. She had a little cold when we brought her home. We named he "Demi" because she is so small. Demi is over he cold and doing much better. We've had her wormed and all her shots. We plan obn having her spayed a soon as she is old enough. We don't need any more little black babies running around. Don, I saw the picture of your little black baby, Eddie. Demi and Eddie are identical in size and looks. She has brought us many hours of joy since we brought her home from the shelter. As a matter of fact, we reminded ourselves she would have been killed if we hadn't adopted her. I turned 65 this past week and find myself playing in the floor like a kid with her. You're never too old.

Fran		01-Dec-2010 16:29
LARGO, LOOK THROUGH YOUR DECORATIONS, SEE IF YOU CAN FIND MY ADVENT CANDLES. I KNOW THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND. IT'S NOT SO EASY GETTING OLDER BUT WE ALL MAKE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING.;)

Fran		01-Dec-2010 16:23
LARGO, VESSEL POPPED AND THE EYEBALL FILLED WITH BLOOD. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE LEFT EYE. THE RIGHT EYE IS HEALING ALMOST LIKE NEW. HOWEVER THE LEFT WILL TAKE MORE TIME. THIS HAPPENED TO MY DAD, SO NOT UNEXPECTED. YES, SURGERY IS BEING CONSIDERED. SO NOW IT'S THE WAIT GAME, TIME (sigh). I WAS LUCKY THAT IT DID NOT HAPPEN AT THE SAME TIME. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR.:)

LARGO		01-Dec-2010 11:34
I AM HAVING CHRISTMAS DECORATING ANXIETY...WHAT WITH KITTENS IN THE HOUSE...THEY ASSUME THAT 'EVERYTHING' I SET OUT IS THEIRS...AS IS THE CAT ANTHEM...THE TREE IS PRELIT...HUMMMMM...PERHAPS JUST TREE...NO ORNAMENTS THIS YEAR...I SEE A CRAZY CAT VIDEO ON THE HORIZON.............LARGO

LARGO		01-Dec-2010 11:28
FRAN...WHAT DO YOU MEAN....'YOUR LEFT EYE BLEW OUT'?....THE VISUAL IS SCARY?..BUT R/ EYE IS HEALING?...DID YOU HAVE SURGERY?..ACCIDENT.....WHA HAPPEN TO YA GAL...?

Fran		01-Dec-2010 02:37
LARGO, SORRY ABOUT THE SPELLING ERROR...AMORE INSTEAD OF AMOUR.

Fran		01-Dec-2010 02:33
Largo, CAPS SO SUITES YOU...HELPS ME TOO. THE RIGHT EYE IS HEALING BUT THE LEFT EYE BLEW OUT LAST MONTH. NOW MORE WAITING...I THINK IT'S ALL PART OF GOD'S PLAN. OH (sigh) AMOUR, LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR. :)

LARGO		01-Dec-2010 01:59
THANKS CHARLIS...I REALLY DO LIKE THE WAY CAPS LOOK..ALL UNIFORM...AND FOR NOW I CAN SEE WHAT I WRITE...MOST TIMES.... ;o) .....LARGO

charlis		30-Nov-2010 23:01
Largo... don't worry about typing in CAPS... it is proven that typing/data entry in CAP is ergonomically efficient... less chance of errors. Took me years to convince by "boss" as to my data entry in the database. As to the surgery... luckily that is one thing that does not run in my family... no one has ever had cataracts. Nowadays the surgery is a "breeze" so you should have no problem. And, yes, the colors are more vivid according to friends that have had the surgery. They never realized that they had lost the "ability" until after the surgery.

LARGO		30-Nov-2010 19:24
THANKS PARKS...YOUR NOTE WAS REASSURING...TELL YOUR SUSAN I APPRECIATE THE FIRST HAND INFO...EVEN WITH THE PROBLEMS I SEE COLOR...I CANNOT IMAGINE IT TO BE EVEN MORE VIVID...THAT TAKES THE EDGE OFF...BEST TO YOU BOTH.......LARGO

Parks		30-Nov-2010 16:09
LARGO, All surgery is scary. If it helps, Susan had the cataract surgery a couple of years ago and is pleased with the results. She said that it is pretty easy to go through. She said the hard part is what you are going through now, waiting. Susan says to pay particular attention to how much more vivid colors are after the surgery.

LARGO		30-Nov-2010 14:51
AWWW GEE PARKS...THANKS 4 ASKIN....I TRY TO USE LOWER CASE FOR EFFECT...I try to practice..AM DUE SOON ..WITHEN THE YEAR ..TO HAVE CATARACT SURGERY...IT SCARES ME...AND NOT MUCH DOES..UNLESS IT INVOLVES FAMILY, CLOSE FRIENDS, AND CRITTERS...HOPEFULLY I WILL BE A CANIDATE FOR THE NEW "CRYSTALENS"....I SEE TRIPLE IMAGES WITH MY RIGHT EYE AND MY LEFT IS NOT MUCH BETTER...NIGHT DRIVING IS A NIGHTMARE AND ON AN EMERGENCY 'HAVE TOO' BASIS! AS AN VISUAL ARTIST...IT HAS REALLY TWEAKED MY STYLE...WORK USED TO BE VERY DETAILED...BUT NOW IS LOOSER AND LARGER...WE EVOLVE..ADAPT....WHEN ONE REALLY LOVES TO DO SOMETHING....ONE FINDS A WAY.......LARGO.....trying not to bump into too many objects......LOL

Parks		29-Nov-2010 23:43
Largo, are you alright? I see lower case letters in your last post!

LARGO		29-Nov-2010 21:36
HATE TO MISPELL...THE Y & THE T ARE SO CLOSE............

LARGO		29-Nov-2010 21:34
MG... KEITH URBAN IS ALSO AN AUSSIE...BUT THERE IS A RESEMBLANCE YO CK...MIGHT BE CELTIC DNA??...I WOULD BET THAT CK IS TALLER...WHAT I REALLY ADMIRE ABOUT YOU CHARLES KNIGHT IS THAT YOU ARE A TRUE LOVER OF F-L-O-R-I-D-A....MEEEE TOOOOO................PS HOPE THE CRAZIES WERE RESOLVED A HOUSE OVER?............AND I WILL PAY YOUR GAS & LODGING TO HELP ME SET UP MY TIKI BAR.....A FLORIDIAN TO THE BONE...YOU ARE A TRUE TALENT.............................LARGO, a tad N of ya

Don Boyd		29-Nov-2010 04:36
Nike, sounds good to me too, but it's my turn to buy. Don

Parks		29-Nov-2010 02:40
Nike - Sounds good to me.

Miami Girl		28-Nov-2010 23:56
Charles Knight, I just had to ask: Are you related to Keith Urban? There's a great resemblance but he doesn't have those cute dimples.

Nike		28-Nov-2010 22:56
Don & Parks -- Next time I'm in town, we have a date at Eddie Rhodes Riverside Grille in Miami Springs.

Don Boyd		28-Nov-2010 21:14
Yes Parks, that's what I've heard. His menu is limited from what I see: 5 different kinds of appetizers (Chicken Wings, Island Fish Dip, Chilled Caribbean Ceviche, Islander Crab Cakes, and Steamed Mussels), 1 soup (Bubbers Famous Bahamian Conch Chowder), 2 salads (Tiki House and Grilled Chicken Caesar), 1 Burger (Ed's Build Your Own), 2 sandwiches (Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Fresh Mahi-Mahi), 3 entrees (New York Strip, Riverside Skirt Steak and Fresh Mahi-Mahi), 1 Pasta (Mussels in Linguini) and 3 items for kids (Grilled Cheese & Fries, Chicken Fingers & Fries and Kids Burger & Fries). It appears to be a nice place to drink out in the chickee hut portion of the restaurant if the humidity is down. Some a-holes stole his flat screen TV's that were out there within the first five days of his opening. A buddy and I will check Eddie's out this coming Friday evening before we get serious inhaling Heineken drafts at Bryson's Irish Pub. Don .

Parks		28-Nov-2010 18:03
Don, didn't he run the restaurant at the Mimi Springs Golf Course? What kind of food does he serve?

Don Boyd		28-Nov-2010 16:47
Thank you to everyone who posted on the cat topic, I'm learning more and more. My black kitten is a joy to have around and he loves to be held, petted and talked to. He is definitely spoiled but he's a really good cat and he deserves it. : ) For those of you who remember the Rhodes Brothers, Eddie Rhodes opened a new restaurant called Eddie Rhodes Riverside Grille in Miami Springs on Friday, November 19th at 78 Canal Street. It's next to the Miami Canal, northwest of the bridge over the canal from Hialeah Drive (NW 54th Street) and Holleman's Restraurant, directly across from Triangle Park and Palm Avenue in Hialeah. I dropped by on Wednesday and met Eddie and took some photos of the restaurant which are at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_eddie_rhodes Drop by and say hello to Eddie and give this gent some business! Don .

Miami Girl		28-Nov-2010 14:26
Our Reba is clearly in love with my husband, a fact that pleases me to no end at 6am! Her favorite place to sleep is on his shoulder while he's reared back in the recliner and where she is right now.

Parks		28-Nov-2010 01:38
Charlis, My little girl Chessie is in charge of getting me up in the morning. When she thinks it's time, she gently reaches out with her paw and touches my eye lip to get me to open my eyes. Works every time. Chessie is named after the C&O railroad mascot. When she was a kitten she looked very much like this:http://www.cohs.org/history/chessie/

Fran		27-Nov-2010 23:52
I do believe that cats can talk. Robert E. Lee, was a neighbor cat. He would visit every home on the block. One afternoon he came over and knocked on the back door with his right paw. He came in and started calling for Jan, his owner. He called for her several times and left when she did not come. He was a wonderful cat. He would bring home his girlfriend. They would sit on the neighbor's wall visiting.:) Good memories...

charlis		27-Nov-2010 22:48
MG... I know what you mean... I swear, and people have agreed, that my cat talks in english. Cocktail hour snack... she clearing says "thank you". If I take time to make my own drink first, she clearly says, "Hurry". If I oversleep, by her clock, she gets on the bed, butts me in the head and says "Wake up"... As I said, Ihave witnesses to this. The only problem I have with her is her multiple layers of hair... 30 minutes after I have combed her... comb her again and I get as much hair as I did earlier!

Miami Girl		27-Nov-2010 21:55
Whitebelt, isn't it amazing how they can talk to us? Even better is the fact that they can understand us better than we can understand them - so who's smarter? Our Reba knows more English words than we know cat.

whitebelt		26-Nov-2010 22:40
I am back home now with my little princess. Almost 6 hours drive but she was very good. She loves my new place. She must of had some sort of religious experience during the trip because she asked me if she was in Cat Heaven and if I was The Great Cat Valet in the Sky. She is a sweetie pie.

Leighton		26-Nov-2010 21:08
Yes, my parents start the decorations early, as they both still work, and fit it in when they can. But lights aren't turned on till next week. They stay up the full "12 days" - till Jan 6 (plus). The punch sounds great, but not for open house...I figure that I'm stretching it with rum eggnog and wine, being Dad's a minister. Oh, and I go by Leighton ("Lay-ton"). My mother's "virgin" Christmas punch is: One can of pineapple juice, one can of orange juice, one liter of Diet Seven-Up and a box of Lime Kool-Aid (strangely difficult to locate). Works well with vodka. We have Thanksgiving on Christmas Day - Mom cooks the full meal. Love her "cornbread/brownie-style" dressing (Kellogg's discontinued her beloved Croutettes last year), and the spinach casserole (Kraft discontinued the garlic cheese rolls three years ago...they told everyone to use the garlic Cheese Whiz..."same thing"....then discontinued THAT last year). Feel sorry for the Southern cooks, when companies stop producing products that have been around for 40 years. Now if only I could find that damn red punch.....

charlis		26-Nov-2010 20:38
Don... good for you... as to the cat. I always wanted a black cat and a siamese. I inherited a fat siamese about 9 years ago. My father and hubby did not like cats. Odd that my hubby/ex is married to a woman with 2 cats.

charlis		26-Nov-2010 20:35
Hope everyone had a great t-day with family and friends. Heard from Roberta. both she and Lewis have had some set backs, but they had a nice, if not confusing and amusing t-day. I'll keep you posted.

charlis		26-Nov-2010 20:16
Leigh... hope the trees didn't go up before Santa showed up on TV at the Macy's Parade... family tradition. Punch... here is a great recipe... We called it the Christmas Punch Punch... it packed quite a punch! 1 can Hawiian Fruit Punch, 1 liter of seven up (or what ever the size was called back in the 70's and 80's before they went metric), 1 guart rum, 1 guart Jack Daniels, a bag of frozen strawberries, peaches... 2 cans of mandarine oranges and juice... I used to add the liquor last as I made ice rings of the fruit juice and fruit.... Let the liquid sit until the ice rings are ready and when the party starts.

Fran		26-Nov-2010 11:48
Leighton, Have a safe trip, Merry Christmas!

Leighton		26-Nov-2010 05:31
For you Floridians.....my business partner and I, designed the invitation and graphics for a fundraising event here in Texas, honoring author Carl Hiaasen. He was quite entertaining, with his take on Florida. Headed back up to East TN on Monday, for a month-long visit with family. It isn't Christmas, till I'm enjoying my parents' decorations...four regular trees, a small tree in each bedroom and lots more. And an open house for the neighbors - just wish we could find the special punch my Mom bought every year in South Miami. I previously (mistakenly) inquired in here, about a green punch...but it was red. Some special mix, that was sold.

Leighton		26-Nov-2010 05:13
W.C. Fields said it best..."I like children, if they're properly cooked." Happy Thanksgiving, after the fact.

Parks		26-Nov-2010 04:33
Well done Don. That is a great little cat. Nike, animals that come from anumal control often get respiratory illnesses, be careful it might be more than a cold. Now that Don and Nike have black cats, it looks like I sort of have a black cat. He is a stray that showed up near my store a few weeks ago. He was quite wild and wouldn't let anyone approach him. One day last week he must have gotten very hungry because he started calling outside my store. I went out and opened a bag of cat food I had in the back of my truck and he came and ate it. He even jumped into the back of the truck looking for more. Now he comes every day, stands at the back of my truck and calls me. He has become very loving and seems more interested in being petted than the food. He will even roll over on his back and let me rub his belly. I can't bring another cat inside but I'll try to take care of him as an outside cat. I need to get him to a vet. He is a very intact male and I'm sure he will make baby cats every chance he gets.

LARGO		26-Nov-2010 01:00
WHATEVER!!!!.....IF YOU LOVE A ANIMAL CHILD....OR A HUMAN CHILD...AN INNOCENT.....WHOMEVER U ARE.....YOUR BLESSED IN MY BOOK....THERE NEEDS TO BE ADVOCATES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE.....BE A PROTECTOR!........LARGO

Miami Girl		25-Nov-2010 23:36
Awwwww Don, that little Eddie is such a cutie! It's a joy and delight to hear when a dog or cat is saved. I'm sure his mama knew you'd help.

Nike		25-Nov-2010 23:31
Before someone beat me to it, I Googled Demi and found it means "half." It is still an appropriate namce since she is a little "half-pint" in size. So there. Living in a high rise in the city has it's advantages. I am looking out my window down on top of Macy's for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and a zillion people.

Nike		25-Nov-2010 23:26
Don -- You must have ESPN, or something cosmic. Just last saturday, Nancy and I adopted a kitten identical to yours in the pictures. "Demi" (for petite) is about six weeks old and was destined for euthanasia this week if not adopted. Demi caught a cold and has been sneezing since we brought her home. We took her to the vet and had all the things basic shots she needed including antibiotics. She's eating and pooping regular so we thnk she is OK other than sneezing ans teary eyes. She is a little snuggle bunny and (of course) sleeps with us. Nancy and Demi are napping on the sofa while I do my part of Thanksgiving, the dishes. Happy Thanksgiving to all the Miami Rouges.

Don Boyd		25-Nov-2010 21:02
Thank you Miami Girl and Largo for your comments! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. We just got back from a buffet dinner at Shula's Hotel and we're all stuffed and I thought I'd write before I pass out into an after dinner nap. Speaking of cats, especially black cats, I adopted a very young black kitten back in May. His mother, a feral all black stray, had been coming around for weeks begging for food and despite her scaring me repeatedly by hissing and growling at me as if I owed it to her, I fed her a can or two a night. I would put the food on a large flat rock in my front yard and if I wasn't fast enough she would bat my hand or arm with a front leg. She would never let me pet her. She disappeared for a few days and I think she had her kittens in the courtyard of a nearby vacant townhouse. She reappeared and ate like a pig, usually two cans every night plus some dry food. Several weeks later she came around with either two or three kittens and I caught one of them when he got tangled in some ferns. I brought him in to the courtyard and started feeding it, thinking it was a female, and we bonded quickly. I took it to a vet to get shots, blood tests, dewormed, etc. and she examined it and said "congrats, you have a little boy!" So I had him neutered a couple of weeks later and he's a great new addition to our family. He sits in the living room with me most of the day while I work on photos and he goes outside a few times a day to do his business, terrorize every lizard within fifty feet and sunbathe on the back patio. Our oldest daughter has had several cats but they were stricly outside cats that lived in our enclosed front courtyard and I feed our next door neighbors old (at least 15 yrs old) female cat every night when she demands to walk through our townhouse from the back patio to the front courtyard. But this is my first cat that I can call mine and he prefers me to my wife or youngest daughter. Like a proud papa his photos are up at the bottom part of: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/pets Now off to the twilight zone in my nap..................... Don .

Miami Girl		25-Nov-2010 13:06
Blessings to all - especially Don for giving us this special place.

LARGO		25-Nov-2010 02:47
TO ALL MY NEW...OLD SOUTH FLORIDA FRIENDS.......HAVE A WARM AND WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING...WITH "ALL" THE TRIMMINGS...FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND CRITTERS INCLUDED....I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS GREAT SITE..................LARGO.........IN WARM AND SUNNY ST. AUGUSTINE..AHHHHHHHH!!

Fran		24-Nov-2010 13:18
Whitebelt, Forget the clothes, it's the snuggling that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. More somethin', somethin' ...:)

whitebelt		24-Nov-2010 00:18
I think women like winter because of the clothes they can show off. I think they love boots, scarves, sweaters, and coats. I have a cold and icy drive across the mountains tomorrow and Friday to get that cat. I will be dressed not so sharply, but definitely comfortable. Long john season has started. Won't end until March at the earliest.

Miami Girl		23-Nov-2010 23:32
Charlis, I totally get where your coming from. If it snowed up here only on Xmas Eve and day I'd be happy.

charlis		23-Nov-2010 22:14
MGirl... you can keep the sleet... people can't drive when it drizzles in Tampa. I just want the cold temps for T-day. It can warm up, a little, for the weekend so the tourists can have some fun and the beach hotels can make up for the money they lost because of the oil spill. Same goes for xmas... cold xmas eve and day.

Miami Girl		23-Nov-2010 02:53
Charlis I do wish I could send you that icy sleet they're predicting for our Turkey day! It hasn't snowed yet but it's only a matter of time.

charlis		23-Nov-2010 00:15
to friends up north and out west... send the cold front down here... supposed to be in mid 80's on t-day. I bought my boneless turkey breast, noodles and taters for a cold weather holiday...

charlis		23-Nov-2010 00:12
Sorry about typos in last post... guess I have to ask Santa for a new laptop... keys sticking or not "typing"... had to review this post a few times! Lap top is only 3 years old.

charlis		23-Nov-2010 00:07
Macy's T-day Parade... when I was a child the holidays did not start until the end of the parade when you saw Santa. You did not see xmas decorations in the stores. You started decorating on t-day weekend using last year's decorations, then went out and bought more... after t-day. I remember, as a child in the '50's, going to a relative's house for the family t-day dinner. Us kids would watch the parade. As soon as it was over, we would start eating the massive dinner prepared by female relatives. After dinner the woman would retreat to the kitchen to prepare the leftovers for later... the children would watch TV or play, the men would go bowling, or play pool depending on whose house the dinner was at. Tired, over fed, and sleepy, we would all head home and found the city streets lit with xmas lights! Stores had xmas decorations that were not there when we drove by in the morning. The tradition sadly ended when we moved to Miami Beach... for a few years. I started dating this Jewish guy and xmas came back! The traditions resumed and continued until the late 90's. Unfortunately the stores were already selling xmas stuff... in Oct, the Sept, then Aug... We'd all watch the parade while cooking dinner. When Santa arried I would turn on a ceramic tree that I'd won in a golf tournament. No other decorations were done until that weekend. xmas... xmas eve and day also rotated among relatives. Santa always showed up at the xmas eve party (I was in my teens when I found out it was my dad). If at another relative's house, we would get in the car.. my mother would remember something she needed to do or check out... pot on stove, ie. She was actually putting the present under the tree. We would go to the relative's house, see Santa, and go home... too sleepy to see the present under the tree. On xmas day we'd go to what ever relative was hosting the dinner, watch the original "Christmas Carroll" while the women cooked up dinner... men... same as t-day. The only bad thing... my mother, not a cook, always made the popular (?) lime flavored carrot laced jello! My adult xmas? xmas ever story reading to daughter, spiked hot chocolate. Xmas day with hubby cooking main course, other dishes rotating among neighbors, the "toilet Bowl" street football game. I REALLY MISS THOSE DAYS.

Parks		22-Nov-2010 23:08
Roberta, you are the Norman Rockwell of words. The Orange Bowl Parade ended when network television lost interest. The King Mango Strut, which started as a parody of the OB Parade, continues.

Miami Girl		22-Nov-2010 22:49
Roberta, (long drawn out sigh.....) I too almost cried reading your Thanksgiving memories. They were wonderful and can never be duplicated. I always wanted it to be cold so the jalousie windows would be closed and the smell of the food would be enhanced. The Orange Bowl parade was New Years Eve -- do they even have that anymore? Macy's is Thanksgiving Day. That has changed and gotten too choreographed over the years, I'm not too crazy about it these days - I prefer the Rose Bowl parade New Year's Day - with all the beautiful horses and flowered floats. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Fran		22-Nov-2010 17:35
Roberta, Your story of home brought to mind many happy memories. I almost cried when I read your post. Thanking you for your posts. Much love to you and Lewis. To all who post here, have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Roberta Perry Hughes		22-Nov-2010 06:34
Jackie....I have several copies of "Dewy," to send to friends for Christmas. In the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, "Cats," there is a library cat, a theater cat, a glamour cat, etc., but my Ewok was more like the Rum-tum-tugger. This once-popular Broadway musical is available on DVD, and is a joy to see and hear....! Actor Tom Selleck's wife, the former Jillie Mack, was a regular in the stage version that was based in Great Brittain, where they met backstage, after a performance. Nike....thanks for those wonderful lists....! I, too, copied them, to fwd on to friends and family. I can certainly relate to the one about..."When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do, while down there....", as I had Lewis pass hangers to me, so I could hang up the clothing I tripped over, that was on the floor. ;~) This time of year brings back an early Miami memory, when I was a child, living on S.W. 55th St. & 99th Place, when it was unseasonable cold that year, and our gas furnace-type heater, which was in the hallway, was on, and it kept the entire house cozy and warm. Adding to the over all heat was our large gas range, and we would awaken in the night to the savory aroma of a large turkey, roasting in the oven, most especially when either Mama or Daddy would be up, to open the oven door, and slide out the rack that contained the large blue granite covered roaster, in order to baste the turkey, off and on, during the wee hours of the morning. I recall padding into the kitchen in my pajamas-with-the-feet-in-them, and rubbing my eyes, sleepily, as I observed the sight of the huge fowl, turning golden brown, and hearing the turkey noises, of its hissing juices, as they sizzled, and smelled so very yummy. I think I may have voiced, "Kin I has a bite of the big chicken....?" Or, some such thing. It was difficult to go back to sleep, with such luscious aromas permeating the house, but sleep I did, and next day, after breakfast, and watching the Orange Bowl parade, or some parade....Macy's?....on our Sylvania b&w TV, it was time to eat "the big chicken," at long last. It was well worth the wait, and it was THE Thanksgiving that I shall always remember, and look back on, fondly. There were pies, and fruitcake that was soaked in brandy, and one that was soaked in rum, MacArthur's egg nog, homemade cornbread dressing, candied yams, chilled cranberry sauce, etc., and I had never seen so much food in my life, laid out on our dining room table, and spilled over onto a wheeled hostess cart, with Mama's best dinnerware on the table, and William Rogers silverplated flatware. Awesome.....! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jackie		21-Nov-2010 23:04
Another cat story to add to Roberta's list- Dewey, the Library Cat, written by Vicki Myron, a biography of a kitten rescued by a librarian on Spencer, Iowa, and adopted by the staff and the town. I had never heard of library cats before, and Dewey is not the only one, but he was very special.

Parks		21-Nov-2010 21:57
Hi LARGO, Poland's Boat Yard was located right in the shadow of the 22 avenue bridge. It was on the north bank of the river just east of the bridge. It was there as long as I can remember. Judging from the crane they used to lift boats out of the water, going back to the 1920's wouldn't surprise me. I think it was sometime in the last ten years that Mrs. Poland, who had run the yard for many years after her husband died, sold it to Austral International. They are still using the same crane! Her son Greg is a well known fishing guide. Go here:http://www.gregpoland.com/ Click on Services and read his bio. Unfortunately I've never met him. Po came to me one time when I had my boat hauled out there. She came every day to keep me company while I worked on the boat. I asked Mrs. Poland if she belonged to anybody and was told I was welcome to her. Po is mostly black with some white. She is scary smart and loves to play. In her youth she would fetch her feather on a stick if I threw it across the office. Now she has taught me to fetch it. She also loves to chase laser beams. She is very teritorial. If any of the other cats come into my office they will either get swatted or at least a good hissing at. As I recall she liked Nike when she met him. I don't think she was too fond of Don. She is a good judge of character. I can't wait to see what Don has to say about that!

miami girl		21-Nov-2010 18:47
Go to youtube for the "Adorable Kitten Snuggle Pile"

miami girl		21-Nov-2010 18:44
Nike, thanks for the Summary of Life. I've copied it and sent to a bunch of family and friends. Largo, unfortunately we left Clarksville, TN in 1998 for this nice small town in upstate NY due to my husbands job. We've enjoyed our time here but I'm joining him in retirement on Dec 31st and soon we'll be selling out (in the Spring) and moving back SOUTH --- Hooray! Originally were going to East TN where his whole family still is, but our son and grandkids are near Augusta, GA so that's where we'll be heading. Did anybody get to see that youtube thing yesterday with the bunch of sleeping kittens and the surprise under them? So cute, but I don't know how to find it again!

LARGO		21-Nov-2010 16:31
PARKS...THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CARE FOR THESE DEAR FUZZY FRIENDS...I TRULY MISS MIAMI AND IT SEEMS AS THO...EVEN IF A LOT HAS CHANGED...THERE ARE INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS YOURSELF WHO ARE STILL THERE FINDING THE TRUE GOOD THAT WAS AT THE HEART OF MANY OF OUR MEMORIES...HOW COULD I HAVE LIVED IN MIAMI AND NEVER HEARD OF "POLANDS BOATYARD"???....WAS IT ALWAYS THERE? FROM WHAT YEAR DID IT START UP...IS IT STILL A WORKING BOATYARD?...WHAT POLANDS WERE THE OWNERS...COULD BE A RELATIVE??.....INQUIRING MINDS WANNA KNOW...LOL...........RE: BLACK CATS...ISN'T IT AMAZING HOW 'VERY' OLD SUPERSTITIONS CAN ATTACH THEMSELVES TO SUCH A TINY HELPLESS KITTEN....AND SADLY RENDER IT AN UNDESIRABLE?....HUMMMMMM....HOW FAR WE'VE "NOT" COME......ANOTHER FRIEND FROM THE 'WAYBACK' COCONUT GROVE ART FESTIVAL DAZE (and they were).......HAD 2 GORGEOUS RESCUE CATS..ONE SOLID BLACK..THE OTHER SOLID WHITE....THEIR NAMES WERE ..."DOM" & "INOS".............MIAMI GIRL...ARE YOU IN TENNESSEE NOW?...WHERE?..................LARGO

Nike		21-Nov-2010 13:13
A friend sent this "Summary of Life" that began with something about cats, so, I though I would share the funny truth we have all learned in life. GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED: 1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.. 2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair. 3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person. 4) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.. 5) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap. GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED: 1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree. 2) Wrinkles don't hurt. 3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts 4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground... 5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside. 6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.. GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD 1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional... 2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there. 4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions... 6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. 7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE: 1) You believe in Santa Claus. 2) You don't believe in Santa Claus. 3) You are Santa Claus.. 4) You look like Santa Claus. SUCCESS: How true this one is. At age 4 success is . . . . Not piddling in your pants. At age 12 success is . . . Having friends. At age 17 success is . . Having a driver's license. At age 35 success is . . . ..having money. At age 50 success is . . . Having money.. At age 70 success is . .. . Having a drivers license. At age 75 success is . ... . Having friends. At age 80 success is . . .. Not piddling in your pants. Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way; BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day. Have a wonderful day with many smiles Take the time to live!!! Life is too short.

Roberta Perry Hughes		21-Nov-2010 09:09
If you haven't already seen Walt Disney's "The Three Lives ofThomasina," 1964, you must rent it. It was filmed in Scotland, and the children are adorable in it, and their accents are so charming. It stars Patrick McGoohan, as a widower with a young daughter, who, along with her ginger tabby, "Thomasina," and their housekeeper, move to a new town, where McGoohan sets up his practice as a Veterinarian. The very lovely Susan Hampshire also stars, as a weaver who lives alone, and who has a way with animals, even healing them. She is rumored to be a witch. Another Disney film is "The Aristocats," a full length feature film cartoon. It stars the voices of Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Jim Backus, Louie Prima, and Agnes Moorehead,among others, and is so delightful, it beckons rewatching. The "Stuart Little" films are a joy, to hear the voices of Michael J. Fox, as Stuart, Nathan Lane, as Snow Bell, the big white persian cat, and other stars, as the voices of alley cats with whom Snow Bell is aquainted. The humans are Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis, as Mr. and Mrs. Little, who adopt Stuart. They also have a son in grade school. Jennifer Tilly and Danny Devito are a couple of mice, posing as Stuart's long lost parents. The movie has a Part ll, and both are great. As you described your cats, I could envision them, feel their warm fur, and hear them making purring sounds. I am so jealous. Boo hoo...! I do so miss having a le chat, in my life. (sigh) A friend sent me a battery operated cat, that purrs, and meows. I enjoyed the article you posted, Parks. Nike, what about the name Silo, or Miss Sile, or Rockette....? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Parks		21-Nov-2010 05:48
Way to go Nike! Black cats are particularly hard for shelters to find homes for. Your new child would probably have been put down if you hadn’t adopted him. I’m involved with The Cat Network here in Miami. They try to find homes for cats that can be tamed and to neuter feral cats that can’t be tamed. The Cat Network had an event last month to raise awareness of the difficulty of finding homes for black cats. They had models walking the “Cat Walk” with black cats who were wearing diamonds. Both models and cats were stunning. The event was called Le Chat Noir. Here is a link to a story about it. http://thecatnetwork.org/get-involved-2/events/le-chat-noir/ I would like to recommend a book to all of you cat lovers. It’s called Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Cooper. It is about a kitten that grows up blind from birth. It is a true story that starts in Miami. Homer is a truly amazing cat that should be an inspiration for us all. Did I mention it’s a true story and a good read. LARGO, you are much better at naming cats than I am. My son's names are Carter, Spitfire and Newby all tabbies. My daughters are Chessie (tabby), BW and believe it or not, Poland, Po for short. Po came from Poland's Boat Yard. She is my main office cat. No Carter was not named after Nike but isn't it strange that two of my cats have names of regulars on this web site?

Miami Girl		21-Nov-2010 04:36
It's been such a joy reading about everyone's feline friends. We also have been owned by every pet we've had in the past 30 years. Sam was a half basset hound puppy who joined the family in Tampa, traveled to Germany then to Tennessee with us. She only made it 10 years and had to be put down due to cancer. Then we decided since we both worked, cats were a better way to go so we rescued a little gray lady who came with the undignified name of Bootsie. After a few months I felt guilty about leaving her all alone during the day so decided to again go cat rescuing. Found Christopher a beautiful Himalayan who along with his life long solid black persian friend Marco were going to be put down the next day - they came home and Bootsie looked at me like she said "what the hell gave you the idea I wanted friends?" They were all about 2 years old at the time according to the vet and adjusted to each other pretty good. They then moved with us to New York and lived long happy lives. Marco went first when he was about 15, then Chris at 16 and Bootsie at about 17. Now we have the white lady Reba who's getting up there at 17yrs. We adopted her when our son and family moved to England and the vet didn't think she'd make it due to being in kidney failure -- but that was in 2004 and she's still here - they're back in the states, but we told them they can't have her back now! She's even a great traveler. We took her on a two week driving trip thru Maine, no problem. She just lays down in the carrier and mostly sleeps. Roberta, I do understand your fear of dogs. I was about 12 at the time I was attacked by our German Shepard neighbor in Cutler Ridge (I went to pet him while he was eating -- wrong move on my part), and until those neighbors moved I couldn't go into our backyard for fear he was going to come over the fence - he hated me. If I had been younger I'm sure it would have had a dog phobia for life! With age I've found if someone is an animal lover we're probably going to get along. I've come across a few who say they have no use at all for dogs or cats and would never have one in their home - I have no use for them.

whitebelt		20-Nov-2010 22:18
Let me tell you a story about one of the luckiest kittens in the world. I lived just south of Pinecrest with a lot of outdoor cats around. One morning I jumped into the Suburban to go to work. I stopped at the HoJo by SW 104 street and had breakfast. Then I took off, got on the Palmetto there, and on to Miami Springs, where I stopped for a while, then on to Graybar on NW 22 Ave near 28 street on the Airport Xway. I exited at 22nd Ave, and as I was turning right I heard a meow. Meow? I stopped at the light on 36th street and took off and again I heard a meow. I pulled off on 35 street and looked around the inside. Nothing. I got out and walked around and nothing. Then I heard the meow again coming from underneath. I get on my knees and peer under and see a little kitten, one of the outdoor cats from home, huddled up on top of the gas tank. All I could think was Damn!!". Had a box I put him in, went to Graybar, then drove the little stinker all the way back home. He grew up to be a cat. One real lucky one. That was an over 20 mile trip on two expressways, with two half hour stops in between. Had another instance of a cat catching a ride there which ended up OK. Just not as far. Turned on to 67th Ave heading north and about a half mile away I heard a thump and looked in the rear view mirror in time to see a cat hit the ground after being hit by a low hanging branch. He was on the roof. He showed up back in the neighborhood a week later.

whitebelt		20-Nov-2010 21:48
Ever have cats use expensive leather upholstered furniture as scratching posts? Or the vent hoses on your dryer? Or table legs? Remy and Soledad loved to help me when I tinkered around the house. Lot of fun when you are working on hot electrical circuits. Remy was the worst about that, but there was another trait of hers that was very aggravating. She would steal little items when my back was turned, including screwdriver bits for cordless drills, and go run off with them. Funny how they just have to get into off limits areas of the house. They can't stand not having free run, and can't resist running into dark places. Got to be a habit to kick my foot back when opening doors in the house, but sometimes they would just dart though no matter what I did. I guess that curiosity is what caused Remy to dash outside. Had an attached garage that she would dart into on occasion, then she would hide for a while, under the car or in the stuff stored. A little game she played, but was probably fatal in this instance because I wasn't there and she didn't know how to get back home. That happens to a lot of animals, especially birds. They can fly out, but they don't know how to come back to you. Lost a favorite parrot that way. Flew around and around and even perched in a tree, but it didn't know how to come back to us. Heartbreaking. Should be one of the first things you teach a bird. House cats that have never been outside get overwhelmed by the sky and the big world out there. Their first instinct is to hide. It may not hurt to give them escorted excursions around the house and properties just so they get familiar with home from the outside. A close fitting loop of rope or ribbon that goes over the back and over the legs so you have a loop under both front legs under their shoulders and the leash attached between their shoulder blades works pretty well for keeping a cat contained. You don't want it too loose fitting. Just loose enough where it doesn't bind them. If they try to get out of it you have plenty of time to grab them. I used to walk the old cat we had like that outside before she died. She loved it. Smelled everything, ate grass, scratched trees, just absorbed it all. She never fought me, but then I kind of let her go where she wanted to go. Teach your pets how to get home.

LARGO		20-Nov-2010 21:45
LOVED ALL YOUR POSTINGS CAT FRIENDS....NIKE...I HAVE HAD 3 BLACK CATS IN MY LIFE...SO FAR...I ALWAYS HAVE THEM..THE CATS... AROUND AWHILE... TILL A NAME THAT SUITS THEM ARRIVES...ON A CLOUD OF CAT FUR.......MY BLACK CATS WERE IN ORDER: NIMBUS~GOBLIN~ANGUS.....LOVED THEM ALL...PRESENTLY I AM OWNED BY 4...(ALL TABBIES) THERE IS: 'BUMPER' ALMOST 5 YRS & A 22 LB TABBY MALE..BIG HEAD BUTTER (thus the name)...TERRIFIED OF HIS OWN SHADOW... THEN 'MZ LILY' ALMOST 2 YRS...SHE'S MY RIGHT THERE WITH ME GARDEN CAT..IF ONLY SHE HAD OPPOSABLE THUMBS...THE 2 NEW BABY SISTERS BORN JUNE 1, 2010....ADOPTED FROM THE NO KILL AUG. 28.... 'DIESEL' PURRS LIKE A SEMI ...AND HER SISTER 'TRIPPER'...BECAUSE THATS EXACTLY WHAT SHE DOES...TRIP ME!...but ever so lovingly...looking up with those green eyes..licking a paw...@ JUST 0VER 5 MOS...'TRIPPER' IS ALREADY ON A DIET...I THINK SHE MAY JUST SURPASS 'BUMPER' ON THE SCALES AS SHE GROWS ...THEY ARE INSIDE.....FOR NOW...THE OTHERS ARE VERY SAVVY INDOOR OUTDOOR CATS...BUT MOSTLY JUST LOUNGE AROUND THE VERY PRIVATELY FENCED BACKYARD...THEY CAN BE LIKE POTATO CHIPS...HARD TO HAVE JUST ONE.....ROBERTA...I SO WISH FOR YOU A CAT....I KNOW...THE LITTER BOX!!!....BUT THEY ARE SO HEALING AND LOVING TO HAVE AROUND....YOUR MEMORIES OF "EWOK" WERE PRECIOUS AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING...........NIKE AND NANCY.....ALWAYS WANTED A RAGDOLL...BUT SO EXPENSIVE...SHELTER CATS ARE WONDERFUL.....ENJOY THAT SWEET NEW BABY....KEEP US POSTED...CHARLIS..SO GLAD YOU HAVE A CAT TOO!...CHARLES, WB (TO BE) AND PARKS....VIVA LA CAT!!!!....................PREPARING TO MUCK OUT 3 LITTERBOXES ON A COOL ST AUGUSTINE DAY........LATER.......................................LARGO

Nike		20-Nov-2010 21:00
Now you've really done it!! After a trip today to two Petsmarts and a final trip to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, we are now the proud parents of a 10-week old solid black little girl yet to be named. Thanks, she's adorable and a real snuggle bunny.

Charles Knight		20-Nov-2010 20:54
All this talk of cats has made me hungry...I'm thinking Chinese tonight. Seriously though, there are two cats in this home that own us, along with a dog we own. I'm laughing out loud because the dog (a black Labratard named Buddy) just belched quite loudly! One cat is named Rescue. Leslie is a Firefighter and Rescue just showed up at the fire house as a kitten thirteen years ago. Amber Doodle owns me. She was feral, and living in the woods. I started feeding her. Eventually she followed me home. As time progressed she relaxed around myself and others. She now owns many of our neighbors too. Sorry I haven't been putting in my two cents so much lately, hope all are well. CK

Parks		20-Nov-2010 14:38
Nike - Shelter Kitties are the best.

Nike		20-Nov-2010 13:51
Just before we went to the islands for a year, we decided we couldn't take care of Lexie and Bailey, our beautiful Ragdolls. We carefully selected new parents after interviewing them in our home. We relocated them to an 11-acre country estate just south of Atlanta where the deer, rabbits, and possibly antelope roam. This was and adjusment for them since they were raised in a highrise intowm Atlanta. They were used to helicopters and airplanes. An occasional ladybug or wasp on the 18th-floor window was a treat for them. The couple had lost their two Ragdolls to age and were eager to get "The Boys." We returned to Atlanta "for good" a couple of weeks ago and continue to read your posts, regardless of where we are. Roberta, WB, Charlis, Parks, and L-A-R-G-O -- Thanks a lot. After sharing your kitty-posts with Nancy, guess where we are going today. You got it, kitty-looking. More to follow.....

Roberta Perry Hughes		20-Nov-2010 04:54
From my very first memory, there had always been a cat, or a kitten, in my life. My very best friend, Ewok, pedigree unknown, but who was an exact clone of the Siberian breed of cat, which is an offshoot of the Maine Coon. I could tell Ewok my deepest, darkest secret, and he would not put it in the news- paper, nor betray me, to a living soul. We were so very close, we knew each other's thoughts, from one day's end to the next. Father Time took him from me, just shy of his sixteenth birthday. He had been given to me, as a four month old kitten one Christmas, and we bonded immediately. Lewis and I both knew that we would not own a cat again, as we are both too infirm to properly see to the needs of a cat. A cat would be high maintenance, for us. It is not fair to a cat, to not have its needs met, if it is to be an indoor cat. There have been very few dogs, in my life, that I actually loved, and trusted. For the most part, I am not a dog lover. In fact, I fear them, due to having been attacked by a swarm of dogs in a neighborhood not my own, when they knocked me off my itty-bitty J.C. Higgins bicycle. I was bitten several times, a couple of them were deep puncture wounds, and I came thisclose, to having to have the series of rabies shots. I was saved from that, when a uniformed person burst in the door, and stated they had found the missing dog, and that it had a current tag. Whew....! For the first time in my life, I have no (living) cat in my home. I still miss my dear friend and confidante, and even weep for him, when I am at my lowest, and feeling the isolation. There's nothing like a wonderful, warm, purring furball on your lap, who makes biscuits on your leg, or reaches up and taps your leg, at the dining table, begging for a morsel to eat. Ewok once climbed up the length of me, when I was in the recliner, and, eyeball-to-eyeball, he purposefully pressed his lips to mine, in the ultimate gift that a cat owner can receive, and then, he marked me, cheek-to-cheek, saying, " To whom it may concern, and all who pass this way, this belongs to Ewok." He also butted heads with me, which, for a cat, it is total acceptance, and he sees you as his equal. Their life spans are brief, unfortunately, and they are with us only long enough to break our hearts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

charlis		19-Nov-2010 22:34
nike... cat hair... I can brush my Siamese until no hair shows up on the comb... and an hour later pet her and find hair... and comb again and get just as much hair as I did the hour before. How many coats do Siamese have! The funny thing is that I can't tell, this time of the year, whose hair is on my dark clothes... hers or mine... she a gray siamese!

charlis		19-Nov-2010 22:28
Cats... love the discussion. I always wanted a cat. My father was a "dog" person. I even rescued a kitten during hurricane preps that he made me get rid of after the storm passed. My dog loved the kitten. My ex did not like cats... the closest I got to owning a cat was a stuffed Siamese. I'e always wanted a Siamese since I was a small kid. Got one a few years ago when a friend died. Nuthin', who is far from what her name says, has me very well trained. I get home from work and make my first cocktail... she is standing by me, waiting for her cocktail hour snack... and she even says "thank you"... other people have heard her! Nuthin' is close to 16 year old... and right now is waiting for me to get off the computer and feed her a piece of fresh chicken breast. She only begs (and knows when) when I am eating chicken or shrimp... otherwise, she is no where to be found at my dinner time.

LARGO		19-Nov-2010 20:12
YEAAAAAAAA....MALE...CAT FRIENDS!!..RARE!....MY FACEBOOK ALBUM IS FULL OF EM....I HAVE A THING FOR 'TABBIES' USED TO HAVE SIAMESE....YOU NEVER OWN A CAT...YOU BELONG TO THEM..."IF" THEY SO CHOOSE..............LARGO

whitebelt		19-Nov-2010 16:40
I broke the links to keep those huge photos from showing. You can copy and paste these then remove the two spaces in between. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3171314/ soledad.JPG http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3171314/ remy.JPG Sorry about that.

whitebelt		19-Nov-2010 16:19
Damn, Don. I posted those as links, they weren't supposed to show up as pictures. Is there a way to keep them from coming up like that?

whitebelt		19-Nov-2010 16:17
Ms. Soledad. Ms. Remy, the one that ran off. She was taken from her mother too early and had some health and developmental issues. But she was not lacking in spirit. She would prance through the house with her white stocking legs. An eternal teenage kitten. Afraid of nothing. This is a video of Bozo the Lab and Ms. Eaton from a couple of years ago. Ms. Eaton was one of the yard cats I trapped and we had fixed. She spent a week in the house while recovering, though she hid most of the time. Sweet cat, but too wild to bond. But she did learn that she could control Bozo by rubbing up against him. She owns him. Smart cat. Nothing like having a 100 pound Lab as your buddy out in the wild. She has been observed sleeping on top of him. He is the best dog I have ever seen. Very, very mellow, but can be most fearsome when aroused. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3171314/eatonBozo.flv

whitebelt		19-Nov-2010 15:42
Parks, Soledad, the cat, is kind of special to me. She was very cautious after getting home the first time. Took me, an old man, laying down on the floor and shaking a toy, to get her to even approach. Hard getting down on the floor at my age. The things a guy does to get a little pussy.

Parks		19-Nov-2010 15:24
Nike is right. When I grow up I want to be a crazy old cat lady. I have four at my store and two at home. I scoop six litter boxes a day. Largo, I don't think you qualify as a Crazy Cat Lady until you hit double digit cats. Whitebelt, your Kitty sounds very beautiful. You did a good thing adopting her. You must be a good man to earn the trust of a cat. Knit cycle is good for the washer, I use the Fluff setting on the dryer.

Nike		19-Nov-2010 11:38
LARGO -- I share your affection for cats. WB -- I share your dislike for cat hair. I visited Parks in Miami not long ago. If anyone is a member of The Cat Lovers Club, it's Parks. He's a pretty nice guy too.

whitebelt		19-Nov-2010 03:03
Oh, Largo, speaking of cats. Just after my last post my ex-partner calls me and wanted to know if I would take one of the cats. We got a couple a couple of years or so ago from a Petco where the local animal shelter was trying to get them adopted. It was their last chance. I went there to buy a fish tank and we came home with two kittens. I would have passed them up myself. But they were sweet kittens. My babies. They stayed with her after I moved out. A couple of weeks ago the smaller of the two got a wild hair and dashed out the door at night while she was letting the dog in. My ex chased after her in her bare feet in the cold where the cat hid under a truck. She wouldn't come back. My ex went back inside to get some shoes and a coat, and when she got back the cat had disappeared and not reappeared since. This kitty had been a house kitty all of her life. No idea what happened to her. Heartbreaking. Anyhow, my ex is very busy with her job and the remaining cat really misses her buddy and is not getting enough attention and getting a bit wired. So I am going to be a cat daddy again. I am not a cat lover by nature, and really hate cat hair, but this one is special to me, so I have to go get her next week. I was her daddy. My little Medici princess. She is an unusual looking cat. Very Mediterranean looking with a violet tinge to her coat. Reminds me of the model on the cover of A Posteriori by Enigma, but more elegant. A dark beauty. Of course I will clean her up after chunking her into the crawlspace to clean up the cobwebs and scare any mice that may be down there. Gentle knit cycle should do fine.

LARGO		19-Nov-2010 02:00
WHITEBELT...LOVE TO HEAR YOU WAX PHILOSOPHICAL....YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING WAY OF SEEING 'THINGS'....ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT ATTACHED MYSELF TO ANY ONE INDIVIDUAL OF LATE...(EXCLUDING CLOSE FRIENDS & FAMILY)....I HAVE AN EXTREME ATTACHMENT TO MY 4 ...AHEMMMMM....cough cough...CATS.....EACH OF WHOM HAS A DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT PERSONALITY FROM THE OTHERS..... THEY HAVE A GRAND FAMILY BOND TO EACH OTHER...AND A RESPECT REGARDING PERSONAL SPACE... THAT! ... I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED IN A HUMAN RELATIONSHIP....AND A GREAT KINDNESS TOWARDS EACH OTHER...DOGS ARE DIFFERENT THAT WAY...RE: PERSONAL SPACE..(ALTHOUGH I DEARLY LOVE DOGS...AND HAVE HAD MANY DEAR DOG FRIENDS IN THIS LIFE)...THEY JUST LEAP AND BOUND INTO YOU ...WITH LOVING, SLURPY ENTHUSIASM!!!...I FIND THEM 'ALL' SO TRULY HONEST AND BEAUTIFULLY INNOCENT...AND WILL LOOK SO FORWARD TO SEEING THEM ALL AGAIN....CATS. DOGS, BIRDS, HAMPSTERS, BIRDS, LIZARDS..ESPECIALLY A WONDERFUL LITTLE SCREECH OWL I RAISED AS A RESCUED BABY (the owl)....BEST FRIENDS AND FAMILY...AND ALL THE CRITTERS...AND PHILOSOPHISING INTO ETERNITY....THAT'S MY IDEA OF HEAVEN...OH!... AND WONDERFUL FOOD WITH 0 CALORIES...ALL U CAN EAT...LOL.................LARGO..........ONE KITTEN AWAY FROM JOINING THE CRAZY CAT LADY CLUB....or maybe I can already join???

whitebelt		19-Nov-2010 01:27
Never read it, OldMiamian. Just parts of Critias and Timaeus. I don't believe much of what I read, anyhow. Never cared much for Greek philosophers. They are just so pretentious. They remind me of modern day liberals. Personal experience, reason and logic that we are all capable of. That concept was around long before and after Plato. Dead Greeks didn't have the answers. One reason they are dead. :-)

LARGO		19-Nov-2010 01:25
I WAS/AM PARTIAL TO THE CAR IN THE MUPPET MOVIE...ALWAYS WANTED A TOTALLY RESTORED STUDEBAKER...TURQUOISE, YELLOW, BUTTER LEATHER INTERIOR...TRICKED OUT OF COURSE...WITH 'ANIMAL' INCLUDED.. ;) ....BUT THEN..THAT'S JUST ME..............LARGO

OldMiamian		19-Nov-2010 00:33
Whitebelt-- Seems like yo've ben reading Plato's Republic. the concept of time and space does not exist in the afterlife.

whitebelt		18-Nov-2010 22:33
Love the change of scenery you get on trips. Did a little research. Did you know that St. Peter can only spare a little over a half second for each arriving soul and it is getting less as the population grows? Not much quality time to do a good review and critique. I wonder if he does groups to handle the load. With the increasing load of souls every year you also get a strain on housing in heaven and in Hell. Hell has another problem, the strain on its heat source. Each soul draws from that heat source, affecting the heat transfer rate. Hell, it might even freeze over some time in the future. They would also have to build bigger boats to cross the river. I wonder if you can slip in past old Pete while he is busy with someone else, like a disruptive customer? Jeez, it is getting so crowded up there they may have to start grading on the curve. Just may be better to stay here until they get all of the new construction required done, even if we do have advanced reservations.

Fran		18-Nov-2010 21:56
Whitebelt, I remember the car...the ride. Life is a highway, traveling the road without fear. Good day, bad day loving the the journey. :)

whitebelt		18-Nov-2010 20:19
Fran, remember the car in The Blue's Brothers? When you just gotta do something you just keep on going. No time for scheduled maintenance and limited pit stops. One thing you don't do is slow down for those selling things on the side of the road by selling fear. Like the medical industry. It is better to trust in yourself and what powers you. When it is over you might be repairable or might not. It is what it is. Enjoy the ride. But when you hear those rods start a knocking you know you are nearing the end, no matter how much oil you get. Then value judgements set in. Living life to its fullest with due caution on blind curves. Life is a trip. :-)

Fran		18-Nov-2010 19:18
Have they given you an expected end of time? Length of time, time limit, just plain pure time, living time to its' fullest. This year has been a reflective year for me, living 60 years has a way of explaining your lot in life. Put a log on the fire for me...

whitebelt		18-Nov-2010 17:54
While I am about it. One of the strongest desires of us as humans is the desire to bond with something. Another human or things. Takes many forms and under different guises. We have to cling to something. Therein lies a tale. The ironic part is that often bonds become chains. :-)

whitebelt		18-Nov-2010 16:30
Sigh... I can bore myself as much as others when I get into these philosophical moods. We are consciousnesses trapped in what we created. The machine we made with our minds is louder than our true selves. We become slaves to it after a fashion. Trapped in action and reaction. Oh, I can go on and on and on in trying to explain that in less allegorical or metaphorical terms, but won't. Let's just say we are caught in a dream. Or seeds that have sprouted into what we call consciousness. But that seed had an origination. Eternity is a very long time if you measure time. If you don't it is just the present. If you have something to keep you occupied it can be fun, if not it can be boring. For a long time. Hence the dreaming, this manifestation. One might think it would be nice to live forever in this manifestation, but if you think about it, it could be a drag. Especially if you are enslaved to your machine's mind's perception of "reality". You get old and crippled in that mind, and a desire to move on enters. You have seen enough. During the course of experiencing this manifestation it is planted in your machine mind that you will live in eternity, either in eternal bliss or torment. A certain truth to that. After a fashion. Either one is submission to a slavery as currently portrayed. You will be letting assumed higher powers dictate your existence. Here is something to think about. If you had the ability in this manifestation to choose you existence for perpetuality, what would you really want? Picture it as going through a door with no exits ever after. Does bliss lose its charm after a while? Does torment become an acceptable way of existence? At least torment gives you an illusion of living, but we all know it isn't fun. If you could choose your eternal existence and machine consciousness just what would suit you? One roll of the dice only. Poor mankind. The choices to make without knowing what he is much less where he is going. Gotta laugh my ass off about this Islamic thing of having 72 virgins. 72 "possessions" that become 72 sources of aggravations when they aren't virgins anymore and the quantum jumps in trials and tribulations the possessor will have when they interact with each other and he is the center of that universe. For eternity. Those terrorists should have read the fine print.

whitebelt		18-Nov-2010 15:21
I appreciate the offer, Nike, but I am currently on the last chapter of a volume in the book of life series which will keep me quite occupied until its end. The long cold winter will help me absorb and maybe put into practice some tidbits I picked up in it. Less outside distractions. I have a certain metaphysical bent to me that I would like to bring to fruition in this experience. Have been dallying with it for 30 years, but is now time to get real serious. Have been trucking onward through the fog for a long time, but it is fixing to lift. One thing I have learned is that logs can be more useful than the thoughts put forth in most books. Some of them light a fire in the mind, but most of them are more useful in the fireplace. :-)

Nike		18-Nov-2010 07:11
Whitebelt - - It sounds like a long cold winter for you unless you keep that furnace fired up and occupied. I am going through several of boxes of books in storage I have been keeping but never have a chance to read. I was supposed to retire this year and reading was one of the things I was going to enjoy. However, one of the two businesses has began to prosper and I really enjoy the research and writing aspect of it (litigation consulting). Also, it pasy well, including the travel for depositions and court testimoney. I have spent my entire adult life paying attorneys and now it's nice to be paid by attorneys, especially when I enjoy the work. Anyway, I think the only readng I'll be doing is depositions and police reports. Any James Patterson and James W. Hall books will be in the form of audio books. If you would like, I will box up any books I have that are in your area of interest and send them to you. I sent several JW Hall books to CK who might forward them when he is done. Throw another log on the fire for me.

Miami River Rat		16-Nov-2010 17:19
The Viet Nam war tore families apart and in some the damage is still there today. Those hard feelings and animosity will be gone when the last one of us that lived through it, whether soldier or demonstrator, is dead. I don't talk about those times any more. If you hear somebody say "The sixties were cool" you can bet they didn't have to live through them.

whitebelt		16-Nov-2010 13:25
Al, I will confess to having less than a warm, fuzzy feeling for those people to this day. I can be amazingly indifferent to any pain and suffering they may and should encounter in this life, or the next few. One thing to disagree with the government, quite another to turn on your own because they did what they were supposed to do. I have some anger issues still lingering from that time and really don't feel guilty about it. Was a late Fall here. The leaves hardly had time to change color. Down into the 20's at night and high 40's daytime now. Glad the furnace is working. The tap water is getting colder. Will get down to about 40 degrees. I hate cold water. I really, really do. I might just take a long nap until March.

Arizona AL		16-Nov-2010 09:28
Whitebelt: When I mustered out in San Diego in 1967 a Quartermaster Corps. Ist Lieutenant gave me the re-up speech and then advised me to go to the PX and buy a set of civilian clothes and change in to them prior to leaving the post for the trip to the airport and return to Miami. Seems the "locals" had a problem with uniformed infantry soldiers. Sooooo glad times have changed. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive, well and proud to be a Veteran in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		16-Nov-2010 06:56
Parks -- I received a report from the project manager at Nike base. He said there were somewhere between 350-500 in attendance, depending on who was counting and when they counted. Some of the former Nike soldiers were there to assist with the tours. The official tour season January - April will open soon and they are looking for a large turnout this year. We're just 11 months from the Miami Rouges Sock Party next October. I'll enjoy conducting a personal tour then.

Parks		16-Nov-2010 04:19
Hi Nike, no I didn't get down to the park on Thursday. I'm going to wait until you can give me a tour. Darrell and I went over to his house in Punta Gorda over the weekend. We did a few repairs and went fishing. The fish weren't biting so we took a cruise up the Peace River. We saw an eagle and six or seven Spoonbills. The Peace River is still pretty wild and very pretty.

whitebelt		15-Nov-2010 13:06
I think they are much more watchable than a bunch of buffalo bumping heads, Don.

Don Boyd		14-Nov-2010 01:36
Whitebelt, unfortunately not, I haven't been to any of their games. I've seen some segments on the sports portion of the local news but that's about it. I never see the games advertised and would probably make an attempt to go to one if it was publicized better. To everyone with the Veterans Day greetings, thank you. Don 364 548, USCG / USCGR before they went to Social Security Numbers

whitebelt		14-Nov-2010 00:23
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingerie_Football_League I didn't know there was such a thing. Women do seem to have more opportunities in life now, don't they? Don, did you ever go to one of the games down there?

Nike		13-Nov-2010 17:21
RA 14817503 reporting for duty, sir! Would you like the serial number from my M-1 Garand I used in basic training in 1962? 1823965

whitebelt		13-Nov-2010 15:13
Interesting thing about service numbers, how we all remember them. Enlistees had one starting with RA and draftees one starting with US. The Army went to SSAN's for everyone just after I enlisted. I went in May of 69. I had an RA number issued that was changed within a week or so. I still remember it. Alan, we had guys that wore wigs when they went to town in New Jersey. I was married, so had a steady supply of something needed, but the anti-military attitudes of the area definitely put a crimp in side activities.

Arizona Al		13-Nov-2010 12:12
Whitebelt: I took the uniform off in 1967 and let my hair grow long which it remains to this day. MRR: I agree with your analysis of the military. Nike: I doubt if my uniform would still fit me:)) I thank everyone for the Veteran's Day accolades. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. who 43 years ago was Spec.4 Alan Ogus, RA 3468432, 103 Combat Support Bt., Chu Lai, Vietnam.

Miami River Rat		13-Nov-2010 03:00
As a veteran, let me say thanks for all the thanks. Also, I went in the military as a 17 year old kid, a high school dropout and came out four years later as a 21 year old young man with a GED, ready and eligible for college, where I headed. They gave me a place to stay, food and a regular paycheck while providing me with a place to grow up. Looking back on it, I got a whole lot of good out of those four years. Sometimes I think I should have paid them for that period of my life.

whitebelt		13-Nov-2010 02:38
What really pissed me off about the Vietnam years was the adverse affect short hair and being a soldier had on your sex life in the United States.

LARGO		13-Nov-2010 01:58
*********************** ;^) ***********************

Nike		12-Nov-2010 22:30
Thank you for the Veterans Day salute - it was a pleasure serving my country and my community. I would do it again, anytime, anywhere. I put my dress blue uniform (yes, it still fits) on and Nancy and I attended a parage and Veterans Day ceremony on the town square in Marietta. Parks, did you get to the Nike site? For those of you familiar with Atlanta, Rich's, and now Macy's traditions, The Pink Pig has returned and giving thousands of screaming children a thrill ride around the roof of the store. The Great Christmas Tree will be placed on top of Macy's at Lenox Square for the upmteenth year for the annual lighting on Thanksgiving evenving lighting. Fortunately, I live across the street on the 18th floor and have a wonderful view of that and the fourth of July fireworks display. I do miss lunch at the Magnolia Room where the southern ladies wore a dress, pearls, white gloves and a hat "just for lunch." It was the Atlanta version of Burdines.

Another Guest		11-Nov-2010 15:51
Happy Veterans Day, to all of the veterans here. God Bless You, and God Bless America.

Guest		11-Nov-2010 12:47
Happy Veterans day to all

Fran		11-Nov-2010 10:20
Roberta, Well said...my thoughts exactly. Every day our men and women who are serving and those who have served in the past are remembered in our prayers offered for them. Thank you!

Roberta Perry Hughes		11-Nov-2010 05:13
Allow me to join Miami Girl, in thanking all of our Veterans. If there is a V.A. Hospital/Dormicillary, in your area, pop in to say "hello," to those who were unable to make it to the Parade, or to the free dinner at a local steakhouse. Buy a "poppy," from a uniformed V.A. member who is selling them in the parking lot, or on the sidewalk in front of a Mall. And be sure to hold the active military forces in your hearts and prayers. Thanks, to all of our Posters on here, who are Veterans. I cannot thank you enough, for your willing service for our country. BIG HUGS..... ******************************************************************************************************

whitebelt		11-Nov-2010 00:56
I adore your posts, too, Miami Girl. You have quite a sense of humor.

Miami Girl		10-Nov-2010 22:36
Whitebelt, love your posts. You need a love in your life who really appreciates you! Us women are always trying to be match makers (I know..... we can't leave well enough alone), it sounds like you'd make a great husband for the right woman. You're always busy doing something -- an admirable trait in a man. All you Veterans out there - THANK YOU!!

whitebelt		10-Nov-2010 17:11
Mentioning my plants got me motivated to tend to them better. I reclaimed a baking pan I was using to start 8 Desert Rose seedlings I had in it. Put them in some seedling cups. Good place, eh? Also moved a Crown of Thorns cutting that took hold out of an old metal speaker box into a nice new Folgers plastic coffee can until I get a pot for it. The metal was giving them cold footsies. Now I can leave them all in the window box. Also repotted my damaged geraniums. Knew there was something interfering with my rock rolling. Also got another wild hair. I posted before about using plants as wood stains. There is an ornamental peach or plum tree on the street that has changed color. Pretty color. Think I will grab a bunch of its leaves and make a wood stain out of it before they turn brown. You grind them up, add water, simmer until the right consistency, and add a little alum. Some unique colors. Talk about customizing. Speaking of trees. I don't have a single one in the yard, and don't want any. But I have everyone else's leaves in it.

whitebelt		10-Nov-2010 15:54
Never thought about it, but the connection you made may be accurate, Roberta. I think that character was named Wiley? I loved B.C. and The Wizard of Id. I hate cold weather, especially working outside in it. I always have to take my gloves off for some reason and then handling cold metal and water is so painful on my sensitive fingertips and split my cuticles in a serious way. Then I wind up having to doing a lot of detail work with them. Never fails. The cold or smashing them with a hammer or cutting them. My poor Desert Roses are suffering this year. Don't have the sun porch they had in NM. They have the prettiest blooms. Would bring them in before the frost while they were blooming and they would still be in bloom all winter. Not this year. Got to make a warm little greenhouse for them. Forgot my big geraniums and they got hit by the first frost. Will take a while for them to rebound.

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Nov-2010 09:30
I picture the characters borne of the late cartoonist, John Hart, in his very much missed comic strip, "B.C." I identified with the club-toting woman, with the projectile derriere, who loved to conk the snake with her club. My favorite, of course, was the one with the pegged leg and crutch, who chiseled his thoughts on a stone tablet, sometimes, setting it adrift in the sea, and awaiting a reply. Were it not for his pegged leg, Ol' Dave, he could be you....! : ) Stay warm, you ol' rollin' stone, you....! Wishing only the best and safest weather to you all, and mucho huggies....! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fran		10-Nov-2010 02:45
Bear, have a good time...

whitebelt		09-Nov-2010 19:12
Ugh. Might get snow in a couple of days. Will get some cold weather for several. The furnace is doing fine so far. Old Dave is fixing to roll the rock across the cave entrance for the winter.

charlis		04-Nov-2010 21:09
Don... MT Graves/Charlie Baxter... Thank you!

Miami Girl		04-Nov-2010 20:39
Roberta, glad to hear you're out of the hospital and now it's time to rest since it's impossible to do so while there! Take it a day at a time kiddo and remember we're all praying for you. Great to hear Lewis has bounced back, now it's your turn. Whitebelt, you do write a great story but your little mouse was a sad one.

Don Boyd		04-Nov-2010 04:55
Largo, okay baby, you'll be sorry. : ) I sent the friend request a couple of minutes ago. Whitebelt, yeah I should have been paying more attention to the projectiles on the screen instead the protuberances on her. But I was 21 and had a two track mind at the time. : ) Don .

LARGO		04-Nov-2010 04:28
SO DON!!!..... FRIEND ME ALREADY!...I LOVE FACEBOOK!....> (as: SHEILA POLAND-LARGO) ................. LARGO

LARGO		04-Nov-2010 04:25
ROBERTA GIRL...I SO WISH YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY...PLEASE KEEP US ALL POSTED ON YOUR PROGRESS AS YOU ARE ABLE...BLESSINGS..... LARGO

LARGO		04-Nov-2010 04:22
WHITEBELT....VERY SAD STUART LITTLE 'ESQUE TALE..(MOUSE)....AND THE TOAD...PRICELESS!........... LARGO

whitebelt		04-Nov-2010 03:24
Thank you, Fran. Unfortunately I can't put pen to paper because I can't read my own writing. I would have trouble with the story line. I must admit that all day I have questioned my reaction to the frog's advances. Maybe I am out of step with the times. I just assumed it was a frog prince. It may have been a frog princess. This is not the 50's anymore. After all, we don't HAVE to get married. I will check tomorrow to see if it is still there and give it a big wet one to see what happens. What the hell. Will at least have something to play with in the hot tub.

Fran		04-Nov-2010 03:13
Gee, Whitebelt, I loved this story about the frog. I know that there is a story in there somewhere. Do take time this winter and put pen to paper.

whitebelt		03-Nov-2010 19:51
Well, the little mouse didn't make it. If I had any i would have slipped it a mickey to ease its pain. Poor little thing, trapped like a rat. At least it won't be cold this winter. Would have gotten chilled without all of its fur. Was just digging around a pipe with a garden shovel winterizing it under the spa building. Hit something like a balloon. What the hell is a balloon doing in the dirt next to a pipe? I dig around it and it was one of the toads that buried itself in the ground. I pick it up and set it down and proceeded to tell it about the big micetake another little creature made by being in the wrong place. It just grunted disinterestedly. What a cold blooded creature. Since it didn't carry hantavirus I just goosed it a little and sent it on his way with the admonition that since it toed the line I would let it go and to be careful and not get froggy in the future seeking shelter. To look before it leaps. It doesn't want to croak and die a cheesy death like the little mouse did. Curiously it stopped and looked back at me, kind of ribbeted on the words i was saying. Had a peculiar look on its face and tried to speak. Then I understood. It was an enchanted frog. I said sorry, but I can't kiss you. I'm not gay or do weird drugs. He then just hopped back further under the crawlspace and set and sulked. I finished my work and closed it up. Weird creatures around here.

whitebelt		03-Nov-2010 15:23
Le souris has been relocated, with trap attached, to le dumpster, some distance away, where it is protected from cats and other influences that may interfere with its ability to escape. It does need a new fur coat, though. It was advised that the presence of a balding mouse in my house again will not result in such consideration of its personal life choices, and such presence will result in immediate termination of any options it had in determining such.

whitebelt		03-Nov-2010 14:49
Here I go, waxing philosophical again. Woke up this morning to find a mouse stuck to a glue trap. Third one since I have been here. Winter comes and they start moving in from the fields. Nothing personal against them, just not into sharing space with them. Anyhow, I just posted about bottled up energy causing health issues. This mouse is an example. The poor little creature was experiencing living, scurrying around, looking for things to eat, making mouse babies, adapting to new environments, and maybe even having deep intellectual thoughts. But it was moving and breathing, expending and sucking up energy. Then it got stuck. It can't scurry any more. It will die in a short time. Not of starvation, but now its little body and soul transforms the energy of living into the energy that kills it. It is agonizing watching it die relatively slowly, but I am not the type that assumes it is more humane to kill it quickly. Humans have little issues with glue traps, but they do have with emotional traps. Humans tend to trap themselves more than being trapped by others on that score. You have creatures that will gnaw their legs off to escape a trap, and go on to live for quite a while minus a leg. This mouse could even escape its field of glue if it had the inspiration, but it is unlikely. Living is a very personal experience. Something we all do on our own. When we feel the quality of life is sufficient we keep going on, when we don't we die from the inside out. To thine own self be true seems to have a certain ring to it. I just got up and checked on my mouse. It had worked itself close to the edge over the last few hours, traversing the whole trap, which is a large one. May even have been able to get free given more time. I chunked the trap and it out into the backyard. It may have stuck it even more when it hit the ground and flipped over. But maybe not, might give it better leverage so that it can escape. Of course it will then also have to deal with the cats that wander through occasionally. Then the cats would have to deal with the glue trap. That mouse trap glue is really sticky stuff. I almost got stuck to it dragging the trap toward me with my toe. That would have been hilarious, me with a glue trap stuck to my toe with a struggling mouse flopping around on it, especially if it had developed an attitude. All because I was being a nice guy. Life is a sticky situation. :-) Don, I didn't have a date for that movie. Sigh... The things you have to miss to observe other things.

Don Boyd		03-Nov-2010 13:42
Roberta, welcome back and I'm sorry to hear about your week stay in the hospital. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I'm glad Lewis did just fine during your hospitalization. For the M. T. Graves/Charlies Baxter/Dungeon thread, I have a gallery dedicated to them that's been up for years and it's at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/charliebaxter RIP Charlie! Largo, I'm on Facebook but I don't have any Old Miami stuff in the photos. FB is great for reconnecting with kids you grew up with and staying connected. I've reconnected with the girl who grew up behind me, the girl who grew up next door to me and the guy who grew up across the street from me along with several others down the street. Whitebelt, I remember the movie 2001 Space Odyssey - it was one of the first dates, if not the first date, that I had with my first wife to be, but I don't remember Pan Am in it. I think I was preoccupied with her instead of the movie content at the time. I should have watched the movie more intently, haha. Nike, I revisited Lincoln Road Mall for Halloween and the place was packed from 7pm til 1am when I left. It was more packed when I left than when I got there. A small selection of photos (out of 500+) is up at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/halloween_lincolnroad I heard from Jeff yesterday and he is doing fine. He's adding more fonts to his online collection and selling was good for last month so he's happy. Don .

whitebelt		03-Nov-2010 13:32
Roberta, a week in the hospital is not lightweight. You worry us, girl. Judging from the problems you have been having there for a while I have a intuition a change of residence may be beneficial. The area is draining your energy. Maybe you are forcing yourself to live in a place you are no longer comfortable in. New places and new things can liven the soul up. Can give one new reasons to keep going on. Get some fresh air, girl. Moldy old Georgia may no longer be the place for you. It may just be that you think it is. The housing market the way it is now makes it much easier to move. Settling into a new place brings out the energy you have bottled up that sometimes manifests itself in bad health. One thing about life. Dealing with new aggravations keeps you younger than dealing with the same old ones. Something about the challenges. You and your cowboy seem like the type that likes them. A good BBQ sauce can help perk you up. That and chicken soup. :-)

Fran		03-Nov-2010 07:14
Roberta, Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Best to you and Lewis, speedy recovery.

Roberta Perry Hughes		03-Nov-2010 04:42
Just an FYI P.S., here..... Charlis, Miami Girl.....M.T. Graves' show was called, "The Dungeon," I believe, and it aired on Channel 7. **********************************************************************************************************

Roberta Perry Hughes		03-Nov-2010 04:38
Hello, my friends, I just got out of the hospital at noon, yesterday, after having spent an entire week there. Ugh. I am weak as a damp rag, and still not feeling well. God bless my sweet cowboy, Lewis! He never missed a day, visiting, and bringing needed things to me. I felt so guilty, about going off and leaving him home alone, but he did just great....! You'll forgive me, if I don't post as much, as I have got to work on getting my strength back. It is going to be a long row to hoe, to be back to "normal." Hugs to all...... ############################################################################

charlis		02-Nov-2010 21:33
leigh... no, they did not do the PedoBear story... a lot of churches up here did the parking lot routine. A lot of friends said their neigborhoods were empty of trick or treaters. My first Halloween in FL was in West Hollywood. We had a great time... the next year we were on Miami Beach. I was too old... 14, but my sister was still young enough... my mother bought a lot of candy. We hardly saw anyone that night, and over the next several years. My last two years in OH, in the rural area where it took forever going house to house, were the best... no street lights so we had to carry flashlights and walk up long drive ways.

Leighton		02-Nov-2010 05:17
Local news stations chose sexual predators as their topic? Please tell me that they DIDN'T stoop to the "PedoBear" myth....Google it. One of our local stations had mud on its face a few weeks back, when it hysterically ran the "story," without fact-checking. Back in TN, the whole "trunk 'r treat" mania had taken hold last year - I found it weird. Mainly churches...kids gather in a parking lot, and people hand out candy from their car trunks. "Fun." In the early 70s, we ran wild in the Fairlawn area, off Flagler, on H-ween night. I was usually dressed as a very un-"PC" character - a hobo, or fat man (wearing a pillow). And WHAT'S with all this insane Halloween decorating??????? It's now up to Christmas level, in some yards. I love the old put-a-pumpkin-on-the-porch-Halloween-night mentality.

Miami Girl		02-Nov-2010 01:02
Charlis, that's a great way to get the kids out of the house! I have a memory of my older sister and her boyfriend taking me to the Dixie Drive-In (I think I was about 9 and so innocent), they let me sit in the front seat while they took the back - WOW was I lucky!

charlis		01-Nov-2010 23:26
Miami Girl... I was already a teenager when I moved to Miami Beach so he didn't scare me. My highlight of the weekend was watching "13 Ghosts". I remember seeing it at the Cameo theatre, wearing the 3-d glasses. Scared the hell out of my little sister. It really was not that scary of a movie... ghosts protecting a family that bought the house that someone had killed a person in for some money... and the ghosts getting revenge against the person. Great movie. Brought back a lot of fond memories of my little sister and I going to the movies together... my being paid to take her so our parents could have a little time together...

Miami Girl		01-Nov-2010 21:23
Charlis..........and he scared the hell out of me, until I got a year or two older.

charlis		01-Nov-2010 21:22
I did not see the first trick or treater... looked out the window several times and didn't see any kids walking around. Last year I had 3 teenage girls show up with weird makeup and hair... not a custume, their normal get up... and they were talking on cell phones... not even a "thank you". A co-worked said that a neighborhood near where he lives, blocked of the streets to cars... several thousand kids showed up and were treated to great stuff. Local channels ran stories about the cops going to areas with known sexual predators and having them remove decorations, then went back out on Halloween to check to see if porch lights were off.

charlis		01-Nov-2010 21:15
Miami Girl....THANK YOU!!!!! M T Graves.

Parks		01-Nov-2010 14:30
I think the number of trick or treaters you get depends on your neighborhood. When Susan and I first moved into this neighborhood there were a lot of young couples with children and we got lots of T or T . Then as the kids grew up we got fewer and fewer. Now the grandchildren are coming. It's pretty nice to see.

Leighton		01-Nov-2010 05:51
I had about 400 kids tonight, including one with a real chainsaw. Had to turn out the light. The holiday is alive, and well. And most kids were with their parents. My parents NEVER went with me in Miami, by the way...

LARGO		01-Nov-2010 04:25
HEY JOSE...ALL THIS FOOD TALK...PAPAYAS...MY FAVORITE WAY TO EAT THEM WAS TAUGHT TO ME BY A CUBAN FRIEND YEARS AGO. JUST SLICE THEM IN HALF...DIG OUT THE SEEDS..SQUEEZE FRESH LIME ALL OVER THE SLICE..AND ENJOY. SOMETHING IN THE LIME BRINGS OUT THE FRUITS FLAVOR...THEY ARE GOOD FOR THE DIGESTION AS WELL................. LARGO

whitebelt		01-Nov-2010 04:06
It is kind of amazing we survived the 50's. Between the Cold War and the new products such as foods and chemicals. All of those cleaners and bug sprays to improve life. All of those weird mixes of food chock full of preservatives. Peanut butter and jelly in the same jar. TV dinners. But there was one I never forgot. Hot dogs filled with cheese. My dad had been remodeling the house and we used to play under it, crawling from one side to the other. I was a youngster then. My mother got some of those cheese filled hot dogs and cooked me a couple. I ate them and then went to play under the house. Then I got violently sick in my stomach. Nothing like retching your guts out crawling under a house. Those things gave me the shudders whenever I saw them in the stores since then. Now it seems everything is processed and loaded with chemicals, but it seems there is more responsibility in producing them. Except for cat and dog food. Lost a cat because of that poisoning a few years back. Think the Chinese executed the guy responsible. Good. Double the people, but things like that are better overall. Guess they have had enough practice getting the formulas and processes right. Strange world. Still love Spam and Vienna sausages. Can't believe how expensive those and corned beef have become. Hard to get corned beef at WalMart. Corned beef or Spam scrambled with eggs and ketchup.

whitebelt		01-Nov-2010 03:19
It is 9:15 here and not one single trick or treater or even a dog barking indicating they are around. This is a residential area. Halloween is a memory. They don't make parents like they used to. I have a bunch of bubble gum in the candy packs I bought and no real teeth to chew them with. Dubble Bubble. Used to love that stuff. Maybe that is why I don't have the teeth.

whitebelt		01-Nov-2010 03:10
MRR, blanket parties and troublesome troops falling down the stairs were still fairly common occurrences in 1969. The company next to us, the one we would phase back to, was very brutal. They had a few ambulance calls after those stair accidents and we did witness them kicking troops low crawling up the street. Great motivator for us. So much so one guy blew his brains out when he boloed on the range except for that last round. They slackened for a while after our senior DI threatened them with reporting them. But he got killed in a car accident afterwards. Had a small training company, about 180 men. One dead DI, one trainee suicide, one body found under the Puerto Rican barracks with his throat cut, and another found stabbed rather badly. Plus a few guys coming back from town somewhat beat up. They damned near starved us because the cooks were selling the rations downtown. But none of our DI's ever punched a troop that I know of. Funny, it had become home and I kind of regretted leaving.

Miami River Rat		01-Nov-2010 02:33
Arizone Al: No way to know if that's the same Sgt. Murphy. I had the (pleasure???) of having Murphy for my drill instructor at Lackland AFB in 1960. My introduction to military life wouldn't have been nearly so....enlightening without Sgt. Murphy. He busted me in the mouth once. One of those Key West boys yelled something and he thought it was me. He pulled me around the corner and pasted me pretty good. I didn't fight back and didn't bother telling him he'd hit the wrong guy. Weeks later when we were shipping out he looked me up and shook hands. I guess he was relieved that I didn't rat him out for hitting me, but squealing ain't how I do things.

whitebelt		01-Nov-2010 01:12
Whatever happened to Halloween? It is after 7 here and quite dark. I know there are kids in the neighborhood. Quite a few. Haven't heard a peep or even a dog barking. Maybe some will show up later, but Halloween has been a disappointment for years. Again I got a bunch of candy that I cant eat, and no kids. I have had less than 20 kids show up at the door in the last 20 years, and those were cities in FL, MS, LA, and NM with the lights on. I took my kids trick or treating, just kept a watchful eye. The adventure was good for them. What do they do now? Go to Chuck E. Cheese? This world has got weird and fearful.

Miami Girl		01-Nov-2010 01:08
Charlis is your Miami spook maybe M.T. Graves? Can't remember the name of the show.

charlis		31-Oct-2010 15:38
Happy Halloween to all. I have a pertinent question to ask.. this is prompted by a story of a local "spook" show star, Dr. Paul Bearer, and a guy in the next county who impersonates him, with the family's blessing. We had a show in Miami... I want to say "Creature Feature"... who was the host?

Parks		31-Oct-2010 01:51
Jose, I drive past Morro Castle on NW 7th Street often. Maybe next time I'll stop and order a Frita, Papas Fritas and a Matervia to wash it down. When our current President was in town recently, he ordered just that at El Mago de las Fritas on SW 8th Street near 57th Avenue. The idea of ground beef and chorizo sounds great. There is a new trend in Miami concerning food. High end restrauants and chefs are sending out trucks that park in different spots each day and sell some really good food.

Nike		31-Oct-2010 01:40
Hurricane Tomas is headed this way. Although it appears it will be south of of us by about 200 miles tomorrow evening, we're on a plane to Atlanta tomorrow noon.

Arizona AL		30-Oct-2010 20:42
MRR: When I was a youth living in Cutler Ridge there was a retired Air Force Sergeant in the neighborhood whose name was Sgt. Murphy. On occasion he would entertain the neighborhood adolescents with "star spangled war stories". I wonder if he is the same Sgt. Murphy you referenced regarding wearing your cover under cover? Alan Ogus, Ph.D. ALive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona AL		30-Oct-2010 20:42
MRR: When I was a youth living in Cutler Ridge there was a retired Air Force Sergeant in the neighborhood whose name was Sgt. Murphy. On occasion he would entertain the neighborhood adolescents with "star spangled war stories". I wonder if he is the same Sgt. Murphy you referenced regarding wearing your cover under cover? Alan Ogus, Ph.D. ALive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Jose		30-Oct-2010 20:31
Fran papas fritas are french fries and fritas cubanas is another food item a sandwich Jose

Jose		30-Oct-2010 20:26
Parks Fritas Cubanas is like sort of a sloppy joe type sandwich on a hamburger roll. it is very spicy, like it has chorizo sausage in the diced up or shredded meat mixture. it is abit tomatoey but not as mushy as a sloppy joe. and it is served with the little potato sticks that come in a can on the sandwich. one of the best places to try a frita cubana sandwich is at a morro castle. there's one on n. w. 7 st at around 24 ave just west of the old orange bowl and to wash it down i suggest a can of materva soda frita cubanas are good but very rich make sure your stomak is up to it try it you'll like it Jose

Miami River Rat		30-Oct-2010 18:53
My favorite of that sort was the paella they served at The Madrid restaurant in the Gables. But wait...I suppose the paella was Spanish rather than Cuban. My favorite Cuban dish was the pork chops and yellow rice my buddy Tito's mom used to make. That was really good. Somehow, a Cuban hamburger just doesn't resonate...

Fran		30-Oct-2010 17:24
Parks, Hamburgusa Cubano? Something like that...

Fran		30-Oct-2010 17:20
Parks, I thought Fritas were french fries? I guess I've been gone too long?

Parks		30-Oct-2010 15:18
Hi Jose, no papaya of either type lately. As our resident Latin expert what can you tell us about Fritas (Cuban Hamburgers)? I've got to try one.

Jose		29-Oct-2010 19:36
Hey friends, anyone eat any papaya lately ? either kind. I have eaten both kinds recently. And both varieties were delicious. Enjoy some papaya, either one, or both. Jose.

whitebelt		26-Oct-2010 22:10
Charlis, this is flexible plastic duct. Like your dryer vent hose but with fiberglass and another layer of plastic surrounding it. The only asbestos could be the large holed mesh they use to bind the fiberglass, which is unlikely. So far so good. The furnace is holding up and not suffering any ill effects. Have been in the basement with it most of the day cleaning up and making a little workarea. Any noxious fumes would show up there for sure. MRR, see what happens when you step out of the room for a while? They start talking aboutcha. Roberta, Momma Nature loves you. She has no intention of hurting you. Just stay out of the way when she is cleaning house. Keep your toys picked up and put them some place safe.

charlis		26-Oct-2010 21:27
white... no way... I love pepperoni and sausage on my pizza. As to the asbestos, we have found that people wanting to get rid of duct work that was only 20 years ago found out that it contained asbestos. Even though ACM's were supposedly pulled off the shelves, companies were still selling them 20 years ago... had them in stock and needed to get rid of them... for money spent on stocking the stuff.

Nike		26-Oct-2010 21:13
MRR Since you are a veteran, my hat's off to you. You have earned the right to do what you damn well please. I take my hashed browns "scattered, smothered,covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, topped, all the way, and country.

Miami River Rat		26-Oct-2010 19:39
Quote by Nike: "Nike 25-Oct-2010 13:48 MRR - What's the story on wearing a cap in such a classy joint as the Waffle House?? " The only persons that I would worry about seeing that are my grandma and Sgt. Murphy. Grandma is long gone and Murphy probably is too. So,.... First saw snow: I was 17 when the Air Force sent me to Amarillo AFB for fighter mechanic training. There were two guys with me from Key West and they had never seen snow either. We got our hands burned real bad, nearly frostbite, by not knowing what to do and what not to do. The Yankee boys laughed at us. Got 'em back later on the Gulf Coast. Those guys didn't know anything about sand fleas. HA!

Parks		26-Oct-2010 15:42
Hi Roberta, Susan made the fried green tomatoes. She used a non stick pan and was afraid to get it really hot so the crust didn't get crisp. Next time we'll use a cast iron pan and get the oil really hot before the maters go in. We also made Fran's Tropical PB&J which is a winner.

Fran		26-Oct-2010 04:26
LARGO, I AM ON FACE BOOK ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHERS. JUST TYPE IN THE NAMES AND THE SEARCH WILL PROVIDE THE INFO. SEE YA!!!

Roberta Perry Hughes		26-Oct-2010 03:44
I sent Lewis out as early as possible, this morning, to first, go feed his horses, which we own 3, and then, go on into Louisville, to Ingles, and buy groceries, following my detailed list, so he could get home in time to beat the storms that were headed our way. He beat my home health care aide here, by about 20 or 30 minutes, and had the groceries put up, when the bottom fell out. I'm talking a deluge, featuring walls of rain, punctuated by deeply rumbling thunder, that sounded like a squadron of B-52's overhead, rattling the glass in my china cabinet. The older I get, the more nervous I am, when bad weather is outside my door. I do not care for floods, and high winds, and have no desire to experience a tornado. Usually, our area is not hit with violent storms, but now and then, they will head our way. Parks.....what have you cooked from the Whistle Stop Cafe cookbook....?? Hugs to everyone...... ********************************************************************************************************

LARGO		25-Oct-2010 23:10
ANYONE ON THIS SITE ON FACEBOOK???.......INDIAN SUMMER IN NORTH FLORIDA...PROMISES OF RAIN ARE ALL NORTH OF US....PLANTING BUNCHES OF COLORFUL BUTTERFLY BUSH OUT BACK.......LARGO

whitebelt		25-Oct-2010 21:31
Cool, Charlis. we are compatible. You can have the cheese and I get the pepperoni and sausage. Twenty year old flexible duct. Guaranteed no asbestos. Has been a dark and windy day with a cold front coming in. Luckily my furnace is working fine so far.

charlis		25-Oct-2010 21:05
dress codes... I was shocked, as a teenager, when I moved to FL and saw people going into resatuarants in shorts! To this day I dress up when I go out... okay, a little more casual... slacks instead of a dress or skirt.. but, it is appalling to go to a fancy place where a single serving costs over $30 and see people in shorts at the bar and the dining rooms.

charlis		25-Oct-2010 20:57
white... the more cheese the better! 20 year old duct work? ASBESTOS!

Ariziona Al		25-Oct-2010 17:32
Nike: Snow in Phoenix is about as rare as snow in Miami. However less that 2 hours North of Phoenix on Interstate 17 is Flagstaff and it snows all during the winter. I prefer to reamin in the Valley of the Sun. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		25-Oct-2010 17:00
Kuzdu, oaks, and white pine of the South is not a landscape to me. I absolutely hate driving down there. You can't see anything but them. No vistas. You can see entire thunderstorms in the distance out here. From the outside, not in the middle of. But to each his own. That Cochiti area is on the back way to Los Alamos. Some very pretty scenery you don't see following the main highway. Lots of trees of different types. Much of New Mexico is like that. The main drags are in the most desolate places. Once you start climbing into the mountain ranges it is a different world. ABQ has no soul or scenery. East of it can be really nice. About half the state is National or State park or forest.

Nike		25-Oct-2010 14:44
WB - We have been to ABQ and Santa Fe several times and really like it. The Georgia O'Keefe Museum was quite interesting along with several good resturants. My business in ABQ was at Kirtland AFB and Sandia Labs. I also have been to Los Alamos where I conducted some training several years ago. I prefer the trees and ground vegetation like in the deep south and Florida. However, it is different in a good sort of way for a visit. I spent time in the Tucson area conducting training with the Tohono O'Dom Tribal Police. My favorite part of the southwest is above Pheonix in the hills where Sedona, Presscott, and Cottonwood are located. Another two features of the USA are the Bluebonnets in Texas and the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. What better way to enjoy this country than to visit the national parks and everything in between.

whitebelt		25-Oct-2010 14:22
Nike, the most comfortable place to live in the summer is in the Rockies. I am a little too far east of them now to take advantage of that. It gets warm on the Plains. Where I lived in NM 95 was about the max temp. The air is cool and stepping into the shade makes for comfort. You might take a trip out to Santa Fe sometime and check the area out. They have the trappings of civilization like the stores you mentioned. The last for a long ways. You may also check out Alamosa, CO in the San Luis Valley, the Land Of Cool Sunshine. They have some civilization there, but you don't want to stay for the winter. Red River, Angel Fire/Eagle Nest, or Cimarron in NM would be great places to chill during the summer and provide a place for the grandchildren to experience the great outdoors. The real prize location is Cochiti Lake, just SW of Santa Fe. It is a development on the Cochiti reservation with 99 year leases. Twelve miles from the interstate between ABQ and Santa Fe. Right next to a dam and recreation area. Very peaceful and relaxed, almost no crime or city issues, yet you will live among well traveled and educated people. Just a very short hop to civilization and a major airport. Lots to see and do from there.

Nike		25-Oct-2010 14:21
AZAL - My hat's off to you, Sir! Speaking of snow, does it snow in Phoenix?

Ariziona Al		25-Oct-2010 14:16
One of the many "rules of conduct" I acquired from my military service boot camp education was "No cover under cover" meaning remove your hat when you enter a building. I follow this homily to this day. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well and hatless at the moment in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nike		25-Oct-2010 13:48
MRR - What's the story on wearing a cap in such a classy joint as the Waffle House?? I remember seeing Bum Phillips and Tom Landry always taking their hats off inside a covered stadium. They were real gentlemen, everywhere, always. Maybe it's just a southern thing. Florida doesn't qualify as "Southern" even though you can't get much more geographically southern in the US.

whitebelt		25-Oct-2010 13:37
I first saw snow when I was 20 stationed at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. Got there in the summer and couldn't wait to see it, but it took forever before the first snow fell. Ran barefoot in it. Still love it, especially since I don't have to get out and drive in it. We had a four inch snowfall in New Mexico on September 22 three or four years ago. Really caught me by surprise. Now I start expecting it in September. Good thing I got the furnace fired up. Have our first freeze warning for tonight. Have to get out and winterize the spa room plumbing. On hats in restaurants. The Army taught me that was a serious faux pas. I guess the Air Force was a lot more lax. MRR wears his in Waffle House. Not that they are class joints. :-)

Nike		25-Oct-2010 13:08
Roberta, You are correct. I think is it either a lack of respect by the "entitlement" generation and/or they weren't brought up properly. Either way, regardless of whether in a resturant with linen tablecloths and snooty waiters or a Bar-B-Q joint, good manners are good manners. I look forward to meeting you and Lewis sometime. Where exactly are you in Georgia --from Atlanta? Do ya'll ever get to Atlanta? If so, Nancy and I hope you would be our guests.

Roberta Perry Hughes		25-Oct-2010 11:39
Nike, Things have changed, over-the-years, and the fashion police holds no sway. One of my biggest pet peeves, is to go into a restaurant, or cafe, no matter how casual they are, and see a bunch of dudes, wearing their baseball style caps,or cowboy hats, IN THE BUILDING....especially when there is a coat rack and a cap rack available for their use. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		25-Oct-2010 10:01
Most traditional, southern ladies shudder at the thought of wearing white after Labor Day! Girls raised in the South (GRITS) know bad manners when they see them. Southern Girls know a clear sign of bad manners is wearing white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day. Perhaps, that is because fashions in the American South can be a little more formal than elsewhere “and” the no-white-shoes rule came from south of the Mason-Dixon Line but north of the Frost Line which extends from Ft Myers to West Palm Beach. Below the Frost Line white is also a more acceptable color to wear year round, since unfavorable winter weather is not as much of an issue. As a southern man, I find that traditions have a place in one’s live, i.e., birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, New Years, and the Tooth Fairy. Even though some a religious traditions, they are celebrated by non-religious people, and the pagan holidays like Halloween are celebrated. Most traditional holidays are celebrated because of “getting something,” even if it’s just a day off. Others, like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, commemorate the sacrifices of others. Columbus Day is a bit puzzling since he never set foot in any part of the continental United States. What we do for a day off. Traditions are fun and also an ingrained tradition of etiquette. I admit that if I do see people wearing white after Labor Day, I can't help but feel a bit of "I wonder if “they don’t know any better” or "They must be from “Up-North”.” I personally don't see anything wrong with respecting harmless traditions like this. As stuck up as it may sound, I just think real Southern Belles get a little "classy breeding" point boost when they respect this particular fun fashion tradition. While working for IBM in Cape Canaveral in the late sixties and early seventies, I was trained in the old IBM way of dress which went something like: "If you don't wear a white shirt, you're fired". I sort of liked white year round back then. Living in the Virgin Islands has shown me you can wear anything, anytime and no one gives a damn uunless you are over-dressed. I was threatened with being thrown overboard my first day on the small ferry boat to St Thomas. Having a meeting scheduled with the college provost didn’t impress them so, I haven’t worn one since. Nancy and I have decided to pack our things and return to Atlanta next week. It’s been fun living here but quite frankly, we’re missing Barnes & Noble, Johnny Rockets, and Starbucks. Mainly, we miss our grandchildren and being a part of their life.

Roberta Perry Hughes		25-Oct-2010 07:46
Parks, While I was still a military brat, at age 20, I went to Woodbridge, Virginia, to visit my sister, Audrey, so I could have my tonsils and adenoids removed, at Bethesda Naval Hospital, in MD. (They did it under local anaesthetics....shots). I was enchanted, when it snowed, and I could hear it whispering, as it fell. I stood at her patio doors, transfixed, and in awe, it was all so foreign to me. It snowed and snowed and snowed, and her yard got deeper and deeper in it. When it stopped, everything was totally white, and glistening, about 6" deep. There were crystals hanging off of eaves, and on tree branches, and I could not wait to get out there in it, but I was ill-prepared, and clueless, as to how freshly-fallen snow behaves. I was very surprised, that it was powdery....dry, even....like laundry detergent, only cold, and I could not form a snowball, nor build a snowman. Shoot fire, and boo hoo! Audrey laughed, as I had gotten soaking wet from being out there, wading about in it. She could have warned me, but she had more fun, watching me find out the hard way. It didn't take long, for this Southern girl to, not only dislike snow, but to resent it. We got snowed in. The streets were covered in ice. If you walked on a sidewalk, you'd bust your butt, and hope that you didn't break a limb. It was so cold, your face would freeze, if it was windy, and you put both hands over your nose and mouth to breathe, as that icy cold air hurt, to inhale it. It would make your chest feel like a block of Royal Palm Ice had settled in there. When I had been out in it for quite a while, after it had frozen....(I made an ice sculpture on her front lawn)....and entered her warm baseboard-heated house, my feet and hands could hardly tolerate the extreme changes in temperature. I was lucky that I didn't get frost bite. Then, the weather warmed up, and everywhere I looked, there was mud on top of mud, from the melted snow. Icy slush was in the streets, mixed with mud from people's yards, and everything that had once looked like a Christmas card, was now ugly, sloppy, and dismal, the way it looks after 4 to 5 days of rain. It has snowed here, more than once, and we have had ice storms, too where I live, and it upsets me. My word for snow: Yankee poop. It has no business crossing over the Mason-Dixon line. We do not know how to drive in it, nor do we have snow tires, or snow chains....nor do we have wardrobes from Land's End, either. The only things white, on the ground, that this Southerner can tolerate, is: beach sand; the sand in a farmer's field; or cotton fields. If it is white, wet, and cold, I wish I could box it up, and ship in North, over the Mason-Dixon line. While in Virginia, I would daydream of Matheson Hammock Beach, and Crandon Park, with the hot tropical sun shining down, and a sea breeze to cool me, and the cry of gulls, to welcome me home once more.

Fran		25-Oct-2010 06:21
Parks, I was 26 years young. Freaky storm but great to watch. Whitebelt, Pizza sounds awesome, extra cheese, please. :)

Parks		25-Oct-2010 03:24
Hi Guys, Susan is off to a good start on her garden for this winter. She has leeks, Everglades Tomato, sweet banana pepper, Seminole Pumpkin, Poblano pepper, mild jalapeno, radishes, sweet potato, Windsor pumpkin, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash, and tomatillos. Susan also has some egg plants that survived the summer. Susan is mostly planting in containers that she keeps on tables. I built the tables out of shipping pallets with galvanized pipe for legs. The reason for the tables is that several iguanas live in our yard and would eat most of what she is planting if they could reach it. The tomatoes may end up in the raised bed that I’m building for her. The iguanas don’t seem to like tomatoes. I’m really looking forward to winter down here in Miami. Come summer, I expect I’ll wish I was up with Whitebelt. How old were you Miamians when you first saw snow? I was thirty eight.

whitebelt		25-Oct-2010 00:35
Well, I hope this holds up for a while. Reused 20 year old duct. Made discharge and return manifolds out of scrap lumber, paneling, and sheetrock. Blower motor had a bad bearing, plus it hadn't been lubed in years, that caused it to overheat and shut off after a few minutes. Switched front and back bearings and iubed. Sounds better now. Will have to do until i get the proper parts. Should last for a while, though. I was not going to invest money in replacing the ductwork only to have a 20 year old furnace kick out on me in the winter. I have to say I am impressed with this old Trane. I kid you not when I say I had to take it out and wash it. Covered with dust and caked dust mud all the way through. At least 6 years with NO maintenance whatsoever. 40K BTU and heats up nicely. With all new stuff it would have taken me two days. Fabricating from scrap material and it has been at least two weeks. But a lot cheaper, like thousands. Flexible duct is nice, but metal ducting is much better and worth the expense over the long run. You can clean metal easily. Plastic and fiberglass not so easily. I am an alternative physicist. I envision employing different and much cheaper technology for the winter after this one. This system is disposable. Charlis, no chili. Too much of a distraction. We can order pizza.

charlis		23-Oct-2010 17:14
white... the chili would have already been cooking from early in the day, very early. And it is healthy... well, except for one ingredient... a couple pounds of tomatoes (skinned and deseeded), sauteed with chopped onions and garlic. Add water and simmer for a few hours. Brown spicey turkey sausage with finely chopped yalopena peppers. Add to mix and continue simmering. Add one can of beans.... and 1/2 cup tequila... simmer until ready to eat.

whitebelt		22-Oct-2010 22:17
It is kind of too late in life to worry about asbestos, Charlis. Sounds like a mutual massage is in order. Be interesting to see who melts first. I will let you rest a while before getting you up to cook. Chili is good.

charlis		22-Oct-2010 21:58
white.. hope you checked for asbestos!

charlis		22-Oct-2010 21:53
white... I am a trained massage therapist... your toes would not be the only things that are curled! ;-) You'd be so relaxed that you wouldn't want to eat... your jaw wouldn't work!

charlis		22-Oct-2010 21:50
white... okay... I also do good cooking of other things... you'd love my chili, spagetti, chicken, etc.

whitebelt		22-Oct-2010 19:58
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101022/ts_alt_afp/usaviationspacebritainvirgin_20101022091717 Don, do you remember the movie, I think it was 2001, Space Odyssey, where the flight to the moon was on Pan American?

whitebelt		22-Oct-2010 14:53
The days sneak up on you. In about 3 hours on this day and date 17 years ago i went underwent a dramatic shift in personality and consciousness at the corner of Old Cutler and 176th street.. On this day I will complete the hookup of my ducting and am still feeling the fiberglass from the day before yesterday. Life goes on.

whitebelt		22-Oct-2010 03:37
I hate fiberglass. Those particles can end up in the damndest places besides the lungs. Fine tiny threads. Guys have to be very careful when relieving themselves. Women have to be very careful about guys that work in it cleaning up. The Office in the Grove was the worst ceiling to work in. You gagged every time you stuck your head up there. Was an open air plenum full of loose fiberglass particles and assorted other dust and debris. No way that could be filtered out totally. There has to be lots of office workers that have been inhaling that stuff for years. The yellow insulation was the worst. Decayed and crumbled badly. Disturb it and it turns to dust. The pink held together pretty well.

Fran		22-Oct-2010 02:45
Whitebelt, Playing in sawdust and fiberglass, now that's something to ponder. :)

whitebelt		22-Oct-2010 02:31
Charlis, darling. Gourmet meals don't do a thing for me. Really. I put in about 12 hours of work yesterday. About 4 hours were spent under the floor. One entrance is about 10 by 14 inches to get in. You have to drop straight down then lean forward and get on your hands and knees. That is the roomy space. The other is a ledge about shoulder height with a hole about two foot wide and maybe 16 inches high. It opens up to 4 beer cans high once you get in. You have to go in about 2 to 3 body lengths before you can even think about turning around. You also have to back out and swing your foot around to find the step to get out. I was in and out of there several times yesterday. Also did a variety of other things such as playing in sawdust and fiberglass. You learn to get numb doing things like that over the years. You just do it, even if it hurts. You develop a different perspective of life. The task has to get done. I am very good at doing things by myself. Granted, it would be nice to have someone fetch something you forgot to take into the crawlspace. Soaking in the hot tub by myself and cooking my own meal would take less time. Besides, if I did give you a massage you wouldn't be in any shape to cook afterwards. Hard walking with curled toes. :-)

charlis		21-Oct-2010 20:56
white... loving us ladies and wanting the massage! Forget it... if I help you out with the restoration/repairs, you will be doing the massage... in the hot tub... then I'll cook you a gourmet dinner! ;-)

charlis		21-Oct-2010 20:54
Winnie the Pooh... I also missed out on him... I went from Dick and Jane to Robert Heinlein! I was 9 when I read "The Last Days of Pompeii"! My daughter was the same way... "kiddie books" were not her favorites.

charlis		21-Oct-2010 20:47
white... I now I offered to help with the remodeling but your current problem is way beyond my knowledge or abilities ;-)

miami girl		19-Oct-2010 22:10
Just got back from a couple days at Lake Placid. Got to watch future Olympians practice their luge runs, absolutely a fantastic experience. They wiz by in the blink of an eye!

Arizona Al		18-Oct-2010 20:15
Whitebelt: I made a congruent literary progression but managed to squeeze in Tom Jones:) as a precursor to Fanny Hill Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix,Arizona

whitebelt		18-Oct-2010 12:49
I missed out on that book, Al. I pretty much went from Dick and Jane to Fanny Hill. I was an impatient lad when it came to becoming educated.

Arizona Al		18-Oct-2010 08:48
Whitebelt: Winnie the Pooh was written by an Englishman E.E. Milne. Although it is a "children's book" it is an adult parody/satire of Edwardian English society. "The changing guard at Buckingham Palace..Christopher Robin went down with Alice." Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona.

Roberta Perry Hughes		18-Oct-2010 05:34
Whitebelt, you are so right, about not being able to take it with us. The contents of the Phaoroah's tombs, in Egypt, are testimonial to that....prior to having been robbed, to end up in museums in the UK, of course. I think the Sioux tribe has a good idea, about such. They will hold a giveaway, when a family member dies (usually, in battle) and they give away all of his earthly possessions. Every now and then, I will do a giveaway, among my many collections.....mainly, when I have run out of display space. I give my treasures as gifts, while I yet live, to those I know will appreciate them....such as some of the dolls in my collection, e.g. I do not like the idea of my "treasures" being scattered to the 4 winds, in some estate sale, nor of them being fought over, after I am gone. Giving them to special friends, and family members, while I yet live, and have a say, in who gets what, is empowering. Everyone knows to discreetly, let me know what items they admire, be it a vintage tea set, doll, or piece of jewelry. It may take a while, but they can end up with that item, for their birthday, or even for Christmas....or for any day, in-between. Sometimes, folks intend for their son, or granddaughter, to inherit an item, but it does not always work out that way, if no Will has been designated for same. I have seen formerly close siblings become enemies, fighting over their mother's estate. I had one patient, who gathered everyone together, to come and get her, to spend a long weekend in her home. During that time, she held a giveaway. She had told them to bring pull behind trailers, so they could haul off furniture, etc. The beds, of course, were the last to make it out the door. Her china, crystal, silver, etc., all of it found new homes. For some of it, she had them put their names in a bowl, and she drew the names out. For the rest, like her jewelry, she made that decision herself. She then told her eldest to sell the house, and to divide the money between himself and his siblings. She had it all worked out, and left nothing to chance. Beautiful....!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

whitebelt		18-Oct-2010 02:56
I never read Winnie the Pooh. What was it about?

LARGO		18-Oct-2010 02:18
I'M SORRY..THE LITTLE DONKEY FROM WINNIE THE POO...I BELIEVE YOU SPELLED IT CORRECTLY...... ;~) .........LARGO

whitebelt		18-Oct-2010 01:16
Eeyore routine? Que? Nomads are not into collecting things or building for eternity. They tend to just keep what can be used and carried. It is the farmers that have the illusion of permanence. You can't take it with you, including the memories.

LARGO		17-Oct-2010 23:50
NOT WITH A 10 FOOT POLE!!!!.....WHITEBELT...C'MON...NOT THE "E-ORE ROUTINE" THING...HOW THE HELL YA SPELL THAT DAMN DONKEYS NAME?...FROM W THE P...A LITTLE HELP PLZ???...ANYONE MADE THE "SPITS" SANDWICH YET???...BERTIE???..............LARGO

whitebelt		17-Oct-2010 20:22
Not a hot fire, Nike, but a nice cozy one. A comfortable one that lasts a long, long time. Goes well with eating those desserts they describe on here. And helping me clean up the house after my projects.

Nike		17-Oct-2010 19:04
WB - Glad to hear your house furnace is working. The question is, "If a good woman comes along your way, is there still a fire in your furnace?

whitebelt		17-Oct-2010 16:24
Gee, Largo, you sure know how to hurt a guy. Thanks for the offer, Nike, but I will muddle through and get it together somehow. The story of my life. It appears I have the furnace working, just have to put everything together. Again. Fixing to go out right now and make some ducts. Actually, having a furnace or house that will outlive me is a terrible waste of money. Just passing through. But a few good women along the way would be nice. :-)

Nike		17-Oct-2010 16:02
Sure -- Off your ass on on your feet, soldier. Seriously, if there is anything I can do for Whitebelt, I will. As a matter of fact, afetr a beautiful fall week in Atlanta with absolutely perfect weather, we are returning to the Caribbean tomorrow. White, you get yourself there, and you are my guest. Otherwise, provide the amount needed for a new furnace and an address, and I will take up a collection from the Miami Rogues and send a check to pay for the furnace. I'll eve =n make up the difference. That's what vets do for each other. Don't forget, forty-eight years ago next Firday (October 22, 1962) the Cuban Missile Crisis happened. Also, November 11th at 11:00 am, Veteran's Day will be celebrated to commemorate all of America's veterans. Freedom isn't free! Thanks for serving Whitebelt and all the rest.

LARGO		17-Oct-2010 15:42
THAT WAZ MOI!!!

Guest		17-Oct-2010 15:42
YEAH!!!...WHITEBELT...IN YOUR DREAMS.......... HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!.......LARGO

whitebelt		17-Oct-2010 14:58
You ladies certainly have a preference for sweet stuff. It must reflect your true natures. Oh, but to have a woman or two or three like you. You all are so sympathetic and understanding. Would be great after an hour or day of hard labor to have such a woman, or women, to massage aching muscles, take my mind off the drudgery of maintaining the environment with their soft femininity, and to bring out my creativity in showing appreciation for having such gifts from God. After a good shower, of course. Sigh....

LARGO		17-Oct-2010 14:12
WHITEBELT++++++++ YOU SEEM TO BE A PROUD & VERY INDEPENDANT FELLOW....JUST BY YOUR "DO IT YOURSELF" APPROACH TO LIFE ...I WAS RAISED BY DO IT YOURSELFERS....BUT NOW AS A SINGLE AND WITH NO ONE TO ASK FOR ADVICE WHEN SOMETHING GOES HAYWIRE (JUST RECENTLY A ROOF LEAK) ...WHEN SOMETHING GOES TERRIBLY WRONG... I GET ON MY COMPUTER AND LOOK FOR HELP....OR AT LEAST RESOURCES..NOT THE SAME AS CHARITY. YOU MIGHT LOOK INTO GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES THAT ASSIST VETS & SENIORS IN YOUR AREA... ESPECIALLY WITH HEATING ISSUES AND INSULATION AND CLEAN POTABLE WATER.....HABITAT FOR HUMANITY...WHERE YOU YOURSELF CAN HELP WITH THE PROJECT...JUST A SUGGESTION...DON'T WHAT YA FREEZING UP THERE IN THE HIGH COUNTRY...TAKE CARE...IN THE MEANTIME YOUR STORIES ARE... LIKE MISS ROBERTA SAID...'COLORFUL'.....HEY "NIKE!!!!...DON!!!!" AS FORMER OR RETIRED MILITARY CAN'T ANY OF YOU OFFER SIR WHITEBELT ANY SUGGESTIONS???...... BEST TO YOU............... LARGO #####################################################################################

LARGO		17-Oct-2010 13:47
ROBERTA/ FRAN/ WHITEBELT....SOOO...LAST NIGHT I DREAMED I HAD A COOKING SHOW...IN MIAMI ...SALLEY JESSEE'S OLD STUDIO....(hey it's a dream already!!)...WE ALL WERE PUTTING TOGETHER OUR VARIOUS MUNCHIES....AND WHAT WE CAME UP WITH WAS 'TROPICAL ICECREAM POUNDCAKE SANDWICH SURPRISE'....or "T.I.P.S.S"..(OR SPITS?)......WHICH BASICALLY LAYERS ALLTHE INGREDIANTS..SANS MARSHMELLOWS...*NOTE..YOU HAVE TO WORK QUICKLY AS ICECREAM IS INVOLVED....INGREDIANTS AS SUCH: SLIGHTLY FROZEN SLICED POUNDCAKE/ SLATHERED WITH PNUT BUTTER/ PINEAPPLE MARMALADE or JAM or orange or guava OR ALL!/ SHREDDED COCONUT/ VANILLA ICECREAM or PISTASHIO (whatever ya like), optional..CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE/ CRUSHED PECANS OR WALNUTS/ ANOTHER PNUT SLATHERED SLICE OF POUNDCAKE ON TOP...PRESS DOWN SLIGHTLY...WRAP IN ALUMINIUN FOIL...FREEZE FOR AN HOUR OR SO AND CUT INTO FINGER SIZED SLICES FANNED ONTO A LOVELY PLATE WITH EXTRA SCOOP OF ICECREAM........ALL THE WHILE WE WERE PREPARING THIS FOR THE COOKING SHOW ...WE WERE HAVING A FOOD FIGHT.........MUSTA BEEN SOMETHING I ATE??? ............................ LARGO

Roberta Perry Hughes		17-Oct-2010 06:58
LARGO..... THE TROPICAL PEANUT BUTTER DELIGHT MIGHT BECOME A UNIQUE DESSERT WHEN TOPPED GENEROUSLY, OR BETWEEN LAYERS, OF A SIMPLE, PLAIN POUND CAKE, SUCH AS BY SARA LEE, OR PEPPERIDGE FARM....OR MADE FROM SCRATCH, OF COURSE. (Or, you can spread peanut butter between the layers of a plain yellow or white cake, mix some with the tropical ingredients as a filling, then, ice the whole cake in peanut butter, top with coconut, and decorate with marachino cherries and chocolate chips). OR, GET BRAVELY CREATIVE, AND INCORPORATE THE INGREDIENTS WITHIN YOUR BASIC MONKEY BREAD RECIPE....YOU KNOW THE ONE....CANNED BISCUITS, PLACED INSIDE A BUNDT PAN, WITH BUTTER, CINNAMON, OR WHATNOT.....USE YOUR TROPICAL INGREDIENTS FOR THE "WHATNOT," AND DO LET ME KNOW HOW IT COMES OUT, OK.....?? Whitebelt..... Hang in there....! You are in good company, among many on here, who are all graduates of the School of Hard Knocks. One day, you will look back on all of these trials, and have a good laugh, or, it will just all be a dim memory, of the past. Meanwhile, I never tire of reading your colorful postings....! As I read them, I can just picture it, in my mind, like watching a video. I first make a trip to the Rogue's Gallery, to put you fresh in my mind, as the subject of these vignettes. (I do this with all of the Rogue's on here, prior to reading the latest page). LARGO....I LIKE THE MONIKER YOU GAVE OUR WHIPPERSNAPPER, SNIDLEY WHIPLASH. IT SUITS....!! ;- ) LOL Don.....was Bird Road named for the late Bill Bird, in his honor, while he was living? I hope that it was. Mrs. Cleaver passed away. (Barbara Billingsley) She was 94 years old. Golly gee, Beav. I feel like I've lost a friend, or a former neighbor. Rest in peace, June. **********************************************************************************************************

whitebelt		17-Oct-2010 04:45
Fran, lovely ladies would not be attracted to an old geezer with spider webs all over his face and hair.

Fran		17-Oct-2010 03:49
Whitebelt, I can't speak for God but maybe that furnace repair is part of your journey. You may meet a lovely lady on one of your trips to find parts. MRR, Tigers eat hog tonight! Job well done... LARGO, NOT SURE ABOUT THE COCONUT BUT WHY NOT? YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY INSTEAD OF MARSH MELLOWS SUBSTITUTE PB. WARM THE SOMETHIN' IN THE MICROWAVE,YUMMY.

whitebelt		16-Oct-2010 22:45
The trials and tribulations of Whitebelt. Episode 934,073. Thursday I tried firing up the dirty, filthy, nasty, mud and dust caked furnace that kept we warm and cheaply this past March when I moved in. $80 gas bill for a month of freezing and 0 degree days. It limped along gamely. I promised it I would clean it up this summer. Which I did as well as I could. Took it apart, hauled it out of the basement and washed it down, even spending an hour scraping the dirt out of the blower blades. Of course any wires I removed I tagged for ID. Then I left it out in the garage for months. Of course the sticky tape I used for tagging fell off. No biggie. Weren't that many wires and they were color coded, except for one that the tags remained on. Hauled it down to the basement earlier this week. Unfortunately, I hooked up one wire from the thermostat to it too many. Black wire, terminal labeled black. I assumed. Smoked the 24v transformer needed for relays. None available locally. OK, so I hook up an old 12 volt DC power supply that I had that was defective, putting out 20v DC. Hot damn!!! Got the blower and combustion motors to run. But it wouldn't fire up. ARRRGHH!! OK, I am an easygoing guy. I will just hook it up for ventilation until I get around to fixing it real good. Winter is coming. Have a large ventless gas heater whose fumes kill me. Circulate the air with the blower. So I crawl into the shallow crawlspace amongst the dust and spider webs, which BTW don't taste so good. I don't know how to keep my mouth shut sometimes. I cut my way back there removing an old trunk duct that was filthy nasty with yellow fiberglass on the inside. I hate that stuff. But my trip to Home Depot in Pueblo, 90 miles away, proved to be fruitless because they didn't have everything I needed to replace the ductwork. This rehabbing was Plan C. I get the damned thing out, clean it up, install new duct connectors for the configuration I had in mind. Then I got a real good look inside the old flexible ducts I was going to reconnect. No way, Jose. I was not going to breathe that stuff. Too hard to clean in place. So I removed 5 of them, one an almost 50 foot run. On my back in the crawlspace, in the dust and the cobwebs and the spiders and one dead mouse. Removed the floor registers, too, and covered the holes from below. Several trips in and out and a whole lot of dirt spread about the house and into my lungs. Eff it. I will do without a furnace. Understand I have never worked on a furnace or ductwork in my life. But I am tenacious. And poor. No manual on this model, either. Too old. Just a crumbling schematic falling off it. This morning I go back into the basement and play with it some more. Should work, but it isn't. Only dropped it once and soaked it real good in various cleaners and water. Maybe it is because the transformer is DC. Some things may work with it, others might not. So I stripped down and tapped my old power supply and get 16 volts of AC out of it. Hooked it up, and it works. Lights up, puts out heat. Like it is supposed to. So far. No guarantees it will one second after I beat myself to death coming up with some sort of ducting arrangement with the limited materials I have available and firing it up. Perhaps I can wash the flexible ducts out with a hose and then run them up the stairs to where I need them without having to go into that crawlspace again. Oh, the hidden crawlspace was covered by the ductwork. Peeked in and didn't see any bodies, or beer cans. Makes me feel better. Now, why am I writing all of this? A philosophical question. If God really loved someone, would he put them through such angst and labor, or would he just make them rich enough to hire contractors?

LARGO		16-Oct-2010 20:52
AHHHHH...THERE IT IS...SNIDELY WHIPLASH STRIKES AGAIN!!!....SNAPPING AT OUR HEELS.... :~/ THOUGHTS FOR FOOD:......JAM OVER JELLEY ANY DAY...SPREADS BETTER+++++++++++ "WHITEBELT"....ONE OF MY FAVS... IN THE DAY...WHILE PARTAKING..OR AFTER... WAS....JUST A SIMPLE, UNASSUMING JAR OF CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER...WHO CARES WHAT KIND AT THAT POINT!.....SPOON...GOOD MILK CHOCOLATE...LIQUID OR BARS..WHATEVER!...AND OFF YA GOOOOO...PERHAPS GRAM CRACKERS...A LA ROBERTA.....OR CRUSHED TORTILLA CHIPS...UMMMM ..THAT BIT O SALT...AND YOU MIGHT AS WELL DRINK A GALLON PURE CREAM...BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT'S YOUR CALORIC ALLOTMENT ...FOR THE WHOLE FREAKIN' MONTH!!!!!....I DEFINATELY WANT TO TRY THE PINEAPPLE, BANANA, SHREDDED COCONUT THINGY...BUT ON WHAT??....MAYBE JUST ON THE BACK OF MY HAND...YEAH!.. LIKE TEQUILA SHOTS...... :~}) FAR OUT! ................ LAR GONE

charlis		16-Oct-2010 18:16
By the time I was 5 I was so sick of PB... didn't eat it for years... only way I eat it now is the Girl Scout cookies, TagALongs, and Reeses PR cups... even better now that they are made with dark chocolate.

whitebelt		16-Oct-2010 11:51
Be nice, Leighton. :-) Could you imagine the people of old following thousands of buffalo across the Plains? Before the horse they used dogs pulling travois. The grass was too high so they followed rivers or behind huge herds. Miles and miles of methane. Good thing the wind blows hard and often out here. Bet they had problems even smelling peanut butter.

Roberta Perry Hughes		16-Oct-2010 07:26
Whitebelt..... Have had peanut butter on both Ritz crackers and regular saltines. But best of all, are Graham Crackers, with peanut butter and grape jelly between the layers. Like a dessert....! ....................................................................................................................................

Leighton		16-Oct-2010 05:19
So do many other things.....

whitebelt		16-Oct-2010 02:56
Forgot to mention an aromatic spot along the road out here. Driving my son to and from the airport a couple of times at night we passed an area just west of Swink, CO. Very strong smell and a fog for a short distance. Didn't know what it was. Couldn't see. Passed by there yesterday in the daylight and it is a feedlot right off the highway. Cows create a stinky fog.

whitebelt		16-Oct-2010 02:51
I liked Ritz crackers with peanut butter or jelly between two of them. Hit the spot after smoking dope. Just how do you make crackers? Any recipes?

Roberta Perry Hughes		16-Oct-2010 02:09
Re: Peanut butter recipes: -We learned much later, that Elvis, like us, loved peanut butter, mayonnaise, and banana sandwiches....only, he fried his, in butter. -ANY preserves is marvelous, with peanut butter; I personally like Peach Preserves, and we only buy Jif creamy peanut butter. -At one point, as kids, we would mix the peanut butter with grape jelly, on a plate, then, make our sandwiches from that spread. Copied that trick from our cousin, Marvin. -No jelly....? Use butter, margerine, or just peanut butter by itself. -Fried bacon slices were good, inside a plain peanut butter sandwich. For most of our lives, we thought that we had invented it, so, imagine my surprise, when I read the ingredients for sandwiches in my late aunt's (1930's) cookbook, and the peanut butter and bacon sandwich was among those listed....!! All this talk about peanut butter sandwiches, sent me to the kitchen, to make one for myself, with good ol' Bama grape jelly, and a small glass of milk. Yummy....!! ###########################################################################

Nike		16-Oct-2010 01:51
Stoopid keybored, still can't spell

Nike		16-Oct-2010 01:49
The Funniest (but true) Peanut Butter Story - On November 26, 1962, President Kennedy came to Homestaed AFB to present the Presidential Meritorious Unit Citations to all of us who were here during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The actual citation we wore on our uniforn was patch about 1 1/2 inches square with a gold laurel wreath on a green background. It was to be worn on our Class A dress uniform on the left sleeve about 4" above the cuff. The first insepction after the citations were to inspect (among many other things) that we had all of our badges and ribbons in the right places on our uniforms and our brass and boots all shined, etc (remember the inspection in Officer and a Gentleman). This was quite a feat living in tents. The day of the inspection, I was on KP duty in the mess tent. I was rellieved of KP duty long enough to go stand by our cot during our individual tent inspection and then, back to washing pots and pans and peeling spuds for the next meal. I went to my tent and realized I hadn't had my Presidential citation sewn on and it was certainly too late now. Getting to the point, I ran back to the mess tent, toof a two-finger load of peanut butter from a can and ran back to the tent. I smeard a bit of PB on the back of the citation just before the Colonel, Captain and 1st Sergeant came into my tent, slapped it in the right place and held my arm out for inspection. He glanced at it and kept on moving to get out of that hot tent. He never knew. Thank God for peanut butter. I would have spent my entire Army career on KP had it not been for that gallon of gold.

Parks		15-Oct-2010 23:52
Fran, I really like where you went with the Tropical PB&J. Pineapple and banana go well together. I wonder what would happen if you added shredded coconut? Coconut plays well with both pineapple and banana. Would coconut be too much? Gotta go. I have some things to add to Susan's shopping list.

Miami Girl		15-Oct-2010 22:49
Al, I don't ever remember seeing a class picture from Mrs. Praters class, was one taken? Ham Franklin is another name that rings a bell and I think I remember his face. Thanks for confirming that we moved from the portables in 6th grade. I have a very clear memory of making the trek with the stuff from my desk and arriving in Mrs Bush's new classroom, but I didn't know if I just dreamed it! Geez, anybody would think I spent my young adult years drugged up, but I was a straight arrow military wife. My question of the day: How many of you stuck your tongue to the metal ice tray? Lets hear all the stories.

Arizona Al		15-Oct-2010 22:14
Miami Girl: We were in the same class in 5th grade if you were in Mrs. Prater's class. I fondly recall "Mrs. Prater is a trader from outer spader". Do you remember bad boy Hamilton Franklin from the class? Did not move from Portables until 6th Grade. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Fran		15-Oct-2010 21:00
All time PB&J, pineapple jelly, sliced ripe banana and peanut butter. We keep the PB in the cabinet. The PB doesn't stay on the shelf long enough to spoil. We named the sandwich the Tropical PB&J. Worth a try, remember to spread the jelly on one slice, spread the PB on the other. Then add the sliced banana to the PB side. Put that delight together and enjoy. Yup, milk is a must!

whitebelt		15-Oct-2010 20:55
Two were in vacant lots that got cleared and ours just up and died, Nike. When you have false teeth you find yourself removing them anytime you open a jar of PB. A kind of kneejerk reaction.

Miami Girl		15-Oct-2010 20:34
PB&J: I always put the PB on one slice, the jelly on the other and smack them together, then stick the knife back in the jar, get a gob to lick off - BUT not in front of company! My Mother always kept it in the fridge, I don't - it's too damn hard to use but I did know someone who got food poisoning from rancid pb. PB&J's are best with chocolate milk! AZ Al, yes Petra's family was one of the very early one's in Cutler Ridge, so I knew them from soon after we moved there in Dec '54. Tell her I said hello if she remembers me. Did you go to CR Elem in 5th grade? I was in Mrs Prather's class but can't remember if we moved from the "portables" to the newly built school in 5th or 6th grade.

Nike		15-Oct-2010 19:39
Don't you just hate it when peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth. What happend to all those guava trees?

LARGO		15-Oct-2010 17:04
IF ANYONE WANTS TO KNOW...PBJ LARGO STYLE...MY PREPPING OF P-NUT BUTTER IS AS FOLLOWS: FIRST OFF I USE A SPOON....(I'M VERY SERIOUS 'BOUT SCOOPING!)..WITH A KNIFE, I FOUND I HAD TO GO INTO THE JAR AGAIN....I ENJOY ARNOLDS BRAND THIN SLICED SEEDLESS RYE..LIGHTLY TOASTED (DISCOVERED THAT GRAND BLENDING WHEN THAT'S ALL I HAD FOR BREAD)...SCOOPING WITH MY SPOON...SPREADING WITH THE BACK OF THE SPOON...THEN "JAM" GOES ON TOP..WITH SPOON... WIPED OFF OF COURSE.....OPEN FACE SO I CAN FILL UP THE OTHER SLICE...TA DA......LARGO

Ariziona Al		15-Oct-2010 16:08
Miami Girl: "Petra" is in the 1955 Mrs. Booker's 3rd Grade and the 1956 Mrs. Hood's 4th Grade Perrine Elementary School Class Pictures you posted a while back. Back in the days of delinquency myself, "Petra" and Jim Brecht (deceased) got into some mischief involving joyriding cars. "Petra" actually drove one into a canal..but that is another story. Alan Ogus,Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		15-Oct-2010 13:26
MRR, we had a few guava trees handy when I was a kid. One year my momma got a wild hair and decided to make up a lot of guava jelly. Nothing like that sickening sweet smell and sticky jelly all over the kitchen on the hot days she cooked it to turn you off of guava jelly. She got another wild hair once making cosmetics from an article I had in a science magazine. I hate sticky kitchens. A favorite TV watching snack was canned boiled peanuts. Dump the peanuts in a bowl and the shells back into the can. I guess they don't have those family gatherings in front of the TV like they used to. Jockeying for positions and hollering seat saved when you had to get up for something. Years ago I took a very long train trip for 3 weeks that brought me back closer to humanity. Walking down the aisles while people were sleeping, mouths agape, stretched out every which way, kids sleeping under seats heads laying in the aisle, snoring, and all of that just is so human and family like. All the pretenses and posturing of the waking hours gone. Kinda neat.

Parks		15-Oct-2010 05:21
Damnit Rat, now I've got to open my last jar of Robert is Here Guava Jelly. It should last until he opens for the season next month. Whitebelt, Susan keeps the PB in the refrigerator, drives me crazy. I have to put the jar in the nuker for a few seconds to warm it enough to spread. You know that foil seal they put over the PB under the lid? If you don't peel all of that off before you put the jar in the nuker machine, it makes neat sparks and flames.

Miami River Rat		15-Oct-2010 04:00
Whitebelt: Dude, there is only one way. Peanut butter on first, then jelly on top of the p-butter. Same knife company or not. Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to have guava jelly. Then toast the bread, forget the PB and smear the guava jelly on thick! I still cook eggs the way your mom did. Yummy! "Mama's cookin' chicken fried in bacon grease Down the road, down the road, down the road a piece"~~An old Chuck Berry song.

Leighton		15-Oct-2010 03:39
Don't get the bacon grease stuff, but I'm in the healthy-eating camp. I grew up with Southern cooking, to a degree. Love Fannie Flagg, for so many reasons. The evolution of "Fried Green Tomatoes" from book to screen is quite interesting. Oh, and FF's birth name? Patricia Neal.

whitebelt		15-Oct-2010 01:47
Speaking of Georgia. Did you know I was in my late twenties before I discovered you don't have to store used peanut butter in the refrigerator? For some reason my mother always kept it in there. Played hell with making peanut butter sandwiches. Tears the bread, you know? Cold stick butter, too. I had a frustrating childhood. Which brings up something that always preyed up in my mind since using warmer peanut butter to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. What is the proper sequence for putting such together? Do you do the peanut butter first, or the jelly? Do you use separate knives? I mean if you are in front of company. I used to love bacon grease. We fried eggs in about a quarter inch of bacon grease or oil. My momma only knew one cooking heat. Maximum. Crack the egg in it and scoop hot grease to cook the top, then scoop it out. Never flipped an egg. Can't handle that kind of oil any more. Pretty good at flipping eggs now.

miami girl		14-Oct-2010 20:46
Hi everybody! I asked my daughter-in-law who collects cookbooks and is a fantastic cook if she'd be interested in it, since she is now living in the Peach State. But, alas she's into "healthy" food. So I think I'm going to get it and when we move to GA show our grandkids what REAL food tastes like! Bacon drippings -- good to fry fish in. We're having a Nor'-Easter' due tonight and tomorrow (just rain and wind, no snow yet), but it'll be gone by the time we leave for Lake Placid, NY on Sunday to meet a friend from Florida. Have to bring an extra coat for her since all she has is a fleece hoodie. AZ Al, fun "talking" to you last night. I checked your friends for Petra and really glad to see she's looking happy. I don't remember a lot of smiles during our growing up days as Ridge Rats. I LOVE LEWIS GRIZZARD and will forever. I was truly devastated when he died, but his humor will live on.

Fran		14-Oct-2010 15:39
Jackie, I will eat my heart out for your change of seasons. The smell of oak burning in the fireplace. Cool mornings to start the day. Al and Miami Girl, it's nice to be able to share those memories with those who still remember. An elementary school friend of mine and I have been sharing good times these last few months remembering times gone bye. :)

Jackie		14-Oct-2010 14:55
Fran, you're right about a little bacon drippings going a long way. I keep mine in a baby food jar in the fridge. A dab for cooking, and a dab for drawing out those splinters that are too short to get with tweezers. Takes a couple of days, but it works. Fall has definitely come to Canton, GA. The leaves are falling like rain, and the temperature is slowly easing down. I love being able to keep the windows open.

Ariziona Al		14-Oct-2010 13:15
Spent a bit of time yesterday evening chatting on Facebook with Miami Girl. We reminisced over classmates from Cutler Ridge Elementary (1957-1958) and those at Palmetto Junior and Senior High (1958-1964). Fantastic Memories! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well and waxing nostalgic in Phoenix, Arizona

Fran		14-Oct-2010 12:25
Parks, I keep my bacon drippings in a mason jar with a lid in the refrigerator. There are just somethings that can't be cooked without bacon drippings. A little bit goes a long way... My favorite cook book, The Magnolia Tea Room.The lady who owned and operated the tea room wrote the cook book. Her name escapes me at the moment. Her customers would travel to Atlanta to have her fried chicken. butter beans, corn bread just to name a few. The peach cobbler, best ever. Making split pea soup today with a bit of Smithfield's ham. I haven't made an all spiced cake since I left Florida. Today, will be a treat for myself and the kids.

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-Oct-2010 11:06
Oooops! I forgot to add Cicely Tison to the cast of the film....! You must rent it, one day, and watch it. It is sooooo good. It was the first time I ever saw the young actor, Chris O'Donnell, who later was Robin, in the Batman films, and then, in Circle of Friends, based on a novel by Maeve Binchy, and in other films as well, and now, he is in CSI: Los Angeles, on TV. *********************************************************************************************************

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-Oct-2010 11:01
Parks....you will love that cookbook....! I have the book, by the same title, and the movie. Movie is a bit different, from the book, but Fannie Flagg wrote both the book, and the screenplay for the film. It stars Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Garlord Sartain, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary Elizabeth Parker, and Tim Scott, et al. The recipes in the cookbook, however, did not come from Fannie Flagg, as she will be the first to tell you, she does not cook. She collected these recipes, from many Southern cooks, especially for this cookbook. I love how she interspersed dialogue from the book/film, within the pages. Happy cooking....!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parks		14-Oct-2010 04:36
Roberta, Susan picked up a copy of Fried Green Tomatoes today. I think we're both going to enjoy this book. I like it that a lot of the recipes start with " Heat the bacon drippings...". Does anyone keep bacon drippings in a coffee can anymore? I really miss fat.

Don Boyd		13-Oct-2010 03:41
Bill Bird, prominent in Dade County government as head of Dade County Parks & Rec for decades, passed away a day or so ago. The Miami Herald article about him is at: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/12/1870214/bill-bird-who-helped-save-vizcaya.html Don .

whitebelt		12-Oct-2010 14:48
Roberta, you are such a gracious lady. You also possess a great abundance of what they call soul. Such is demonstrated by your appreciation of the little things in life. Makes for a richer experience in your time here. Making do with what the Creator gives you is a sign of a good product worth keeping. I had an exhausting though very good weekend. I haven't seen my son in 4 years. He lives and works in DC in a high pressure job, but took the time out returning from a business trip to stop and see me and the house. He is going through some changes in his life. He is going through a divorce after 20 years and finding himself. He will be 40 this year. What I saw settled my soul. Was a very good visit. Spent 16 hours of the 48 he was here driving to and from the airport in the dead of night, but that added to it. He left Denver airport on a redeye and hit the office running the next morning. The whole experience is reshifting my focus. Starting to get uncomfortably cold here the last couple of days. A nip in the air. Going to start rolling the rock in front of the cave and ride out the winter. No more heavy projects. A time of reflection coming up. Have one crawlspace I haven't checked yet, and if there are any bodies in it that will be the one. Haven't figured how to get in it yet, but came up with an idea of popping the floor duct in that room and pushing a light and web cam into the space and taking a look around before investigating further. :-) Washed my beer cans off and they are sitting in the garage until I decide what to do with them. Have seen wildly varying prices asked for them. May just wait until next spring and summer when the motorcyclists invade northern NM and stop and sell them out of my trunk on one of my visits down there. Al, I will contact you and get your address to send those empties. One will not have been opened, but is mostly empty. Must be a pinhole somewhere in it. Got the hot tub up and running with parts replaced, but the room does need remodeling, most notably a heat source for the winter. That is a 400 sq ft room. I might try running a gas line out there before winter. I hate running around a hot tub room naked in cold weather. That chill getting out of it kind of ruins the experience. The furnace here was really filthy with a capital DIRTY. Took it out and had to scrub caked dust out of the blower and dismantle the ductwork which was also full of dust and dirt. Have to replace them. Installed a ventless heater that I hope will keep the place as warm as that did until I get around to reinstalling it. The ventless is my backup in case of power failures. 30K BTU. There is a place in the FL panhandle that sells them online at very good prices. Couldn't pass it up. The furnace is 40K BTU and kept the place warm even crippled and in 0 degree weather. I grew up with kerosene heaters during the winter in Miami. Needs are much different north of there. Funny, kind of looking forward to a nice long winter of sitting back and thinking. When it is warm I have a tendency to get busy doing some project or another. Must be getting old.

Parks		12-Oct-2010 13:44
Hi Roberta, thanks for the tip on the Fannie Flagg book. I found a few pages from it on Amazon with many of the recipes you mentioned. Susan is going to try to find a copy. You didn’t mention that it was a novel as well as a cook book.

Nike		12-Oct-2010 12:23
It's great to be back in Atlanta. There is fall color in the leaves and a fall nip in the morning air. We can't wait for some of that southern hospitality and food over the next couple of weeks before returning to the heat. humidity, bugs, and dreadlocks, "mon." Roberta, you are correct about Lewis Grizzard. I suggest anyone go to youtube and search on "Lewis Grizzard" for some truly side-splitting laughs. Whitebelt, keep us posted. Remember the program, "If Wall COuld Talk?"

Fran		12-Oct-2010 09:31
Roberta, Enjoyed your post, well said. Thanks, for reminding me of the little things in life. How special they are and how they impact our lives. The warmth and wisdom of your writing makes me think that someday. You will put pen to paper and write that novel within. One day at a time...

Roberta Perry Hughes		12-Oct-2010 07:36
Whitebelt.....It is difficult to describe the late, very talented journalist, Lewis Grizzard. He was very unique, and is sorely missed, by all who knew him, or ever read his work. It was such a loss. To compare you to him is intended to be a compliment, believe me. Your writing style reminds me so much of his, and I so enjoy reading your postings. I hated it, when you left us, but was delighted, when you returned, and I hope that you will not leave us, again. We are doing okay, (my) Lewis and I, and taking life one day at a time....which is all any of us can do, really. Favorite TV shows, or DVDs, when nothing really interesting is on regular programming, or catching up on reading....(I am currently reading a biography about the late great actor, Oliver Reed, whose last role was Proximo, in the film, "Gladiator." He died, during the filming, but they used cinema magic, to complete his role. He was quite a character, in real life). In-between, I restore fix-up antique or vintage dolls, email my friends, and visit my favorite websites....which, this one is #1, of course....and, for the most part, life is enjoyable, and interesting. Everyone should have a hobby. I enjoy reading the continuing stories from Rat, Parks, Nike, Charlis, Miami Girl, Fran, LARGO, and all the rest.....and YOU, of course....! It is all like a serial novel, and every day, there is a new chapter, and a new adventure....! I cannot contribute that much, as I was a child, during my little-over-a-decade, in Miami, and my memories are limited, and truly, blah. You'll forgive me. Got to close this out. Looking forward to hearing more on the progress of your home in Colorado, and of what else you might find, within those walls....wow. I sometimes dream about an old neglected Victorian house, and in the attic, is a trunk, filled with old dolls and such, and secrets, like love letters, tied up in faded ribbons, and an old locket, with a photo and a wisp of hair inside, or a photo of a Doughboy, from WWI. But I digress.....! Hugs, all around, y'all. Eat some of that Southern cookin', and think about me, once-in-a-while. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

whitebelt		11-Oct-2010 22:22
Roberta, are you saying Lew Grizzard was a curmudgeon, too? Frank, the nurse just announced it was time for meds. Get in line.

Frank		10-Oct-2010 18:29
Ms. LARGO, I had dinner with Sammie and Peter last evening. We don't know where Deano is but you can bet he is having a hell of a time. Do you remember that night we...never mind. Yours, F

LARGO		10-Oct-2010 17:30
HUMMMMMM....DON THIS SIGHT IS REALLY AMAZING....AND THE REACH IS TRULY INFINATE.....I REALLY LOVE THE ..........UMMMM....."HEAVEN SENT".....MESSAGES FROM 'FRANK'....I WONDER....DOES HE EVER SEE DEANO, SAMMIE & PETER ETC?.....JUST CURIOUS.......LARGO

Frank		10-Oct-2010 15:39
Dear Mrs. Roberta Perry Hughes, Please provide me with a list of your "10- favorite" songs I did through the years. I will check to see if they have the technology up here (Saint Peter is now the webmaster) to get them on CD for you. My best to Lewis Frank

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Oct-2010 12:11
Oooops....! The "jazzed-up" version I have, of a song I am wanting on a CD, the way it was on the jukebox, is "I Will Wait for You." On the CD I have, it is just not the same arrangement, and the lyrics get lost, in the confusion. ************************************************************************************************************

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Oct-2010 12:08
Guest....Thank you so very much, for having posted the lyrics to one of my favorite songs....! I keep trying to find it on a CD, and it is on one CD in my collection, but it is a jazzed-up version, and not the same arrangement as the single that was on the jukebox. That's the one I long for. I loved the songs Frank Sinatra recorded during that era. The Rod McKuen lyrics; the duets with daughter, Nancy; etc. My mother's favorite was "What'll I Do?", and "Where Are You?" The orchestrations were so dreamy, and they just don't make the music, like they used to. Thank technology, for CDs....!! Again, my heartfelt thanks. #############################################################################

Guest		10-Oct-2010 11:09
Dear Mrs. Perry, Here is a little something I did in 1967. I heard you used to play it often on the jukebox at The Dog House. I hope cheers you up. Frank Over and over I keep going over the world we knew Once when you walked beside me That inconceivable, that unbelievable world we knew When we two were in love And every bright neon sign turned into stars And the sun and the moon seemed to be ours Each road that we took turned into gold But the dream was too much for you to hold Now over and over I keep going over the world we knew Days when you used to love me And every bright neon sign turned into stars And the sun and the moon seemed to be ours Each road that we took, it turned into gold But the dream was too much for you to hold Now over and over I keep going over the world we knew Days when you used to love me Over and over I keep going over the world we knew

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Oct-2010 07:22
Y'all fans o' Southern cookin' need to order a copy of "Fannie Flagg's Original Whistle Stop Cafe Cookbook," if it is still in print. Do a search, to see if it is in an auction, if not. There's a chicken and dumplings recipe exactly like my mama made, and I make it, as tolerated....which means I have to make the dumplings while seated at my D/R table, as standing for too long is not possible for me; I'm also seated to debone the chicken, and for many other food preps, too. I put a chair by the stove, to use PRN, as I drop the dumplings in the stock, to which milk has been added. There are two different recipes for Fried Green Tomatoes inside, plus, Fried Onion Rings, or Fried Zucchini; Hamburger Steak with Onions; Squash Casserole; Ham with Red Eye Gravy; Country Fried Steak....even your Fried Pies are in there, and the Macaroni and Cheese, too.....! And hot breads, sauces, gravies, cakes, pies, and cobblers....even preserves, relishes, and pickles, and all of the how-to's for canning them....! The book is interspersed with dialogue from the film, "Fried Green Tomatoes," in which Fannie Flagg has a cameo role, and there are wonderful vintage black-and- white photographs, of long-gone Cafes, mostly, in small towns in Alabama, to just punctuate the recipes within the pages. The Whistle Stop Cafe, from the film, is still in business, in a little town in Georgia named Juliette. If you are passing through, it is worth a stop. You will LOVE this cookbook.....!! I hope that you can find a copy of it. It was my favorite cookbook, when I was more able-bodied, physically, back in the days when all of my baking was from scratch. I miss it. And I also miss a flower garden, and tending to rose bushes. (sigh) Wherever you are, celebrate your five senses, for they are gifts, but also, add to the list, your ability to get about on your own two feet. You just don't know what a treasure that is, until it has been compromised, or even taken from you. Hugs, to all of y'all. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are still hanging tough, Lewis and I. Like most everyone our age, we have good days and bad. I relish the good ones, like visiting this site, and reading your posts....! Whitebelt reminds me so much of the late Lewis Grizzard, who wrote for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. He was a dry wit, like White is, with a spice of curmudgeon tossed in the mix....also, like White. I love everyone's postings, truly....! I never miss a day, reading them, and catching up on it all.

Parks		10-Oct-2010 05:21
Nike, thanks for the invite but I don't think our cats will allow us to leave town. I had a super Florida experience today. Darrell and I had taken the canoe I built down to the Biscayne National Park to try out a couple of modifications I had made. It still floats. On the way back we passed a field that had standing water on it. There must have been close to a hundred white herons or egrets of different sorts feeding in the water. The really exceptional thing was that there were about a dozen bright pink spoonbills in the crowd. I don't think I've ever seen that many spoonbills in one place.

Nike		09-Oct-2010 07:48
Can we expect you and Suan in Atlanta next week as our guests? We have plenty of room and Its only a 12-hour drive. We'll leave the light on for you.

Parks		09-Oct-2010 04:17
Nike, You know Susan can't fly so the VI are out but we've been known to drive to Atlanta. Do you think we could get some of Fran's butter beans to go with the chicken fried steak? I can't think of a better combo. Damn, now I've got to get to Homestead for lunch tomorrow.

Nike		09-Oct-2010 01:35
Fran -- Save a few butter beans for me Parks -- Ya'll come see us and Nancy will cook chicken-fried steak for you and Susan Don -- Delta is so bad, we have friend that cvan fly free (standby) and fly Airtran instead -- Where is Eastern, Pan American, Midway, Presidential, Southern Airways, and Braniff for a little competition? Don't get me started....

Fran		09-Oct-2010 01:03
Nike, Remember Lawrenceville, lived there for over eight years. Fried pie, yummmm...We, my family and I ate at the Varsity before the Braves games and when the need for good eats hit the old stomach. I miss the food, my friends and the leaves changing. I'm making baby butter beans Sunday, can't wait.

Parks		08-Oct-2010 23:47
Nike, you are killing me! I love Southern food and Miami is weak on that. There are a couple of good places in Homestead but that's a drive. I ate at the Varsity once. It was quite an experience. My buddy Darrell recently ate at Paula Deans place in Savanah. Loved the fried chicken, was disapointed in the mac and cheese. My favorite Southern food? Chicken Fried Steak!

Don Boyd		08-Oct-2010 23:02
Nike, Delta Sucks and It Shows - my new slogan for them. I'm so pissed at them I can't even describe it. I hope that after Southwest consummates their buyout of AirTran that they move into Atlanta like gangbusters and run Delta out of town. Don .

Nike		08-Oct-2010 22:47
Fran -- Have you had a fried pie at the Varsity? It is the best. How do you know about the Varsity?

Nike		08-Oct-2010 22:44
Yadda-yadda-yadda, crow doesn't tast too bad with a little hot sauce. Maybe I'll come back in a couple of weeks. We made our reservations today. Delta says they are ready when you are. However, their prices are too high and the service sucks. At one time, they were the best airline but no more. They're like Greyhound in the Skies.

Don Boyd		08-Oct-2010 21:08
Whitebelt, good point and that same bubba bought me dinner last week and spoke of how wonderful his lifestyle is down there. : ) Meanwhile, Miami has had splendid cool and dry weather for the past three days, something we haven't seen since the end of last April according to the TV weather clowns. Don .

whitebelt		08-Oct-2010 20:06
I seem to remember someone raving about the paradise they were going to live in and that we can eat our hearts out. I ain't gonna name no names, though.

Fran		08-Oct-2010 19:45
Did you write Necked Dog? Oh, one of my favorites, the onion rings to die for. Mary Mac's good eats every night. I hope that you and Nancy have an awesome visit. Georgia, my favorite state for good home cookin' !!! Hummm, baby butter beans...

Nike		08-Oct-2010 18:49
After three straight days of tropical waves of 10-12 inches of rain daily and 25-30 mph sustained winds, Nancy and I are headed to Atlanta for a couple of weeks. Sombody should have told me about this "tropical weather." I'm looking forward to some southern cooking for a change -- beans, greens, and pecan pie. Atlanta has some of the best southern resturants anywhere including Mary Mac's. Pleasant Phesant, and of course The Varisity Drive-In for a "Necked Dog and an FO.".

Miami River Rat		06-Oct-2010 14:03
Ah, The Falcon was the bar. That explains all. After we reached a certain age, (16 maybe?) my sister used to hang out there some. I preferred The Screwball Bar, further north on 27th Avenue. I don't recall Frenchy's welding specifically. I do remember a number of junk yards, low-rent auto repair places and so forth. They crushed a lot of cars out that road, then loaded then on freighters to be melted down somewhere. That was a fascinating area of Miami back in the day. Boys could ramble all day Saturday and get in unlimited trouble. A city commission member once called the area "Possum Hollow". He was embarked on a cleanup campaign as part of his re-election efforts. He forgot all about it after the election, but then nobody really wanted that area cleaned up anyway.

Parks		06-Oct-2010 04:16
Rat, The Falcon was the bar. They also served some pretty good food. Until the MV crew painted it up, it really looked like a dump. I ate lunch there sometimes in the seventies. There was another very tiny restaurant called The Crows Nest on South River Drive near Stone Age Antiques. The Crows Nest was a tiny building with just a counter and no tables. Both buildings are gone now. Do you remember Frenchy's Welding on that stretch of So. River Drive? Frenchy could do some beautiful welding on stainless steel and aluminum.

Miami River Rat		06-Oct-2010 03:22
You guys are throwing me a curve ball with the "Falcon Restaurant" location. It must be a relatively new thing. (Post 1960) I spent a lot of hours right around there. There was a trailer park with its attendant neighborhood type bar. The bar was at the east end of the trailer park, right across the street from the river. I sure don't recall any restaurant. There were no businesses on that stretch of road except for the bar. Any idea when The Falcon was built? Where, exactly was it located in relation to the bar? My curiology is all wound up!

Miami Girl		06-Oct-2010 00:42
Don, I went into that Chocolate site and was just a click away from ordering some until that little voice told me to STOP! I know with chocolate like that you have to savor maybe one a day, me - I'd eat the whole thing in two days! I think I have an addictive gene so it's a good thing I wasn't into the hippie scene in the 60's.

charlis		05-Oct-2010 22:41
Don... love dark chocolate... start every day with it... dark choc chips in my fat free yogurt. As to McD's... I'll have to try it... if I ever go back. Recent article about their burgers... someone bought one and didn't eat it for 3 months... no mold! Yuck! First experience with Senior Discount... went to the movie on my 50th. Ticket seller knew me... charged me Senior Discount... helped that I was prematurely "gray" at the time.

miamijim		05-Oct-2010 14:03
CK, Parks, and Leighton great Vice stuff- thanks. You definately dodged a bullet when you didn't get the job as DJ's assistant. Mark and Charlis- It was South Beach Elementary. I spoke to a teacher who has been at SP Elementary for years. It was called South Beach because of its geographic location. She said there were three Beach elementaries, North, Central, and South. She also said in the 80s the neighborhood went to hell, crack etc etc and there were not enough kids to keep it open. I asked her when they tore the building down, and she said, "The new elementary sits on the foundation." Couldn't talk to her for long but I assume they incorporated at least some of the old structure. According to the teacher the building was also in a movie with one of the same guys who was in "Three Men and a Baby" and he had dark curley hair. This was probably Steve Guttenberg. Haven't researched it yet but I'll bet it's findable.

Fran		05-Oct-2010 08:14
Leighton, Me thinks that you have been holding out. Ladies, Leighton is cute as cute can be, a real looker. Hard and crusty on the outside, on the inside a real nice guy. He has a gentle spirit that can be seen from his really cute smile.

Leighton		05-Oct-2010 04:55
Also, the UM film professors chose my script, in 84, to be the "senior class project," for lack of a better description. I directed the 16 mm shoot. ("Haunted" roadside park in the Everglades, was the concept.) One of my classmates was furious that his script wasn't selected, and he basically refused to assist, and was graded accordingly. However, he got the last laugh...he's now a major producer on blockbusters, and I'm in Texas.....sigh.

Leighton		05-Oct-2010 04:35
I'll repeat my "Miami Vice" story.....I was at the UM film school from 82-84 (transferred from Tulane). While they were shooting the pilot episode (originally called "Gold Coast," by the way), they contacted the school, looking for a personal assistant for Don Johnson. I received the honor, and needless to say, was very excited. They day before I was to start, the studio called, saying that they had canceled the position. I was bummed. I soon learned that I had "dodged a bullet," as DJ was apparently a monster to work for, as told to me by a fellow classmate, who had assisted him on a low-budget film he had recently completed in Miami, named "Cease Fire." It was directed by a recent UM film grad, David Nutter (who has gone on to become a big-time TV director - he shot the pilot for this season's "Chase," for instance). Still, I wonder what would have happened, if I had been able to work on "Vice"... I later ran into Nutter in LA, while attending grad school at USC.

Parks		05-Oct-2010 04:29
Miamijim, Thanks for the link to the MV episode with the Falcon Restaurant in it. It was fun to see the old 27th Avenue Bridge in the background with it's stainless steel Art Deco bridge tenders house. When they replaced the bridge, the tenders house ended up on the sidewalk in front of the Wolfsonian Museum on Miami Beach. I also recognized Mashta Point and was able to confirm it on the MV website location map.

CK		05-Oct-2010 00:53
I had a buddy that worked on the audio for the entire series, Danny. Good guy talented individual.

CK		05-Oct-2010 00:51
Two different compositions...

whitebelt		04-Oct-2010 11:55
Thanks, CK. I associated Crockett's Theme with being the Miami Vice theme song. Thought the intro was something else.

CK		03-Oct-2010 21:57
Theme from Miami Vice by Jan Hammer

FHG		03-Oct-2010 20:19
Don You are so funny. Thanks for giving me a good laugh. I will request senior coffee from now on and save myself a few bucks.

whitebelt		03-Oct-2010 19:03
I've asked about senior discounts a few times when paying and was told they already figured it when they saw me walk up. Sometimes i think they lie.

Don Boyd		03-Oct-2010 18:43
Tips for the thrifty (cheap): I've been doing this for over ten years now but instead of paying regular prices for coffee at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Arby's, etc. I ask for the "Senior Coffee" which is priced very low in comparison to the regular price. I accidentally discovered it when an obviously dumb counter clerk asked me if I was a "senior" back when I was 52 or so years old and I said "What's the difference?" and he told me that the coffee was only 37 cents if I said "Senior." I said "I'm definitely a senior!" and I have been ever since. You can be 120 years old and they will charge you regular price unless you utter the word "senior" when ordering. Prices vary according to chain and location but the mall McDonald's down here charges 64 cents with tax for coffee. We got two small drinks at Arby's upstate yesterday for $1. Wendy's on Maui gave us our senior drinks for free in August - that was the first time I've ever gotten totally free drinks. You can also ask for a "Senior Coke" if you're not into coffee and it's usually the same cheap price. Don't bother asking for a "Senior Quarter Pounder" or whatever - I already tried and they laughed. My wife and I are dark chocolate addicts and a couple of times a year we order fresh Belgian chocolates from Leonidas who we think is superior to any other chocolate manufacturer. We have been buying from them for over ten years and the candy is always superb. They have occasional sales throughout the year but the best sale is their anniversary sale which is running right now through the 6th. If you're seriously into chocolates check it out athttp://www.leonidas-chocolates.com/10sept/anniversary-sale-2010.htm Don .

Miami Girl		03-Oct-2010 16:13
Okay, I'll admit the frost is better than insects -- whichever ones they are. Because frost only lasts a few hours in Miami, after freezing in the morning I'd be carrying my coat in the afternoon with the temps at 70! I'll be so happy to move away from the ice and snow - and later in the year we get mosquito's carrying Equine Encephalitis and ticks with Lyme Disease...........but hurricanes only come once every 100 years! Ya gotta think positive. Every place has it's problems, you just have to pick what you can live with - if you even have a choice!

charlis		03-Oct-2010 15:32
Frost in Miami... no way. Yeah, sure... I moved to Miami Beach in December '62. I walked out the door, enjoying the cold weather, being from OH... and slipped on ice! We had had a light rain during the night. Brought back bad memories of when I was 8 and we'd had an ice storm in Dayton... walked out the door, slipped on the ice on the stoop and landed in my mother's rose bushes!

whitebelt		03-Oct-2010 13:29
Miamigirl, I remember walking 10 blocks to school with frost on the ground wearing thin socks and cheap sneakers as a skinny little kid on occasion. Brutal. Frost helps control fleas and ticks. Does nothing for mosquitos. Fall is falling. Getting a bit cooler out here. Time to bring the plants in. What has amazed me living north is how grass can stay green for so long. If it is under snow or in shady areas where the wind doesn't dry it out so fast it can stay green almost all winter. The crawlspace I found the beer in has some grass trying to grow. There are some very small openings where the frame sits on the foundation. VERY faint light, yet that stuff has the energy to try and survive. Amazing.

whitebelt		03-Oct-2010 13:17
Thanks for the link, miamijim. Miami Vice was just so cool. Do you know the name of the opening musical number? Guess I am getting old and curmudgeonly. In the first few seconds of that episode where they enter the building I immediately reacted to the stupidity of Johnson carrying a suitcase in one hand while taking his cool sunglasses off with the other while walking blind into rooms during a drug deal.

miamijim		03-Oct-2010 11:50
Parks- The Miami Vice episode with the Falcon diner is season two "Sons and Lovers." You can watch it free athttp://www.hulu.com/watch/14838/miami-vice-sons-and-lovers#s-p1-n2-so-i0 Charlis- If you can tell me something about the Vice episodes with your Uncle's house I can probably find them. Mark- That's OK I have been referred to a teacher who can probably give me the name of the building that used to be where the SP Elementary is today. Thanks, Jim

Nike		03-Oct-2010 10:32
Miami Girl -- Which would you rather have in south Florida -- The possibility of frost or the probability of mosquitos? Parks -- Thanks for the tour of your facility and that 36- foot ocean-going craft of yours. I think you and Susan could reach our little island in a couple of days in it. By the way, you nautical chart of St Thomas and Water Island are a hit with the locals.

Miami Girl		02-Oct-2010 21:49
Thanks Parks, we are definitely looking forward to our trip -- good thing it's in January and Robert will be there! BUT (and there's always a BUT isn't there) I remember those January mornings walking to the bus with the grass covered in frost, so I really wish our cruise leader (a friend) had scheduled an April date!!

Parks		02-Oct-2010 21:21
Miami Girl, I drove past the Redland Hotel today. It looked very nice. There is a fenced parking lot in back. The neighborhood is pretty industrial but it is only about a block from Krome Ave. It will be a nice base for exploring Everglades National Park and the rest of Homestead. Robert is Not Here. He is closed until November 1. Snapper and I have started another boat project. It is a Freedom 15 Canoe. Google it if you're interested. It's very pretty but may be beyond our skill level.

charlis		01-Oct-2010 19:22
miamijim... can't remember what year or episode but image my surprise to see my uncle's house in a few of the episodes. House was on Normandy Isle across the street from a house that was used in several filmings.

Parks		01-Oct-2010 14:13
Miamijim, that's a fun web site. I remember that they did some filming at The Falcon Restaurant on South River Drive just west of the 27th Avenue bridge. It may be location 38 on the map. They repainted the exterior of the building and it looked great with those tropical colors. If I remember right, there was a big gun fight in the episode that was filmed there.

Mark		01-Oct-2010 13:06
miamijim I don't remember the name I was never good with names. You might find out with a phone call to the school board.

miamijim		01-Oct-2010 12:11
Thanks a million Mark Fidler and Charlis for identifying where that old school in "Memory Test" was located. We have been looking for that site for months. IDing Miami Vice filming locations is a challenging hobby. Interestingly most "location sleuths" do not live in Miami but use Google Earth etc and an occasional visit. The site is http://www.miamiviceonline.com/ Mark- do you by any chance remember the name of the school? Was it South Point Elementary? Thanks again- Jim

whitebelt		01-Oct-2010 11:10
Glad you guys had a good time. Got back from New Orleans yesterday evening. Exhausted. Now in New Mexico awaiting daylight so I can load up and drive back to CO. Woke up at 3:30 to the sound of barking dogs and the very heavy essence of skunk in the air. Not going outside until i can see. Went through the dog being de-skunkified routine here some time ago. Don't want to have to do myself. New Orleans is bouncing back. The Quarter is cleaner than it has ever been, and louder, and kitschier than ever. Lots of new paint and energy and jackhammers out the hotel window. We did not sleep good. Uptown, however, where I used to live is going to pot. No improvements there and has a depressed feeling about it. It didn't suffer any damage from Katrina. Thought I would try a different route on the way back to totally avoid Dallas. Went through Shreveport up to Texarkana and then over to Gainesville, TX on I-35, then up to OKC and back home on I-40. However, I was playing it by ear. Good route, but could have cut an hour or two off of it if I had a map and researched it beforehand. There was a beltway and a portion of I-30 I could have put to better use. Fall is late this year. Still had hummingbirds last week the day I left CO, and there is very little changing of colors so far, even in the mountains of NM. Can't wait to get home today. Will sleep for a week. Then get around to selliing beer cans.

Nike		01-Oct-2010 09:55
Parks and "The Don" -- Thanks for a great time in Miami. Lunch was fun with Parks at Holiman's although the belly dancer should have waited until we finished eating before she jumped up onto the table. I guess times have changed. It was also a very enjoyable evening with "The Don." At the Van Dyke for dinner, It was a bit awkward when they brought the check. First, I offerred to pay but The Don said, "I got it." That was followed by, "Oops, I must have left my wallet home." "No problem" I said, I really wanted to get this. Unfortunately, I had left my wallet at the hotel. Management allowed us to brakedance on the sidewals until we earned enough to pay the tab. Actually, I thought we were quite good except Don had a bit of trouble with some of his moves with those sandals and over-the-calf black sock with bermuda shorts and a polyester shirt. Thanks for a great time guys.

Don Boyd		01-Oct-2010 07:32
And Charles and I had a nice dinner at the Van Dyke Cafe (site of one of Lums earliest restaurants) on Lincoln Road mall last night after visiting the former Army Nike missile IFC in northwest Dade and the former missile base in Miramar. We then drove across Broward to A1A and went south through Hollywood, Hallandale, Golden Beach, Bal Harbour, Surfside and Miami Beach to Lincoln Road mall where we had dinner. A photo of Charles at the former IFC site is athttp://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/129006258 and a photo of us after dinner is athttp://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/129005974 Don .

Parks		01-Oct-2010 03:19
Hi Guys, I had lunch with Nike today. We ate at Holiman's in Miami Springs. Nike is a real gentleman who can tell some very good stories. If you get a chance to meet him, don't pass it up. He was scheduled to have dinner with our host Don tonight.

charlis		30-Sep-2010 23:46
Mark... thanks... as I said, it looked familiar.

Mark Fidler		30-Sep-2010 22:02
This is the old school where South Point Elementry School is now 4St and Alton rd. In the picture of the car you will see the Miami Beach Housing Authority the tall building in the back and Monty's in the front.

charlis		30-Sep-2010 22:00
Don... the one pic by Lab1 looks to be from an old school building. Looked familiar but can not remember which school.

Don Boyd		30-Sep-2010 15:44
Jim Staubach, born on Miami Beach in 1944 and a retired Army Colonel, is seeking information about 3 still shot photos from a 1987 Miami Vice episode as to where exactly the filming was shot. See the "Memory Test" gallery athttp://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_where to see the three photos. Help! Roberta, I'm very glad that you were able to purchase the yearbook from the site that I posted here. That's pretty neat. I hope that you and Lewis are doing better now. Don .

Ariziona Al		28-Sep-2010 14:47
For those of you who may dabble in/on Facebook there is a site "We grew up in Miami in the 60s" that you can access via Facebook Search. There are over 3500 members on this site who are our age matched cohorts. Some of the posts are very informative. Please enjoy as you see fit. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Roberta Perry Hughes		28-Sep-2010 05:40
Don....I cannot thank you enough for having posted the link to the eBay listing for the person who listed some vintage yearbooks from the Miami area. I clicked on it, right away, and bam! There was a 1960 Aquila, from Southwest Miami High....! All listings were a Buy It Now, not to be bid upon, so, I jumped on it. Turns out that the seller lives in Hialeah, so I emailed her, and asked if she could deliver it to a different address, as my cousin still lives in S.W. Miami. Seller said, "Sure, just send me the name and address, and I will send it out, next day." Mary received her yearbook in Monday morning's mail, and was delightfully shocked and surprised. My sister is visiting with her, for about 10 days, and the two will go to Stuart, FL (or, is it Stewart...?) for the Oct. 1 & 2 Fiftieth Class Reunion. This particular yearbook was one they didn't sell, obviously, as there were no autographs inside....which makes it even more awesome....! She plans to bring it along with her, for the Reunion, so she can get it autographed by all who attend. Thanks again, my friend, for that link, which allowed me to give my cousin her early birthday present. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		26-Sep-2010 21:37
Parks & "The Don" -- I'm looking forward to having lunch with Parks on Tuesday and with Don on Thursday (I'm buying). Are there anyother Miami Rogues who still live in or near the Miami area I can meet with while there next week?

Miami River Rat		26-Sep-2010 21:28
Parks, I rambled that road a lot in the late '50's. From the Pan-American office building on the south end out to a golf driving range on the Miami Springs end. It was mostly junk yards, Maule Lake and tramp freighters tied up along the river bank. I don't think the antique place was there until later. I'll try to check it out if I get a chance. Me and a buddy were standing on the swivel bridge one day when a big manatee surfaced right under us and let out a "whoosh". If you don't think manatee can scare you, think again!

Parks		26-Sep-2010 15:35
Rat, do you remember Stone Age Antiques? It's on South River Drive just a block or two North of the swinging bridge. I spent some time there yesterday. It is an amazing collection of all kinds of stuff! From canons to lobster traps. Old diving helmets to African spears. It's heavy on nautical items. I found a photo of four old time Miami fishing guides. I recognized two of them, Bill Curtis and Stu Apte. I don't know how long Stone Age Antiques has been there but I remember it from the late sixties.

Parks		24-Sep-2010 13:58
Don, thanks for jogging my memory. I remember the pretty blond who ran The Spirit but couldn't remember her name. I think I was there often enough that she considered me a regular. We even had our Christmas office party there one year.

Parks		24-Sep-2010 13:47
Nike, casual for lunch is fine. I bet it's been over a year since I've worn a tie. Lunch will be my treat. (That will get Don to join us. He'll never pass up on free food.) Just call my cell phone when you get in and I'll run over to the airport and get you. I'm less than 5 minutes away. Wear a carnation so I'll recognize you.

whitebelt		24-Sep-2010 12:08
The Spirit. Thanks for the memory jog. They were customers of mine. Heading for NOLA in a little while after going to ABQ first. Going to be a long first day drive.

Nike		24-Sep-2010 11:55
Don -- Unless you have a better suggestion, Thursday evening at the Cuban resturant on SW 8th Street sounds great. That's my old neighborhood. Nancy won't be on this trip but I hope you'll bring Susan. Parks-- Tuesday for lunch is fine as I arrive at MIA at 11:30. I'll call you on your cell phone as soon as I get on the ground. I trust your judgment on selecting somewhere for a casual lunch unless you wear a suit to work,

Don Boyd		24-Sep-2010 07:17
Nike: I answered your e-mail regarding next week. Hopefully we can work something out. I have not opened the CD yet because I'm buried with photo work from a trip to Hawaii in August, two out of state weddings in the past month and another wedding in Tennessee this coming weekend. I will get to your CD in the next month though. Whitebelt: Parks is right - it was the Spirit Restaurant on NW 72nd Avenue just south of 12th Street and next to the 836 expressway, owned by Bill Gibson and Denise Noe, a vivacious blond lady who was formerly a customer service manager at Eastern. The food was pretty good and they drew a good crowd at times but it was tough to go there and get back in an hour for lunch because the service was so slow. The booze and beer prices were pretty steep too but that didn't keep me from making many visits there for lunch and dinner. I have photos of the Spirit's interior somewhere in the boxes but those will take forever to find. However, a friend of mine has a webpage with numerous photos inside the Spirit - the URL is: http://www.airchive.com/html/museums/spirit-restaurant This restaurant was originally the Sir Williams Pub back in the early to mid 70's and they had really great food. My family went there many times for dinner and we always had superb meals and I wonder why they eventually folded. The building housed another restaurant or two before the Spirit opened in the early 90's after Eastern died in January 1991. It was attached to a motel, which has been numerous different brands over the years, but independently operated. The last name I've seen for the restaurant is Cafe Mystique and Denise Noe is the president. I'll have to go check it out and see if she's still there. Don

Don Boyd		24-Sep-2010 04:51
Parks can relate to most of these: 'OLD' IS WHEN... Your sweetie says, 'Let's go upstairs and make love,' and you answer, 'Pick one; I can't do both!' 'OLD' IS WHEN... Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you're barefoot. 'OLD' IS WHEN... Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face. 'OLD' IS WHEN.... You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along. 'OLD' IS WHEN... You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor instead of by the police . 'OLD' IS WHEN.. 'Getting a little action' means you don't need to take a laxative today. 'OLD' IS WHEN.... 'Getting lucky' means you find your car in the parking lot.. 'OLD' IS WHEN... An 'all nighter' means not getting up to use the bathroom. 'OLD' IS WHEN.... You're not sure if these are jokes or facts.

Parks		24-Sep-2010 02:43
Whitebelt, you are thinking of "The Spirit". The food was pretty good and the airline memorabilia was great. It was connected to a motel. One time a woman, who had been a friend many years ago came back to town. She had called me to say hello and I invited her to have lunch with me. Since the Spirit was near to my store and it was a nice place, I took her there. You should have seen the look on her face when I pulled into the parking lot of a motel! I turned bright red when I realized what she was thinking. I wonder what happened to all that great stuff.

whitebelt		24-Sep-2010 00:29
Don, back in the 90's there was a restaurant that I can't remember the name of or even exactly where it was at. Somewhere off the SW corner of the airport I think. They used old seats from airliners for booths. Had an EAL motif. Do you know the one I am referring to?

LARGO		23-Sep-2010 23:56
LEIGHTON... THAT WAS SO KIND OF YOU TO WISH ROBERTA WELL...SHE IS GOING THRU TOUGH TIMES....AND WE ALL LOVE HER & HER LEWIS....THAT IS WHAT WE DO... WE CRACKER FOLKS....PICK EACH OTHER UP...SHARE OUR LIVES...AND THE CONNECTION IS OUR LIVES IN SOUTH FLORIDA..... AND ALL THOSE SHARED EXPERIENCES...... ROBERTA ...LARGO LUVS YA GAL....YOU ARE THE SPICE TO THIS SITE...AND I ALWAYS MISS YOUR INPUT...BE WELL ...PRAYERS UP TO YOU AND YOUR BELOVED LEWIS.....................LARGO

Nike		23-Sep-2010 22:16
Don -- Parks and I are getting together on Tuesday afternoon. I am open all day Thursday, day or evening, let me know. I have an appointment in Ft Lauderdale at 10:00 am and a flight back to you-know-where at 4:45 out of MIA. Did you get a chance to view the JFK at Homestead AFB CD?

miami girl		23-Sep-2010 21:29
Roberta thanks for letting us know how it's going - best wishes and prayers to you both. We do miss you. Leighton, welcome back even with some of your comments (we all have our grumpy days) we love ya anyway :)

Don Boyd		23-Sep-2010 21:26
Nike, I might be available in the latter part of next week. I'll be glad to have some brews with you except for Wednesday night when I have plans to consumer many draft brews and dinner with a local buddy at Bryson's down in Virginia Gardens. The last Lums in South Florida and maybe in the country closed last year, shortly after some lady friends and I had everything on the menu and plenty of beer one afternoon. If you would explore my site more thoroughly you would have seen the photos in the restaurants gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_restaurants Whitebelt: I'll pass on that old beer even though I'm a beer lover. Maybe if it had been refrigerated all this time but even that is doubtful. Unrefrigerated - no way. What a waste of good beer! I still think you could get some good bucks for it from a serious beer can/bottle collector. Roberta, get well soon. I sent you an e-mail earlier today. Parks, there are no moths flying out of my wallet. I don't carry a wallet since I've retired because I wear shorts without pockets every day, unless I go to a funeral or a wedding. Life is far too short to wear long pants in south Florida. I just have to purposely avoid having arousing fantasies and/or hallucinations about you paying for meals for all of us because then I'd have ladies at the mall hitting on me. : ) Don .

charlis		23-Sep-2010 21:18
Gang... I loved Lums. The first one was a small place on 41st St. on Miami Beach where my family went at least once a week. There is only 1 place left... in Nebraska, with a new one supposedly opening this month in Massachusettes. To this day I steam my dogs in beer. The bartender bought me my first "legal age" beer on my birthday. One of the owners, a Perlman, bought the house across the street from my great-uncle on Normandy Isle... He bought 2 properties, tore down the house on one and put in a huge pool and tennis court. They filmed a few episodes of the original "Miami Vice" at the house.

Jackie		23-Sep-2010 15:35
Roberta, We're all hoping for a full recovery for you. Good luck to both you and Lewis. Nike, Lum's was definitely the best. I miss them, too.

Nike		23-Sep-2010 14:55
Leighton-- Thanks for bringing up Lums. Are there any leftin Miami? I crave a Lum Dog steamed in beer or an Ollieburger.

Leighton		23-Sep-2010 07:10
I'll always speak my mind - a given. Roberta - the room loves you - as do I. Best wishes, my friend. Life can be quite tough, and it's nice to share our similarities, and differences. I stand by my comment that the room tends to scare off new "observations." But I suppose that "tangents" are the nature of the beast. I imagine, that my opinions might be a bit unpopular. But, we all share the same locations, in a bizarre way. Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Dadeland, South Beach, Coral Gables, Dixie Highway, Lums, Pirate's World, etc. etc.

Fran		23-Sep-2010 05:41
Miami River Rat, I love them that way. If you use the soda crackers from Cracker Barrel, lemon and sauce. WOW, they are to die for. The raw oysters are perfect with a frozen margarita. I'm sure a grand time will be had by all. Good eats... :) Roberta, great to hear from you. Sad to know that you have been ill. One day at a time, many blessings to you and Lewis.

Parks		23-Sep-2010 04:32
Rat, sounds like a fun trip. Catch and release a big red for me.

Parks		23-Sep-2010 04:31
Roberta, you and Lewis will be in my prayers.

Roberta Perry Hughes		23-Sep-2010 04:07
A very quick "Hello" to everyone. I have been quite ill....still am....and doing all I can to stay out of the hospital. Doctor gave me a choice, yesterday, of IV antibiotics in the Heartbreak Hotel, or two different antibiotics, orally, at home, and check back in a week, or sooner, if I get worse. Need to get off of here, for now. I wish you all well, and I thank you, for your well wishes, for Lewis and me. I appreciate it, more than you know. I do so enjoy all of your posts. Keep 'em coming.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I opted for home, of course.

Miami River Rat		23-Sep-2010 03:31
I'm heading to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Friend has a condo there. Another guy on this trip says he's the best bay fisherman ever lived. We'll see... I like fresh raw oysters on a soda cracker with a dash of cocktail sauce. One of the few times I'd rather have beer than red whiskey is when I'm gorging on oysters. Around Chokoloskee they call the little oysters "coon oysters", I guess because the raccoons feed on them so much. I'll agree with Fran, those are very good. It just takes 18 of 'em to make a dozen. Later....

Nike		22-Sep-2010 21:58
Parks, "The Don" or any other Miami Rogue -- I have business in Miami and Boston late next week. If you are available, i would like to get together for a meal, coffee, or a cold brew.

whitebelt		22-Sep-2010 14:44
Yep, fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood. Has the flavor of America, if you know what I mean. :-) I used to dip net shrimp on the Rickenbacker. Gathered oysters in NMB in Little Lake Maule. Can't say I would do the oystering there anymore. Oysters are best eaten on the hoof. Pull it out of the water, shuck it, chew it a bit and down the hatch. You can taste the oyster that way. The saltwater adds to it.

Fran		22-Sep-2010 14:11
Miami River Rat, Do you shrimp on a full moon? The smaller oysters are my all time favorite. Be sure to post an update concerning the trip. It's cooling down, so the fish are hungry, :) Yup, there will be plenty of fresh seafood for Rat, myself and our families to enjoy. Oysters on the half shell, plenty of extra lemon, humm so good.:) Al, It's not surprising that they farm in the desert. My cousin, Dr. Andrews farms in the most unusual places. I'm sure that farmed shrimp are better for you. However, my first love is the gulf shrimp.

Parks		22-Sep-2010 13:48
Az Al where the heck do they get the water? Any chance you'll make it for our reunion /newunion what ever the get together is? Rat, where abouts on the Gulf are you going?

Miami River Rat		22-Sep-2010 13:22
I'm heading down to the Gulf in a couple of weeks. Going fishing, shrimping and what I don't catch I'll buy fresh. Oysters are particularly good this time of year. Y'all stop eating fresh seafood, ok? That leaves more for me. :-)

Arizona Al		22-Sep-2010 09:15
Whitebelt/Parks: Speaking of shrimp farming there are several "desert shrimp farms" and I mean really in the desert in the Yuma area. Who woukd have ever thought that shrimp would be farmed in the Sonoran Desert? Oh, BTW, I reguarly purchase a pound or two from a local outlet in Phoenix and they are delicious!!Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		22-Sep-2010 02:55
Speaking of food. http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/103401344.html An article about New Mexico food, but very limited in scope. Great restaurants in New Mexico. Better than New Orleans. Santa Fe and Espanola are the two best places to eat.

whitebelt		22-Sep-2010 01:53
Enjoy them, Fran. You know shrimp are glorified filters. They collect things. Most sea food is. Gills on fish are filters. The Mississippi drains most of the country, including effluents and everything else that water can carry or dissolve. It dumps into the Gulf. The Gulf is a huge toilet bowl, both in the way it flushes and what it collects. Takes a while to clear the bowl, and all that stuff keeps coming in. Meanwhile all those little filters are scooping it up. Yummy. Adds seasoning. BTW, Tobasco sauce makes everything edible. Shrimp, gator, mudfish, road kill. Ask any Cajun. I prefer to season to my taste. :-)

Fran		22-Sep-2010 01:19
Charlis, I hated those bugs! The acid from their dead little bodies would ruin your paint job if left too long on the paint. I'm sure farmed shrimp may be hc but the fresh shrimp out of the gulf here is great.

whitebelt		22-Sep-2010 00:38
I feel much safer eating farmed shrimp than ocean harvested. You can monitor and adjust the water quality. In the 50 years since we were kids, in that same sized ocean, the world's population and effluent containing diseases, harmful chemicals such as drugs has doubled. Much of that effluent winds up in the ocean. In addition industrial production has been running at a much higher rate in those 50 years, which means more harmful chemicals, and new exotic ones including war materiels, has been entering that same sized ocean. It is not reasonable to believe there has been no increase in the toxicity and risks to humans that eat that stuff. Exotic manufactured chemicals, drugs processed through human bodies, harmful organisms passed from human bodies that have been dumped into the same volume of water makes for a breeding ground for mutations in addition to toxicity. Much sea life will adapt, but it may kill a lot of us. Farmed seafood is safer. Besides, if you stop the massive commercial fishing that is depleting seed stock that will give us more sport fishing and a better chance for sea life to get in balance again.

Parks		21-Sep-2010 23:53
Whitebelt, like you I have little sympathy for commercial fishermen but as a whole they are decent hard working people. The problem is that there are too many of them and they have become too good at what they do. The US is pretty good at limiting the catch of threatened species, the problem is the rest of the world. The Japanese are the worst. They'll eat anything that swims, crawls or slimes it way through the ocean. If the critter is threatened, they'll just pay more for it. I worked for about a week one summer on a shrimp boat out of Beaufort SC. The by catch was awful. We threw over a shovel full of small fish and crabs for every few shrimp we caught. Most of it was dead. Shrimp farming is putting shrimpers out of business and I have mixed feelings about that.

charlis		21-Sep-2010 22:04
love bugs, continued... I'm watching the news. There is a story being reported in the next county, Polk. The Sherrif's car is covered with the bugs and the reporter is swatting at the bugs as they land on his white shirt!

charlis		21-Sep-2010 22:01
Fran... love bugs... we had lived in the Tampa area a few years before the Miami Beach in-laws made the trip up to see us. They, the bugs, still hadn't made it that far south. It was the spring season and it was a dozzie... screens black with the bugs. In-laws arrived early in the morning so they didn't see the bugs. FIL went in to take a nap after the drive. I sent my 6 year old daughter in to wake up her grandpa... We heard a scream and watched him run from the room. "Grandpa, there's a love bug on your nose." For years I drew a bug on any card we sent him... a few years later they moved up here.

whitebelt		21-Sep-2010 18:49
Wanna beer, Don?

Don Boyd		21-Sep-2010 18:28
Greetings. Here's someone selling old Miami-area yearbooks if anyone is interested: http://shop.ebay.com/dice326/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 Don .

whitebelt		21-Sep-2010 13:26
I'm glad they did something about that gill netting. I don't have much sympathy for commercial fishermen. Just too much wholesale and indiscriminate destruction. When I lived in Gulfport it was disgusting to see the amount of fish parts that washes ashore. I became aware of the importance of menhaden during the oil spill. Probably the most important link in the marine food chain. They are depleting them at an alarming rate. I had a dentist who was involved in trying to get conch farms started in the Keys. Have they done anything? I am all for establishing farms and nurseries to keep the marine species alive. AZ AL, they sell those full ones but they are taking chances shipping them. Maybe some day I will sell them out of my trunk at Eagle Nest during one of those motorcycle rallies. But with my luck I would get busted. I understand that Harley quit marketing them in 2000 because of pressure from MADD or something. They were brewed by the Huber brewery near Milwaukee, the oldest brewer in the Midwest and second oldest in the country.

Parks		21-Sep-2010 12:50
Whitebelt, a few years ago they banned gill netting of mullet. It about killed the mullet fishery on the West coast. If they hadn't banned the gill nets I think the fishery would have died from lack of mullet anyway. The mullet runs have been getting better ever since. They can still be harvested by cast net but that really slows down the commercial netters. This year I was impressed by the size of the mullet as well as the numbers. I can't wait for them to hit Miami. The tarpon season should be very good.

Arizona Al		21-Sep-2010 09:41
Whitebelt: On several occasions I have seen Items such as Harley Davidson Beer, Billy Beer, Dale Earnhardt Beer and other types of "collector" unopened beer bottles and cans for sale on Ebay and Craigslist. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		21-Sep-2010 05:55
I am utterly smitten with Enigma. Michael Cretu just puts things together so well. The music is so good, and the meanings buried deep in just a few words. His music just pulls something out of your soul. This is The Child In Us. You really need to sit back and just listen a few times to feel it . It is not a paean to brats. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-jk-iovNNI

whitebelt		21-Sep-2010 05:40
Mullet are something I miss about Miami. Watching them jump, cutting them into bait. Such a part of life down there. I like mullet. A very under appreciated creature. Plus that is one wildlife that hasn't tried to eat me. Why do you think there is such a run this year, Parks? Something about the oil in the Gulf?

Parks		21-Sep-2010 01:53
Hi Guys, I had a Whitebelt like wildlife encounter this weekend. I went fishing with friends in Vero Beach. We saw dozens of osprey and heard their calls all around us. The mullet run is terrific this year and the osprey were gorging themselves. Bill said that now that the mullet have arrived they will start building nests. We also saw several dolphin and had a pair of manatees hang out near us as we fished. I haven't seen a mullet run like this since the sixties.

Fran		21-Sep-2010 01:49
Whitebelt, Shrink, brings to mind those long road trips out west with the kids. Oh, man that gives me creeps just thinking about it. The weather has cooled off a bit. Nice in the morning but the afternoons are hot,hot, hot. Miami Girl, Cool, just simply cool.:)

whitebelt		20-Sep-2010 23:04
Thank you, Fran. Could you do me a favor and shrink Texas for a few days?

miami girl		20-Sep-2010 22:59
WB, love your postings about the wild west - a place that's on our "bucket list"

miami girl		20-Sep-2010 22:57
Love bugs, they had been completely wiped out of my memories. Those critters are one thing I don't miss! Had to drive BY MYSELF from Miami to Charleston during love bug season and in my much younger days, to ship the car to Germany. What a friggin mess! Had to stop every half hour to clean the windshield then even after a car wash had to ship it with them all over it. I did warn my husband to be prepared. Fran, enjoy that special guy! :)

Fran		20-Sep-2010 22:51
Whitebelt, Have safe trip!

charlis		20-Sep-2010 21:19
Send down the cooler weather! The Love Bugs are showing up early. Very few in the spring because of the cool, wet winter... rain down and heat up this summer so they are showing up in force early.

whitebelt		20-Sep-2010 20:45
ALL FIVE OF US, LARGO? AZ AL, I'll be going to New Orleans later this week and won't be back for a couple of weeks. I will send you a few after i get back. After researching it appears there is a chance of running afoul of the law, especially the tax man, when crossing state lines selling alcohol, even if it ain't no good to drink. State laws primarily, and zealous tax collectors. Even Jesus didn't mess with the tax man, so I will be real cautious in my dispensation of found goods. Has to be a way. The thought of having to drain 149 containers of old beer in order to sell them makes the dumpster look better. Wish that was sealed bricks of dope I had found. :-) I don't drink beer. Weather is gorgeous up here. Cooling down but still warm, the insects are better behaved, and it is getting more comfortable to sit out at night staring at the sky, not that I can see anything. Odd thing for me this year, though. It is the first time I am actually kind of looking forward to winter. A good year to hunker down and reflect. Out in the middle of nowhere with a few people and lots of cows and horses.

LARGO		20-Sep-2010 19:04
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....HA!!!!...LOL!...YOU "ALL" CRACK ME UP....FOR ONCE THIS OLE GAL IS SPEECHLESS......................LARGO

Arizona AL		20-Sep-2010 18:52
Whitebelt: Thanks Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		20-Sep-2010 14:19
Leighton is kind of young to be such a grump. The door is open for anyone to comment, Leighton. Why criticize us? As you should have noticed the topics can change in an instant. For instance, I still have hummingbirds hitting the feeder. A few years ago they all booked out in August and we had a 4 inch snow on Sept 22 back in NM. I like it when they linger. I drove down to NM week before last and almost got hit by a very large hawk or eagle. Was zipping along around 70 and this bird was crossing my path from the right and behind, windshield high. Just as it was crossing in front, and I am going oh, sh*t, the air concussion lifted and flipped it over the vehicle. It recovered and continued on its way. Would have made a great video. Nice thing about the open spaces are the things you can see happening. Will never forget watching an eagle fly off with a rattlesnake in its talons in AZ. On one trip back to NM I saw a herd of buffalo, antelope, Barbary Sheep, mule deer, white tail deer, rabbits, turkeys, and marmots. The buffalo were behind a fence, the rest in the road. All within a 30 mile stretch. Have also seen a large herd of elk. The landscape is also dotted with blown out volcanos called calderas, mesas and saw toothed hills carved by glaciers, and palisades of rock. Then the miles of open grassland or vast lava fields with gorges in them. You don't see that in south Florida. Even if it was there you wouldn't see it because you are too busy dodging traffic. Did see one really interesting event in Miami, though, even while dodging traffic. Was driving north on the Palmetto south of the Trail during rush hour one morning. A plump Latin chick was driving a Firebird a little fast on the inside lane. She lost control and swerved into those curved dividers they had in the middle. She went airborne several feet. Up and banked right and down again. I was parallel with and slightly ahead of her and will never forget the look on her face. She looked like a kamikaze pilot holding onto the wheel or a fighter pilot landing on a carrier. Her car had tilted so you could see her real well. She landed, did another swerve up the barrier not so high, and then spun out and came to a stop. Amazingly there was no other major collisions with all those cars around her. I prefer the scenery out here. See? You are in the movie business. You just put it up and people watch and react to it or not. No reason to criticize those that participate.

Fran		20-Sep-2010 13:44
Miami Girl, You are right about the postings. Some comments are of no interest to me. Why? I don't know anything about the subject. I do enjoy reading the posts and will from time to time comment. I have been busy and yes, the special guy is something special.:) Miami River Rat, That was his positive remark. He has an odd way of expressing himself. I'm proud of him and the growth he has made. Let's see about the sun? I suspect that you may be right. Miami may be the right place for him to start anew? Rat's ability to write about any subject is a unique quality. He's got skills.:) In fact do to his stories about the Glades and Gators. I have become a great fan of "the Swamp People" . :)

Miami River Rat		20-Sep-2010 13:12
What will happen first? Will the sun rise in the west or will Leighton post a positive, friendly comment here? I'm betting on the sun...

Miami Girl		20-Sep-2010 12:16
Leighton, I've found people come in and out with their comments depending on the subject being discussed. The others are out there, just waiting to jump in when something of their interest pops up. Parks, much thanks for the positive ratings on the Redland Hotel. I'll be sure to update everyone here on it plus the T-bird after our stay at both. Also bookmarked your last two suggestions. Don't know how we'll see everything in this January visit, guess we'll just have to stay in the area longer next Oct.

Leighton		20-Sep-2010 07:44
Oh, brother. You guys have succeeded - this is now a chat room for about five people. By the way, I just spoke with an old UM friend who has remained in Miami, and she LOVES it. And NO guns necessary. GOOD GRIEF.

whitebelt		20-Sep-2010 03:42
It is a neat find, Parks. I will probably not do the ebay thing. Am looking for pros to buy them. Shipping full cans of beer is probably not allowed by the post office or UPS. Expediency is my middle name. However, if I don't get a good price I may hang on to them and sell once in a while. Keep them scarcer. They waited 20 years, they can wait longer. :-) Few more cases and I can shingle the roof. Still have one more unexplored crawlspace. Found a unopened roll of exterior insulation in one of them. Just don't want to find no bodies. I have 20 sixpacks of Harley Davidson Heavy Beer Milwaukee 1987 edition. Three sixpacks of the Milwaukee 1988 edition, and one sixpack of the Sturgis 1988 edition. Plus about 3 sixpacks, at least, of the Milwaukee 1987 empties. Haven't gone through the empties yet. Figured out how they got there. The only access to that section of the crawlspace was where the furnace ducts came through, which totally blocked it off. There are like 6 walled off sections down there. They put the furnace in with floor ducts, and probably redid the floor 20 years ago. I will bet they were drunk and put down the flooring forgetting about that stash, and not wanting to tear it up again when they remembered, or a contractor that didn't drink just covered it up. I can imagine the cursing. Losing six cases of beer will make any drinker curse or cry. AZ AL, I will save a few empties if you want them. This crawlspace is four 12 oz beer cans high. I keep asking myself why a 61 year old wheezy and broken up body is doing in places like that.

Parks		20-Sep-2010 02:03
Whitebelt, let us know how you do with the beer on ebay. That's kind of a neat find. Miami Girl, I mentioned to my friend Darrell that you were going to be staying at the Redland Hotel. Darrell works in Homestead and has eaten lunch there often. The group from his office would sometimes go there to celebrate birthdays and such. He said it a nice place and one time they asked to see a room which was also nice. I forgot to mention the Fruit and Spice Park! If you go ask for Chris Rollins and tell him you are my friend and I said to give you the special tour. Tell him you want a Jet Ski ride on Lake Loftus. (It's a joke but do ask him)http://fruitandspicepark.org/friends/ Schnebly Winery! Fruit wines are not all too sweet! Beautiful place, nice wines. Try the Lychee, the Passion Fruit and the Guava. The first two I really like, the guava really smells like guava but it doesn't have a guava taste. Susan and I were disapointed in the lack of guava taste but you have to try it. When we went a couple of years ago they charged ten dollars to sample all of their wines and you got to keep the glasses. Now when we go back we take the glasses and we can sample for free. I don't know if they still do that. http://schneblywinery.ning.com/

whitebelt		20-Sep-2010 01:50
I used to go to the dog races on occasion with the wife. They were kind of fun. Went to a couple on the north side of town. Can't remember the names. Biscayne Kennel Club was probably one. Do they still have them in Miami?

whitebelt		19-Sep-2010 01:39
Speaking of deals. Went to WalMart the other day and they have these cute little parlor guitars on sale for $25. Called Fuel by First Act. 15 year warranty and sound decent. Pretty pink with lighter pink daisies on it. Couldn't pass it up. Used to pick on the mandolin and autoharp in my younger druggie days. No threat to Bill Monroe or Mother Maybelle. Now that I lost my teeth I can't even play the swinette. Will be interesting to see if I can train these beat up old fingers to coordinate with each other. Seriously, that is a sweet little guitar. Not cheesy at all. For $25 and if you have an urge it is well worth it.

whitebelt		19-Sep-2010 01:09
Thanks, CK. Didn't know that stuff aged well or not. I have to start treating them with more respect. A friend checked eBay and similar cans were up to $100. Empty ones, I believe. Have to inventory. Went down to look and saw most were Milwaukee 1987 and maybe 1988. Know I saw a Sturgis 88. Few other oddball brands of empty cans. Hi Brau? Saw a Sturgis 1988 bottom opened listed for $15 on one site. They are in the cardboard trays, not closed cartons. Still fastened together with the plastic holders. 144 unopened cans of Harley Davidson beer. Never have been able to sell anything at a profit. I'm a technician, not an entrepeneur. But I might give it a try on eBay. A few at a time. eBay amazes me. People will pay 3 times the price of what they can get it for out of a store.

Charles Knight		18-Sep-2010 23:20
Don't drink it!!! No good. Sell it as is to collectors. There's money ther. You wont get rich but could end up with enough to buy your pot lol!

whitebelt		18-Sep-2010 23:01
Need some advice from beer afficionados or afficionadas. One of the prior owners of this house was a serious drinker. Serious enough it killed him at age 49. That was about 6 years ago. I have been pulling empty beer bottles from the damndest places, such as inside walls. Tucked away in a hidden corner of the crawlspace was some unopened beer I just discovered an hour ago. Also a couple of cases of empty beer. Six cases of Harley Davidson Heavy beer, and 5 bottles of Coors Winterfest 1987. The Harley Davidson has something about Sturgis 1988 on the label. It appears this beer goes back to the late 80's. I guess he had a reason to squirrel it away. He sure drank a lot since then I have heard. There were empties of those laying by the stash. I would have preferred a big stash of pot. Or money. I know nada about beer. Is beer that old safe to drink? If it is safe would it still be strong enough to get some older chicks drunk?

Nike		18-Sep-2010 21:48
For me, I see what I want to see everytime I go back and turn a blind eye to anything I don't want to see. I still see cowboy movies at TheTrail Theatre at The Trail and Douglas Road on Saturday morning followed by a stop at the Royal Castle next door. I see The Old Mill Florist where Vesailles resturant now sits and I still see christmas lights at Anthony Abraham Chevrolet every Christmans season. I still see Krispy Kreme doughnuts and my Spanish teacher's long legs at Miami High. That's the Miami I see everytime I go down there, regardless of the language or manners.

whitebelt		18-Sep-2010 19:01
The heavy duty investment in downtown is South American. Was intended to be a one stop shopping experience and financial center for tourists from there. I liked the new downtown. Out of all my years there I only had that no habla Ingles once, asking directions from some scumbag near the river. You make eye contact, smile at them, and they speak English. Act like you belong there.

charlis		18-Sep-2010 18:27
NYC is my favorite "big" city... but Miami has changed... for the worse. The Hispanic influence has taken over. As I mentioned before, for my 20th reunion trip, went to Jordan Marsh and the salesclerk pulled the "no hable englise" routine as she ignored me and helped other people.... I had worked at the store in the late 60's and knew she spoke English! It was during that same trip that I learned of the S. American influx. The visit 6 years ago was just as bad... no, it was worse. The only person without an accent at the "Bleau" was the bellhop... son of a famous LPGA golfer who had been my golf instructor in the early 60's.

whitebelt		18-Sep-2010 14:04
MRR, that is your neighborhood. You are familiar with it. You go there often enough to keep up with the changes. My work there required me to travel all over the area visiting customers. In one day's time I could work in Miami Beach, downtown, Opa Locka, Liberty City, Homestead, Coral Gables, and Homestead. However, I covered Key West to Ft. Pierce. Plus I could get called out at night to any area. I saw a lot of people and places. Yes, I smiled and people smiled back for the most part. South Florida was my neighborhood. However, in my travels about it I also encountered not so friendly and gracious people and places you didn't want stay in. The potential for a bad day existed everywhere there if you didn't keep your eyes open. So I view things differently than most. Miami is fine if you stay on the beaten paths, but like any jungle you best be prepared if you wander off them. I react to some of the romanticized notions I read on here and come across as being negative in trying to temper them. Miami is a big city filled with a lot of bad boys from the streets of Central and South America that even the home grown bad boys don't want to mess with. It is not the suburbia of the 50's and 60's. You know that, you were raised in the same kind of neighborhood. Why you carried weaponry in your younger years. Your experience allows you to know where to go and that is the paths you follow now. I haven't carried a gun for 16 years and have no desire to return to that mindset. But we have some sweet and tender morsels as part of this group and I worry about them. If someone hasn't spent much time in Miami since leaving it, they need to visit it as they would any new city. With a certain amount of caution. Instead of trying to recapture memories they should be observing what it is now. A big vibrant exotic city full of energy. Visit downtown, South Beach, Dadeland, North Miami Beach, and maybe even Homestead. Then go back home and enjoy the peace and tranquility. The horse pasture outside my window now has fat goats in it. Heard two sirens in the last week or so. The grass has ceased to grow so vigorously as autumn approaches. People wave at you driving down the highway here with a full hand and not three fingers. Life is good.

miami girl		18-Sep-2010 13:27
MRR, I agree with Nike and now feel a little better about visiting my home town. WB, appreciate all of your input and will be aware of our surroundings. There's no way the scum bags are going to keep us away! I have to admit we did cancel a planned trip to NYC in Oct 2001 - but it was more because of the chaotic mess rather than any anxiety of another attack. We've been down several times since with no fear and only stay out of Central Park after dark. The subway is no bed of roses, but no real concern except we don't stand right next to the tracks!

Nike		18-Sep-2010 10:50
MRR--Good point. I find that most everyone (with few exceptions) treat you as you treat them, regardless of where, Miami, New York, New Jersey, or Alabama. A rough night was had by all here in the islands yesterday ajnd last night due to high winds from Igor. The airport was closed for a while and a High Wind & Seas Alert was issues with vaves 20-25 feet. It is still a bit windy this morning but a beautiful sunrise. It reminds me of Saturday mornings in Miami in the fifties. Now, where's that Krispy Kreme?

Miami River Rat		18-Sep-2010 03:20
Holy Hannah! I've been going to Miami once or twice a year for the past several years. I go where I want to go, park and walk around old neighborhoods to see what's changed, ride around at night and in general do as I please. Most of my rambling in the city is north of Coconut Grove, east of 27th ave and south of NW 20th street. I don't pack a gun and none of my cousins that live there carry a gun. If you smile at people, most of them smile back. It's not like visiting Miami is similar to entering some post-apocalypse horror movie. I carried weaponry around there as a teenager but I haven't seen the need in later years.

Arizona Al		18-Sep-2010 02:07
Aprendi el espanol en las calles de Miami por mis amigos y amigas Cubanas y Puerto Riquenos....I learned Spanish on the streets of Miami from my Cuban and Puerto Rican friends. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Con vida y bueno en el Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		18-Sep-2010 01:25
The only reason I looked forward to Spanish class every day at Miami High was that beautiful Spanish teacher.

Miami Girl		17-Sep-2010 23:56
I rebelled against Spanish in high school and took French....what a dummy I was :(

whitebelt		17-Sep-2010 21:39
Brush up on Spanglish, Nike. If it wasn't for Spanglish Hispanics couldn't communicate with each other.

whitebelt		17-Sep-2010 21:38
NYC is only bad in parts, Miami Girl. Miami can be bad everywhere. Miami has ranked number one in road rage and road rage murders for years, as has Florida on the state level. You will encounter some as you approach the city. Somehow I have a hard time seeing you blackjacking some miscreant into submission. :-) Don't leave any valuables in sight when you park your car. If you have the chance go downtown and see the changes. Drive up to Dadeland and catch the MetroRail into it. There should be a skyscraper down there where you can view the city. You will see patches of hi rises in Dadeland, the Gables, and other parts arising out of that tabletop landscape. Walk through it during the day. Should be fairly safe at night. Just stay south of 5th street. Will be more of an experience than eating at the White Lion.

Nike		17-Sep-2010 21:30
Being able to speak the local language helps so, brush up on your Spanish.

miami girl		17-Sep-2010 20:13
WB and Parks, okay I've bookmarked the White Lion and will go to the Country Kitchen for sure. My husband (Don- not Boyd) has decided he's getting the fried chicken livers wrapped in bacon (yuk) at the White Lion (it's the Tennessee hillbilly in him), we'll stay off the streets of Homestead after dark and I'll try to temper his road rage behavior before driving in Miami. I feel like we're going to NYC about 20 years ago and thinking we need to bring a Glock (I'm really not that sweet and tender morsel I guess I look like). lol!

whitebelt		17-Sep-2010 16:20
Forgot to elaborate why that incident in Homestead was the closest I came to getting mugged. My gun was in the van. Faked them out. Had just started carrying concealed but it was a big 9MM that was hard to hide. Went down and bought a Walther PPKs within a few days. That was easy to hide.

whitebelt		17-Sep-2010 16:05
Parks, it is a dangerous place for a sweet and tender morsel like Miami Girl. The Country Kitchen. Forgot about that place. That was a little north of Homestead? Was good Southern cooking. Was another place we used to eat at after shooting but damned if I can remember the name or exact location. Think it was on 137th south of the Trail in some industrial like area or strip mall. Always had a crowd and the food was good. Buried back in an L next to maybe a furniture store on the left? Geez, the bad thing about growing older is there are more things you forget.

Parks		17-Sep-2010 14:56
Oh Whitebelt, you're blowing it all out of proportion. I haven't been shot at in two maybe three days. Miami Girl, Whitebelt is right in that I wouldn't walk around outside the hotel at night. It's in an industrial area. Downtown Homestead along Krome Avenue is a pleasant little farm town with a few good places to eat. They roll up the sidewalks at about eight pm so there is no reason to be walking around at night. Try to have dinner at the White Lion.http://www.whitelioncafe.com/ Sit outside in the back if the weather is nice. The weather should be nice in January. Have breakfast at the Country Kitchen on Krome. Be sure to get biscuits. Susan and I sometimes drive down there on Sunday to eat breakfast. There is a shortage of good southern cooking in our neighborhood. Strange things do happen in Miami. Earlier this week a body was found floating in the ocean just wearing one shoe. It turns out the fellow had died in Georgia but had requested to be buried at sea off Miami. His family wrapped him in plastic, packed him in ice and drove him to Miami. They chartered a fishing boat, took him a few miles offshore and dumped him. Then they went fishing. Charges haven't been filed, yet. Seems they violated some environmental laws. The EPA is looking into it.

whitebelt		17-Sep-2010 02:00
Miami Girl, it has been a very long time since south Florida was a place you could let your guard down. I was just trying to warn you about assuming a neighborhood is safe to walk in at night. Miami has to be one of the worst places in the country for random violence and crime. People have been held up on Ponce de Leon a block up from Miracle Mile at 12 noon. I remember a pizza man getting held up on Saturday morning at the intersection of SW 152 and US1. People got held up using pay phones in south Dade. People get mugged in parking lots all of the time. People have been followed home to Pinecrest and other affluent neighborhoods and held up in their driveways. A favorite several years ago just outside of downtown was curb stones being thrown through your windshield at stop lights and then a snatch and grab during the confusion. My daughter-in-law had her purse snatched from around her neck by 12 year olds while a passenger in a car stopped at 22 ave and US1 for the light on Goombay festival day in the middle of the day. Homestead is rough. Mature people out walking in the evening will attract some unwelcome attention.

Nike		16-Sep-2010 23:20
AZAL - Sorry, the name doesn't ring a bell.

charlis		16-Sep-2010 21:34
Largo and Miami Girl... your ashes will join my father's. He always wanted to fly on the Goodyear Blimp that passed over our house daily. When he died in 1980 I was able to make arrangements for his "ride". As to all the old memories of South Miami... I wish my parents had moved there instead of stuffy Miami Beach. Me and my father would have fit in a lot better than we did on Miami Beach... but my mother's uncle ruled.

miami girl		16-Sep-2010 20:38
LARGO, I'll be joining you in the Atlantic one day. Told my husband and son to cremate me and with the money saved on a funeral just take a cruise and be sure to take me along and let my ashes feed the fish! Parks, thanks for the tip on the taco's. The Taco Bell in this town just doesn't cut it! Hope the two berry farms are open in January. WB, I was getting a little scared about Homestead after reading your post, but Nike was there in 2002 and planning to go back so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

LARGO		16-Sep-2010 20:10
HEY JACKIE!!!...HAVE BEEN BUSY IN MY GARDENS WITH OUR LITTLE COOL SPELL HERE IN ST. AUGUSTINE. YES I WAS A FRESHMAN AT OGLETHORPE IN...COUGH!! AHEM....'63...I THINK I MENTIONED THAT I WAS THERE WHEN PRES. KENNEDY WAS ASSASSINATED....WOW...THE SHOCK WAS LIKE NOTHING I HAD YET EXPERIENCED AT 18YRS...I WAS SO UPSET THAT I ACTUALLY CAME BACK TO MIAMI FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK...AND CONTINUED SCHOOL IN FLORIDA...THEN CAME THE NOTIFICATIONS OF SCHOOLMATES AND FRIENDS THAT WERE KILLED IN VIETNAM...THAT WAS A SAD TIME FOR SO MANY...BLESS YOU ALL WHO SERVED AT SUCH TENDER AGES....AND HERE WE ARE...47 YEARS LATER...WHAT HAS CHANGED REGARDING WAR?......BTW...OGLETHORPE...OR OGGIE U. WE CALLED IT BACK THEN..........WAS LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE MIDEVAL ERA.....SUCH A 180 FROM THE SUNNY CONCH PINKS, AQUA PASTELS AND WARM SCENT OF SALT SPRAY OF S. FLORIDA...BUT ALSO GREY AND DEPRESSING IN A WAY...FIRST TIME I EVER SAW SNOW....I AM A SUN LOVER.....MY ASHES WILL BE IN THE ATLANTIC ONE DAY.............LARGO

Ariziona Al		16-Sep-2010 16:57
Nike: During your tenure as a Homestead Police Officer did you happen to know a then young lady named Lauren McConnachie? I believe in the mid to late 60s she was living in Homestead and working at the Redlands Tavern. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		16-Sep-2010 10:09
Stoopid keyboard!! Still can't spel

Nike		16-Sep-2010 10:04
Homestead isn't waht is used to be -- When I got out of the Army in Homestead in 1965, I was a Homestead Police Officer for a couple of years. The population was probably 95% white and 5% black (I can't remember whether they were referred to as negro, colored, black, or African-American back then) and a seasonal influx of Mexican migrants who lived on US 1 at the Redland Migrant Camp. The primary income was fromthe military and agriculture for the winter crops of America. Crime was low and Miami, the Everglades and the Florida Keys just a short beautiful ride away. In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew pretty well blew Homestead away as it was then. There was an opportunity for Homestead to take advantage of a very bad catrosphe and rebuild as a new city with a new look. But did they? Hell no. Instead, they decided to take FEMA's money and turn Homestead into one large migrant camp for all the freeloaders who travelled to Homestead for the "Free FEMA Trailers. Many had never been to Hoestead but the word was out, "Free FEMA Trailers." Jus as in every other aspect of our society, the freeloaders found a new way to freeload. Unfortunately, they never left. IN fact, they multiplied. Now, Homestead is 60% Hispanic, 21 White, 16 % Black ( I hope i got it right so no one is offended), and 1% Asian. In 1965, Redland Hotel was a flop house for rummies. It was renovated several years ago and has received above average reviews with a few downers. I think the best way to find out is to read the current reviews at tripadvisor.com. I held a Nike Veterans Reunion there in 2002 and it was clean and the food was good. I haven't been there since but I am considering using it in 2012 for the 50th Annversary reunion of the Cuban Missile Crisis in addition to aceremonay at the Nike site in Everglades National Park. Speaking of that, ours is coming up in just 13 months -- Be there or be square. Oh well, the sun is coming up over St John. Time for another cup of coffee.

whitebelt		16-Sep-2010 04:58
It has been many years since I was in Homestead, but that was the closest I ever came to being held up. Late in the day on Krome just south of that main drag I forget the name of, walking out of an office to my van. Couple of clowns crossed the street while I was walking to the van straight toward me, acting like they were playing around. They do that and then jump you as they pass by. My hand reaching behind my back made them change course. That older section could get kind of rough back then. Unless it has changed a lot don't be too eager to walk around after the day is done.

Parks		16-Sep-2010 03:43
Miami Girl, the hotel is about two blocks east of Krome Avenue in what I think is sort of an industrial area. It's a good central location for exploring Homestead, Redland and Everglades National Park. Tacos! You can get really good tacos in Homestead now. There is a great little Taqueria on the way to Robert is Here. It's in a Raceway gas station at the corner of Redland Road and SW 344th Street that leads to RIH.

Miami Girl		15-Sep-2010 23:18
Parks, looking forward to hearing your opinion. Be honest, don't sugar coat it just because I hope it's a nice place :) On Google street view it doesn't look like a touristy area - but it's downtown Homestead so I don't expect a lot in that respect.

Jackie		15-Sep-2010 15:01
Nike: When we went with Susan for her interview in PB County, we asked about campus security. The assistant dean said, "We have a guard gate and a big scary-looking fence." We have laughed about that for years. When we finally did see the campus, we were charmed by it's beauty, AND its "scary fence". Susan played volleyball there and we visited Swanee several times. Lots of pretty little campuses scattered throught this area.

Parks		15-Sep-2010 13:20
Nike, I'll buy lunch. Don wouldn't want to open his wallet. The moths might escape.

Nike		15-Sep-2010 10:58
Parks -- Sorry I missed you in Miami on Monday. I have businees coming up in Miami and Ft Lauderdale over the next couple of months. I'll make sure I set aside time to get together with you and "The Don."

Nike		15-Sep-2010 10:55
Jackie - My Atlanta home is about amile south of Oglethorpe University on Peachtree. It is a beautiful sight each time I pass. I never pass without looking and thinking of all the students that have attended since 1832 when it was built. ANother beautiful college that looks like it belongs in the middle ages of Europe is University of the South mear Monteagle, Tennessee between Chattanooga and Nashville.

Parks		15-Sep-2010 03:51
Miami Girl. that's good news! Susan and I often drive down to Homestead on the weekend. Next time we go I'll stick my head in the hotel and give you a report. It will be a few weeks before we get a chance to get down there. January will be a good time to be in South Florida. Don't forget to get a strawberry milk shake at Burr's Berry Farm and sticky buns at Knaus Berry Farm. Petros, have you contacted the Historical Museum of Southern Florida to see what info they may have on Floyd's? Here is their web site:http://www.hmsf.org/

1petros73		15-Sep-2010 01:20
Hello folks, What a great learning tool this site has been regarding Miami history. A couple of years ago I asked a question but I don't remember getting much feedback, maybe I am wrong. I don't want to offend anyone who might have replied & I did not see. I would like to know if anyone has ANY info, pics, literature, maps on Floyds fruit Grove? It was located at 521 sw 42 ave (known later as Le Jeune Rd.) from the early 20's (I believe) until the early 50's when houses later filled in the area. I saw a book on ebay once titled: Black Americana (Floyds Fruit Grove) that I was outbid on since I was at work when the auction ended. I also saw a phone book in the Coral Gables Library from the late 1920's that showed a phone # for C.V. Floyd, the address, and his occupation: farmer. In those days the Miami phone book actually had the occupation listed after the name of every one on there. It also had a white people section & a colored people section... crazy. Well, let me know if anyone has any info on this fruit grove or any idea on where I may go to obtain it. Thank you in advance, Petros

miami girl		14-Sep-2010 23:02
Parks, I just got another message from the Redland Hotel, they were able to obtain the needed financing and will be staying open. We've decided to continue with our confirmed reservations with them since it's good to help the local small business owner rather than some big hotel chain, and we like historic unique places so it's a plus for all. You and Susan should continue your plans for the weekend get away and visit all the other local spots, Robert Is Here, Coral Castle, Shorty's and the renovated Cauley Square then take a stroll on the Anhinga Trail in the park!

Jackie		14-Sep-2010 16:59
I'm the guest! Sorry.

Guest		14-Sep-2010 16:57
Largo, It's a small world. Beautiful little Oglethorpe University is indirectly responsible for our move from Palm Beach County to Canton, GA. Our daughter also went to college at Oglethorpe in the early 90's, met a guy from Kennesaw who eventually became our son-in-law. They moved to Canton, and since we had planned to leave South FL when we retired, we decided why not Canton. One of neighbors here from Savannah also graduated from Oglethorpe in the 80's.

Parks		13-Sep-2010 04:05
Miami Girl, that's bad news. Susan and I had talked about going down there for a weekend get away.

Miami Girl		13-Sep-2010 01:41
Nuts! We've just been notified that the old renovated historic Redland Hotel in Homestead (where we had reservations for a couple days in January) is closing! It's too bad another attempt to revitalize an area has bitten the dust. It's a terrible time to be a small business owner, my heart goes out to them.

LARGO		12-Sep-2010 19:08
THANKS FRAN...I'LL CHECK THAT 'WINN' OUT...........LARGO

charlis		12-Sep-2010 15:15
Miami Girl... thanks for the info. It's still amazing that the church was not damaged when buildings all over the place were. Watched the History Channel all day and was amazed at some of things I saw. A co-worker just got back from NYC. Strange thing is that he lived in the same building that my mother's aunt and uncle lived in in the 40's. He went by the "old place" and talked to people, trying to get in to see the place he grew up in. From the penthouse, when I was there on yearly vacations until '62, we could see all the way to where the World Trade Center would eventually be built... According to my friend, people said the dust made it that far up the street... 22 blocks!

miami girl		11-Sep-2010 22:57
Charlis, the little church near the Twin Towers you mentioned was probably St Paul's Chapel, which was a sanctuary for the firefighters and other rescue workers at Ground Zero. We went through the church a couple years later where they displayed artifacts from that terrible day. The large tree in front was damaged and had to be removed. But the chapel wasn't touched. The chapel is part of St. Paul's Church where George Washington worshiped.

charlis		11-Sep-2010 20:48
9-11--- where were you/what were you doing? I was at work when a coworker got a phone call from a relative in Lower Manhatten. He turned on the news feed on his computer as we watched, in awe, the coverage and then saw the second plane hit. Then we got news of the hit on the Pentagon and the crash in PA... many people left work early that day... we work for the local government. One coworker was very upset as his son was "security" for the World Trade Center. He finally heard from his son... he had left work early that day because of a doctor's appointment! Another friend emailed me... she worked in one of the buildings and was late getting to work because of something. She lived a few blocks away and was walking to work when the first plane hit. She ran back to her apartment. I got to see the site a year later during a visit to NYC and could not believe what I saw. The buildings did not exist when I had been there in '67... but the damage to other buildings close by was amazing... an old church across the street was not damaged.

Fran		11-Sep-2010 05:49
Largo, You might find the right Winn, 3705 Monarch Drive, Tampa, Fl 33513.

Fran		11-Sep-2010 05:17
LARGO, SOUNDS GREAT, SOMETIME IN THE SPRING WOULD BE NICE. FLOWER CHILD, FOR GENTLE SOULS WHO NURTURE NATURE, DRINK AWESOME DAYS OF PAST TO PRESENT. I SALUTE YOU!

LARGO		11-Sep-2010 01:04
DEAR CHARLIS...ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS @ PALMETTO HS WAS DONNA BROADWAY AND HER OLDER BROTHER WAS TERRY BROADWAY...THEIR FATHER STATIONED AT HAFB..AND RELOCATED TO MINOT N. DAKOTA IN '62....I GRADUATED THERE IN '63...SO THAT WAS THAT EXCEPT FOR MANY LETTERS..BACK AND FORTH...SURE WOULD LOVE TO FIND MY OLD DEAR FRIEND...ITS HARD TO FIND YOUR FEMALE BF'S...BECAUSE OF NAME CHANGES....ALSO THERE WAS CALVIN WINN A YOUNG OFFICER FROM HAFB WHO MARRIED A DEAR FRIEND IN MIAMI..CAROL SCHEURMANN...I WAS A BRIDESMAID IN THEIR WEDDING...IT'S AMAZING THAT ONE CAN HAVE SUCH STRONG FRIENDSHIPS AND BY A TRICK OF TIME AND SPACE....THEY ARE LOST...AND I WISH I COULD FIND THEM AGAIN......DEAR FRAN....OH GIRL...YOU SOUND LIKE SUCH FUN....MY DAUGHTER KELLEY SAID I SHOULD HAVE YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER COME TO ST. AUGUSTINE...AND HANG WITH US AND MAKE PLANS FOR THE OCT. 2011 "UNION"...IT'S NOT 'REALLY' A REUNION UNTIL WE ALL MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME.....THAT WOULD BE FUN.........ANYWAY THINGS ARE SOUNDING GOOD ON THIS SITE....EVEN THOUGH IT'S IN IN THE 90'S TEMPERATURE WISE............IF YOU ARE A FLORIDIAN......YOU CAN FEEL THE EXTREMELY "DELICATE" AND EVER SO SUBTLE SHIFT OF SEASONS...I LOVE IT!!!...IT SORT OF CREEPS UP ON YA...THERE IS A DIFFERENT SOUND IN THE AIR....DIFFERENT INSECTS MAKING THEIR DISTINCT NOISES...THE WIND SHIFT...DISTINCT SMELLS...THE PRIMORDIAL OOZE OF THE INTRACOASTAL.............I LOVE MY STATE.......F-L-O-R-I-D-A..............THE MOST BEAUTIFUL.......BLESS THE SACRED MEMORY OF 911 TOMORROW.....WHERE WERE YOU THAT DAY WHEN IT ALL BEGAN TO UNFOLD?...PERSONALLY I WAS IN A GREENHOUSE EARLY IN THE MORNING SPLITTING ORCHIDS..IN JONESBOROUGH, TN......WITH NPR ON....I LEFT BECAUSE I KNEW MY SADDENED ENERGY WOULD AFFECT THE ORCHIDS.....THEY ARE DELICATE THAT WAY...IT WAS LIKE...WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU HEARD JFK WAS SHOT???....I WAS IN A LAUNDROMAT IN ATLANTA...A YOUNG COLLEGE STUDENT AT OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY....I THINK MORE THAN SADNESS...THERE IS A SHOCK...A 'WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?"..........THINGS HAVE NOT CHANGED THAT MUCH.....SADLY...NOT REALLY......LOOK TO GAINSVILLE AND THE HATE MONGERING TIT FOR TAT IN THE NAME OF___ THAT COULD ACTUALLY CAUSE THE DEATHS OF OUR TROOPS OR INNOCENT CIVILIANS OVER THIS PROPOSED 'FREEDOM OF SPEECH' (WHICH I BELIEVE IN)..BUT!! ....WHY????...IN THE NAME OF ....JUST 'WHO' EXACTLY???? .....RADICAL...IS RADICAL............JUST SAYIN'...........OLD FLOWER CHILD...............................LARGO

charlis		10-Sep-2010 19:58
CK... I'm a little behind on my Tim books. Got half way through the hurricane chasing one but put it aside due to distractions with work and not really being in the mood to read. Still have a few others to catch up on. Will get to work on catching up.

Charles Knight		10-Sep-2010 13:12
Parks, definitely big sky country! And... Tim's new one is already finished and in printing as we speak.

Parks		10-Sep-2010 07:34
CK, I'm really looking forward to having more adventures with Serge! Just got back from Marco Island. The trip across the Trail is still beautiful. Looks like they have started the new bridge about two miles west of Krome. I have a couple of observations to make. First, The Pit still makes a fine pulled pork sandwich. Second, Florida has the most spectacular sky. As I was driving home I had bright blue sky with billowing white clouds ahead and dark grey thunder boomers building behind me.

Fran		09-Sep-2010 23:11
Miami Girl, Will do! Wishing all a safe weekend filled with happy thoughts.:)

miami girl		09-Sep-2010 22:04
CK, thanks for the tip on the Dorsey books - I love to read and will certainly check him out, especially that new book in January - I'll be lookin' for you. Roberta, you and Lewis are in our thoughts. Miss ya kiddo! Fran, have a GREAT weekend!

Charles Knight		09-Sep-2010 16:00
Friends...Tim's a personal friend, and he had me sign a release allowing him to use Gator Hook Lodge and myself in the new book. Another friend, and fellow Swamp man, named Lucky Cole and I are in cahoots. I am not at liberty to say anymore about it. If you're a fan of Tim's writing, look for a release date of January 25th. CK

Charles Knight		09-Sep-2010 15:54
Dorsey Takes Over Don's Place Hey Gang, Serge here. Just escaped from the Everglades and made it down here to the Keys for needed rest. Anyhoo, everything that happened up in the swamp and points north is contained in this new book, Electric Barracuda, that comes out Jan. 25. It's written by that Tim Dorsey cat again. He's not a bad writer, I guess, but sometimes he includes details that, if taken out of context, could make me look a little weird. ... Oh, I mentioned rest, so I come down to Key West to hang out at one of my favorite bars called Don's Place, because they all know me and it's a very mellow, live-and-let-live kind of a dive. And suddenly Dorsey barges in with this film crew to shoot a promotional video for the book! (Okay, I'm secretly dying to see it because a bunch of stuff went haywire during the shooting and it's definitely not your usual commercial spot.) From what I hear, the where-and-when announcement about the video will be released soon on Twitter. So if you're not already following Tim, get in there and sign up (And I also hear he's lonely on Facebook).

Fran		09-Sep-2010 03:38
Roberta, I hope all is well now. You and Lewis are not forgotten. LARGO, HOT TIME IN THE CITY, LOOKIN' FINE, LOOKIN' PRETTY...SOON THE WEEKEND BEGINS!

Nike		08-Sep-2010 00:01
Thank God and Greyhound, she's gone. There's a mug of beer and song in there somewhere.

Fran		07-Sep-2010 23:15
Nike, Sounds like love, however I'm helping a whale of a guy get around. God bless my kids. Funny how people remind you of the sea. :)

Nike		07-Sep-2010 21:30
CK -- It could hav been my former wife. The last time I saw her was in the Daytona area. Big teeth, gills, scales...

Charles Knight		07-Sep-2010 21:14
Yes it would, I'm sure. At least after some of the native flora has returned after the welcome destruction of the devastating Malalucca, etc. On another note...Another Piranha was caught in one of our lakes yesterday. This one outside of Daytona...12 inches long.

Parks		07-Sep-2010 03:36
Ck- Maybe someday we'll get the chance. I'd love a guided tour across the Trail. Did you hear that they are going to build some long bridges on the Trail to improve water flow. Depending on how high they are, the view should be spectacular.

Charles Knight		07-Sep-2010 03:14
It's long gone. And in order to find the location I would have to be with you.

Parks		06-Sep-2010 21:49
CK - I'm going to drive over to Marco on Wednesday. Where was the Gator Hook? Is the building still there?

whitebelt		06-Sep-2010 10:48
Nike, it sounds like this song was written by you. Or for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK-FRac7m58

Nike		06-Sep-2010 02:27
Fran -- I don't remember them. Bruce -- The house directly behind SDHS was the Neafsey plantation. They actually gave the Dade County the property the school is on. They have either all died, moved away, or divorced me. Life is now great---

Fran		06-Sep-2010 01:55
Nike, That's too bad, during the early 60's the guys who went there were really cute. However, my ex was in the marching band and graduated from Miami High, class of 1964. Now, the memories of my ex are not so much to my liking.:) I believe you went to school with Linda Ponce, Dianne, Carol and Danny Ponce. All are cousins of my ex.

Bruce Leary		06-Sep-2010 00:39
MRR - No I'm not related to them. As to football, I went to South Dade and we were the desired opponent for other schools' homecoming games since every school wants to win that game for sure. I think we were victims of Miami High and Miami Edison at some time or other --- don't remember for sure because time erases all the bad memories. I was in the band and it was a long, sad trip back to Homestead on the bus after we played the "big city" teams. We were miniscule in size compared to the "big city" schools and it sure showed on the football field. In more recent years the scales are a little more balanced since there are a lot more high schools in the county and thus schedules can be better matched for size. But we liked to play Key West --- I guess you can guess why.

Miami River Rat		05-Sep-2010 23:53
Bruce Leary: Are you related to sisters Patsy and Betty Leary? (Patsy passed away some time back) They attended Miami High.

whitebelt		05-Sep-2010 23:49
Coral Gables football brings up a memory for me. Our family doctor was the uncle of a famous CG quarterback of that time that went on to the NFL. He got a draft deferment because of medical reasons if I remember right. My records of asthma after age 13 somehow were lost. I enlisted to keep from getting drafted. Otherwise I would have had a nice long career with Southern Bell. But I prefer what I have been through since. Much more educational and broadening in the broader scheme of things.

Nike		05-Sep-2010 23:32
That is except 1960 and 1965 when we were national champs. Coral Gable was national champs 1964, 1968, and 1969. Where is the championship material now?

Nike		05-Sep-2010 23:29
Fran, As an attendee of Maimi High, I don't have such fond memories of Edison during football season.

Fran		05-Sep-2010 22:38
Gee Bruce I don't know. Edison alumni have a great web site. I'll check there for some information. Good memories of Edison football games.:)

Bruce Leary		05-Sep-2010 20:51
Fran, My wife graduated from Edison in '59. She does not remember a Roslyn Boyd although she does remember a Beverly Boyd. Older sister perhaps?

Leighton		05-Sep-2010 07:42
There must be a pony.

Fran		05-Sep-2010 04:26
Bruce, Do you remember a Roslyn Boyd from Madison? She graduated from Edison class of 1966.

Nike		05-Sep-2010 02:41
I think the leisure suit came from the Naugas. They were also used in the 60's and 70's for furniture--naugahide. Pat was the older brother and John the younger. I married their baby sister in 1965. It took me 38 years to figure out how to get out of that one. Oh well, another story for another day. I guess some of us are slow learners.

Bruce Leary		05-Sep-2010 01:11
Fran, I don't believe I know the people you mention but I'd guess there is an glass art studio in the outlet mall area which is no doubt where Nike got his leisure suit. Of course I wouldn't recognize glass art unless somebody was standing there to tell me what it is. Nike, I don't remember any Neafsey family members but the name is familiar. I looked at the attendee list for the Madison reunion and I see a Patrick class of '54 and John class of '63. I was class of '59 so right in between them. If Patrick did something "memorable" they might have been talking about him during my years at South Dade. I think leisure suits caused a world-wide shortage of the cute little polyester critters and it is entirely possible that their ranks may have been so decimated that the balance of nature was upset sufficiently to bring on global warming. Or maybe not? :-) I had one but at the time I'm sure there was a limit of 1 per male foolish enough to want one and if there wasn't a limit there should have been.

Fran		05-Sep-2010 00:35
Bruce, Hi and welcome! I have friends that live in Commerce. Allen, has a glass art studio. Bill and Susie's maiden name is Tyson. The have lived there for several years and love it. I do miss Georgia, the leaves are changing and the temps are cooling down. The smell of burning oak firewood is in the air during the evening hours.

Nike		04-Sep-2010 21:41
Bruce -- I live in Atlanta but spend part of the year in the Virgin Islands. I bought my first and only leisure suit off an exit in Commerce back in 1976. What ever happened to all those leisure suits with white patton leather belts and shoes? That's probably what caused global warming. Did you ever know the Neafsey family in Homestead?

Bruce Leary		04-Sep-2010 21:17
Nike, Home is now in Commerce, Georgia about half way between Atlanta and the South Carolina border on I-85. It's a great small town and we really like the people and the life style which is slow and laid back. Of course if you prefer a robust nite life then you need to travel a bit, or more. Athens, home of the mighty Georgia Bulldogs is about 25 miles to the SE. Dawgs fans here outnumber Yellow Jacket fans by about 100:1 or so it seems. The big local event on Friday nites during football season is our local high school's games. It turned out that the church that we go to also has as members our hometown newspaper editor, the mayor, the city manager and a few other "notables", perhaps the most notable being the lady who answers the phone at City Hall. If you need anything she is the one to talk to. All of these people are so laid back you almost expect to have to pick them up off the floor. We have lived in Miami, Phoenix, and several different cities around Atlanta and we really like it here. Must be our old age because it sure is nice to know that we can pick up the phone and talk to any number of people to handle life's opportunities. And the first benefit that we discovered when we moved here is that the combined city/county/school taxes are actually less than if we lived in the unincorporated part of the county. Did I tell you that we like it here? But don't tell anybody -- wouldn't want to spoil a good thing, dontcha know.

Nike		04-Sep-2010 19:44
Bruce -- Where is home now?

whitebelt		04-Sep-2010 18:03
Welcome, Bruce. I never rode a scooter, but a guy I worked with overseas got a big MotoGuzzi that did 90. I understand those in the overseas market weren't limited by our laws. That must be scary sitting down like that at that speed. He was no wimp and he was quite impressed with the experience.

Bruce Leary		04-Sep-2010 17:27
Nike, Thanks for the welcome. I have been lurking here for years but have made only a few posts. I really appreciate Don's work. I don't remember the Redland Hotel. I used to live on Howard Drive (SW 136 Street) and stopped many days after school at the A&W on U.S. 1 just north of Mitchell Drive (144 St?). My family moved to "the country" in '51 from Coral Gables and I went to Perrine Elementary for 5th & 6th, Redland Junior for 7th & 8th, and South Dade for the rest. My wife grew up in El Portal and went to Edison -- I forgave her and married her and we were transferred to Atlanta in '68. Transferred back to Miami for a year in '78 and our oldest graduated from Killian in '79. Only been back a couple of times for reunions and I'm sorry to say that the place just isn't the same as when we grew up. The wife's house in El Portal has bars on the windows and the visit to the area was depressing. We both worked a few years for Gulf American Land Corporation at 79th and Biscayne and she gave me a Playboy Club Key so that I could have lunch there on Mondays when they would show the NFL highlights from the weekend. I wasn't supposed to look at the bunnies, however. I had friends in the Kendall area, now Pinecrest, and many homes that I thought were nice and comfortable have been torn down to make room for "McMansions". What a shame. I do have a lot of fond memories and I really enjoy reading all of the posts. I can identify with many of the places mentioned as I use to roam the whole county and even into Broward and Monroe from time to time. South Dade played Key West and the Conchs were mean -- but if you're a Conch that's okay; I know it was tough down there what with having to beg water from the mainland and suffer the pains of traveling the two-lane US 1, that was always clogged with outsiders, to get to civilization . I generally traveled US1 or Old Cutler Road to and from school on my scooters (I wore out 3 of them during the 2 years before I could get a regular driver's license). I remember when radar was first starting to be used by the FHP because they would set up in Goulds to write tickets. Those first units sat on a tri-pod close to the highway and the trooper sat in his car a little bit away. I used to stop and talk to them on the way home and being a teen I knew every American car ever made and I furnished vehicle names and years when the trooper got it wrong radioing to the guys down the road that were doing the stops. After a bit he would get annoyed and send me on my way. I never got a speeding ticket because the scooters topped out at about 45 on a good day if the wind wasn't blowing too hard.

Nike		04-Sep-2010 16:29
Bruce Leary -- Welcome aboard Do you still reside in south Florida? Any good memories? How about the Redland Hotel or cruising the A&W on US 1?

whitebelt		04-Sep-2010 15:31
I'm younger than you guys but I remember my introduction to geezerdom very well. I was walking into a building and a 30ish woman rushed to open the door for me. I was only 45. It was a year after my accident. Traumatized the hell out of me. Young troopers and grizzled veterans. I really appreciate my time spent in the Army. There were some old timers that influenced me to this day with their maturity and experience and wisdom. Helped keep me together in some trying times. Like waiting for my stimulus check to get here next week. I am chomping at the bit to get some things done and the weather is getting cool and I have my furnace all apart in the basement. Complicated bugger. And filthy. Going to replace with space heaters but still want to use it as an air handler. Gotta get my spa room finished. If not to get laid at least someplace to store my Desert Roses during the winter. Have two big ones and started 9 of them this year. I love Desert Roses(adenium). Had them stay in bloom all during the winter on the sun porch back in NM. Gorgeous combo of green and pink.

Bruce Leary		04-Sep-2010 13:50
I was in the band at South Dade HS and we used to play for Easter Sunrise Services at Homestead Bayfront Park. On Easter Sunday in '56 or '57 at about 4 am, dressed in my band uniform, I traveled to the park on a Lambretta motor scooter carrying my french horn between my legs (the Lambretta was open between the handle bar fork and the seat so not like most motorcycles). I managed to get lost taking a shortcut and found myself on a ramp at HAFB with B-47s parked in the distance. I rode off the base right past the guard house and nobody chased me. Scared me real good, though. I also remember that sometimes the kids that lived on the base would not be at school. We knew that meant the base was on some sort of alert.

Miami River Rat		04-Sep-2010 13:31
Both counts for me too, whitebelt. I joined at Air Force soon after my 17th birthday. By the time the Cuban crisis started I was a grizzled veteran of 19, in my third year of military service. 67 years young, as we speak.

Nike		04-Sep-2010 10:30
WB -- I can't speak for MRR but as for me, you are right on both counts. I was 17 then and 65 now. Don't tell Nancy, she thinks I'm still 17 and she's still 15. (See photos).

whitebelt		04-Sep-2010 02:53
I was 13, I think. I don't remember anything out of the ordinary to tell the truth. Nike and MRR, you must have been some fresh young troopers or you are old farts.

Nike		04-Sep-2010 01:51
President Kennedy came down on November 26, 1962 and personally handed out Presidential citations for the CUban Missile Crisis. I still have mine which I proudly wear on my Army Dress Blues I casn still wear. The only time I wear them is for a military funeral or at my grandson's elementary school on Veteran's Day. Don -- If you are interested in posting the pictures of President Kennedy at Homestead AFB in November 62, I will sent you the pictures. I havve quite a few.

Miami River Rat		04-Sep-2010 01:26
Charlis: I was at Homestead AFB for two weeks in October, '62. Look at my post of yesterday, time 15:43. It wasn't all that scary to us, just figured we'd kick the Cuban/Russian butts and be strollin' through the Morrow Castle in Havana in a few weeks. Somebody was talkin' about "Casa Caliente" or something... Did anybody else hear Castro's answer to "Tokyo Rose"? She came on some Havana radio station and told all about what was going to happen to US soldiers if we invaded Cuba. She played rock 'n' roll music between propaganda speeches, just like a normal DJ. I don't remember who found that station, but we put a radio with that on it right next to the hangar's intercom microphone and taped the mike's button open, so we listened to "Havana Hannah" 24/7. Cool memories. After I was sent back to Tyndall AFB we found we could still pick Havana Hannah's broadcasts up in Panama City. The Army's 101st Airborne Division was camped on Tyndall Field and we had a bunch of their equipment, jump ready, stored in airplane hangars there. I don't remember how long Havana Hannah kept broadcasting. I now wish there had been some way to record that stuff.

miami girl		04-Sep-2010 00:54
Charlis, I have such a clear memory of being on the school bus that final "showdown" day, looking at the school (Palmetto) and wondering if that building will even be there the next day. These days they'd call in counselors to help the kids get through the trauma! I also remember all those cute soldiers camped out in the locker rooms and gym for a week or two. Don, thanks for the link to the HAFB history - my husband enjoyed reading about it. He was in the 31st TFW, deployed to Nam in '65 and in '66 they went to Spain. He thinks of the F100 as his baby.

charlis		03-Sep-2010 22:22
Nike, thanks. Director was 15 at the time and related that they were so scared. Had not heard from his father for 4 days!

Nike		03-Sep-2010 21:40
Don may possibly have some access ot those or other resources.

Nike		03-Sep-2010 21:39
Charlis -- My Army unit of Nike Hercules and HAWK missiles were sent there in October 62 for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The actual "Crisis" lasted 13 days but we were on high alert for 28 days. The Army missiles remained in south Florida until 1979 when the last missile site was closed. There are great archival documentation available throught the Wolfson Archives at the Dade County Library with newspapers reports and television video available.

charlis		03-Sep-2010 21:13
Don... thanks for the link to the old Miami Beach photos. Link worked from this page. A lot of fond memories. The photos I liked were the ones of the original "Bleau swimming pool... the one where, if you were in the stores in the basement, you could see people swimming... from under water. I was so disappointed when I was last there a few years ago and saw the new design... you could not swim laps! There was a bar in the middle of the "Tropical Isle" pool!

charlis		03-Sep-2010 21:00
Homestead AFB... was anyone there in October 1962, or had family stationed there at the time? I ask this because my director's father was in the AF in MA. He said that they all got notice to report to the base and go to special housing that was covered in sandbags. Planes were in the sky or on the runways with engines running. The reason... the Cuban Missile Crisis. I've told my story about the air raid sirens at the time and my mother paniking due to her memories of Europe in the 40's. But I do not really have any memories of the planes in the sky or what happened at Homestead.

Nike		03-Sep-2010 20:41
Oops. Sorry about that, Chief!

Jackie		03-Sep-2010 16:08
Bill Lenoir was a classmate of mine from Gables. A heck of a nice guy. Our class was really proud of his accomplishments.

Miami River Rat		03-Sep-2010 14:03
Don: Nice updates, thanks. I did pick up on the 2,570 miles per second thing, but thought Nike just slipped and revealed the speed of the alien craft that the Air Force has hidden at Area 57.

Don Boyd		03-Sep-2010 03:50
Bill Lenoir, Coral Gables High grad from 1957 and NASA astronaut and executive, passed away at the age of 71 on August 26th as a result of injuries suffered in a bike accident. His obituary from The Miami Herald is at: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/02/1803906/astronaut-flew-on-space-shuttle.html Don .

Don Boyd		03-Sep-2010 03:44
Nike: "2,570 miles per second" is almost as fast as Parks avoiding picking up a lunch check - are you sure about that? How about miles per hour? Or feet per second? Don

Don Boyd		03-Sep-2010 03:31
Largo: yes, this is now the official NASA, Air Force, missiles, fighters and bombers site. : ) It's a good thing Jeff dropped off or he'd be making sarcastic comments about all of it. I spoke to him last week on the phone and he is doing okay. Reference Homestead AFB: after Hurricane Andrew a decision was made to close the base due to the extensive damage and transfer units to other bases except for the air reserve wing and of course the Florida Air National Guard's interceptor wing. Moody AFB in Jawjuh got most of the active duty aircraft and airmen as I recall but they've since been reassigned to other bases. The feds gave most of the base to the county including the airfield and the county set up a trailer to handle civilian aircraft flights. After our county commission gave a scandalous no-bid award contract to a hastily arranged Latin organization (HABDI) to develop an airport there, with resulting furor from environmentalists and residents incensed at the shady deal that would benefit friends and business buddies of the commissioners and not the taxpayers, the feds recanted and took the airfield back to remain under military control. The feds retained the area closest to the airfield and spent a fortune building new stone walls, a security gate, barracks and other buildings that sure look hurricane-proof to me. The base is now across the street from the former exchange and commissary and everything north of that point is now owned by the county. The former military housing area and golf course is now a county park and there's a Job Corps training facility and abandoned buildings all over unless they've been demolished since I went roaming around in there several years ago. The former commissary was closed and they re-opened the former exchange as a hybrid "BX Mart" (there's only 3 of them in the country at last count) which is supposed to be a combination exchange and commissary but it turned out to be an abortion. It was initially pretty good but then they wiped out a considerable amount of shelf space by putting wide cross aisles in. We used to stock up on stuff every other month but it's not worth the drive now. I would surmise that most of the military retirees in the area have moved out to be closer to MacDill AFB (Tampa), Patrick AFB (Melbourne) or other areas with larger functioning bases because there is nothing attractive for a retiree at Homestead. It's a shame that the powers to be didn't build the U. S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters at Homestead Air Reserve Base when it was relocated from Panama. That would have infused the base with a lot of active duty personnel and high ranking officers. Instead they leased a private building in Doral, west of MIA, supposedly because of all the commercial flights available there to Latin America and other Southcom areas of responsibility. Most of the military personnel live in Broward from what I've heard because the Miami Herald was distributed and read by the military personnel in Panama and everyone deduced that the public schools were crap in Dade and better in Broward. So now we have a ton of active duty military personnel in the area, commuting county to county, with no military hospital, no clubs (Officer, NCO and enlisted), no commissary and only a small exchange at the Coast Guard's air station at Opa-locka and the BX Mart in Homestead. All of that stuff could have been built at Homestead and this county would have benefited more from the military spending there money here instead of Broward. Funny coincidence, and speaking of Snarks, but on the HARB website at:http://www.homestead.afrc.af.mil/ they make mention of: "August 29, 1952 - The SM-62 Snark completed its first test at the Air Force Missile Test Center, Cape Canaveral, Fla." I'm not a fan of Wikipedia due to the inaccuracies seen numerous times but this link has a good description of Homestead AFB's history, units, aircraft types, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_Joint_Air_Reserve_Base Changing the subject: Red Coach Grill Fan asked me to post this for him since he's been unable to do so despite using Firefox and Chrome browsers: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Charlis & all of you Miami Beachers: I was on Filckr & came across this: http://www.flickr.com/groups/790347@N20/pool/ I reckon you have to copy & paste. RE music: I'm 54 & to me the day Ronnie Van Zant died (10-20-77) was the day the music died. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sorry I haven't posted lately but we were out of town most of August and upon return I've had PC problems thanks to lightning killing our DSL and router that supplied the wireless signal for my downstairs computers. I finally got everything back to normal this afternoon with a much faster router and wireless adapters. Don .

whitebelt		03-Sep-2010 03:11
I appreciate that, Parks.

Parks		03-Sep-2010 02:55
LARGO, we're just a bunch of little boys who like things that first go whoosh then bang.

Parks		03-Sep-2010 02:52
Whitebelt, my friend Bill is Bill Loftus, is a world famous icktheologist, ikthio, aw screw it, he’s a fish scientist. I sent the names of your friends on to more Homestead folks and asked Bill if he knew how to reach Clyde. I’ll let you know what I hear.

LARGO		03-Sep-2010 00:27
HUMMMMMM.......DID I STUMBLE ON TO A NASA SITE ???......DO ANY OF YOU FORMER S. FLORIDIANS NOW LIVE ALONG THE CAROLINA COAST ON UP TO THE YANKEE COASTLINES?... IF SO...KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US AND I WISH YOU WELL....NIKE & NANCY HAPPY TO YOU ARE SAFE IN ATLANTA AND AWAY FROM 'THE VIRGINS'... ;~) .........LARGO

whitebelt		02-Sep-2010 19:25
Definitely not him, MRR. The Bill I knew was in his forties back in the 90's. He actually lived on Glen's property for a while. Do you remember what fighter jets were stationed at MIA back in the 50's? I remember seeing some take off in formation on the south end.

Miami River Rat		02-Sep-2010 18:36
Whitebelt: Must be a different Bill. My cousin was a young teenager when he knew Glen Simmons and lived near, but not on Glen's place. Cousin Bill is in his mid-forties now and is an airline pilot. Cousin did have some gun dealings with Glen, bought/sold/traded some old rifles but from what you're saying I think it must be two different Bills.

whitebelt		02-Sep-2010 17:38
MRR, your cousin? Oh, I am so sorry. :-) If your cousin Bill was in construction and then ran a gum route and had one tooth then he and I used to bump heads and have spirited discussions quite often. Like every weekend shooting. Him, Clyde, Corb DeMat, and I shot together for years. He was living on Glen's place in Homestead back then. Good guy, but hardheaded as hell. Didn't know when he was wrong. :-) If that is him and he is the forgiving type and he has contact with Clyde could you see if he can get us in touch? Remember the old term STRAC trooper? Strong, tough, ready around the clock?

Miami River Rat		02-Sep-2010 15:43
Whitebelt: Bill Daye, that lived near Glen Simmons on Key Largo is my cousin. I guess that's who you are mentioning? Homestead AFB: I was a fighter mechanic at Tyndall Field (Panama City) during the Cuban Missile crisis. They sent eight of our fighter-interceptors, complete with maintenance crews down to Homestead, so I got to spend two weeks there at the Air Force's expense. The SAC boys had better chow than us Air Defense guys! It was strange, us fighter guys used to line up to watch those big B-52's lumber off and wonder how they ever got airborne. Then the bomber crews all stopped what they were doing to watch our F-101 fighters take off, they couldn't believe how fast they were.

Nike		02-Sep-2010 15:15
Parks - You're right, it was a Snark. I remember the three HAWK missiles on launcher alongside the RV park in Florida City. I will check to see what happened to them. A restored Nike site on the Sausalido side of the Golden Gate Bridge has several Nike missiles. They are conidering donating one the the Nike site we are restoring at Everglades National park. Citing Wikipedia -- The Northrop SM-62 Snark was a specialized intercontinental cruise missile with a nuclear warhead operated by the US Strategic Air Command from 1958 until 1961. It takes its name from Lewis Carroll's poem, "The Hunting of the Snark." The poem is usually thought of as a nonsense poem written by Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) in 1874, when he was 42 years old. It describes "with infinite humour the impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature." The Snark was developed to offer a nuclear deterrence to the Soviet Union at a time when ICBMs were still in development. It was the only intercontinental surface-to-surface cruise missile ever deployed by the United States Air Force. With the deployment of ICBMs, it was made obsolete and was taken out of service. What did we do before Google?

whitebelt		02-Sep-2010 14:30
Thanks, Parks. That was the name of the outfit. If your friend Bill has Clyde's address or phone number I would appreciate it, or he could pass mine on to him. That wouldn't be a Bill Day, would it? Used to live on Glen Simmon's property? Clyde Walker is one of the finest human beings to ever breathe. Nike, thanks for the info. Due to the fact it is very difficult to dig a hole in the ground in south Florida with any sort of speed we should all be grateful you guys were awake and things didn't get ugly.

Parks		02-Sep-2010 14:06
Whitebelt, my friend Bill knew Clyde. He said it was the Parks and Monuments Association that Clyde worked for. Nike thanks for the info on how the defense system worked. Do you know of any Nike missiles left? It would be great if we could get one to put at the site in the park. There were a brace of Hawk missiles next to Krome avenue in Florida City but I think they got destroyed in Andrew along with the big cruise missile that was on US1 in Homestead. What was that thing? It was like a Snark but I don't think it was a Snark. Regulus? I need to do some research.

Nike		02-Sep-2010 12:38
Failure was not an option. If we failed, "thermonuclear annihilation" would have resulted. To put that in perspective: - Bombs produce 50 million degree fireballs - 10 seconds after detonation the fireball is one (1) mile around and cooled to 11 million degrees. - Four (4) miles away from the epicenter the blast of 1 MT Bomb, overpressure is 6 pounds per square inch. - Winds are 180 miles per hour. - All standard houses and buildings "implode" with that overpressure and then are swept clean with the blast winds. (2) Pounds per square inch crush a house. - 5 pounds overpressure will break the eardrum. - The flash of the explosion will last 22 seconds. - People 10 miles away will receive 2nd degree burns. - 50 miles away it will be brighter than the sun. If it is a "surface" burst to destroy a long runway, missile silo, or dam the 100 foot deep hole is almost 1/3 mile across with a ring of earth piled up 10 stories deep and 1 mile across around the outside of the hole. - From the time of the 22 Second Flash until the arrival of the blast wave figure 5 seconds for each mile. - If your 6 miles away, 5 to 30 seconds after the flash the 100 MPH Wind will hit you. - If your 10 miles away, 5 to -50 seconds after the flash the 50 MPH Wind will hit you. So you can see that "within" 6 miles of the hit it’s probably all over. But Most People live beyond the direct hit targets. You may have 1 or 2 minutes before the blast wave hits you. AND 1/2 hour before fallout begins. The Blast wave travels 12 miles per minute or 5 seconds per mile. So, we were there so you could sleep at night. Please, never forget the value of active duty military and the purpose they serve -- FREEDOM ISN'T FREE. November 11th is Veterans Day. Show your support.

Nike		02-Sep-2010 12:09
WB -- How long for a missile from Havana to Miami, Nike? Interesting question. So, since my memory "ain't what it used to be, I did a bit of research. Grab a cup of coffee or cold beer. Russia had placed SS4 Sandal and SS5 Skean missiles in Cuba during the summer of 1962. They were discovered by U-2 recon flights. Of course, Russia stated they were for defense of their friends in Cuba and only had a range of 35 miles. The resulting showdown—which the Russians call the "Caribbean Crisis" and the Cubans call the "October Crisis"— brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. The range of the SS4 was from Cuba to Central America the range of the SS5 was 2970 miles. It is 2742.76 nautical miles from Havana, Cuba to Seattle, WA. ALthough the missiles were in San Cristabol, Cuba, it was close enough. The warheads were either a 1 megaton (1 Million Tons of TNT Dynamite) or 2.3 megatons 2.3 Million Tons of TNT Dynamite). Nuclear weapons desigend for an attack on the U.S. were to be "air bursts" at high altitudes so that the blast overpressure is spread out over a larger area. Those airbursts provide twice as much destruction because they cover twice the area. They were designed to travel at 2,570 miles per second once launched. They achieved this speed after about 4 seconds. So, how did we prevent htem from getting past our Nike Hercules defenses in south Florida? Piece of cake. First, HAWK missiles were desigend for low altitude - low speed aircraft that might fly "under the radar." This was usually airplanes, not missiles. The HAWK and Phantom F4-B jets could handle those. Actually, the F4s in Key West were just for that purpose. They were estimated to be capable to be anywhere over Cuba in 4 minutes after takeoff. Our radar and recon aircraft which was constantly flying over Cuba could detect anything that fired up their motor or took off, anytime, any direction. We knew the precise coordinates of every SS4 and SS5 in Cuba thanks to U2 recon. We constantly monitored those locations 24/7. One of the 4 Nike sites in south Florida was always on "hot" status with a missle ready to be fired. All of the pre-launch functions are complete andfd it only takes a few second to complete the launch sequence. The "akternate hot battery is already on backup alert status and ready to fire a second missile. The first firing "hot battery" has another missile in place to fire within 2 minutes of firing the first. However, anything that flew from Cuba would have been knocked down by the first and second Nike missiles. This is in preparation to knock out subsequent missiles launched. By now, all the batteries are armed and ready. SInce each Nike battery had 12 missiles each, we felt prepared to defend against a barrage of Russian missiles. Remember, our mission was surface to air and the range of a Nike Hercules was 90 miles. It was never intended to strike Cuba with a Nike. That would have been done by now with one of our ICBMs and nothing else would have been launched. If they decided to launch a fleet of Russian missiles at the same time, no problems, no worries, one of every four Nike Hercules was armed with a nuclear warhead which would obliterate a fleet of aircrat or missiles. See, piece of cake.

Arizona Al		02-Sep-2010 08:47
Whitebelt: During the time we fished the canals HAFB was a Strategic Air Force Base and our fishing spots were directly under the takeoff and landing flight paths of the B47s stationed there. The aircraft would pass over us literally less than 200 feet above ground. The sound was deafening. Hmmmm what's that you just said?:) Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		02-Sep-2010 03:12
Oh, forgot. I saw a B-52 take off in Arkansas once. Really weird. The wheels go straight, but the plane noses into the cross wind. Takes off cockeyed. Saw a kind of delta winged bomber land at Biloxi once. Awesome. May have been a B!. Hellaceous amount of wing surface.

whitebelt		02-Sep-2010 03:06
That was still the boondocks back then, Parks. It was Allapattah drive. Shopping center on one end and nothing on the other. Did you know a Clyde Walker that worked in the Everglades National Park Association, if that was the name of it. They supported the park. He was my best friend. Lost contact with him. Did you ever meet Corb DeMat or his sons? He lived in the Redlands. Ever run into a Tommy Helmcamp or a Dana Ingraham? Couple of guys I went to school with that were active fisherman. Better at it than I was. But then, who wasn't. I was probably the only guy in the early 70's when they dropped bag limits because of the drought that got skunked more often than not. I did get a little better in later years, but not much.

Parks		02-Sep-2010 02:00
Do you guys remember when Homestead AFB was a SAC base? It would scare the piss out of me to have a BUFF fly low over me while in a small boat on Biscayne Bay. By the way, I never thought they were ugly, just really impressive. Whitebelt, I bet it was Allapattah that you took to the base. Back in 67 or 68 my friend Darrell had a beat up old boat on a trailer. One morning just at sunrise we towed it down to Homestead Bayfront Park to launch it. As we traveled south on Allapattah through farm fields we had to stop. Our jaws literally dropped. Crossing the road ahead of us was a large Florida Panther. I know people who worked in Everglades National park for thirty years and have never seen one. I would think it was a dream but Darrell remembers it just as I do. I actually was looking for the spot last Sunday but too much has changed to be sure. I think I’ll spend some time on Google Earth and see if I can figure it out.

charlis		01-Sep-2010 22:28
the jets... I remember, as a child living in the shadow of Wright Patterson in Dayton, seeing and hearing the jets flying over.

whitebelt		01-Sep-2010 21:25
How long for a missile from Havana to Miami, Nike? I dare say you guys had to be quick. HAFB was nice, but it made us a prime nuke target.

Nike		01-Sep-2010 21:07
WB -- Those Phantom F-4s could get from Homestead to Havana in about 6 minutes. That'll out-drag a Chevy 409 with dual quads.

charlis		01-Sep-2010 21:01
Fran... dance contest... massage? It is a tough decision... have to think about it ;-)

charlis		01-Sep-2010 21:00
leigh... Elvis and MJ... I agree.

miami girl		01-Sep-2010 20:48
I miss HAFB so much. It had just reopened when my Dad retired from the Navy and we moved to CR in '54. The commissary was in an old warehouse and the BX in an old two story wooden building. We'd take that back way around the end of the runway when going to Bayfront Park and I taught a girlfriend to drive my old stick shift on those roads right next to the canals - scary thought now. I wish we could find some old pictures of the base.

whitebelt		01-Sep-2010 18:39
It was cool watching the F4's coming in to land on the way to that spot, Al. That was a wicked looking plane. Back in the early 70's they busted 22 AP's for dope smoking and it didn't even make a dent in the force there. It was beefed up because of Nixon. A**holes used to hassle me about car insurance. One caught me sneaking around to another gate and I had to hoof it in and get insurance. Nothing meaner than a blond trooper that looks like me. Nike, my son was born in the hospital there. Can't believe they abandoned that base. Sure saved south Dade's butt after Andrew. Watched plane after plane after plane arriving after they finally figured out what to do. Sure hurt a lot of retirees losing the commissary and PX.

Ariziona Al		01-Sep-2010 17:56
Whitebelt: I knew the canals you reference regarding Homestead Air Force Base. In the early 1960s several of us 13-14 year olds used "sneak in" to fish in the canals. They were full of bream, bass and you are correct, an occasional tarpon. We had to be carefull because if we were spotted the Air Police would come in blue trucks and make us leave. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		01-Sep-2010 16:47
WB-- I also had great memories of Homestead AFB. It was beautifully landscaped. Hurricane Andrew ended all that in August 1992 and it was never rebuilt. All that is left is a Air Force Reserve Center. Some of the property has been deeded over to some of the Dade County agencies that assist those too lazy to work with asy ways to get our tax dollars. Don't get me started...

whitebelt		01-Sep-2010 14:26
Parks, God bless Google Earth. Helps us with bad memories. I just looked to retrace my route going to work at HAFB. Used to go down Allapattah drive(SW 107th?) to the base. Around 268th street was the canal. Google Earth lists it as 97th ave. Instead of turning right to go to the base I turned left to follow the canal. You can see the dam on Google Earth. Doesn't look like much development along there. You could follow the canal all the way to the end where it emptied into the bay. Had a mangrove shoreline. That is where I saw the BIG shark fin swim past me while I was wading in almost chest deep water. Glad it wasn't a sh*teating shark. Was a great place to watch the ospreys diving into the bay to catch fish. Was a great fishing spot because of the canal emptying there. There was a neat little spot on the south side of the base that you had to cross a runway to get to. A little sluggish canal that had tarpon in it. Was like fishing for bass. I think it was 344th street where I used to slip in and snipe raccoons feeding in the potato fields. I lived in Sweetwater for a year or so and drove to the base. No turnpike. A variety of routes to break the monotony. Was a 33 mile trip. Favorite route was going back to the Palmetto, south to Kendall drive, over to Ludlum, down to Old Cutler, left on Allapattah to 268th, then right to the base. Every work day. After the baby was born I would drive back up to the Woolco by Northside shopping center to work a part time job, and then back home to Sweetwater. That was a primary reason I reenlisted. Then I moved to Homestead. I loved that base. Was so pretty and clean. Ft. Monmouth, NJ was the only other military base I have been on that was prettier.

Parks		01-Sep-2010 13:52
Whitebelt, The dam is right at the end of 87th Ave. Maybe I'll go down and throw some lures next weekend. Thanks for the tip.

whitebelt		01-Sep-2010 13:41
Parks, I don't remember the area in great detail. What i call Black Point was where a canal emptied into the bay. Further inland was a dam where the ladyfish were concentrated. And the mosquitos. Leighton, I lived in Memphis when Elvis died. Around the corner on Winchester Drive. The phone system was overloaded from locals spreading the news and the hawkers were out selling souvenirs the next day. Had a couple of favorite stores across from Graceland that sold out and became souvenir shops. His death brought him back to life.

Parks		01-Sep-2010 03:33
Whitebelt, I expect you are right about the bug bites at Black Point. It’s surrounded by mangroves. We had a nice breeze on Sunday so it wasn’t a problem. Where did you catch ladyfish? Did you fish from a boat or off the jetty? I love to catch ladyfish. Hook one on ultra light tackle and you’ve got a fight. I like to flatten the barb on the hook and see how long I can keep them on. They usually throw the lure back at me on their first jump. Rat, there is a nice open air restaurant at Black Point Marina, still no bait or marine supplies. I had actually talked to someone there about opening a store but it never came to anything. Another form of entertainment there is watching the boat ramp on weekends. There’s a little grassy hill overlooking the boat ramps. People bring blankets, chairs, and picnics to sit on the grass and watch the fun.

Leighton		01-Sep-2010 03:18
I was in high school 76 - 80......disco and such. Most popular album in HS was "Grease," for the general crowd. Bee Gees...etc. But I'm still old enough to have had a stash of 45s. Still have 'em. However, I'm more of a movie soundtrack person - even back then. Well, I also loved the 60s music as a kid, and I'm happy to admit, I also love The Carpenters. Can't wait to get my hands on the recent biography, "LIttle Girl Blue." Finally, some light shed on the family dynamics. 80s music is, well, diverse for sure. Have to admit that Michael Jackson was iconic for my generation. I lived near Memphis in 77, when Elvis died, and MJ's death last year was strangely similar in some ways. (Everybody, don't start screaming, I'm not saying that they were the same.)

whitebelt		01-Sep-2010 02:04
You probably have to wear a swimsuit at the T-Bird hot tub.

Fran		01-Sep-2010 00:04
Charlis, Let's see, judging a dance contest at the T-bird? Having a lap dance with White in his spa room? What to do? What to do? Miami Girl, I'm with you, Manilow can be too much for me. Although Mandy was a favorite of mine.

Miami Girl		31-Aug-2010 22:42
Charlis, I bet there's a hot tub or two at the T-bird and wonder if White is gonna give massages? I'm with you on Manilow - but can take just one or two per evening!

charlis		31-Aug-2010 21:24
white... get the darned spa room finished... Wish I had the money to get out there and help you... I really need to "hit the spa"! Gee... now I need to decide... save up money for the invite to White's spa or the reunion... hmmmmm

charlis		31-Aug-2010 21:19
white... My e and I made a trip to Miami 6 months after Andrew... we could not believe the devastation. A friend was still waiting to repair his home... A mobile home park that had survived 'canes over the years was destroyed... not because of the mobile homes... because of the new neighborhood across the street... all the top stories of the houses blew off and destroyed the mobile homes. I know this as the owner of the big mobile home community was a friend, and was in one of the homes at the time the storm hit. He showed me pics...

charlis		31-Aug-2010 21:12
MG... Leigh can bring all the music he wants... except Manilow! You haven't lived... no, died, ...until you have been stuck in a motor home for a trip from Tampa to Phillie with nothing but Manilow music... ex loved him... had every cassette and even recorded concerts...

whitebelt		31-Aug-2010 15:09
Last time I was around Black Point you got millions of mosquito bites for free. Those salt marsh mosquitos would run off Godzilla. Good ladyfishing if you could stand them. Nike, I always went in the front gate. I was commo, not security. I hate swamps. Got killed in a traffic accident just below that bridge on Old Cutler at 176th street in 1993. Kind of a weird experience. Kind of curled up in the back of a van looking out the side window at a desert landscape I was going to have to step into shortly. Sure didn't look like the Old Cutler area. If it wasn't so sudden and unexpected that would have been preferential to what happened the next several years. My stimulus check is due to arrive next week. Can finish up my spa room. Will be a little sub-tropical oasis in the winter. A mini Matheson Hammock minus the sand and coconuts.

Miami River Rat		31-Aug-2010 14:14
Parks, thanks for the update, Sounds like y'all had a great day. I'll probably be back in South Florida sometime in mid-November. I'll try make the area around that bridge and Snowden's a priority stop. When we moved our family nursery business away from near the Miami River in 1958 we moved to 9 acres on Old Cutler Road at 148th street. That's how I got so familiar with that area. Glad they made a park, there's already enough concrete in Dade County. It still makes me sick to drive by our old place there and see all the houses. There's a marina and live music at Black Point? Last time I was there you couldn't even buy bait or a soda pop.

Nike		31-Aug-2010 10:40
Parks, You are correct. The former HAWK site (HM-12) was located at SW87th Avenue and 220th Street. Google Earth shows a school on the site. The other HAWK sites were at Palm Drive near SW 110th and Palm Drive (HM-39), SW 216th Street near 207th Avenue (HM-84), and the fourth just west of US 1 at SW 424th Street (HM-59). There were also 4 HAWK sites in Key West. These 8 HAWK sites, the 4 Nike Hercules sites spread around Miami, the Everglades, N Key Largo and west Maimi, along with the defense network system at the former Richmond NAS made up the entire Homestad-Miami Air Defense Network. Whitebelt will be familiar with all these as he stomped through the swamps challenging our security systems. I don't know how well we did as I left in 1965 before he came snooping around.

Parks		31-Aug-2010 03:51
Rat, a couple of weeks ago we had a conversation about the Deering Estate, the glass topped wall and the little bridge just north of the estate. Susan and I went for a ride yesterday and found the bridge. The road (SW 72 Ave) has been turned into a walking trail. The land on either side is now a preserve with both pine woods and hardwood hammock on either side. The bridge is about a quarter mile south of the north gate. It's a nice walk. We saw dozens of big Golden Orb Spiders, very pretty. After our walk we continued south to Black Point Marina for lunch. On the way I looked for the Hawk missile base on 87th Ave. I think there is a school on the site now. Lunch at Black Point marina was fun with live music. We finished the day down at the Biscayne National Park headquarters. While walking the path that runs along the shore I pointed out three nice Snook to Susan. Of course they were sticking close to the no fishing sign! It was a great Florida day.

whitebelt		30-Aug-2010 23:29
I set on my balcony in Dadeland watching the transformers blow and smoking cigarettes during the first half of Andrew. Kind of cool. Then I went looking for survivors the next morning after stepping out and going Holy Shit!!. My sister missed getting shredded by jalousie windows by about 2 seconds. She took refuge in a bedroom closet with 3 Dobermans and a cage of cockatiels while the inside of the house blew away. She said that was the only time the closet doors stayed on track.

Miami Girl		30-Aug-2010 22:27
Smart move Nike, you can't fight a 'cane. I wonder considering all the media attention of the Katrina and Andrew devastation - are there any fools still out there that would stay for a Cat 4 or 5 hurricane party? No one in our group, I'm sure. Leighton, even at your young age (compared to the rest of us) we'll all have a good time at the T-bird, you might want to bring some 80's music.

charlis		30-Aug-2010 22:22
nike... glad to hear you are both back home... I love the sounds of waves but 11 foot waves! No way! That noise would keep me awake...

Nike		30-Aug-2010 21:29
Fran & Charlis, Preechate the thoughts and prayers. However, we took matters into our own hands and are in Atlanta enjoying a pecan pie and a glass of cold milk. We're waiting until Earl and the one behind him are all done before we return.

charlis		30-Aug-2010 21:15
leigh... you fall within my 12 year age, younger than me, difference acceptance ;-)

charlis		30-Aug-2010 21:12
Newest advisory on Earl shows he is nasty and getting nastier. Experts are saying that people on the south side of the island should do pretty good... Nike, you are in my thoughts. I'm worried about my daughter in DE... in the path of the outer fringe of Earl over the weekend. What is it about Labor Day and storms? Joking with coworker today about plans for the long weekend. We both said that we no longer make plans to go out of town as every time we have, a 'cane hit.

Fran		30-Aug-2010 15:01
WARNING WATER ISLAND, STORM HEADED YOUR WAY! Nike, you and Nancy are in our prayers. Along with those who are in the path of the storm.

Leighton		29-Aug-2010 04:33
I don't like children. I was referring to me.

Leighton		28-Aug-2010 20:42
I don't like children. I was referring to me.

charlis		28-Aug-2010 17:30
Leigh... by youngster I hope you mean you ;-) Personally I do not think there should be any kids... under 21. That might crimp our tours and events that might not be suitable for young children.

Fran		28-Aug-2010 09:42
Leighton, Largo, has invited her 36 year young daughter to come with her. The more the better, in fact bring a friend and enjoy the reunion.

Leighton		28-Aug-2010 05:45
OK, scanned down. Oct 21-23, 2011. Hmmmmmmmmm. I'll be 49, and looking to do something adventurous before 50. And haven't been to Miami since 1988..... As long as a youngster is allowed.....

Leighton		28-Aug-2010 05:38
I can't keep up with all of these posts - is there some get-together happening??

charlis		27-Aug-2010 20:59
CK... when I moved to Brandon in '74 the population was about 50,000... and that included all the smaller towns around it (Valrico, Dover, Mango...) within 10 years the population for Brandon, alone, swelled to over 100K! It was at that time that the City of Tampa tried to convince people to incorporate Brandon into the City of Tampa... more taxe money for Tampa, less for the county. Never happened.

Fran		27-Aug-2010 09:20
Charlis, How about skype? If both parties have a web cam then all can share the reunion. Live pictures can be sent to Roberta. It's a unique way to stay in touch with those who can't make the reunion. Just a thought... Oh, well. rain. rain come our way.:)

Charles Knight		27-Aug-2010 00:54
I recall a teacher at Seminole Elementary in Miami telling us kids that with the population continuing to explode, cities will be renamed ...San Frangelis, Dallouston, Miampa...I remember when the subdivisions were just that. Subdivisions, not really any more...Metro Dade...Right, where's the quaintness in that?

charlis		26-Aug-2010 23:01
Miami Girl... when I moved to Tampa in 74 I was so happy. I lived in Brandon and the "little old OH farm girl" was in hog heaven... so different from Miami Beach with all the snobs. Within the first 5 years, Brandon changed... population grew. I wasn't happy but I was stuck here.

Miami Girl		26-Aug-2010 22:36
Charlis thanks for the update on Roberta - we'll miss her next year but still hope for a miracle. Roberta, it's so sweet the way you and Lewis help each other. There's so many in this world that never get to experience that kind of love, even if he does step on your feet, Usually men save that for the dance floor, but we love 'em anyway! We lived in Tampa for 5 years and have no desire to go back, it's too bad. Seems like Miami is spreading all the way up the state. I guess change is the one thing we can count on.........

charlis		26-Aug-2010 21:53
Miami Girl... Tampa was on the list too. Remember way back when... old snow birds were the reason for the traffic problems? Now it's people who talk on cell phones or text while driving. The crime rate is up because of the economy. They just arrested a young man up here for committing several burglaries at convenience stores... "I was desperate! I have kids to feed!"

charlis		26-Aug-2010 21:47
Everyone... I heard from Roberta. She looks at the posts every day but her life has been hectic lately. The AC went out. Then Lewis, being the gentleman that he is, while helping her out of her chair... stepped on her foot! Then, while walking into another room, she stepped on a straight pin! Neither one of them can tolerate the long trip down here for the reunion. She sends her love.

Miami Girl		26-Aug-2010 20:48
Miami made another top ten list today - one of the 10 worst cities to live in!! Right up there with the highest crime rate and worst drivers! My heart is crying for my beloved city.

Miami River Rat		26-Aug-2010 13:03
Lisa: I remember Archer's very well. Bought all my baseball cards, cokes and lick-em-aide there. That place was a very busy little store. For years, it seemed like everybody in that part of town stopped at Archer's to pick up "whatever" on their way home from work. Sorry, I don't know of any pictures of Archer's. The north fork of the Miami River ran right behind that store and we had some pretty cool BB gun fights behind the store, between the store and the river. Where did you live? I lived on the south side of 17th street, on 28th ave. Yes, Charles, I figured that bridge is a place you'd know quite well. For some reason the fishing was usually better at the first bridge but the second seemed to have more wildlife around.

Parks		26-Aug-2010 04:01
Lisa, That's Miami River Rats old neighborhood. If anyone on this site remembers the Archer's store it will be him. Tell us your memories of Miami. I had a nice ride up the Miami River today. I took my boat to Spencer Boat Works which is in the old Merrill Stevens boat yard. I got a look at the wood shop. They are set up to handle some big wood! The tools are very old but look well maintained. They had a couple of band saws that the wheels must be three feet across.

Guest		26-Aug-2010 02:14
I remember back in 1958 or so, by the Miami River on N.W. 17th and 27th Avenue, there was a small grocery store called Archer's. I remember the Seminole Indians with their families and papooses buying vegetables. Does anyone remember Archer's......? Any photos out there? Thank you, Lisa Viaros Hoffman

Guest		26-Aug-2010 02:13
I remember back in 1958 or so, by the Miami River on N.W. 17th and 27th Avenue, there was a small grocery store called Archer's. I remember the Seminole Indians with their families and papooses buying vegetables. Does anyone remember Archer's......? Any photos out there? Thank you, Lisa Viaros Hoffman

Charles Knight		26-Aug-2010 02:11
Rat, I grew up a couple of miles west of that bridge.

Miami River Rat		26-Aug-2010 01:59
I don't know about some assumptions that songwriter made....Once, in a museum or book, I saw an ancient map. There was an arrow pointing to a large land mass with the notation: "Here there be tygers." I think if I were making a map for an explorer, I might notate "Here there be tygers" and point an arrow to the everglades. The other day I came across a picture down in the bottom of a cardboard box. It was me, about 5 years old with a fresh-caught alligator, maybe three feet long. I'm thinkin' my grandpa caught the gator and let me hold it to pose for the picture. The pic was taken on Loop Road, at the second bridge, 1948.

Fran		25-Aug-2010 23:22
Charlis, Thanks for the info. It's not like her to be away for an extended period of time. Best wishes...

charlis		25-Aug-2010 22:04
Fran... I get my daily Betty Boop posts from Roberta so she is still around. She must have her hands full. I also hope all is well with her. I will email her your concerns.

Fran		25-Aug-2010 21:02
Roberta, I hope all is well? Miss your posts.

Fran		25-Aug-2010 14:31
CK, Parks is right about the picture. What a wonderful gift to share! The Glades and air boat brings to mind my dad's swamp buggy. Happy times of an era gone to memory. Simple people maybe, complex in all that they participate in, living with integrity. I miss my dad, thanks for sharing.

Parks		25-Aug-2010 13:44
CK, it was meant as a compliment, I don't think I'd call any of the Glades folks I've known as "simple". If you find the photo, it should go in Don's collection. Didn't the "Simple grass roots people of the Everglades" try to kill Lincoln Vale every week? Speaking of Glades Folks, Chris has asked Snapper and me to teach a class on building a Glen Simmons glades skiff. I told him I would if Snapper would. If it happens it will be early next year.

Charles Knight		25-Aug-2010 13:16
Parks, thanks. I'll take that as a compliment. I adore the grass roots folks. I am an educated swamp rat by choice. Someone has to write it down...

Charles Knight		25-Aug-2010 13:14
My brother taught him to drive the airboat. Somewhere there is a photo of Mr. Hayes, My dad, and brother, and myself sitting on an airboat in our yard...Been looking for it for some time now...

Parks		25-Aug-2010 04:22
For some reason I don't remember the show The Everglades but Bill showed an episode at Florida Movie Night. I love the theme song. In the Everglades there's a way of life It's a way of peace without stress or strife. There's a fellow there who protects these rights Lincoln Vale of the Everglades. The man on patrol in the Everglades. But they'll fight for rights and the homes they made Simple grass roots people of the Everglades. There's a natural danger and the man to face Lincoln Vale of the Everglades. The man on patrol in the Everglades. Movin', ever movin' through the Everglades. Movin', ever movin' through the Everglades. Movin', ever movin' Movin', ever movin' through the Everglades. CK, would you be one of those "Simple grass roots people of the Everglades"? Some how I don't think "simple" applies. Hayes had a great move that I think he did in a lot of the shows. He would aim his airboat at a grassy shore, jump off his seat, run to the bow and jump ashore just as the boat was running up on the grass. It was a slick move.

Charles Knight		25-Aug-2010 02:05
That is...I was the small child. Not Mr. Hayes

whitebelt		25-Aug-2010 01:36
The US Army had the most interesting collection of people I have ever encountered. Absolutely the most concentrated collection of realms of human experience possible, coupled with a maturity only the military life can produce.

Miami Girl		24-Aug-2010 22:51
I just love this site, you all know so many interesting people!

Charles Knight		24-Aug-2010 21:06
Don, thanks. I was just curious. Largo, yes. Guess I misspelled his last name. My father and brother did stunt work on the series, and others. Dad taught SCUBA to many folks, Mr. Hayes was one of them. As a small child he spent many an afternoon at our home in Sweetwater, and Gator Hook Lodge (our family's business) on the Loop road.

Guest		24-Aug-2010 16:20
LARGO: From Wikipedia: Ronald G. Hayes (February 26, 1929—October 1, 2004)[1] was an American television actor who as an activist in the environmental movement, worked for the establishment of the first Earth Day, observed on April 22, 1970. He was a member of the Sierra Club and a founder of the ecological interest group Wilderness World.[2] In his acting career, Hayes appeared primarily on Westerns, but he also had starring or recurring roles in several series, including The Everglades, The Rounders, and Lassie.

LARGO		24-Aug-2010 11:26
CHARLES KNIGHT....ARE YOU REFERRING TO RON HAYS..OF: 'LINCOLN VALE OF THE EVERGLADES' AND A FEW OTHER VENUES?...MY FATHER DID CAMERA WORK ON THAT ONE...HE 'HAYS OR HAYES??' WAS A FORMER TREE SURGEON...IF IT'S THE SAME GUY....WONDER IF HE'S STILL AROUND?..........LARGO

Don Boyd		24-Aug-2010 06:42
Hi Charles, it's not up yet and I'm sorry for the delay. I've been out of town since the 8th on two separate trips except for a three-day jet lag recovery period last week between trips. I'll get to it one of these days after I get back home. Don

Charles Knight		23-Aug-2010 21:14
Hi Don, what category did you put the photo of my father teaching Ron Hays SCUBA under? I've looked, but must be overlooking it. CK

charlis		22-Aug-2010 16:30
Miami Girl... I'll ask her. She's not doing too well, health wise. If she's still down there at the time of the reunion, and can make it, I know it will be a lot of fun for her... and do her a lot of good.

charlis		22-Aug-2010 16:24
Nike... send the cooler temps and lower humidity down here... we've been in the 90's with "feels like" in the low 100's. Never got into the daily pattern of aternoon showers... that you could set your watch by.

Miami Girl		22-Aug-2010 15:21
Charlis, glad to hear that and hope she can make it!

charlis		22-Aug-2010 14:33
Miami Girl... yes, Evie was known for her Jerry Lewis impersonation... and looking like Barbra Streisand. I you listened to WQAM and heard a Lewis sounding voice on Robie's or Ronnie's shows, it was her.

Nike		22-Aug-2010 09:22
NikeHistorian@Nike252.Org

Nike		22-Aug-2010 09:22
In order to keep from tying up a lot of space here, I will collect a list of songs from anyone with requests for the reunion at my personal email.

Fran		22-Aug-2010 05:51
Miami River Rat, It seems that Huntsville has become so popular. "Bed Intruder", hide your wife, hide your kids...homeboy. Catchy tune, Antoine Dodson.

Fran		22-Aug-2010 03:12
Miami River Rat, Like minds think alike! Here are just some of my favorites: James Brown-Play That Funky Music White Boy. Marvin Gaye-How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You, Mamas and the Papas-Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Platters-Only You, Isley Brothers-Your Precious Love, The Rascals-Groovin',Righteous Brothers-Unchained Melody, Lettermen-When I Fall In Love, I Love How You Love Me, Sealed With A kiss. I love good music, love to dance. How sweet it is?

Miami River Rat		22-Aug-2010 02:10
Looks like the slow songs are filling up great. Be sure to include something by The Platters. "Only You" would be good, and Johnny and Joe's "Over the Mountain, Across the Sea" . Maybe "You're 1000 Miles Away" be The Heartbeats as well. Now to the exciting stuff, Hank Ballard's "The Twist" or "Sexy Ways", Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'" in case there's some shag dancers there and maybe a little country by Ray Price... "City Lights" is a good dance tune. And no break from the heat here in Alabama. Weather service putting out warnings to stay inside with heat indexes over 105.

Nike		21-Aug-2010 20:16
I don't know about the rest of the country but it was like a fall morning here in Princeton, NJ this morning. I hope it is a sign that the heat wave has ended.

Nike		21-Aug-2010 20:14
There is a great YouTube of Freddie and the Dreamers at youtube.com/watch?v=xGxDS10VAbg As far as I'm concerned, anyone can invite any of their Miami (or other) friends to join us. It can be a good time to connect with old friends and a great time. Save the last dance for me!

Miami Girl		21-Aug-2010 19:41
Charlis, isn't Evie the friend who did the Jerry Lewis imitations?

charlis		21-Aug-2010 18:16
And, if things go right, I might be able to get my co-worker/best friend Evie to help out with the judging since she lives on the Beach.

charlis		21-Aug-2010 18:14
Nike... Please... no "Goodnight My Love"... if we end the night with that, you will see a very large amount of tears from my eyes. Better have a big hankie ready for me. I would love to give the dance instructions but I think a lot of people know how to do the dances... okay, there is a difference between the two twists. The dance contest would be a lot of fun.

charlis		21-Aug-2010 18:11
Fran... the Freddie was done by lifting your legs and flapping your arms to the beat of the music... "Do the Fredddie!" by Freddie and the Dreamers, 1965

Nike		21-Aug-2010 15:10
Charlis -- I'm adding your poolside dance instructions to the agenda. It sounding better all the time. Personally, I'm strictly a slow dancer. I was built for comfort, not speed. My favorites were: - Goodnight My Love (at 11:00 every night) - Unchained Melody - RIghtous Brothers - Mr Blue - Fleetwood - Born to Lose - Ray Charles - Don't - Elvis -A zillion others Time Life has some great compilations on CD. Nowadays, you can create your own. So, I need a list of all of the individual "Favorite Ten Songs. for all of the Miami Rogues." I will download them all (legally) and create a compilation for the poolside party.

Fran		21-Aug-2010 07:00
Charlis, Don't remember the "Freddy"? Stroll would be nice. Makes me want to lift my feet up and shout! For those who don't remember the steps you could be the dance instructor. Can't wait!

charlis		20-Aug-2010 21:46
The Twists and the Mashed Potato were my specialties... the Mashed potato was like the old Charleston which my mother was an expert at... and, thanks to Wayne Cochran, I did a mean "James Brown slide"... I'm liking the idea of a dance contest more and more... we just need to find the music.

Miami Girl		20-Aug-2010 21:27
Charlis, I can (somewhat) do them - for about 2 minutes and hope I don't throw my back out! The Stroll would be easy on our old bodies!

charlis		20-Aug-2010 21:04
Can any of you still do the dances? "The Bristol Stomp"? "The Freddy"? "The Locomotion"? "The Twist"? "The Peppermint Twist"? "The Mashed Potato"? "The Pony"? Would be a great pool side event... I guess I would have to be the judge since I did them as a profession at that teen club and with local bands...

Fran		20-Aug-2010 18:55
Just a few more to consider for the mix. ZZ Top-"Sharped Dressed Man" "La Grange" Brooks and Dunn-"Cowgirls Don't Cry" " Honky Tonk Stomp" I really, really like a cowboy dressed in a creased pair of jeans. Yup,Dunn, priceless.(sigh):) That's what dreams are made of...According to Reba, "Consider Me Gone".

whitebelt		20-Aug-2010 02:02
Parks, my friend Guy had some adventures in his younger days. His now present wife shadowed him down from airport to airport. Took a few days.

Fran		20-Aug-2010 01:50
Parks, Me too, don't you just love it. Linger on...dream a little dream of me. Smooth, easy to dance to, I'd give it a 96.

Parks		20-Aug-2010 01:10
Whitebelt, I envy your friend who flew the gyro from Chicago to New Orleans. That must have been quite a trip. You're right about the loudness of flying ultralights. I'm a proud member of the Loud Birdmen. This is an organization of people who flew ultralights prior to 1982. We have little buttons that have an eagle wearing ear plugs on them. When we meet another Loud Birdman, we cup a hand behind an ear and shout at each other. To properly buzz something with an ultralight, you spot the buzzee from altitude, pull the throttle to idle, dive as low as you dare and go to full throttle just above your victim. I once did this to a deer that was in the middle of an abandoned runway at the edge of the glades. The darn thing just looked up at me like I was crazy and ambled off. Fran, I love your taste in music. Dream a Little Dream is now running in my head.

charlis		19-Aug-2010 22:12
Fran... "Dream a Little Dream...." my favorite song by the group. This was mostly a solo by Cass Elliot... I used to perform the song on stage with an entertainer friend of mine... he was a former Elvis impersonator. Long story as to why he was no longer an impersonator, but he was an invited "impersonator" to the mansion a long time ago... great voice.

charlis		19-Aug-2010 22:04
River Rat... Loved Gatlinburg. First visit was in the late 50's/early 60's. Somewhere in my "stuff" I have a copy of the "Hillbilly Dictionary". The "ski lift" ride was not working... seems there had been a serious accident. So we took the car up the mountain... saw bears walking along the side of the road and people getting out of their cars to take pics! I got some great pics with my old Brownie... I stayed in the car! A restaurant a block away from the hotel offered apple cider... 3 versions... very fermented for adults... aka "hootch", a milder version that I was given... a bit of a "kick"... my younger sister got the cider without any "kick". Got back there in the 80's during a family motor home trip with my hubby and daughter. I had told them of the great time I had as a child. Only the "Hillbilly Museum" remained. I did not recognize the town.

whitebelt		19-Aug-2010 21:09
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3171314/oldies.txt Oldies up till 1964.

Fran		19-Aug-2010 15:47
Here are just a few you might want to review and add to your list. Everly Brothers -" All I Have To Do Is Dream" "Crying In The Rain" The Mamas and the Papas- "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" "Creeque Ally With Luv" Turn up the sound, relax, these are what memories are made of...

whitebelt		19-Aug-2010 12:58
Those ultralight aircraft are so cool. I have a friend in New Orleans that flew a gyro copter from Chicago to New Orleans in his younger days. If they were just quieter. One of my fantasies is cruising the desert at night buzzing coyotes. That old tourist film was made when there were less than 3 million people in Florida. There is something like 17 million now? Guess it worked. Hang the makers of it.

Parks		19-Aug-2010 03:32
There is an Alligator Farm right on the way from Robert is Here to the Everglades National Park. They give airboat rides at the alligator farm. I don't remember what it costs, but I'll find out. Old Florida: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5dWxjihyGE&NR=1 New Miami:http://www.flickr.com/photos/aviatorr727/sets/72157624734918854/show/ I sent some mangos to my high school girl friend who lives in Atlanta now. She reminds me of some of the ladies on this web site. I think she enjoys the UPS guy in his brown shorts as much as the mangos. Mango season is just about over and the verdict is in. Palmer is our favorite mango. It's good sized and has great strong flavor. Just a little fiber and turpentine so you know your eating a mango. It bears a lot of fruit every other year. This is the year. Susan has been drying and freezing mango slices like crazy. Just so all of you Haden lovers don't freak out, Palmer is a seedling from the Haden. Look it up in Wikipedia

Miami Girl		18-Aug-2010 22:28
Charlis, GREAT IDEA you had - to pick up Roberta and Lewis at the AmTrak Hollywood station, sure hope they can make it! Isn't it a pain (literally) to get old? It seems like I wake up with a new pain every day! So far, can still get around okay. We'll enjoy anyplace Nike finally decides on - I've also always wanted to go on an air-boat ride. Finally got to do white-water rafting in Gatlinburg last month - my husband was the first one to fall off! The only three of our group that went into the water were the biggest men, I think they figured it was too macho to HOLD ON!! lol Coral Castle, I can hardly believe I grew up probably less than 10 miles from there and never went! Looking forward to it now.

charlis		18-Aug-2010 21:05
T-Bird... while going through some old pics for a project I found a pic of the pool from when I was there in '62 on my move to S FL. Will look through the stack of hundreds of pics again this weekend and will send to Don.

charlis		18-Aug-2010 21:02
Roberta and White... AmTrak stops in Hollywood, which is closer to the T-Bird. I'll time my drive over/down to stop there and pick up Roberta and Lewis!

charlis		18-Aug-2010 20:59
Miami Girl... I was tentatively diagnosed with Fibro in the late 80's... they thought it was MS as Fibro was not an "official medical condition". Was officially diagnosed in 1997, also diagnosed with crippling arthiritus. Was told I would be in a wheel chair by the time I was in my 60's. Turned 61 in May... no wheel chair. But, still in a lot of pain. I used to love to walk but even the "Gazelle" is a problem. Exercise for the one condition is bad for the other.

whitebelt		18-Aug-2010 17:12
Roberta, have you checked out Amtrak? There should be a train running not far from you down to Miami. The station in Miami is on NW 79th street and 37th ave. By Hialeah racetrack. They have the auto-train during the snowbird season that drops your car off in Sanford. Which is still a long ways from Miami. Amtrak used to have a special pass for Florida trains where you rode at will for about $200 a year. That is travel strictly within Florida. Don't know if they still have it.

Nike		18-Aug-2010 09:28
MRR - 10-4 We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis, We want Roberta and Lewis,

Fran		18-Aug-2010 03:10
Gang, What ever all of you decide is fine with me. I'm game...

Miami River Rat		18-Aug-2010 01:22
I want to see the Nike site as well. With careful planning (lookin' at you, Nike) the pool party airboat ride and Nike tour need not be mutually exclusive, right? Won't Coral Castle and Robert Is Here work in nicely with the Nike tour? Pizza Palace is still there? First it was an orange juice place, built like a big orange. Then it became the only orange-shaped pizza joint in the world. Had some good times hangin' out there, jukebox outside and kinda' toward the back if I remember right.

whitebelt		18-Aug-2010 00:13
Gee, I thought all of us jumping into a mosh pit would be fun.

Nike		17-Aug-2010 23:35
O.K., O.K., pool party & pizza at the T-bird. Parks, your air boat ride is sounding like a popular idea. I won't be offended if we don't do the Nike site as I am there a coupple of time each year conducting tours or working with the staff. The main think is for all of us to meet and have a good time. I'm sure everyone has special interests they can pursue. The main event will be the "Poolside Pizza Party" at the T-bird. I wonder if the Pizza Palace on the Trail around SW 30th Ave delivers.

Miami Girl		17-Aug-2010 23:33
Roberta please keep thinking positive! It's still over a year from now and no one knows what will happen. We'll all keep you and Lewis in our thoughts and prayers and hope you'll both be there - it won't be the same without ya girl! We'll be car pooling all over - won't be much walking unless one wants to. Same thing with Charlis, don't worry about walking we'll work with it! My sister-in-law has been in a wheel chair for 5 years and goes almost anywhere, even while in great pain from fibromyalgia (honestly I don't know how she does it, she's braver than I am). So anyway, we can push who ever needs it.

Miami Girl		17-Aug-2010 23:10
A Miami Beach pool pizza party at the T-Bird with 60's music sounds golden for Saturday night - what could possibly be better? With so many music people in our group, is there a tape out there with a 10:00 to 11:00 broadcast of a Rick Shaw show with Last Date playing and marking my curfew hour of 11:00? If nothing else we could at least play the CD at that time. Any and all of the other ideas are great and if we can make it we'll go with the flow. Our reservations are made at the T-Bird in January so I'll give ya'll a report -- also for Redland Hotel after the cruise. Homestead was never a big hang out spot for us, but most of it has changed since Andrew anyway - I just like historic and unique places. Robert is Here and Shorty's - here we come!

charlis		17-Aug-2010 22:14
I like the pool side "oldies party" idea.

charlis		17-Aug-2010 22:12
forget South Beach... unless you are daring. Friends that still live on the Beach avoid it, even during the day. Pockets get picked, you are approached by drug dealers, prices are way to high for what you get... I'll visit South Beach through "Dexter", "CSI:Miami" and "Burn Notice".

charlis		17-Aug-2010 22:06
Parks... always wanted to ride an airboat!

Fran		17-Aug-2010 16:30
MRR, That last post must have been a slip of tongue. I'm not a happy camper in soaking wet clothes. Surely you're joking.:) Wishing and hoping...

whitebelt		17-Aug-2010 14:00
Wish I knew why my autologin kicks out on occasion.

Guest		17-Aug-2010 13:59
Ads in the Herald. Some of those running ads have stuck in my mind over the years. Tempest Storm, Blaze Starr, and the snake dancer. One of my favorites was an ad for I think it was the 7 Seas go-go in Sunny Isles. Picture of a young lady dancer with some really sexy thighs. I think women with slightly bowed legs are a turn on. I mean more so than the average. The Herald used to be such a good paper. A long time ago. One of those things you looked forward to reading during breakfast. Jack Kofoed on the comics page was a favorite columnist of mine. He used to rail against the status of forces treaty we had with Turkey. He championed a GI named Dale McCutcheon who was tossed into a Turkish prison for some transgression. Reading him scared the hell out of me when I got orders for Turkey. Wasn't bad. You didn't do drugs or get drunk and tear down a Turkish flag and wipe your shoes with them and you had no problem.

Miami River Rat		17-Aug-2010 13:12
Saturday night Pool-Party at the Thunderbird! Some of our music geeks can spin the oldies on a turntable while the rest of us dance pool-side. "Sixteen candles make a starry light But not as bright as your eyes tonight..." Leave wallets and such stuff in your room, somebody is sure to get tossed in the water.

Nike		17-Aug-2010 08:17
No problem here. I "know a guy who knows a guy from Joisy" at the Nike site. This is a VIP tour where we will drive right to the missile barn, walk inside and explain what happened there from 1962 (Cuban Missile Crisis) until 1979 when the site was decommisisoned. While there, we can drive anywhere else we want to. No walking unless a personal favorite sport. The Coral Castle is approximately 100 feet from side-to-side so, very little walking. I'll bet Don's house is larger than that and he's still crippled from his last accident. The Key Lime Shake machine is only 20 feet from where we park. No problem. We can make stops at Snowdens or anywhere anyone else desires to miander around and reminese about "makin out" or whatever happened on that spot (too much information). No one is expected to be anywhere at any time. While some may want to take the tour south to the Nike site, Robert is Here, and Coral Castle on Saturday morning, other may want to go in a different direction. We should be back by 2 or 3 in the afternoon with plenty time to go visit our individual neighborhoods and hangouts before returning for the evening. As a suggestion, everyone can be on their own for dinner and our fun time in the evening can be a party with oldie goldies in one of the T-Bird conference rooms. I am open to suggestions and I am sure there will be plenty of good ones. Capice?

whitebelt		17-Aug-2010 04:21
CK, 50 to 100? Ouch. We can try to get in and sue them for discrimination against senior citizens. :-)

Charles Knight		17-Aug-2010 03:57
Hey Whitebelt, the typical cover charge for most S. Beach clubs is from fifty to one hundred dollars these days IF...They let you in.

Fran		17-Aug-2010 03:19
Well, gang it sounds like a plan. Meeting face to face is a plus. Sunburned, eating ice trying to cool off. My plan for the next few days.

Miami River Rat		17-Aug-2010 02:55
To answer Parks, I'm planning to be there if life doesn't interfere. I don't care, we can walk the Anhinga trail or rock out on South Beach, take an airboat ride, go dive off the Bear Cut Bridge or let C. Knight give us a guided tour of Loop Road. It's all about meeting the people face to face. Sitting around a motel room and swapping stories wouldn't be so bad either! "I wish that we could sit upon the bed in some motel And listen to the stories we could tell"~~~Jimmy Buffett

whitebelt		17-Aug-2010 00:57
GEE, LARGO. I JUST THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUN IF WE WENT TO SOUTH BEACH AND HIT A FEW CLUBS. SHOW THEM HOW IT'S DONE, YOU KNOW? :-)

Parks		17-Aug-2010 00:08
Would it be smart to hire a van and driver for a day to drive us around? Do we have an idea of how many of us might be able to come to the reunion? Air Boat Ride? A friend of mine owns Airboat USAhttp://www.airboatusa.com/ He has a huge airboat that will hold ten or twelve people. He also owns the glass bottom boat that sails out of Biscayne National Park. It sounds like we've decided to drive south to the Nike base in Everglades National Park with several stops. That sounds like pretty much a full day outing. While in the park we could do a stop at the Anhinga Trail. There are always birds and gators to see. For those that don't want to walk the trail, there are benches by the water where you can watch birds, fish and gators. The welcome center to the park is also worth 10 minutes.

LARGO		16-Aug-2010 23:54
GOLLY WHITEBELT...YOUR SO DANG UPBEAT... ;~\ ...YOU SHOULD BE OUR SOCIAL DIRECTOR...WHERE TO GO...WHERE NOT TO GO...TO GO OR NOT TO GO...THAT MIGHT BE THE QUESTION??....I KNOW, I KNOW...YOU ARE JUST TELLIN IT LIKE IT IS..LOL...AND THAT'S OK....BUT MANY OF US HAVE OUR OWN MEMORIES OF WHAT S. FLORIDA..MIAMI AREA 'WAS'...AND I KNOW IT'S NOT THE SAME AS IT USE TO BE BACK "IN THE DAY"...BUT MAYBE IT'S THE SAME THING THAT DRAWS US TO LOG ON TO THIS SITE AND CHAT TIME AFTER TIME... THAT MAKES IT....SORTA SEEM LIKE A FUN ADVENTURE TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS....AND MAKING PLANS IS WHAT LIFE'S ABOUT! I LOVE THAT OUR ROBERTA IS A 'ROMANTIC'...AND HAS PAINTED BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF OUR OLD TOWN...AND HOLDS THEM DEEPLY IN HER HEART...AND HAS THE GIFT TO SHARE THEM....."IF" I COULD..."IF"... I WOULD RENT A STRETCH..DRIVE TO GEORGIA..LOAD ROBERTA AND LEWIS UP...HIRE NANNY COWBOYS TO WATCH THEIR RANCH..ROBERT DUVAL AND ROBERT REDFORD...OF COURSE!! WHILE WE ARE DREAMING HERE!!...AND DRIVE THEM TO MIAMI AND "WHEREVER" THEY WANTED TO GO...COCOPLUM....RENT A BOAT TO SEE FOWEY ROCK.....WHATEVER!!!...IT'S THE PLANNING, DREAMING AND THE IDEA OF SEEING "IT" THRU SOMEONE ELSES EYES.........OHHHH S**T!! I JUST FELL OFF MY SOAPBOX....LATER GANG...................LARGO

whitebelt		16-Aug-2010 23:51
That is what i was trying to say, Charlis. It is a considerable distance from the north end. A lonnnnggggggggggggg walk. Dadeland is so much more central to everything now. Fran, it was like a late summer early fall day here. Morning was perfect. Beautiful weather. My check is supposed to be on the way before the end of September. Hope so. Gotta get that furnace put back together. Have that and the duct work torn apart. Replacing the duct work, easier than cleaning it. These summers are getting shorter.

Fran		16-Aug-2010 23:24
Weather Report: Killeen, TX- 107 degrees Waco, TX- 106 degrees College Station, TX- Cold front reported at a cool 104 degrees. It's HOT and thunderstorms are headed our way. Even a walking tour in Miami sounds nice. Heard tell of a cold drink truck that serves cocktails. Okay, may be too much sun.:)

charlis		16-Aug-2010 22:23
White... here is the link to the metro "path"... closest "stop" to the t-bird is on 79th street...http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/rail_stations.asp

whitebelt		16-Aug-2010 21:49
Charlis, unless they extended it, the north leg use to start by Hialeah Racetrack, over to 27th ave and then south to the Airport Expressway, then east and through the Jackson Memorial area. Dadeland was the terminus of the southern leg. There was talk of extending, but doubt it has been done yet. There may be other alternatives from NMB to downtown. Downtown is still more vertical than horizontal. There are tours of the area. http://www.miamitours.us/?event=offer.type&productType=CITY&mpt=292&name=Miami%20City%20Tours

charlis		16-Aug-2010 21:29
Like Roberta, I am unable to do the walking tours. We can catch the Metro in the north part of the county from what I've been told... just have to drive over to N Miami from the T-Bird. Points of interest, for me, are Viscaya, the Coral Castle, Crandon Park. Forget S Beach... I can see all I want on TV... "Burn Notice", "CSI: Miami" an "Dexter"... Up here in Tampa we have a company that runs fancy golf carts to take you places down town... well, they were here but the taxi companies put up a fight and won, for the time being. In NYC there is a program where people will show you around... all you have to pay for is the transportation. Is there such a thing in Miami? PS: Vote for Dan Gelber... a Beach graduate!

whitebelt		16-Aug-2010 15:30
Roberta, you are such a romantic. That new development smell and feel of where you grew up has been long, long gone. I used to drive home via SW 67th ave a lot. Bird and 67th was always jam packed with traffic during rush hour. We are talking waiting two or three lights to get through the intersection at a minimum. One evening some idiot tried turning left onto 67th from Bird heading north, easing over and blocking a lane, but that didn't stop anyone, It got seriously gridlocked. After several light changes and no movement I couldn't take it no more. I got out of my van and walked into the intersection and played traffic cop with an attitude and got it unsnarled. Would not have dreamed of doing such if I did not have a gun on me. I swear Bird in that area had more dummies and hotheads per capita driving it than any other road in Miami. Took a trip down to Vero Beach a couple of years ago. Two thousand miles to get to it and two thousand miles back. Drove up there occasionally from Miami to do some work, then drive back. Had no desire whatsoever to make the jaunt down to Miami to show the woman the place I grew up in. She lived in Key West a couple of years in the 70's, but just passed through Miami a couple of times. Miami is just so far from the United States. She is talking about going back again to get a condo for winter living. Good thing I enjoy long road trips. I don't fly. Miami is energy. A Monopoly Board on steroids. You have to summon up all the energy you have left to visit it. But the size of it now, the lights and the action is something to see. Then go back home where it is quiet and peaceful. I lived in west Perrine by the Turnpike before I left in a quiet little place. Every 10 minutes you would hear a siren passing by, even into the night. I hear one maybe once in a few days here. I used to go fishing at night on the Rickenbacker a lot in the later 60's. By midnight there were many times when I would see few cars between SW 27th and the Rickenbacker on US1. In the 90's it was a steady stream almost all night long. I worked in Boca Raton for a while. I hated winter time because I would be on the Palmetto and from the bend on south you saw nothing but a solid line of taillights down to Bird Road as far as the eye could see. Traffic, traffic, traffic EVERYWHERE!! I went on a rant. I have PTSD from Miami driving. I would love to see a collection of photos driving into downtown on Flagler street over the years to record the changes. I didn't take that route very often, but was always impressed by it.

Nike		16-Aug-2010 09:26
Whitebelt, Not a problem. We will be a flexible as we need to to make it an enjoybale trip for everyone. Actually, Don's house in Miami Lakes sounds pretty good. I wonder how many bedrooms he has.

Nike		16-Aug-2010 09:22
Roberta, Consider it done

Roberta Perry Hughes		16-Aug-2010 05:21
Those who are physically able bodied should visit the original Dade County Court House, while it is yet standing, dontcha know....? I am sure that it is just a matter of time, before it is imploded. If they destroyed that gorgeous large white Library downtown, then NOTHING is sacred, nor safe from total anhilation, to become like it was never even there. I have no clue, if either Lewis, or myself, will be able to make a trip that far, nor be away from home, for that many days, even if we could tolerate it. I cannot speak for him, but I would only slow folks down, as I am unable to walk distances, so walking tours are not for me, nor stairs, nor walking in beach sand. However, I can "go there" through YOUR eyes, my friends....! Think of me, and know that I will be there with you all, in spirit, and in my heart-of-hearts.....! With every step you take, and with every schlurrrp of that wonderful-sounding Key Lime Shake....! How I wish I were able to return to Our Town, for this event, to maybe, go see the Fowey Rock Light, rich in my family's history, or even stroll among the early Pioneers, who are interred in Cocoplum Cemetery, and to visit that rare hammack, for the first time, since I was 8 years old. To see SW 55th Street and 99th Place, where my former childhood home is, and the childhood homes of my neighbors and friends, and see our former schools, too, perhaps. To just stand there, close my eyes, and hear the cacophony of the many giggles and chatter, and the music wafting on the air, from someone's transister radio, reaching my ears, from across the vast expanse of long ago, like it was only yesterday, or even, right then, in that very moment. The beautiful tropical foliage, the fruit trees, the scent of clipped hedge trimmings, and mown grass, and the sight of the airport's searchlights, in the night sky. My favorite flower, the hibiscus, and to taste the sweet fruit from a Florida cherry hedge. Of such, dreams are made.....! Take a gazillion photos, y'all, and it is my sincerest wish, that Don will put up a special gallery, for the Rogues First Annual Reunion, 2011, of the Post-A-Comment Club, found on the OldMiamiMemories website. Oh, I can hardly wait to see it.....! Get some large poster boards, and several permanent markers, and write across one of them, "Hello, Roberta....! We wish you were here....!, and have someone take a photo of it, a group shot, wontcha, please....? Label some others, with your names, and hold them up for a photo, too. It would be so joyous, to see them in a special Gallery.....!! Wow. Talk to you, later..... ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

whitebelt		16-Aug-2010 05:02
Nike, some people have been away from there so long they will be spending a lot of time looking up and visiting old friends and cruising around. There will be a lot of windshield time spent on those tours. Some may even have other places to stay while there. We definitely have to have a meet up somewhere for a night or two, and group off and galavant from there. Maybe a breakfast together before we leave. I don't think any of us take off in the middle of the night on long trips anymore. :-) I was 45 when I left there. Most of the changes happened before then. Matheson Hammock is the only place I miss. I heartily recommend that anyone who hasn't been there since the 70's visit downtown and South Beach. Miami is a lot more energetic than it was in our younger days. Miami's skyline is now rated 3rd in the country according to this. It's grown. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Miami The Metrorail and PeopleMover are the best way to see the changes. Get off, walk around, get back on. You do not want to drive down there and park. BTW, Miami has ranked first for road rage murders for at least many of the last several years. Since it seems most on here are from south Dade I would suggest maybe a meeting place down around the Dadeland area. Just a more central spot to start off from, and a lot less traffic to fight. It is actually close to being the center of the county now. Twenty miles of Xway to the Springs and Xway all the way to NMB. Easy pulloff to Don's house. Easy going to Miami Beach and easy going south from there. Driving south from NMB is not fun, especially in rush hour, which is most of the day anymore. I used to put on 50K miles a year there driving, and I was not a taxi driver. There used to be a couple of HoJos along US1, one in South Miami/Coral Gables around the canal, and one around SW 104 st. They may be funky enough by now to be cheap.

Parks		16-Aug-2010 03:25
Whitebelt, Bayside Market Place is what was built on the old Pier 5 location. http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/ Miami Girl, I didn't know about the Redland Hotel until you mentioned it. I had seen it listed on the Redland Riot wesite but hadn't read about it. Susan worked in Homestead about twenty years ago so I asked her if she knew it. She said it was a "flop house" when she worked in Homestead. Looks like they've done a magnificent job of restoring it.

Miami Girl		16-Aug-2010 00:37
Nike, good luck coordinating all these suggestions into one weekend! I'm good with your initial plans but whatever you decide the final agenda is I know everyone is gonna have a great time and sure hope all of us rogues can make it.

Nike		15-Aug-2010 19:29
Don, You can jump in anytime. Any suggestions?

whitebelt		15-Aug-2010 16:13
Parking at Metrorail in South Miami or Dadeland, then catching the train to downtown and the PeopleMover would be a good tour, but will take a few hours. Downtown is worth spending some time exploring now.

whitebelt		15-Aug-2010 15:58
A trip downtown and to the top of one of the skyscrapers with a view would be interesting. Downtown has changed. Don't know what the tallest building is now, but I know they were up to 59 floors several years ago. Just walking around downtown would be a trip. Also a visit to what replaced Pier 5. Can't remember the name.

Miami Girl		15-Aug-2010 15:19
Parks, I completely forgot about The Redland Hotel! I had found it about a year ago when I searched Cauley Square - all restored after Andrew. A friend and neighbor's grandparents lived in the old building right at the corner of US 1 and SW 224 St and our first home after getting married was down a few blocks - not the best of areas in those days. I have already made reservations at a hotel in Cutler Ridge, but have just e-mailed The Redland for vacancy and price info. Thank you for bringing this up!

Parks		15-Aug-2010 03:27
Nike, unfortunately we won't be able to go to Knaus Berry Farm as they don't open until mid November. Take a look at this web site for interesting places in South Dade:http://www.redlandriot.com/ Driving down old Cutler we'll be passing the infamous make out spot near Snowdens and the bridge that folks (Az Al?) jumped off. I'd love to get a tour of Loop Road with CK but it doesn't sound like we'd have time.

Nike		15-Aug-2010 01:34
Other suggestions for places and things for the Miami Rogues (Re??) Union? If we do the Coral Castle, we expect a guided tour by Whitebelt. CK, Parks, Jeff, girls, any suggestions? Hubba, hubba, time to plan.

Nike		14-Aug-2010 22:17
No problem. Coral Castle is on US 1 just north of Homestead which is on the route to Robert is Here and the Nike site inside Everglades National Park. Miami Rogues Reunion October 21-23, 2011 Friday October 23: Check- in @ Thunderbird on Miami Beach Rates $65-$75 - Guestrooms have air conditioning, refrigerators, and coffee/tea makers. Comments from former guests: Review #1: The infrastructure is old and some details could use some maintenance; but it is clean, efficient, right on the beach, conveniently located with groceries nearby (you can save a lot of money by eating in your kitchenette, but the restaurants aren’t far away either if that’s what you want!) The staff are helpful and friendly when you need them, not overbearing. What more could you ask for? Save money on the hotel and spend it on having fun or nice meals instead... Review #2: How odd, you drive south along the ocean passing 50 story towers one after another, and then, just past the new Trump Towers is a the little old Thunderbird. Obviously this place will not be here forever so go now while you still can! Our trip through the hectic and crazy downtown Miami and north to the hotel was nuts, we were on motorcycles and it was hot and the people drove like nascar drivers.... when we arrived the Thunderbird was like a little haven next to the ocean of peaceful calm and solitude. The hotel surrounds the pool area and bars like a horseshoe and shuts out everything but the sounds of the ocean. We had pizza delivered beachside and enjoyed a calm evening watching the waves roll in. The place is a little slice of heaven along the coast. Malls, restaurants and everything else is a short drive away. The lobby is older, but very well kept, the whole place reminds me of 1950’s high-end never updated. I loved my stay there and would certainly return. The rooms were bright, clean and airy - most with great views of the beach as to how they are angled. Do yourself a favor and stay here, relax and enjoy! Dinner - Open to Suggestion Saturday - 9:00 AM - Carpool the following route: South on Collins drive, cross the Venition Bridge, south on Biscayne to Bayshore past Rickenbacker Causeway to Coconut Grove. South on Old Cutler Road past Matheson Hammock to Cutler Ridge. South on US #1 to Coral Castle. Ater a visit to Coral Castle, proceed to Robert is Here for a Key Lime Shake. Continue into Everglades National Park for VIP tour of the Nike Missile site. Return to RIH for a KLS. North on US 1 to Newton Road then left to Silver Palm Drive to Knaus Berry Farm for a sticky bun, strawberry shake, or whatever is in season. I suspect it will be around 2:00 pm by now. Everyone on their own or anyone who wants to peal off to visit former neighborhoods car pool with individuals with similar interests or travel alone. 7:00 PM - Dinner Menu and location open to suggestion (wild boar by CK)? 60's music at The Thunderbird around the pool. Sunday - 10:00 am - Tour to Crandon Park and Key Biscayne. Return to Thunderbird for good-by's and make trip home. These are all tentative plans and I am certainly open to suggestions.

charlis		14-Aug-2010 21:04
We have to add the Coral Castle to our list of places to visit during the reunion.

whitebelt		14-Aug-2010 18:17
For those that didn't know, Coral Castle originally was part of 10 acres Ed had. He called it Rock Gate Park, not Coral Castle. The present site is about an acre. The other 9 acres was pineland to the east. He started out in Florida City. There are still remains of it on someone's property. I have pictures but can't publish due to copyright limitations. He moved about 100 tons from there to the present site, all sculptures. He dug 1000 tons out of the ground to create the present park. A cool trick cutting blocks of stone out of solid rock below ground level. He did it within 4 years, actually much less. He was in his 50's. He was 5'2" and 125 lbs at the max. A lot of his equipment weighed more than he did. Crackers, sardines, and veggies from his garden were supposed to be his primary food supply. He spent weekends watching movies and read a lot of science magazines. He had a 4th grade education, I believe. During WWII he was interviewed by the FBI because he had wire strung out all over the place that he claimed was for his radio experiments. You may find references to "The Secrets to the Universe", another aspect many pursue. Those numbers were his naturalization certificate and date etched on the doorway to the living quarters. Probably as a result of the FBI visit. He was Latvian. I was the first to guess it was his naturalization number because of the similarity to my father's. That was verified later by relatives of his. Take a good look at the Saturn obelisk. A huge and rather obvious phallic symbol. The head of it is a 6 pointed star with a 6 pointed hole through it, but very worn and weathered. That one is a replacement for the original that broke off. The original is part of the east wall. Much cleaner cut. The obelisk is an oscillator for the circuit created by the walls. If anyone had visited in the 80's they might recall a cedar tree on the south wall. It was dead center on the N-S axis just inside the wall. The branches grew only along the wall, on a E-W axis, after the tree rose above the wall. Looked like a menorah or candelabra. There was no pruning done. There are some very Masonic aspects to the place, but of a much older vintage. BTW, the name Leedskalnin has to do with rock people, masons, or something like that in Latvian or Slavic from what I understand. A shame that a place that has so much more to it than meets the eye is just a tourist attraction with a BS story as it being a monument to a broken love. Read his book and you will see that wasn't the case in his own words. That was a future he was building for himself.

whitebelt		14-Aug-2010 17:02
Thanks, CK. I just sent an email to your address.

Charles Knight		14-Aug-2010 16:48
Whitebelt, no. I'll scan what's on the book tonight and forward them to you. kngtrk2@aol.com

whitebelt		14-Aug-2010 14:35
Nike, I am familiar with the site. Matt collected a bunch of my comments from an old Coral Castle forum and kind of put them together. I can't even wade through them. I'm the Dave Nelson's Commentary. Was an interesting group with some interesting stuff for a few years. It got hacked and Coral Castle never revived it. I looked at the place as a circuit that manipulated telluric currents. No magic, aliens, levitation, etc. Nine parts brain power and one part physical. That opened a door to a different understanding of physics and even existence than commonly held. Ed Leedskalnin studied electricity and magnetics in an effort to understand what he knew and used. Marrying an ancient technology to a modern understanding. I feel I enlarged upon his understanding since those writings. All mainstream science ignores their own pronouncements. Einstein's laws of thermodynamics and Newton's theory of gravity both point to one large body that we are carved out of. Leedskalnin said essentially the same thing. The flow of energy in that body follows a pattern. Understanding that pattern allows a mind that can detach itself from reacting to the flows to channel that energy to a directed end. There is a limiting factor to having the ability to do such in that any changes one makes can come back to bite one in the ass. When you are existing in a closed container every move you make is felt by all and the resulting reactions can have unanticipated consequences. The universe is a damned big and complicated place from this perspective. Measure twice and cut once if one wishes to engage in such endeavors. Otherwise one is best served by appreciating the experiences of this existence and enjoying the hell out of them. Coral Castle was a receiving/transmitting transducer Ed made. CK, is there a photo where Ed is standing to the left holding the book out in front of a blank wall? Kind of an odd photo as far as composition goes.

Fran		14-Aug-2010 11:47
Roberta, I think that stank best describes the smell. I hated having to walk near them , over them and on them. That's a memory I won't forget. The boys would gather up as many as they could, put them in their lockers. Middle school guys heading out after school, going fishing. Priceless!

Nike		14-Aug-2010 10:28
WHitebelt, I know you are knowledgeable about cosmic electromagnetic stuff. Take a look at Leedkalnin . com

Charles Knight		14-Aug-2010 05:33
There are three photos on the back cover (outside) ,three inside of the front cover, and one on the inside back cover.

whitebelt		14-Aug-2010 05:32
Roberta, I remember that from Gladeview Elementary. They would also crawl across the first floor breezeway. They weren't nearly as plentiful as you had them. Of course, young boys in elementary did not try to step over them.

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-Aug-2010 05:02
Howdy, y'all...... I didn't live in the area where the land crabs migrated, nor where they ended up in swimming pools. However, I DO recall, after a rain, the mass migration of earthworms, that left their silver trails all over the sidewalks within Riviera Junior High School, and that there were so many of them, NOT stepping on them was impossible to do. They stank to high heaven, and the build up acted like retreads, on the soles of your shoes. Our mother made us take our shoes off before entering the house, and we would return outside, barefooted, to wash the soles of our shoes, and place them on the cement wall "aprons," on the front porch. Each contained a pole on one end that was used to hold up a corner of the front porch roof, which was a feature in the design of the house. Everytime it rained, we had to endure to mass migration....and subsequent massacre....of crawling earthworms, within our school's sidewalks. Did that happen in your schools, too.....? It was nasty. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

whitebelt		14-Aug-2010 02:11
I discovered a little trick years ago that can used to entertain grandkids and as a prank. Take one of those mylar balloons they sell everywhere and start tying pieces of paper to the string. Eventually you get enough weight so the balloon stays just a few feet off the floor. I did this in my son's house in New Orleans one winter and it was freaky how it would bob up and down and move room to room following air currents. It would even duck under the tops of doors. It would hover and then eventually just duck and enter the next room, and even go back. If you have a very light fabric and enough helium in the balloon you can make some neat ghosties for Halloween. This works better in a closed house. Fine tuning it to the proper height gives it more animation.

whitebelt		14-Aug-2010 01:18
CK, hold the book in front of a mirror and it reads very closely to How In Every Book. The words and lines have to be arranged exactly the way they are for that to happen. Ed Leedkalnin was a trickster. He was very big into balance and mirror images. A very precise man. When you just gaze at some of the old photos of the place some images will just jump out at you. Probably a Rorschach because of the light and dark on rough coral. I lost my copy years ago. I seem to remember a picture that may have been at the back. Do you have another on your copy? AZ Al, that is what the neighbor we had did with them. Lived katty corner to us. I killed dozens of them.

Arizona Al		14-Aug-2010 00:59
Whitebelt: There was a black family that lived across Old Cutler Road from Marlin Road in Cutler Ridge. The patriarch was called "Nigger Willie" (I report the name but deplore the term) who would capture land crabs during the migration and put them in a pen, feed them corn meal and then sell them to his friends. He also sold questionable inventory auto parts which is how I made his acquaintance. He was around 60-65 in 1963 so I am certain he has passed. Another recollection of my sordid youth for the Miami Rogues Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Charles Knight		14-Aug-2010 00:56
A ghost? Hmmm...

Charles Knight		14-Aug-2010 00:53
I have this book. It's on my desk in front of me right now. Picked it up at a yard sale for a pittance several years back. 1st edition...What exactly am I looking for here?

whitebelt		13-Aug-2010 23:45
The cover could be a collage, Charlis. Has some stuff written on it, too. Look at it in a mirror. It was probably taken with a Kodak Brownie.

charlis		13-Aug-2010 22:45
White... I'll play with it tomorrow but the pic on the cover was definately altered. I used to have a dark room... Look at his feet... and shoulders... the shoulders are shagged while the stones behind him are not. As to the other pic... notice there are shadows but none around him. Black shading in the surrounding area is muted but his suit "jumps" out at you.

whitebelt		13-Aug-2010 22:05
The book cover was not altered. Did you see anything in the other one?

Charles Knight		13-Aug-2010 21:44
Found one in our in ground pool at home in Sweetwater. Apparently someone nearby was raising them to eat?

Charles Knight		13-Aug-2010 21:42
Found one in our in ground pool at home in Sweetwater. Apparently someone nearby was raising them to eat?

charlis		13-Aug-2010 21:42
crab walk... yuck. Never saw it, but I was still trying to get used to cockroaches!

charlis		13-Aug-2010 21:40
white... I remember something about those pics from a few years ago... they were "altered"... can't remember anything else about the findings.

whitebelt		13-Aug-2010 19:45
I don't know, Al. They were still doing it in the 70's. They were all over. Used to see them on occasion in the 50's around NW 32 ave between 54th and 62 St. Scary critter for a little kid to encounter on the way to school. Had a Cuban neighbor for a while that raised them until the health dept shut him down. Was fun crunching them with big rocks.

Fran		13-Aug-2010 19:42
Another thought for an outing: Parks Wildlife Sanctuary, great place to visit and enjoy the surroundings. Cool...

Arizona Al		13-Aug-2010 19:13
Whitebelt: For every year that I lived in Cutler Ridge (1955-1964) I recall the annual land crab migration. Not only was Old Cutler Road inundated with the malodorous crushed creatures as the streets in the Cutler Ridge Subdivision suffered the same fate. Do they still engage in an annual migration or have they been decimated by "civilization"? Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Parks		13-Aug-2010 13:46
Hi Roberta, the land crab would probably taste pretty good but I think he's a pet now. Any wildlife in our yard is appreciated. (Iguanas not so much) Susan said he actually had a piece of mango hanging out of his mouth when she saw him. We had a flock of about ten Ibis a few days ago when the yard was wet. I think the rain brings bugs to the surface that they eat.

whitebelt		13-Aug-2010 13:41
Anyone remember driving through herds of migrating land crabs on Old Cutler? The crunch of tires on crab and worrying about flats?

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-Aug-2010 05:42
Parks..... For your next Florida Movie Night, serve your guests Steamed Land Crab With Mango Salsa. ***************************************************************************************************************

Parks		13-Aug-2010 04:43
Hi Rat, I remember the bridge you spoke of very well. I photographed my girl friend on that bridge. Got some nice pictures. You can't drive to that bridge from the Deering Estate any more. They have that road blocked as well. I think I'll try to get to it from the north and see what happens. Yesterday Susan went out in our back yard to see if any mangos had fallen. Darned if there wasn't a land crab eating the mangos! Only in Miami!

Miami River Rat		13-Aug-2010 04:31
Whitebelt gots da' magik! Parks, thanks, I went down there at night. Probably saw a chain-link gate the park people put up. Will check it out next time. That rock wall is with the glass bottles embedded is, indeed, the south end of the Deering Estate. Remember, going up the back road north a quarter mile or so there was a little bridge? If you hit it over 40 mph your car would launch into the air, a "thrill hill" sort of effect. Anyways, in the late '50's and early '60's the way to see the Deering Estate was to get in the little creek that ran under that bridge. There was some ironwork below the bottom of the rock wall down to water level, but you could hold your breath, duck underwater and thus under the iron and you were in! I probably wouldn't have gone to all that trouble if I hadn't got cut on the glass bottles and decided that by #!&**# I was going in there one way or the other. Neat place, it was. Wished I owned it back then, and still do.

whitebelt		13-Aug-2010 01:53
Jesus, how did that show up? It was a link.

whitebelt		13-Aug-2010 01:52
Ed Leedskalnin was a trickster and a very purposeful man. He didn't waste much resources or do much without a purpose. You can print this picture out and hold it in front of a mirror or get a mirror and and look at it from behind the monitor. Get the largest view of this one and look it over, especially that window like thing over his right shoulder. That was taken late in the day facing east. There is another copy of the picture floating around but cleaned up. I believe this to be the original. As I said, Ed did not do anything just for the hell of it. He was a pretty precise guy. There is a solid object where that window is. Tell me if you see anything in it.

Miami Girl		13-Aug-2010 01:45
I don't know if anyone has posted this on here before but I just discovered the photographer Paul Marcellini, he takes the most beautiful photos of Florida areas. I want to check out his price list but I'm afraid to ask.

whitebelt		12-Aug-2010 23:16
I got an email from the people that do Ancient Aliens recently asking if I would participate in a segment about Coral Castle. I said no thanks because there weren't aliens involved and I had a completely different take on the place that would require a very different view of physics and the popular story about building it for Agnes. I didn't think it would play well on their show.

charlis		12-Aug-2010 22:30
UFO/Miami Beach continued... figured I give you some time to look up the story... About 10 years ago I met up with an old classmate from the Beach... we were talking about old Miami Beach memories. Some time during the conversation the topic of UFO's came up.... Okay... the true story about the UFO/alien siting on Miami Beach.... He and 2 buddies were headed home from a day of snorkeling... they saw people on the bridge staring at the glow in the water and the dead fish. They drove by and heard the people talking so they drove around the block and dropped off one of the guys. They then drove back to the bridge and got out of the car to find out what was going on. Suddenly (?) they turned around and pointed to a figure walking toward them... lighting was not that good. "OMG! It's an alien!" People ran! The friend had donned his scuba gear and was walking toward them. When people started running, the guy ducked into a dark spot on the street. It made the paper. The funny thing is that no one was able to explain the glow in the water and the dead fish...

charlis		12-Aug-2010 22:18
mereor shower... hope I can see it, still have clouds from that so called depression. Mention of the shower reminded me of something... UFO's. Seems there were a few reports in the past year or so. The one I am thinking about was in the mid 60's. Grwoing up "in the shadow of Wright Patterson AFB" in the 50's... the store house for UFO's, and a fan of sci-fi, I have always had an interest in them... spent last Saturday watching the History channel about "Ancient Aliens"... anyways... In the mid 60' there was an article in the paper about reports of alien sightings on Biscayne Point. People reported dead fish in the canal and glowing water. They reported seeing an alien walking towards them. See next post...

miami girl		12-Aug-2010 21:19
Some of us were there (on the road down by Snowden's) one night and of course were wondering what was behind that wall....I think everyone assumed it was a haunted house. So a couple of the guys decided to go over the wrought iron gate (good thing they didn't try the wall with the broken glass. One made it over and the other was on top when we heard those dreaded words "STOP OR I'LL SHOOT" - well it didn't take long for them to get back on our side and we were out of there! So now do we get to see that Deering mansion behind the wall? We WILL be going around the fence and walking back to our old parking place if there's any way possible. CK there's too many to list! Check out the Top 10 list for the years "57 to "65 and you have all of my favorites.

Parks		12-Aug-2010 04:53
Hi Guys, the spot that Miami Girl and Rat remember so fondly is just south of the Deering Estate. The glass topped wall that Rat remembers is the southern wall around the estate. The whole thing is now a very nice county park. You can still get to the spot by the water but you have to walk. There is a nice floating dock there now where you can launch canoes. I guess the young'uns can carry canoes and gear that far. It's about a two block walk from the park headquarters where you park. I think this is a case of the government taking a fun hang out and making it too nice. Maybe half a mile south of there is the bridge which many of you jumped off. There is now a park next to the bridge that runs from Old Cutler down to the bay. It's a nice place to launch canoes and you can drive closer to the water with all of your gear.

Roberta Perry Hughes		12-Aug-2010 04:12
Charlis..... So....!! You lost 23 pounds, huh.....????? Want 'em BACK.....????? I FOUND the little "sons-a-female-dogs"......!!!! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fran		12-Aug-2010 03:16
CK. Making a list, checking it twice. Don't want to leave out the best of yet to be. Miami River Rat, That would be some kind of special, that's what dreams are made of. Perseids, is showing tomorrow night. Feel the magic of movement, dance...

Miami River Rat		12-Aug-2010 02:25
Miami Girl: A couple of years ago I tried to go to that place by Snowden's and there was a chain link fence about two hundred yards up the road, before the last turn so you couldn't even see the wonderful spot. I threatened to get a boat and come around that way, but didn't. Maybe when we have this reunion we'll just crash the damn gate if it's still there and go on anyway. I spent some very nice "wee hours" right there, usually no other cars. Did you know the stone wall there had broken glass bottles embedded in the concrete on top? Don't ask how I know this... Fran, bring a meteor shower to the Dance in the Sand! That would be some kinda' special. Charlis: I have a cassette player and 23 is a great start, congrats!

Charles Knight		12-Aug-2010 01:48
Charlis or anyone else...Send me a list of what you want to hear. Title and artist...I'll make it happen.

Fran		11-Aug-2010 23:42
Charlis, You go girl! Sounds like a plan!

whitebelt		11-Aug-2010 23:41
Speaking of vinyl. http://www.cnn.com/2010/IREPORT/08/11/vinyl.irpt/index.html?hpt=C1

charlis		11-Aug-2010 22:08
I am soooo looking forward to the party.... saving up the pennies and loosing weight. Better luck on the saving pennies than loosing the weight but I have lost 23 lbs in the past 6 months... Got rid of all the old records but I do have the old songs on cassettes. Anyone still have a cassette player?

Fran		11-Aug-2010 21:51
Miami River Rat, Cheers! Oops, the radio is now playing Roy Orbison- "Oh, My Love My Darling". Tomorrow night there's a meteor shower. Hot time in the city...slow dancin' in the sand. Sounds nice...

Miami Girl		11-Aug-2010 21:21
Rat -- that little place by the water a block down from Snowden's THAT'S where my sweet memories are. How did you know, were you and someone in one of those other cars?. Listening to the breeze blowing through the pines, The Last Date was playing and I'm wishing it could last forever. We're gonna visit it again in January while exploring our old stomping grounds after the cruise - I CAN'T WAIT - don't think we'll do the back seat thing though, we'd probably get a cramp in some part of our body! Nike, you and your wife have it made in the shade honey. I think it's a great plan to rent during the hurricane season since it's not like we're staying up here in NY and need to be snowbirds. We'll keep the Water Island Rentals in mind. Thanks for the tip. Whitebelt, there was an article recently about buying a condo for less than a Toyota Corolla ($25,000). Of course who knows what the condition or location was - but you sure can't beat those prices because SOMEDAY they'll go up again. I guess that's why all those Europeans and Saudi Princes are buying them up in bunches. Charlis and Fran, I'm toasting my wine to you both and your romantic memories!

Miami River Rat		11-Aug-2010 20:27
Well, if y'all really want to get mushy try "The Iceman", Jerry Butler's song "Your Precious Love". Now put that on the car radio when the car's parked at that little beach a block from Snowden's store just off Old Cutler Road. Now be slow dancin' in the sand there and roll the clock back to 1962....

Fran		11-Aug-2010 17:27
Let's hear it for the girls!!! Whoop! Now sit back, chill, turn the sound up, "There's a Moon Out Tonight" and a shower of stars.:)

whitebelt		11-Aug-2010 17:10
Oh, Jesus. In their sixties and still mushy romantics. :-)

Fran		11-Aug-2010 16:10
Charlis, Oh, my GOSH! How sweet it is...Good wishes being sent to you. Tears of joy and mushy thoughts of good times.

charlis		11-Aug-2010 16:03
sorry for the double post. I hit "send" just as the power flickered... thanks to TD5.

charlis		11-Aug-2010 16:00
Fran... here is another "mushy"... recently got in touch with the first "Official" boyfriend... thanks to FaceBook. He contacted me. By "official" I mean "allowed to go on a date without others". We would take the bus to places (Miami Beach had a great system.) The guy had a great singing voice. One date was to see "My Fair Lady". He sang the song to me as we walked home from the bus stop that night... "On The Street Where You Live."... and after every date. Okay, Fran... stop sniffling!

Fran		11-Aug-2010 14:41
Nike, Good advice, the island is beautiful!

Nike		11-Aug-2010 13:37
Miami Girl, We just returned from our "Morning Island Walk." We were talking about you and decided you should just "pack it in" and come on down. Google WaterIslandRentals dot com

Nike		11-Aug-2010 09:13
Leighton - Where in East Tennessee? My family is from Roane County in Rockwood, Harriman, and Kingston. It is beautiful country. Miami Girl - Island living is great. While it is around 100 degrees in Atlanta where our primary residence is, Nancy and I are enjoying days in the high eighties and nights in the seventies. All the time with a gentle breeze. We have air conditioning her in the Virgin Islands but haven't had it on sine we arrived two weeks ago. The key to affording it is to rent a property of somone who doesn't want to be here from June - December due to hurricane season but wants the income for the vacant months. I don't worry about the hurricanes. If one gets too close, I simple get on a Delta flight to Atlanta. The owner has the worries of securing the home. We can return to the same house or select a different one next year. If we want, we can select a different island. Even though retired from fulltime work, I still work as a litigation consultant and travel around the country. The airport in St Thomas provides flights to anywhere in the country. I can be in Miami in 1 1/2 hours and Atlanta in 3 1/2 hours. I still need high speed internet and excellent cell phone service which I have both here. All that and Key Lime Shakes. We decided that we weren't going to look back and say, "We wish we would have don something or gone somewhere but now we're too old or can't afford it." Living your dreams means acting on them. I have had a great life with great memories. It isn't over until it's over.

whitebelt		11-Aug-2010 05:52
I saw condos listed for as little as 39K in the Palm Bay area. They appeared nice and some were very close to the beach. Condos can be risky because of being milked for association fees, but you may find an older one that is reasonable. Read the fine print. The nice thing is it is maintained if you are doing the seasonal thing. Minimal time getting settled in. I think the association fees may include insurance in some cases. Time shares are a hustle. For the price of a car you can have a permanent residence. Then you can decide which state is your primary residence for tax purposes if you are keeping two houses. You are unlikely to suffer much in the way of hurricane damage in one of those. Check out from Vero Beach northward.

Leighton		11-Aug-2010 05:29
Nike - have been back and forth between East TN, and San Antonio. In SA till Dec., for now.

Roberta Perry Hughes		11-Aug-2010 05:24
We are approximately 80 miles south of Augusta, and I am here to tell you, heat plus humidity = misery, and heat headaches. The HHI makes it feel like triple digits. One can suffer a heat stroke in their own home, if they are not careful. MRR.....I have a copy of "This Property is Condemned," and the little boy, talking with Mary Badham on the RR tracks is Jon Provost, who was Timmy, on TV's "Lassie." You mentioned a young Robert Redford in that film, but you forgot a young Charles Bronson. Loved the theme song for that film, "Wish Me a Rainbow." Fran, I, too, adored Gregory Peck, except in "Moby Dick," due to the fact that he was grossly miscast, as Captain Ahab. I would have pegged the raw-boned, lanky character actor, Royal Dano, or Raymond Massey, for the part, or John Carradine. Gregory Peck was too handsome and classy, to portray an Old Salt, who was obsessed with a white whale. Of the three, I think Raymond Massey could have carried it off without a hitch, just in remembering his portrayal as John Brown. Re: living by the ocean, as a permanent residence.....always remember the old adage, that....."If you can see the sea, the sea can see you...." Why not have a residence in a cooler, inland area, and consider time sharing, a bit off-season, to holiday in the salt 'n sand.....? The way the storms are, who wants to invest in beach front property, only to lose it, and have to rebuild, or, to cut your losses, and relocate, anyway....? Shop around, for that right fit. You're worth it. More Oliver Reed movies are on their way.....! Yippeee....! :- ) ################################################################################

Guest friend		11-Aug-2010 04:51
CK, Miami River Rat, knows who I am. I have informed him as to what is going on. He's not the guest. Considering both guests are suspect. Miracle Hospital was built in 1976, therefore making Danny a kid. His behavior is suspect. Trolling can provide trouble for a site and much can be gained by the troll/s. Find out what you can but he does fit the profile. Check him out on Face book. Enough said...

Charles Knight		11-Aug-2010 03:35
Guest friend...You're new...And anonymous, therefore suspect.

miami girl		11-Aug-2010 01:26
CK, do your Sherlock Holmes detective thing.....then let us know what happens. Whitebelt, I do dream of living on the beach -- those prices down there these days are almost too good to pass up, but the insurance premiums would be a killer. We might just be like the rest of the old folks who rent by the month in the winter (even if our regular home is in GA or TN) I need to hear and smell the ocean once in awhile, it's like an addiction!!

Guest friend		11-Aug-2010 01:02
CK, You are right, both probably are out of this country.

Charles Knight		10-Aug-2010 23:52
Funny how after months without any new folks...All of a sudden there are three new ones, with at least two playing off each other...I get the feeling some games are being played here. Guess I'm going to have to make a phone call after all. We'll soon know what is, and what is not.

Guest friend		10-Aug-2010 23:23
Danny is a troll. Be warned that a lurking soul wants your information.

Fran		10-Aug-2010 23:18
Charlis, Oh, my gosh, sweet. I guess you know first hand how it felt to hear from an old boyfriend after all these years. You know the old saying about a door closing and a window opening. Well, gal I think it's time for that window opening to show up soon. Miami Girl, you could sell them or bring them to the reunion. A little bit of Blue Velvet...

Charles Knight		10-Aug-2010 22:33
Ignorance is bliss...Will do.

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 22:31
Put your vinyl on ebay or craigslist. There is a market for vinyl. Miami never got real hot. Compared to other places further north. Those tradewinds make all the difference. Augusta is near the Santee recreational area. Lots of water, swamps, hollows and far enough inland for no breeze. Brutal. Worse than New Orleans. I was in my prime and melted there. Ft. Knox could be worse. Retire along the coast where CK lives. There are some deals to be had and the weather will suit you much better. You can expect food poisoning in places like the Huddle House in that area. I have seen barefoot waitresses on greasy floors in that part of Georgia.

Miami Girl		10-Aug-2010 22:18
Whitebelt, OMG you're so right, the heat index of 110 in Augusta a couple weeks ago was pretty bad. BTW ya'll -- Huddle House in Augusta gave my husband food poisoning - lucky I had plastic bags in the car (better than him hanging his head out the window)! I NEVER remember it getting over 95 in Miami, but was it just because I was a kid and wasn't really paying attention? Sure the humidity made it pretty bad, the road tar used to melt onto our bare feet and I did get one of my sister's LP record's to melt very slightly when I laid it on a rock in a vacant lot. Of course I used her's and wouldn't have tried it with one of my 45's! I still have all those albums and 45's - what does one do with them these days? Idea's anybody??

charlis		10-Aug-2010 22:17
Roberta... I also got in to places because of my big bazooms. My daughter was the same... we went to Vegas one time, she was 14, lloked a lot older... they let her play craps. We knew the pit crew so they knew how old she was... people kept asking for her to toss the dice as she won them money!

charlis		10-Aug-2010 22:15
nike... I agree with you about little "g"... ignore him, do not post about him.

charlis		10-Aug-2010 22:13
Hello Danny... tell us about yourself.

charlis		10-Aug-2010 22:05
Fran.. songs... A previous boyfriend... one of the band members at the teen club, would always call me at night and sing "Good Night My Love"... I got a double dose as Rick Shaw ended his shows with the song. Darned, if meeting up with the old boyfriend ater 40+ years, he ended the phone call with the song. I cried for over an hour!

Nike		10-Aug-2010 21:34
Welcome Danny Reit. What is your history in Miami -- hangouts, schools, TV and radio personalities, etc.

Arizona Al		10-Aug-2010 21:09
"Behavior is contingent upon its consequences" Skinner, 1938. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 18:16
I guess there have been studies of how assumed anonymity on the internet has give a sense of empowerment to certain pathologies. There is a mindset that feels it knows something the rest of us doesn't. Somehow it thinks it has a superior knowledge that allows it to criticize others, all the while hiding in the bushes. Maybe a ninja complex or something. An alter ego, a Walter Mitty. Someone that likes to jump up and say "Boo!!! Gotcha!!". But they don't realize those are empty boos. There is nothing behind them. Definitely a lack of self identity. There might be something within them, but they just don't know how to express their true selves. Which probably leads to frustration and lashing out like that. We can't really condemn them for that, it is probably a hard wiring issue and they can't help themselves. Nor do we have to tolerate such disruptions. That is one fault of today's society. It has been geared to the lowest common denominator. Ills we used to be able to ignore or now in our face. Maybe it is a test of our character. Those poor souls trapped within themselves with no escape other than the fantasies they have of themselves. Missing so much of the living experience. Likely from fear.

Nike		10-Aug-2010 16:21
It wasn't hard to figure out that Otreblig is "gilbertO" spelled backwards. Anyway, I think no one should respond or mention his (or her) name any more. Otherwise, we just give him (or her) a forum. Being ignored is not what he (or she) wants. MRR -- I hate to break the news but you weren't the only one to have a crush on Natalie. Of course when she proposed to me later on, I was already taken. At the time I was dating Olivia Newton John who was a bit too agressive for me so, I settled for another. The Trail theatre at Douglas Road and The Trail (next door to the Royal Castle) was my favorite Staurday morning movie -- only a quarter to get in back then. Roya Castle had the best chili in the whole wide world.

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 15:56
gilbert, you are just another troll with head problems. For one, you are not qualified to make fun of anyone or any forum. Find a nice newspaper forum to play on. Don, it appears gilbert wants to be a problem. Perhaps a complaint to his ISP may be in order.

gilbert		10-Aug-2010 15:37
You all want to know about me? Fine. My name is Gilberto Otreblig. I'm simply making fun of you all, and teasing your little forum here and Mr. Charles Knight really seems to have it in on me. I am not a terrible speller, I choose to spell "gilbert" with a lowercase "g" on purpose. I was born in Arizona and moved to South Florida for a year, then moved to New Jersey. Or was I? Hahahaha...

Danny		10-Aug-2010 15:28
Hi everyone, my name is Danny Reit. I was born at Miracle Hospital on 132nd street, and am a newcomer here. I think this website is great! P.S gilbert should seriously get a life, he's ruining this for other people. This is a website about sharing memories gilbert, not insulting people.

Fran		10-Aug-2010 13:53
Miami River Rat, Okay, nice to share this bit of crush. You have Natalie, I have Gregory Peck. His linen suit and glasses are to die for. I watched my all time favorite move, "To Kill A Mockingbird" over 20 times and have a black and white copy. Just thinking of him makes me smile. Oh, what a dream.! Sweet...memories.

Miami River Rat		10-Aug-2010 13:21
Hey Roberta! I know the feeling about a deceased movie star. When I was 12 I went to the Trail Theater, Douglas Road and SW 8th street and saw "Rebel Without a Cause". Sitting right there I thought if Natalie Wood would just kiss me like she kissed James Dean I'd die happy. Never missed another one of her movies and I still get "the feeling" when one of those old movies comes on. For you ladies, a less well known movie of Natalie's, "This Property is Condemned" has a very young Robert Redford as the male lead, and also a curiosity, the girl that played Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird" has a major part. Charles Knight: I'm probably headed back to Miami in November. I still know the location of a gator hole or two, just in case you need some help tossing something into one. Funny how dead meat just sort of "vanishes" when it's tossed in a gator hole...

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Aug-2010 05:21
"Hello, dere," as half the comic team of Allen and Rossi used to say.....y'all remember him? He was chubby, and had like, a 'fro hairdo, and had large popped eyes. He was so likeable, and his partner was handsome, in a Steve Lawrence sort of way. "Hello, dere" was his byline. My second time around in Miami, I was never carded, due to my size, and big bazooms. As long as I didn't open my mouth and say silly things, or act juvenile, I could sit at the bar and sip Tom Collins' while my aunt drank her beer. I only remember one "nice" lounge, and only because it had the Scope-a-Tone, a video-juke box, and I loved seeing the music video, "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," with Bobby Vee, surrounded by pretty girls, while he was astride what looked to be a huge Harley. Another was a music video of twin ladies, Italian, I think?, who sang "Demi Cuando." It was my aunt's favorite, even though she didn't know the English translation. Fran....I did love the song, "I Love How You Love Me," but I sang, "Got an Angel on My Shoulder," a capella, to audition for the 3rd annual Riviera Review, and they had only 3 or 4 spots, for a girl's solo, and I won one of them. I was a 13 year old 7th grader, then. In high school, I sang a capella, once again, to audition for the Girl's Trio, and I was picked for 2nd soprano, over many others, who had taken voice lessons. I didn't sight read music, but I had an ear for it, and could harmonize, which was a huge help, with 2nd soprano, as it is not the lead voice. Happy times, as Fran would say. I have decided, lately, that I need to "get a life," as I have "fallen in love" with a dead man, from one of his old films on late night TV, and have been collecting his movies, left and right, ever since, and also, bought a biography of his life, titled "Evil Spirits: the Life of Oliver Reed." LOL, my cowboy is jealous, of poor deceased Ollie, but has never been jealous of my fascination with Colin Firth....well, over Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, anyway. Whitebelt....I absolutely LOVE your posts, and CK's too.....shoot fire! I love everybody's posts on here.....! Except for gilbert's, with the small "g." Unless he does some powerful changin', and decides to behave, and share his memories with us, of Our Town. How 'bout it, gilbert.....? C'mon in.....the water's fine. ***************************************************************************************************************

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 05:13
Welcome back, MRR. It has been hot and humid even in NM this year. Bugs up the kazoo this year. Miami Girl will find out what hot and humid is when she moves to Augusta. No breeze, either. I lived in Memphis for a couple of years in the late 70's. Had its issues, but was a nice city to live in. Green and clean. Was a very gentle place compared to Miami. Heard it has grown tremendously since then. Definitely has the best BBQ. Beale Street was in the doldrums back then. I worked downtown a lot. Loved the old buildings.

Miami River Rat		10-Aug-2010 04:17
I'm back from my travels. Hot Springs was HOT, like 100+ degrees every day. People think Miami is hot but it's really not so bad. The combination of heat and humidity found in the Gulf Coast and Mid-South regions are much worse than South Florida. Part B: Memphis Bar-B-Que is still great and John Lee Hooker may have died but Beale Street is still, well, Beale Street. Rock on!

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 03:36
gilbert. Don't be coming in here messing with our wimmin. You be nice, now. C'mon, tell us a little about yourself if you want to be friends.

Charles Knight		10-Aug-2010 03:08
I'm thinking the little sweetheart should be approached from the rear...He did say " I can be whomever you want me to be". A classic line from the movie Pretty Woman by a streetwalker if ever one was uttered. Hey Gil, or whatever your name is this time...Now I'll quote a line from the movie Tombstone for you. "I'll be you Huckleberry". Like the character in the film. I AM a southern man. Careful sunshine. You never know who has the connections, and ability to physically locate, and find you. ISPs and web addresses are an easy shell to crack when your family has a background of law enforcement, as are nuts like yourself. Continue to harass the folks here and repercussions are inevitable... Keep it up and see. Not a threat mind you. But surely a PROMISE. Once again Sunshine, make a note of this name, Charles Knight.

Fran		10-Aug-2010 02:46
Whitebelt, Not sure of which direction would be best. Ass is ass, little g is a big A. I think you did well with your conclusion.

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 01:36
Fran, this sounds like an emergency. Since our resident psychologist visits infrequently, and I hope he doesn't turn me in for practicing without a license, I am of the opinion gilbert is craving attention and in some serious need of love. Therefore I think we should all do the right thing and give gilbert some. Since you are much more familiar with gilbert, should gilbert be approached from the front or rear to get gilbert's loving?

whitebelt		10-Aug-2010 00:44
gilbert, with a small g, you do appear to have some issues. Besides being an obnoxious troll you appear to have this gender identity thing. "Girls, girls!" "You guys" ??? You need to work on your spelling. ""freind"" All that from one post. Tsk...

gilbert		10-Aug-2010 00:19
I Can be Whomever You Want Me to Be!!!!

gilbert		10-Aug-2010 00:17
So you think you know who I am, fran with a small f. Intresting..

whitebelt		09-Aug-2010 23:43
CK, I had a beige car parked in a big parking lot in New Jersey many years ago that was the ONLY one hit by a flock of seagulls. Amazing accuracy and timing they possess. When I worked for Southern Bell I wore a white hard hat. Worked with a guy that didn't wear his and he was black haired. We would be standing next to the same pole and the birds would dump on me and not him. Many times. Is your car light colored?

Fran		09-Aug-2010 22:56
Charlis, I wasn't sure about you. I first had thought of "Put Your Head on My Shoulder". However, Goin' Out of My Head" is cool. How about, "It's All in the Game" or "For Your Love"? It would be nice if Don, could remove gilbert with the small g's posts. Miami Girl, Yup, fun, fun, fun, so many happy memories. CK, Love the Association! The sound is great and easy to dance too. Oh, gilbert with the small g. I think you have tangled with this guy before. gilbert, Oh, gilbert with the small g. Don't think for one moment that you could be here without being found out. Now be warned, life has a way of being found out and your identity exposed. Not being wanted here is something you have had to deal with lately. Get a clue, it can only become a game of ignore. No more, not bothering with you.

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 22:52
Pigeons...I have to hose my car down every few days. Between the Pigeons, Seagulls, and Pelicans....It's a zoo out there!

whitebelt		09-Aug-2010 22:29
Guest was moi. I hate pigeons, or rock doves as they are also called. Haven't seen a one out here.

charlis		09-Aug-2010 22:14
guest... pigeons... because of my French mother I learned to "do the gurgle"... I could coo like a pigeon. We often went to Central Park on our summer visits to NYC. People were amazed to see the pigeons come to me when I cooed... I would hold out my hand and a pigeon would land on my hand. I recently found some pic from that time that show this. There is no pic of the time that I was attacked by a bunch of pigeons except for the ones in my mind. Apparently the word got out that I was a "pigeon person". From what I was told, Steve Allen was there. I used to play with his kids. Yes... I still talk to pigeons but I do not feed them!

Guest		09-Aug-2010 21:42
Ck, I just looked at your website and saw the big pigeon video someone left. I had to laugh. When I was a small boy I had a nightmare where I disturbed a pigeon egg and a giant momma pigeon suddenly appeared to discipline me. Stayed away from bird's eggs for years after.

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 21:22
Fran, did you like The Association? Never My Love...Cherish. Some of my all time favorites. Flo and Eddie from the Turtles worked for my brother Jack as carpenters before Happy Together became a hit single. I remember them coming over to BBQ a couple of times.

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 21:16
Hi Al, I actually joined the Playboy club on LeJune, My buddy Ralph and I frequently ate and imbibed there. Dated a couple of Bunnys...Nice girls, attractive, and fun. One memory...We took six or seven of them out partying one evening and ended up at Monty's Conch. Monty's had a fellow that roamed around taking photos of the customers to place into small plastic key chain frames, which he then offered to sell to you at a price. When he came over to our table and began taking pictures some of the girls freaked out. It turned out that as a Bunny you're not allowed to have your picture taken in a commercial manner by anyone other than a Playboy photographer. I thought it silly, but the girls were adamant about having him destroy the pictures that he had already taken. Ultimately the manager got involved and the pictures were destroyed. Management then sent over two bottles of mid grade Champagne on the house. Ralph ended up marrying a Bunny name Isabel. They divorced shortly thereafter. According to him, she was too "high maintenance". After the club closed, I remained friends with some of them but have since lost touch. Whitebelt...The Bilmar lounge...I went in often as I knew almost everybody that drank there...Saw many fights, but MANY more at Gator Hook.

charlis		09-Aug-2010 20:52
Playboy club on Biscayne... yes, it was near 79th... There was a movie theatre near by that had gret movies at cut rates. There was another "adult" club near by and another one on Biscayne in N Miami just south of the race track. My father took his sister and husband there during a trip in the mid 60's. The looks on the faces of the small town Buckeyes was great, according to my father and mother, as a stripper came over to the table and asked for their drink orders.

charlis		09-Aug-2010 20:47
who is this gilbert thing? Don... please remove his posts.

charlis		09-Aug-2010 20:46
There was a 3rd PlayBoy... the hotel on Miami Beach built in the mid to late 60's just north of the 'Bleau. "Goin' Out of my head"? My ex and I were known for our cha cha to that song. It was "our song". Got to meet the Lettermen ater a how at the old Beach Auditorium. Great guys.

Miami Girl		09-Aug-2010 20:37
Fran, I get goose bumps remembering those songs, and the flower game - thanks for the memories kiddo. Sounds like you had a good weekend.

Fran		09-Aug-2010 18:41
Roberta, Miami Girl and LARGO, These should bring to mind many happy Miami memories. Roberta, this is for you. I Love How You Love Me. Miami Girl, Sealed With a Kiss. LARGO, GOIN' OUT OF MY HEAD. The Letter Men (sigh) Oh, Miami Girl do you remember the flower game? He loves me, loves me not. Well, gal he...me. Sooo much fun, happy thoughts.:)

whitebelt		09-Aug-2010 14:59
I think that Playboy on LeJuene came much later, after the roads to the terminal and such were built. The one on Biscayne was the original.

Parks		09-Aug-2010 14:50
There was a second Playboy Club in Miami. It was on Lejune Road just South of the airport. I had lunch there one time. The girls were pretty enough that I don't remember the food but like Fran said, kinda hokey.

Fran		09-Aug-2010 14:40
AL, Yes, I do remember that my ex even had a Playboy member card. Kinda, hokey, but that's just my opinion. I had to use my sister's ID to get in. I had a couple of pink ladies to drink that night. All new to me, still like rum and coke. We went with his cousins after one of them got married. Had a good time! The year 1970, oh what a year!

whitebelt		09-Aug-2010 14:13
It was on Biscayne Blvd near the canal south of NW 79th street if I remember right, Al. I've never been in there, but used to pass it quite often. The Pink Pussycat was nearby. Never been in there, either. Been in the Tomboy Club on NW 119 street a few times, back in 70-71. Was not a bad place, then. Toni's Lounge across from MDCC and another near by were good. They had some low grade little dives on Biscayne Blvd in NMB back then. I spent some time in them. Some in Hialeah/Miami Springs, Homestead, LeJuene Rd, and other places, too. But I never set foot in the Bilmar Lounge in Sweetwater. Too dangerous. The Playboy Club was too expensive and classy a place for me. :-)

Arizona Al		09-Aug-2010 13:49
Hello Usual Suspects: Does anybody remember the Playboy Club? I was going thru some old photo boxes this week end and came across a picture of myself from 1967 at the Miami Playboy Club. I totally forgot about the place. I was 22 years old and my brother and step-father (deceased) and I are sitting at a table with a "bunny". What a hoot! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Miami Girl		09-Aug-2010 13:06
gilbert, why would you even bother coming back to this site for two years if we tick you off so much? Small "g" = small mind, you really need to get a life you poor thing!

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 12:29
Sorry folks, guess I had a moment there. Truth be told this person does not want to meet me...I'll see to that. Enough said.

Nike		09-Aug-2010 10:30
The View wishes it could be as interesting as us. We don't need "paid advertizement" to get someone to "view" our website. If you don't like this channel, choose another one. You sound more like a Bevis and Butthead watcher.

whitebelt		09-Aug-2010 04:36
gilbert, with a small g, if you have been lurking for 2 years you picked a helluva a way to introduce yourself. Plus one would think you would have got bored and left. However, you may just be a run of the mill troll. Probably not even associated with Miami. Tell us a little about yourself, gilbert with a small g.

Fran		09-Aug-2010 03:34
CK, Gilbert is not his real name. He has no idea who these people are and who cares if he does. LARGO, WORKING ON SOME IDEAS FOR THE REUNION. WILL LET YOU KNOW. ROBERTA, Like the input for the outfits. Miami River Rat, Heard that you are working at Farmville, must be a lot of fun.:) I'm sure not as much fun as when you were hunting orchids in the Glades.:)

Roberta Perry Hughes		09-Aug-2010 03:31
gilbert.....Who licked the red off of your candy.....? Most of the Floridians, in the early days, were "immigrants" to the area, many of whom played a vital role, in settling the various towns. My relatives were among the Pioneers, who are buried in the former Cocoplum Cemetery. Their headstones can be seen in the Galleries, under that topic. Family name: Perry. My grandfather was a Keep of the Fowey Rock Light, and his photo, in his uniform, is in the 1930's Gallery. My sister, Audrey, was born in Miami Jackson Memorial, and my brother, Willie, was born at the Naval Base. Like my father, who was a Coastie, and a WWII vet, I was born in Georgia. My father worked as a shrimper, then, he drove a city bus, and prior to his early retirement, he worked for Richard's Department Store, as did his brother, Johnny. My siblings and I all attended Miami schools, and we all have many fond memories of our formative years, growing up in the area. All of us here have come to know one another, like family.....and like family, we will throw down with anyone who takes issue with one of our own. We welcome you to this site, to share your OWN memories of the area, but please, do not come on here to trash us, and be unfairly judgemental. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Parks		09-Aug-2010 03:28
Thanks CK. I don't know where that jerk came from but it is obvious that all of the regulars on this site have spent time in Miami.

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 03:20
One other thing Gilbert, you may think you know us. But your obviously small mind is in a state of delusion. If you really knew ME, you would watch how you speak to my friends and myself. Actions speak louder than words and right now I wouldn't mind getting active, if you catch my meaning. Oh by the way...My name is Charles Knight . Make a note of that.

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 03:14
Gilbert, I was born in Coral Gables at Doctors Hospital. What about you? And who do you think you are to become instant moderator? Never heard of you before, is this your site? Funny, I was under the impression it was a site founded and maintained by Don Boyd... Another thing, you're rude. It doesn't matter if someone was born in another place. If one has fond memories of Miami, Hialeah, or South Florida, I, for one, would like to hear them. Who are you to even think that others want you dictating what we're allowed to write or read? Perhaps you would rather live in a fascist society where one jerk determines what others may or may not be allowed to say in a public forum. What's your idea of "new"? You sound like an idiot to me. Sorry Don. I may have stepped over the edge here but this creep has ticked me off. Oh and Gilbert...Go watch the view CREEP!

gilbert		09-Aug-2010 02:45
Oh and one other thing. I know many of you on here arn't even FROM Miami, so my suggestion is to go and reminisce on your own site, because I've been following this for a couple of years and I know each and every one of you, and who is and isn't True Miamians.

gilbert		09-Aug-2010 02:13
This is supposed to be about past memories from old times, not current facebook chatrooms. I feel like I'm on "The Veiw".

Charles Knight		09-Aug-2010 00:29
Mr. Capone had a Casino/speakeasy on the loop. It was built shortly after the Chevalier Corp. built the main road and plotted land for development in the forties (I'm not really sure of the exact date as it seems it was never really documented). After a few years it burned down. The foundation is still there as are the entryway steps. The property it is located upon is still inhabited. There is a mobile home that has been on the place for many years. Gaining access to the ruins is touchy. Most of the folks that still reside on the Loop are very serious about their privacy. That is, after all, why they choose to live where they do. As kids we pretty much went where we wanted without repercussion. We spent some time digging up old bottles and artifacts from that site as well as others. Wish I knew what happened to some of that stuff...

Nike		08-Aug-2010 22:55
CK, Your word's good enough for me. Iread your comments at myspace . com /gatorhooklodge today. I also had a Key Lime Shake on St John today. Na-nana-Na-Na. What's the scoop on the Al Capone / Pinecrest near Gator Hook Lodge?

Fran		08-Aug-2010 20:28
CK, Okay visit on...happy to be a part of a moment in time/history. Thank you for sharing.

Charles Knight		08-Aug-2010 18:45
Ok this will hopefully set the story straight. Gator Hook was NOT owned by Ayme's Aunt Monteen . Montine ( the correct spelling) was number six in a long line of wives my father collected over the years. I speak with Ayme on a semi regular basis. She was a toddler when Gator Hook was "acquired" by the park service. Over the years as GHs legend grows there are more and more folks claiming to have been affiliated in one way or another...Flattery? Maybe, maybe not. The child did not hustle pool in my family's place of business, come on...A two year old hustling pool. Sound credible??? Blood Stalkers was partially filmed on the Loop road utilizing exteriors of Sullivan's BBQ and the Pinecrest restaurant. Gator Hook played no part in that piece of cinematic artistry. The David Carradine film is titled "Thunder and Lightening". Gator Hooks interior was used in a couple of scenes , Ayme's father Mike (an acquired cousin through my fathers marriage to his Aunt Montine was about 16 years of age at the time. He, myself, and some other friends partied with Mr. Carradine while the film company was in the Glades...Miss. Jackson (Kate) would not associate with any of us illiterate backwoods folk . I have come to realize what a lot of folks with semi famous family's, and histories must tire of pretty quickly...A lot of people want a slice of the pie. Kind of exhausting actually! Certainly frustrating. Folks taking the liberty of changing history in writing in order to claim a stake in something that they really had nothing to do with. With the internet it has become a much bigger problem. Unfortunately...A lot of readers are under the impression that because someone took the time to write something...It must be true, despite a lack of grammatical prowess, and certain spelling issues. I can't fault Ayme for wanting to be a part of Florida history. Her Grandfather Darrel Gay was. He still lives to this day, only in Live Oak, Fl. He was a famous gator poacher along with Gator Bill Scholerman and my brother Jack Knight Jr. The three were actually arrested by game Wardens as a group when caught with several "flats" in the Big Cyprus Swamp. There is and will only be one name truly associated with Gator Hook lodge and that name is Knight. Montine Newbold took on that name a mere two years prior to my fathers passing. I have the documentation to prove it as well as sole ownership of all rights pertaining to The Legendary Gator Hook Lodge in the Big Cypress Swamp. If anyone thinks differently I would happily show them one of my favorite gator holes, sincerely Charles Knight. Oh and Knight was my last name at birth lol!

Nike		08-Aug-2010 09:36
Leightton -- Welcome nack. What (and where) have you been doing for the past couple of months? CK, -- I was reading a psot about Gator Hook Lodge to better understand about it (You have my curiosity going) and I came across this, " '70s movie Bloodstalkers which was filmed around Pinecrest (even showing the old gas station). Gator Hook Lodge which was owned my my aunt Monteen and uncle Jack Knight. Erv Rouse used to play there on the weekends and I'd sit on his lap while he played. I do have a photo of myself in my footy pajamas hustling pool at the Hook when I was two. ayme10 replied, "I've never heard of Bloodstalkers. I know that there was a movie with David Caradeen (don't know how to spell it) filmed, in part, out there. I am going to go to the library to see if I can find the National Geographic. I wish my grandparents could have stayed. The park was forcing them to make upgrades to their home that they could not afford. He was a frog gigger and they also made it so he could no longer do that. My papa loved it so much out there that he lived in a chickee for years before building his home." They go on to talk about an AL Capone Mansion and a park ranger tht would dress up as a Skunl Ape to scare people away. Fran, RPH * LARGO - Your on the committee, social committee that is. Il ike your style. I think ya'll will give the mischievous whitenbelt, AZAL, and MRR a run for their money on their pranks. Just 14 months and copunting until the Miami Rouges Reunion (October 2011). So far, it is at the Thunderbird on N Miami Beach, a wild pig roast by CK. who willl also conduct a tour of Loop Road, Parks will show us his new boat. I will conduct a tour of the Nike missile site in Everglades Natioanl Park. Of course we will stop for a Key Lime Shake at Robert is Here on the way and a stop at the Mennonite place on Silver Palm Drive for a sticky" cinnamon bum (or whatever) on the way back to the beach for sixties music. Any other requests? Don, wanna check in on this? Speaking of Key Lime Shakes, I'll have one this afternoon. Nancy and I are spending the day on St. John where they have a pretty close second to RIH at the IScream Shoppe at Cruz Bay.

whitebelt		08-Aug-2010 05:52
They were small. I believe that was Donna Rice at a young age when she was trying to break into modeling. Was kind of thin. She filled out overall later on. If you weren't there then, there was a bar that opened up on the Trail called Gator Kicks back in the 80's. They had posters of a blonde girl dressed like a neck holding a pool cue, but the boobies weren't covered. Seem to remember she wore a vest left open. The photographer was one of my customers. He said she was a nice girl and just didn't seem the type cut out for that work. I had two of those original posters he gave me and I gave one away and threw the other away. Before the Gary Hart thingy. The story of my life.

Leighton		08-Aug-2010 05:49
CK, I really want to see the GHL story on film. Wish I had more clout. My Oscar-winning director friend from USC (whoo, hoo) didn't bite, even though it's right "down his alley." Wish I had made it into the Stark Producing Program at USC in the mid-80s. I was in Critical Studies, but wanted to change course. Was a top-20 finalist, but they picked only ten. Started my film studies at UM, 82-85. Today, they have a fantastic "mentoring" program, but back then, they just left you hanging after graduation. I've pretty much left film production, which is sad. It was/is my "true love."

Roberta Perry Hughes		08-Aug-2010 05:24
Oh.....? A member of the Itty-bitty-titty Committee, huh....?? ***************************************************************************************************************

whitebelt		08-Aug-2010 05:02
Actually, she didn't. She was not well endowed at all. Maybe an A cup.

Roberta Perry Hughes		08-Aug-2010 04:35
Probably did not NEED one, then..... ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

whitebelt		08-Aug-2010 03:19
The Gator Kicks girl didn't wear a bra.

Roberta Perry Hughes		08-Aug-2010 02:37
How about an fashion ensemble to encompass both places: Nike missile sites, AND the mysterious Gator Hook Lodge....? Picture this: An alligator green Izod shirt (with that cute little alligator embroidered applique logo on it), paired over a pair of alligator green capris, topped off with a pair of aligator shoes with bag to match, OR, alligator green Crocs....?? Worn BENEATH the Izod shirt: a Madonna-style "bullet bra," or bustierre, conical shaped, like the nose cone of a '60's missile.....?? To add a unique flair, carry a woven basketful of BANGOS....would that be a cross between a mango and a bongo....?? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

whitebelt		08-Aug-2010 01:11
Golden girls gone wild. This oughta be good.

Fran		08-Aug-2010 00:14
LARGO, EVENTS THAT HAS A NICE RING TO IT. TAKE CHARGE LIONESS, THAT SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT. TROUBLE...OH, HELL YES. TOO OLD TO CARE AND YOUNG ENOUGH TO ENJOY EVENTS. I'M NOT SURE WHO I AM TAKING WITH ME OR MEETING THERE. LOOK OUT MIAMI, THE LADIES ARE COMING TO TOWN.

LARGO		07-Aug-2010 22:19
FRAN...THAT IS EXACTAMONT TO WHAT I WAS REFERRING TO...THIS IS THE ...DEEPEST OF SOUTHS WE'RE CHATTIN' UP HERE GAL..DONTCHA KNOW?....I LOVE THE WHOLE "WARDROBE TO EVENTS" THING YOU SUGGEST...I AM THINKIN' THAT YOU AND I WILL GET INTO SOME MISCHIEF AT THIS LIL "GET TOGETHER"....WATCH OUT SOUTH FLORIDA!!!!...THINK I'LL BRING MY DAUGHTER KEL WITH ME...SHE WAS BORN IN MIAMI IN '74....AND LIKE HER MOMMA....TAKES NO PRISONER'S....SORRY TO SAY THAT I AM NOT A DOILY EMBROIDERER....I TOOK SHOP AND AUTO MECHANICS...THE ONLY GAL.... THEY GAVE ME A VERY DIFFICULT TIME..."THEY" BEING THE GUYS OF THE 60'S...MY DADDY SUGGESTED I LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MY "RIDE"AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MIAMI DADE BOARD OF EDUCATION...AND...HELL YEAH...I DID!!!....THAT DOES NOT MAKE YOU POPULAR WITH THE FOOTBALL TEAM...OH DARN!!...THEY LIKED THE LITTLE KITTIES...AND I WAS A LIONESS.........HAH!...LARGO

Fran		07-Aug-2010 21:49
LARGO, I WOULD HOPE THAT IT WILL BE BONGOS PLAYING IN THE DISTANCE. BANGOS BRINGS TO MIND SOMETHING ELSE IN THE DISTANCE.;)

Fran		07-Aug-2010 21:44
Something to plan for.... What to wear to a nuke site and now a gator lodge? Gee, guys this sounds like fun!

LARGO		07-Aug-2010 20:04
CK......SO OK..TO BE CLEAR... WILL THAT FIELDTRIP LOCATION TO (GATOR HOOK).....REQUIRE A BLOOD OATH NON DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT?....(THOSE WHO DO NOT SIGN WILL BE GATOR BAIT)...KINDA THINGY?...WILL THERE BE BANGOS PLAYING IN THE DISTANCE.......HUH?.......LARGO...CURIOUS IN ST. AUGUSTINE

Charles Knight		07-Aug-2010 19:13
Yes, I did. And when the get together occurs. I'll take those that want, to the place. But I won't put it on the internet.

Nike,		07-Aug-2010 09:53
CK, Oops!. I didn't know that. Did you get the Google Earth images I sent via email a couple of weeks ago?

Charles Knight		07-Aug-2010 07:49
Nike, sorry but fire doesn't burn well under water. Gator Hook was on block pylons with about 30 inches of swamp beneath. It's accessible during the dry season. I am really trying to keep its exact location secret. I have had several artifact hunters inquire as to the whereabouts. I am somewhat selfish about what artifacts remain. There are few, and they are precious to me and my family.

Fran		07-Aug-2010 07:28
Roberta, Enjoyed your post. I really feel that there is a book in there. One of your favorites, dresser scarves. Mine to this day is free hand pillow cases. I too took four years of Home Ec.,Home and Family Living and Child Development. Covered button holes, gee my favorite. I work with home decor now and working on several pillow cases for my kids. I made a clothes pin hanging holder bag, shaped like a dress with a hole in the middle to store the clothes pins. I have no idea where it is today. I did find my home made pin cushion. Thanks, for sharing good memories.:)

Roberta Perry Hughes		07-Aug-2010 07:07
Welcome, Sean 12-footer......! It was me, who spoke of riding our bikes to collect pop bottles to redeem, at the Food Fair, up on Bird Road (my brother and I did). We used the money to either skate all day at Sunland Skating Rink, which is long-gone, or to bowl for hours, at Bird Bowl, which is still in business, and we always shared a large order of fries with our cheese burgers and drinks, at the concessions area of Bird Bowl. Most all of the other kids on our block, S.W. 55th Street, got allowances every week, for their spending money. Willie and I had to be resourceful, to have some money to burn. How wonderful, that you had access to those scraps of wood from the cabinet shop....! Homemade toys are just the best. Did you happen to save any....? My mother made a lot of our toys: large doll houses from cardboard boxes, with cello window panes, taken from a macaroni box, and the furniture was made from kitchen match boxes, salt boxes, and various other small boxes. She also made a large doll carriage, from cardboard boxes, and used lard can lids for the wheels on it. She fashioned the cutest wagons you ever saw, from a sardine can, and used the wheels from a broken toy car. She was so talented, and so resourceful. I used to embroider dresser scarves when I was a child, and I remember when I made an 8" tall jointed-limbed cloth doll from a pattern my mother ordered from The Herald. It had an embroidered face, and yarn hair. I had that doll for many years, but do not recall what became of it. What did you create, with those wood scraps....? I had relatives in Hialeah, so we visited there, often. I liked going there, and seeing all of the houses, which were different, and larger, than the ones in my neighborhood. One of my favorite pasttimes as a child, was riding to an Open House event, where you could tour the model homes that would be built in a new neighborhood. Can you see kids today being excited about going to such an event, on a Saturday....? I hope you will stay around, or visit us often. I am sure you will enjoy the Memories of Old Hialeah site, which is part of Don Boyd's amazing website, for folks who grew up in South Florida. What he has done, here, is such a priceless gift, and I think that he should be awarded some sort of recognition, for his work on this site. It is saturated in history, with a gazillion photos of places now gone forever, but live on in our hearts, and he has provided us a Comments Gallery....even beneath every photo!....to share our memories with one another. Sean, I am so happy for you, that you have found this site....! You will visit it every day, sometimes, more than once a day, and will enjoy everything you see, and most of what you read. Again.....welcome, Sean.....! ***************************************************************************************************************

Parks		07-Aug-2010 03:48
Welcome Sean12footer. I think we're all curious about the name. I'm betting it refers to your boat. No telling what Fran is thinking :) Thanks for the nice memories of Hialeah.

Nike		07-Aug-2010 01:47
CK, Any chance we can dig a pit at the spot where the Gator Hook Lodge once stood?

Nike		07-Aug-2010 01:46
I wonder if the Thunderbird Hotel will notice if we cover the pit. Welcome Sean12footer. Should I ask about your handle?

Miami Girl		07-Aug-2010 00:59
Here's another welcome to the site Sean 12Footer, it's a great bunch! Fran, keep those good times rollin' CK, I won't be solo so bring your wife. lol Leighton, I like your food choices better, but that pig roast would be good - where will that pit be dug? Not at Crandon I bet.

Fran		06-Aug-2010 23:24
Haven't been here much lately...reconnected with a childhood guy friend. Good times...:)

Fran		06-Aug-2010 23:22
Welcome, Sean 12 footer, It's a great site, enjoy... Parks, be nice...:)

Guest		06-Aug-2010 22:54
I just found this site last night. WoW!! A lot to absorb, and lots of flashbacks! This site has me recalling my youth. I was born in 1952 in Miami clinic (wherever that was) and I grew up at 941 East 31 Street, Hialeah from that day to Jan 1968. I came back briefly in 71 ~72, then moved back to Ft Myers, where I live today. Some I remember that lived in my hood were the Wynns right across the street, the Wheelers (Ricky,Tommy and family). They had a yacht called the "CorregadorII"... Their father was a POW in that area durring WWII. They at the west end of the block, Marianne Biose behind us, The Voorheese Family next door east. My best bud was Larry Voorhese as a child, but we stopped hanging out when he started spending all his time on the phone with girls. He matured about 2 years ahead of me. He was also, a much more "well-rounded" person than I. I sure do miss Larry. I remember Peggy Stainge and her wonderful mom (used to make us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on buttered bread with the crust cut off)... Yummy! My own mom was waaay too busy raising 8 kids to fuss with crusty bread. As someone else mentioned earlier, I too, spent summers hunting soda bottles and cashing them in at the Winn/Dixie on 23rd street and 9th avenue, and then buy candy at the candy store on the way to school at Saint Johns. I later went to Flamingo Elementary, then Madison Jr High, then Douglas McArthur... And no, I'm not ashamed of the all-boys schoool. As a MOF, I am proud to have remained in school durring some very trying times back then, and good ol McArthur was just what it took to make a man out of me. I loved that school -- both teachers and classmates. I fealt like I belonged there. I couldn't say that about any school before, or since. I remember very few classmates, but some of those I'll never forget were Carl Haywood ,my best friend from grade school on, who kept in touch with me until 2007, then dissapeared.. I fear the worst, as he suffered from several brain tumour operations. He had constant headaches from that. He moved to Tampa in 1989 or so. I remember Richard Price, who I got in a fight with in 6trh grade, but later became buds. I remember Debby Salizith (I had a crush on her in 4th grade). I emember "the factories"... The train yard... The "Tressle", where we used to swim. The styrofoam floatie factory that had all that "snow" to play in. The huge cabinet factory with the dumpster filled with neat pieces of wood we used to build all kinds of toys and stuff with. I recall going to Hialeah park and waxing my sister Eileen's black Studebaker in the shade. I rmember my brother Tim's maroon Plymouth RoadRunner 383hemi that Sue Massismo's brother Nick flipped at 90MPH at the drag races. I remember Master's field before it became the universtiy. I remember riding our bikes way up north to "7 lakes" (just west of Master's Field) to go swimming,and drive our bikes off homemade ramps and whatever, into the clear water. It was a rough childhood by present-day American standards, but far from bad. We were just poor MONEY-WISE. It was also a different time. I've been wanting to go back and cruise the old neighborhood, but as of yet, haven't had the courage. So much has changed everywhere else, I immagine I would probably be very lost and disoriented -- sort of like I am right now -- only it is 145 miles southeast of where I am now. :) Sean Ware (ware103@comcast.net)

Charles Knight		06-Aug-2010 22:39
Swamp Cabbage.

Leighton		06-Aug-2010 05:01
WHAT do you people eat????????? I was suburban Miami, circa 60s/70s. We went to Forum Cafeteria, Toby's, Sambo's, Velvet Cream, Andalusia Bakery, and had Kentucky Fried Chicken every Monday afternoon at Crandon Park. Oh, and Ferrell's....La Carreta, too. And that Smorgasbord place on Dixie Hwy.

Charles Knight		06-Aug-2010 00:16
Oh, I'll make it. It will feel nice to be the youngster in a group of people for a change lol! In addition I'm hoping Miami Girl is solo Ha ha...

charlis		05-Aug-2010 22:00
re:reunion, wild boar... if CK can't make it... you guys get the wild boar, dig the pit, buy the Jack... I'll do the cooking. Will be plenty of Jack to useas baste since I don't drink the stuff.

charlis		05-Aug-2010 21:57
Roberta... please be "politically correct" ... we belong to the "Family of Humans" ;-) or at least say "Family of Woman"... As to the weather... Thanks for sending the cooler weather down here last fall... it's cooler here in Tampa, not much, than it is up where you are... wish I could send it up to you... I keep trying, but fronts keep getting in the way. Everyone I know is saying that last winter is looking good as far as electric bills goes.

Roberta Perry Hughes		05-Aug-2010 06:22
Morrie Yahai, who died at age 90, on July 27 invented Cheez Doodles, which were manufactured by the Wise Potato Chips company, and was a predecessor of the Frito-Lay's Cheetos, whose mascot is Chester Cheetah. I think you can still order these, in bulk, via amazon.com and other places online. Just do a search on them. Re: ancestry, here's a quote from Southern comedian, Jeff Foxworthy: ...."If your Family Tree doesn't fork.... you might be a Redneck...." Of course we are all related to one another. We all belong to the Family of Man. Roberta, feeling like a coddled egg, in the high humidity CSRA, and longing for Autumn. (sigh) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Parks		05-Aug-2010 03:20
So we now have an official food for this web site, CK's Wild Boar served with Cheetos and beer. I can think of worse things. It is strange that the subject of Cheetos came up. I just read the obituary of the guy who invented Cheetos in todays Herald.

Nike		04-Aug-2010 22:18
Maybe we can get CK to do a "Knight's family's wild boar" for the reunion. Curious can bring the Cheetos and beer.

charlis		04-Aug-2010 20:56
cravings... I crave raccoon, gator, rattlesnake, raw tuna, raw filet mignon... and Knight's family's wild boar... Wonder what that makes me? The only two that I eat on a semi-regular basis are the tuna (sushi) and filet (Carpacio).... haven't had the others in years...

miami girl		04-Aug-2010 20:55
Hey White - the Cheeto's and beer sounds good to me!

whitebelt		04-Aug-2010 15:38
Cheetos and beer? You just might be a redneck. :-)

Fran		04-Aug-2010 15:15
Curious, Contact your local hospital and check with them. They may be able to suggest seeking a lab with an high success rating. If you have your birth parents names you could start from there too. Depending on when the adoption took place and state. You may search public records that are no longer sealed. Good luck!

Jackie		04-Aug-2010 15:14
Here's my family: Dille from Scotland or Ireland; Harris from England or Ireland; Houmes from Netherlands; Hamilton from Ireland; Poston and Arbuckle from Scotland; Mullins, Maupin, and Mitchell from France; Keesling, Unger, Muller,Hollinger, Metz from Germany. My Nelsons were in VA and went to IN. Many families fought in the Indian wars and the Revoultion. None were on the Mayflower, though many came to New England in the 1630's. (Cory, Cornish, maybe Nelson) A Milam was in VA in 1610 (supposedly). I have found ancestors that came to New England, PA, NJ, VA, SC, and NC. Most were farmers, and were among the first settlers of various places as the population went west. My grandparents were from In and IL, and we moved to Miami when I was six. It will be interesting to see if any of us are related.

Nike		04-Aug-2010 15:12
Pregnant?

Curious		04-Aug-2010 14:48
If food cravings were an inidicator, that would make my ancestors Japanese. That blows that theory. I wonder what craving Cheetos and beer would make me? I have googled the subject matter and found several companies offering this service. I was just wondering if anyone has had experience in this matter dealing with a reputable lab, that's all. Thank you to those who responded.

Nike		04-Aug-2010 14:08
OK, OK, fried chicken, watermelon, poi, brains and eggs.....

Nike		04-Aug-2010 14:06
--or pastrami on rye? I don't want to leave any ethnic group out.

Nike		04-Aug-2010 12:45
Curious, Is you inquiry based on cravings for any particular foods. chittlins, grits, collards, fried green tomatoes, yucca, plantains, scrapple, etc? That can be helpful in determining which ethnic group.

charlis		03-Aug-2010 21:54
Curious... according to a friend who works for the local county forensic investigation lab, you can take blood samples to them, depending on the county/state you live in. many hospitals will also do research. There is a glitch though... due to modern technology, the results may be blocked from release.

charlis		03-Aug-2010 21:49
I like the idea of posting family names to see if any of us are related... Here's my family info... Strawser in OH... Waymire, also in OH. One of the families are the one's who came over on the Mayflower. Related to famous reporter Neil Strawser. Remey (shortened when they arrived in the States in the 1800's) from Hungary. Plantin and Guarante (sic) in France... most of them are still there. I am related to the guy, Christophe Plantin, who created the "Times New Roman" font that is the Windows default font. I hate it and make Ariel my default.

charlis		03-Aug-2010 21:43
knight... your family's recipe for roast wild boar is great... basted with Jack Daniels! But stand back from the fire when pouring the bottle on the hog!

Fran		03-Aug-2010 18:43
Whitebelt, Thanks, I think that Curious will have something to work with now. BTW, I do have an adopted daughter. She was told from the very beginning. She never wanted to find out about her birth parents. We gave her all the information we had. When she was 13 she told me she didn't want to find someone who gave her away. I carried her in my heart and so goes the story. I had two live births and two who did not make it. Life goes on and so does the wonder of life. Have a good one...

whitebelt		03-Aug-2010 16:23
Fran, I know little about that. Have read a little while back that it might not be so good, perhaps a hustle in some instances. I would suggest researching the subject on Google real well.

Fran		03-Aug-2010 14:44
Curious, It might help if you we knew where you are located. Some services can and will give you that information. Mail in or local lab depends on what is available to you. Whitebelt, Could you help this person? You are very knowledgeable and you might be the right person to help.

Curious		03-Aug-2010 13:47
Is anyone familiar with a reputable company that tests DNA to determine an adopted person's ethnic ancestry?

Leighton		03-Aug-2010 06:44
Back in San Antonio. HOT here, but not like last summer (when I was actually in East Tennessee). I don't come in here often - posts are exhausting.

Charles (hic) Knight		03-Aug-2010 04:58
My family tree resembles a root system. It's a Cracker thing. Just kidding !

Miami River Rat		03-Aug-2010 03:36
My great-great grandmother stowed away on a ship in Germany at age 16, bound for America to find a better way of life. That took some guts, I'm thinkin'. That was about the time of our Civil War. Others came from Ireland to Florida and to Texas from England via New Orleans. I'll be away from Computer Land for several days, so y'all hang in there and keep it between the white lines!

whitebelt		03-Aug-2010 02:40
Family histories are funny things. You start with one man and woman way back when and see the population explode by the time it gets to you. I didn't know much of anything about my ancestors until I got an incomplete geneaology back in the mid-90's. Only went back to the 4th generation in this country, and he left for Canada in 1802. Millions of Nelson's since that time. They became very entrenched across Niagra in Canada. They were very entrenched in New York. Tracing those trees, especially the parents and grandparents of the wives, gets mind boggling. Amazing how mixed we get in just a few generations. Only have one real mystery in that line, and that is the father of that one that left for Canada. His father was left 200 acres, along with other siblings, he married another Dutch, a Cronkheit, woman and they had 3 kids, but he seemed to disappear and died early in age for a Nelson, and when that Canada bound one was very young. That was within a decade or so before the war. It appears the Canada bound ancestor did have connections to the patriot side and may even have served. He was accompanied to Canada by a patriot veteran and his family. Relatives of his mother. Evidently there were things to cause supporters and veterans of the Revolution to leave the country several years after it was formed. Oh, the stories you wish you could hear about your ancestors lost forever. Everyone should read up on the colonies in the NE back then. King Philip's War and the conflicts between colonies. The colonies were left on their own by England during King Philip's War. No troops were sent to help. That was a serious Indian uprising. Very bloody. That was the event that shaped a new identity and became America.

Miami Girl		03-Aug-2010 00:14
This family history thing is a great idea, maybe we can find someone here in our group we're related to! My Dad's paternal side were Quakers (last name Heald) who settled in PA starting in the early 1700's, moved to NC, didn't like the slave issue so moved to OH, his maternal side were comprised of North's and Morgan's. John North came over from England in the late 1600's and later Simeon North was a gun maker in CT before and during the civil war (I saw one of his pistols in the Smithsonian so he must have been good). Thomas Rees Morgan landed in NY on the day Lincoln died and founded an large Engineering company in Alliance, OH. My mothers parents both came over from Norway around 1908 and settled in Syracuse, NY. Ya'll on the coast better batten down the hatches - 'cane's on the way (someday anyway)!

whitebelt		02-Aug-2010 20:24
Paternal ancestors settled around Long Island, New York not long before English took over from Dutch. He married a daughter of a Dutch soldier. One of my direct ancestors was Polycarpus Nelson in that area. Interesting character. Read about him on the net. Family moved into Westchester county and then up to Duchess county, New York. Several years after the Revolutionary War the family moved across to Canada, eventually west to around Moose Jaw. They left that area and moved to Miami in 1922. My mother's side goes back a very long ways in the South, maybe as far back. Had a Cherokee grandmother on that side. The rest mostly Scots and English. Dutch, English, Scots, Irish, and French on the paternal side. My first wife was Japanese. Had my only child. He married a girl from NE Ohio. A maternal grandfather was a private in the Civil War from Georgia. The paternal side missed out on that war. The Hudson Valley was a real snake pit during the Revolutionary War. Had ancestors on both sides I suspect. There was a place called Nelson's Landing along the river. Didn't realize the intrigue, wars, and other interactions that happened in that area until I got into researching ancestors. My family has no ties to other countries or cultures. Been here too long.

Arizona AL		02-Aug-2010 19:57
Short Family History: Both sets of Grandparents immigrated from Lithuania and arrived at Ellis, Island circa 1898-99. My parents married in 1944. I was born in Miami in 1945. Relocated to North Carolina 1969 and Arizona 1995. I married in 1997 (age 52) and have no biological children. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		02-Aug-2010 09:40
Don, Thanks for the alert. This will be my first hurricane season down here. Since I read your post, I decided to create a desktop icom for the National Weather Service. Point taken RE: Miami Rouges. Daybreak has just begun and it's beautiful. It reminds me of daybreak in Miami--shades of blue and pink coming through thunderheads and palm fronds blowing in the breeze. Looking off one of the balconies, a cruise ship is coming in from San Juan to dock at Crown Bay. Guess I better start a pot of coffee.

Fran		02-Aug-2010 08:19
Oh, Leighton, so glad you could join us. How are your odonts? I hope all is well with you. It's hot, hot , hot here and not a drop of rain insight.

Don Boyd		02-Aug-2010 07:12
Nike: as I stated in the post, Don Gately posted his comments in a non-posting area of my site, and I moved his comments here since this is the "New Comments Gallery" starting 7/1/10. He had nothing to do with it and he was only making a comment. It is not the Miami Rogues website as you termed it though this place is normally full of the Miami Rogues featured in the photos. Mr. Gately has written some really nice memories of old Miami that went around in an e-mail recently and that are posted on another website but he's given me permission to repost them on this site. I'll do that in the next day or two. I just viewed the 0200 EDT update on the tropical disturbance coming off the Cape Verde area and one of the models shows it making a sharp left turn that will take it smack over Water Island. Get your shutters up now and mail all your valuables back to the mainland. : ) http://www.stormpulse.com Don .

Leighton		02-Aug-2010 04:37
Oh, my.

Fran		02-Aug-2010 04:18
MRR, Killeen, TX is 2 hours north west of us. Killeen a small town, good football team and close to Ft. Hood. Basketball is a popular sport with the guys and the gals. I was a Gym Rat, my daughter played Lady Dribbler Ball, AAU travel team, Junior High and High School ball. We traveled from Austin, to Dallas, Houston to San Antonia. We spent eight years on tour. It's a small world after all...

Nike		02-Aug-2010 02:03
Don Gately, Welcome and what brings you to the Miami Rouges website?

Charles (hic) Knight		01-Aug-2010 21:08
I'm told I tend to get a little "preachy" after a few cold beers. Hallelujah !

Charles (hic) Knight		01-Aug-2010 21:06
Here's my family history...I'm a cracker, that's the son of a cracker, who's father just happened to be a cracker, his father was a cracker as well. And that's on my mothers side! Prior to that they were all in Essex County (England). From what I'm told, there were a few "likker" stills involved (sorry, no wine here folks), and...Pole boats, and although they may have named one the Mayflower, there is no documentation to prove it. When we were kids, we would often venture into the wilds of Miami Beach and wonder in awe...Why in the world would anyone want to live in such a place? I now realize that many have probably asked the same question of my chosen whereabouts (The Everglades). I hope that the kind folks here can appreciate my sarcasm, it is intended in jest alone. (Such language from a cracker!). Here's wishing the very best to all of you, and reminding myself that I am here for only a fleeting moment, therefore it is folly to take myself seriously.

Don Boyd		01-Aug-2010 20:41
From Don Gately who posted in a non-posting gallery: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don Gately 01-Aug-2010 14:47 What a treasure. I am adding your site to my favorites so that I can revist often. Don Gately ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

charlis		01-Aug-2010 19:33
Here's my family history... I was born in France to a french born woman of a french born woman and an american born father whose parents came to this country from Hungary in the late 1880's. My grandather was in the US Diplomatic Corp and helped Russians get out of Russia during the Famine at the turn of the 20th Century... look up Edward Remey on Google. My mother lived through the Hitler years in Germany. She met my dad, an "good old boy" from OH in France. He was in the Army, she worked for the American Government in Graves Registration. During the war years she worked as an interpretor for the government helping in translating and tracking the Germans who were sending stolen things to the US. The French side of the family owned one of the biggest vineyards to produce Vouvray wine, that started to be sold in the US in the mid 60's by B&G. My father's family came over on the Mayflower... proof does exist, and were major settlers of Ohio. My mother, father, and me came to the US when I was 9 months old. I got to OH when I was 11 months old and lived there until I was 13... 1962, when we moved to Miami Beach. I lived there until 1974 when I moved to Tampa.

Charles Knight		01-Aug-2010 19:24
Hola Chico...

Jose		01-Aug-2010 15:17
Roberta Perry Hughes Hello and Thenk You for your kind words of support for me. And your story was nice reading for me. This group of people seems to be a golden example of how nice the american people are. Americans are mostly very kind and accept foreign born people with open arms and I find that very refreshing. Vaya con Dios. Jose C.

Roberta Perry Hughes		01-Aug-2010 06:37
Jose..... A great big ol' hug, from this Southern Belle, to welcome you to this glorious site...! As you have already discovered, we are a diverse group, with colorful backgrounds, and beginnings, and every one of us has our own collections of Old Miami Memories, that we share on these pages. I am in the Rogue's Gallery, as well as my husband, Lewis. My childhood was spent in Southwest Miami, and Lewie spent a brief time during his childhood days in Miami Beach, back when it was known as Fulford. His family later moved to Lady Lake; my own family left my former neighborhood forever, and moved back to Georgia, in 1961. My father's family were among the Pioneers of Miami, and their graves are in the former Cocoplum Cemetery, now known as Pineview....or is it Pineland....? in the Galleries. In the 1930's Gallery, you will see my paternal grandfather, and the Fowey Rock Light, where my grandfather was a Keep. I do not believe that there is another site anywhere, in cyberspace, that so honors the collective memories, and wonderful, historic vintage photographs as well, of a town or city, like this one, that our wonderfully talented webmaster, Don Boyd, has provided for us, so generously, and lovingly, for our delightful enjoyment, and for our amusement, as well. We are all so very lucky, to be able to turn back the clock, via these many photos, of our town, as we remember it from our youth. Thank you, so very much, Jose, for loving America as you do, and for having become an American citizen. I do so appreciate that, more than you know, and that you exercise your right to vote, and that you honor our flag, and support our troops. God bless you for it....! LARGO......LOVE THE PHOTO OF YOU AND YOUR LOVELY DAUGHTER IN THE ROGUE'S GALLERY.....! YOU ARE STILL AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU WERE IN THAT PHOTO WITH TROY DONAHUE....! I DO SO WISH THAT I HAD "AGED" THAT WELL....! YOU ARE SO BLESSED....! ONE DAY, I WILL SEND A MORE CURRENT PHOTO, OF ME AND MY COWBOY.....WHENEVER I AM FEELING BRAVE ENOUGH, that is...! LOL Of course, ALL of our Miami Rogues are gorgeous, the fellers, as well as the ladies....! We were blessed with a cooling RAIN, tonight....!! The blades of grass, and the foliage, all heaved a collective sigh, reveling in their cooling relief from the effects of many days in the parching rays of the sun.....Ahhhhhhhhhhh.....! The rain frogs added to their celebration, in a cacophony of song. I could have sworn that I heard a softly whispered murmur, that sounded for the world like, "Hallelujah." ....Or, was that me.....?? ====================================================================

Jose		01-Aug-2010 04:56
Largo Thank You for the welcome to this blog. It seems to be like one big happy family. I never seem to have much spare time, but when I do, i will stop by here. Though i was born in cuba i love this country and it's people. Americans, are by and large good people, and i am very happy to be here. I am an American Citizen, I vote, and salute the american flag, and am behind the american military one hundred per cent. This is my country now, and i try to live the american way out of respect to the country that welcomed me with open arms, and helped me live in freedom, which is something the people in cuba do not have. God Bless the USA. Jose C.

LARGO		31-Jul-2010 22:29
NIKE...THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH...YEP!....ATE MY HEART OUT FOR LUNCH TODAY...RE THE VIRGIN ISLAND ADOBE......AND SO HAPPY TO HAVE 'JOSE' ON OUR SITE.....WELCOME JOSE....SO GREAT TO HEAR YOUR STORIES ......WILL CHAT MORE....A FORMER CHICA FROM MIAMI...NOW LIVING HAPPILY IN ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA.....JUS UP DA ROAD MAN..................LARGO

Jose		31-Jul-2010 17:36
Arizona Al - Your spanish is very good, and you express yourself well. Our cuban food, and our women, are both delicacies to be sure. Mucho gusto, mi amigo. Jose Nike - Thank you for the welcome, and the detailed story of your life. You have been around, my friend. Very interesting trail. Mine is boring in comparison, i suppose. Charlis- I only use two of my names really, and they are Jose Cuevas. Less confusing. Jose C.

charlis		31-Jul-2010 14:50
Jose, thanks for the names explanation. I have a very long name... takes forever to write it down when having to comlete forms... I run out of room! My 1st name is the shortest with 7 letters... With women's lib and hyphenation of the last names...

Nike		31-Jul-2010 14:49
Jose, Welcome to the the Miami Rouges. We hope you will visit the Miami Rogues Gallery to see what we looked like "then,now, and even in-between." We hope you will consider contributing a couple of photos of you then, now and in-between. Also, include the now with your beautiful wife. I moved to Miami in 1955at age 10 from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I lived at 3434 SW 7th Street and attended Auburndale Elementary, Shenandoah Jr. High, and Miami High. I joined the Army in 1962 the morning after President Kennedy announced Russian missiles in Cuba. As soon as basic training was over, I immediatly was assigned to a Nike Hercules missile site in Carol City followed by assignments to the other Nike sites in Key Largo and Everglades National Park. I spent the entire three years in tents but got to go to my parent's home in Miami between duty assignments and sleep in my old bedroom. After my discharge in 1965, I spent two years as a police officer in Homestead. After I discovered I couldn't raise a family on $65.00 per week, I applied for a job at Kennedy Space Center leaning on my skills learned in the Army misslie guidance systems. I was hired by IBM for the Saturn V program and spent the next five years there. In 1972, I relocated to Atlanta where I have lived since. I spend part of the year in the Virgin Islands (where I am now) and the other in Atlanta. Occassionally, my stoopid keybrd missmells words so, please excuse me if that should happen. Bienvenidos and best regards, Nike

Arizona Al		31-Jul-2010 11:27
Jose: De nada. Es la verdad que me gusta comida Cubana. Mis predilectos son arroz amarillo con frijoles negros y de prisa la Cuban Sandwich. Cuando era circa de 21 anos tuvi una novia Cubana Ester Raquel Napoles. Ella no aprendio el Ingles.No problema porque aprendi el Espanol "en la calle" con mis amigos Cubanos y Puerto Ricenos. Nunca estudio en la escuela y puedo entender y hablar ahora (mas o menos). Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Con vida y bien en el Phoenix, Arizona

Jose		31-Jul-2010 02:43
Arizona Al Muchisima gracias compradre. Me alegro que ud le gustan comidas cubana. Es muy rico, y muy popular. I have never been to phoenix, but i would certainly like to sometime. Do you like ropa vieja ? I do. with platano maduros, y frijoles colorado. Mucho gusto ascere. Suave. Jose.

Jose		31-Jul-2010 02:35
Charlis, In Cuba, and most all of the spanish speaking countries, the mans first name comes first, then follows the middle name, then the fathers last name, and finally on the end goes the mothers last or maiden name. So normally, there are four names in a persons full name, as opposed to the usual 3 in americans names. There are exceptions to this rule. Some Families have 5 or more names. It varies. I too like ybor city. Been there numerous times, and i like eating at the columbia restaurant. Jose.

Jose		31-Jul-2010 02:27
Nice Folks, My full name is Jose carlos Cuevas Garcia. My fathers last name was Cuevas, and my moms last name was Garcia. Both of them are in heaven with their creator. I grew up in Hialeah. I attended Mae M. Walters Elementary school, Henry H. Filer Jr. High school, and Hialeah SR High school. . And I went to Miami Dade North studying Business Management. I lived in charlotte , n. c., for a while, working at the company of a family friend. Then I moved back to Hialeah, where i presently reside. I am now self employed, and work at home. I am married, but i do flirt a lot. My wife knows i do, but laughs it off. She is a beautiful woman, and knows that i really love only her. Nice to be welcomed by all of you. Thank you. Jose.

charlis		30-Jul-2010 18:12
Jose... what is your full name? I ask this for a reason... my first "parent allowed" boyfriend was from Cuba... dad had been a lawyer, mom was a doctor, in Cuba. They came over in 1960... dad became a car salesman, mom became a receptionist for a doctor's office... when Robbie told me his full name, I stared in disbelief... Roberto Carlos Sanchez y Perez de Gustomonte Jr! I changed the names but you know what I mean.... why so many names?

charlis		30-Jul-2010 18:01
Welcome to the loony bin, Jose. We do have a lot of fun here. I moved to Miami Beach in 1962 from a small town in Ohio. Talk about culture shock! Everyone had a strange accent... Cuban or Jewish. My mother's Brooklyn born Jewish aunt didn't have an accent like the people on the Beach. There were more deli's on Miami Beach than in the entire state of OH! As I got older I loved going over to Miami... favorite Spanish restaurant was a few blocks west of Biscayne, around 20th St. Moved to Tampa 12 years later and fell in love with the Cuban area called Ybor City, that has been here for over 150 years.

Arizona Al		30-Jul-2010 15:10
Jose et. alli.: As a youth in the 1960s I spent much time with my Cuban friends on Calle Ocho and as a result sampled a plethora of cuban food and foodstyles. I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona which actually has a fairly large Cuban community and several top of the line and several "street style" Cuban restaurants which my wife (Arizona native) and I regularly frequent. Bienvenidos a Memorias de Miami:) Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		30-Jul-2010 13:51
Welcome, Jose. Nice to have a different perspective on growing up in Miami. Big place with many different races, ethnicities, and political persuasions making quite a mix. Miami is really one of the more cosmopolitan places in the world. A gathering place of the best of the best and the worst of the worst people in the world. I value growing up there just from that. Can you tell us more about yourself regarding when and where you grew up there? I grew up in a blockbusted neighborhood next to MLK Park. I went to Miami Jackson during the 60's as it transitioned from an Anglo school to Meeami Yockson to 85% black. I was not raised in the white suburbs. Why I have a bit more edge to me. I spent many years installing and maintaining telephone systems in businesses all over South Florida. Met lots of people from lots of places in lots of different businesses. From Haitian voodoo shops, sweatshops, various professional offices to the FBI and state government offices. Most of them legal. Even exile groups from various countries. Would be interesting if we could all get off the sweet memories and get down to the realities of growing up there. Maybe get a perspective on the forces that shaped us there. Oh, I liked Cuban papayas, but restrained myself from getting addicted to them. You have to sneak in and take a bite and run. Otherwise you had the entire orchard, the momma and daddy and cousins and aunts and uncles capture you. The sweetness came with a price. :-) Driving back to NM today for a few days, so I will be offline mostly.

Fran		30-Jul-2010 10:59
JOSE, I think Parks is over estimating my behavior. Versailles is a favorite of our too. Las Vegas in Hollywood is a favorite. It had a kitchen fire and we have not been back since. I live in Texas now and TX Mex seems to be a hit right now. We do miss good Cuban food. Although my ex's family is from the Canary Islands. Did you attend UF or UM? Law or marketing? Just curious...

Jose		30-Jul-2010 08:20
Parks, thanks for your welcome sir. i stumbled on to this blog read what you people were writing and wanted to jump in. i have been in miami for a long time now and i like it here. It reminds me of my native havana in some ways. I left my homeland when i was young so i feel that miami is all i know now. And the united states is a great country and has given me a great opportunity to succeed and i have. Thanks for the warning about fran, but i really do not need it. i am a big flirt too maybe a bigger flirt than her. jose c

Jose		30-Jul-2010 08:10
Fran I came here to miami as a child when i was 5 years old. I am a notorious flirt, so you do not worry me. Havana Harry's is good, but personally, i like versailles better. And la carretta on the trail is real good too. I go to those two places often. Nice to meet you. Jose C.

Fran		30-Jul-2010 05:36
Oh my gracious Parks, no secret is safe. Nice thought though...:) I would guess that Jose has been in this country for many years. He may have dined at Havana Harry's in the Gables or La Hacienda just off 27th avenue. Loved the Les Violins when it was open. Again welcome to the place where the memories of Miami never ends. :)

Don Boyd		30-Jul-2010 04:36
Jose, welcome to the site and thank you for your banter with the regulars here. I hope you stick around to provide yet another perspective on things. From Steve McDonald in an e-mail earlier today: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is with a heavy heart, and sadness that I pass along the news that Admiral LeRoy Collins died in a tragic bicycle accident this morning in Tampa as he was on his way to row at the University of Tampa. Admiral Collins had an outstanding Naval career, was a distinguished gentleman and family man, and one-time candidate for the United States Senate. He currently was serving the people of Florida as the Director of Florida Veteran’s Affairs having been appointed to the post by Governor Charlie Crist. Admiral Collins had a passion for helping people, speaking the unvarnished truth — though in a very gentlemanly way, and giving back to his community. Though in his mid-seventies, he lived an active and healthy lifestyle — frequently biking and rowing before sunrise. Admiral Collins was the son of Florida’s former Governor Collins who served the state in one of the most politically and trying times our nation has ever faced. Florida has lost a fine public servant and he will be missed." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don .

Parks		30-Jul-2010 03:30
Hi Jose, welcome to the conversation. We haven’t had much Latin input and I look forward to hearing your impressions of Miami present and past. Some tips on good Cuban restaurants would be welcome also. Watch out for Fran, she is an outrageous flirt, and the boys all love it! I hate to interrupt the sexual innuendo that is flying around on this web site but there was an actual Miami history event yesterday. Miami finally has a statue of Julia Tuttle. It was unveiled as part of the celebration of Miami’s 114th birthday. The statue of Julia is holding a plate of oranges in one hand and orange blossoms in the other. It is located in Bayfront Park. It is about time the founder of Miami got some recognition.

Fran		30-Jul-2010 03:15
Jose, Welcome to the forum. Have you been here before? Enjoy the site...

Jose		30-Jul-2010 02:50
Whitebelt, Agreed. If one is going to eat that type of papaya, one must know the owner of the papaya. To risk eating papaya from a street vendor, is very foolish, and could very well cause one grave results. The fishy type papaya should only come from a known and trusted fish monger. In this fashion, it is a delicacy, but off the streets, it's sickness down the road. Eat papaya, both types, but know the story on it. Jose C.

whitebelt		29-Jul-2010 23:51
Nike, that is a rough climate. You are aware that constant exposure to salt laden breezes can ruin your lungs. It can also damage your wife's skin. In addition, those sea monsters like salt. They can't get enough of it. The salt on your skin and on your breath would make you a very tasty treat, indeed. BTW, I hope you and the wife don't have sodium issues. You do have plenty of sunscreen? Shark repellent? A solar powered satellite phone charger with satellite phone? Life preservers? Cisterns? I have one next to the house. No way I would drink water from that. I bet they kept the secret about the poisonous sea snakes that slither onto land on new moon nights from you.

Nike		29-Jul-2010 23:16
Whitebelt, I shall all precautions. Ever since watching "Jaws," I haven't been in the ocean, just flown over a few of them. At the first indication of an approaching hurricane, tsunamis, volcanic eruption, or wildfire, I'm on the next Delat flight to Atlanta. Water Island is just across the bay from St Thomas which takes about eight minutes by boat which is the only access. Transportation is golf carts or utility vehicles. We just received our Polaris Ranger Crew which is so pretty, I hate to get it dirty, We were made fun of arriving at Crown Bay with so much luggage, sort of like Thurston Howell III and his wife "Lovely. Do you remember them and their little island? Regarding the monster, I'll be on the lookout. All the flowers, shrubs and trees look like Miami with a few additional including Organ Cactus and Turks Cap cactus. Palms trees of all kinds. Water island is the fourth US Virgin Island and only about 490 acres with about 200 residents which are mainly here in the non-hurricane season. We're here for the year. The water must be captured in cisterns and the sewage is all septic tanks. Electricity is from a cable under the bay from St Thomas. It was a staggering 88 degrees today with a stiff breeze. Eat your heart out.

whitebelt		29-Jul-2010 23:06
Jose, I can understand some prefer the unwashed fishy papaya, but it is really a very dangerous practice unless it is homegrown and you know how it has been handled prior to savoring the taste. It is something I would not seek from a street vendor. You have no idea how it has been handled before you get it.

Jose		29-Jul-2010 20:31
Gentlemen, yes, that is true both types of papaya should be washed before eating. Some prefer fishy papaya unwashed though. It really depends on the person. And about islands any islands can one day sink. I should know I am from an island originally. I left my birthplace cuba as a child and came to the us and i am very grateful to the united states for allowing me to have freedom and a good life. And i eat papaya sweet fruit kind and fishy gamey kind. Good day gentlemen. Jose C.

whitebelt		29-Jul-2010 20:02
Uh, Jose, aren't the fishy ones a little on the gamy side? Try a little vinegar. MRR, I just wanted Nike to be aware of things while he is enjoying his little paradise down there. Hopefully it will sink in the summer if it does. Cold water is a bitch to swim in and really doesn't slow down hungry sharks much. Perhaps he should build a rocket in case he needs to make a quick getaway.

Miami River Rat		29-Jul-2010 19:46
Jose is having a little fun with languages and phonetics. As for Whitebelt's fears of islands abruptly sinking into the sea, if that sort of stuff starts happening I suspect we'll all have some problems.

Jose		29-Jul-2010 19:30
Friends, There are sweet papaya fruit, and the other papaya which tastes fishy, like our bacalao- your codfish. I eat both of them, with a smile on my face. Jose c.

Fran		29-Jul-2010 18:31
WHITEBELT, I never know what kind of read I'll find when clicking the sites you list.:) Very interesting read, never thought of the papaya in that respect. Good to know...:) St. Thomas is owned by the USA and some outer islands. Nike, would not be an ex. However, you did bring up some really important facts about that 400' critter. Well done, nice read.

whitebelt		29-Jul-2010 16:04
Well, Jose, it looks like papayas could fit almost everyone's tastes. http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/08/nation/na-papaya9

Jose		29-Jul-2010 15:53
People, I am a expert on papaya. I been with the ladies, for lots of years, and have done extensive research, while enjoying the forbidden fruit. Nothing better. Jose C.

whitebelt		29-Jul-2010 14:11
Sounds real nice, Nike. Until a hurricane hits. Wind blows hard at 300 feet. Should be safe from tsunamis. Maybe not seismological events. Is a bad place to be in the event of a catastrophe. Long swim to the mainland with lots of sharks, etc. Doubt if there is enough food and water to support the population for very long in the event of one. If so, be cautious about invitations for dinner. If you look on Google Earth to the south of you will see a rectangular depression in the ocean called the Venezuelan Basin. Has some deep parts and sharp dropoffs. Odd little geological oddity. The size of it fits the description of Atlantis, as does the mountain ranges surrounding it. It would also be near where the Pillars of Hercules would have been before the continental drift. Might not have been a slow drift. If you look at the scrape marks around Africa you will see where it appears it may have jumped a bit before drifting. Like a really profound seismological event occurred rather abruptly. Now, I am not saying that all of a sudden you may find yourself swimming in the middle of the ocean, with all those sharks around, but it appears it may have happened before. But I would assume things have settled down and maybe won't happen again for a while. Probably. Maybe. Oh, surely it wouldn't. In the meantime, while you are enjoying paradise, we here in the rest of the world will try to maintain civilization, keeping the planes flying and your support network there functioning so you don't run out of food and water. BTW, I have heard reports of a 400 foot sea monster that wanders along the coast there feeding, sometimes plucking unsuspecting part-time expatriates standing too close to the edge of bluffs. Keep your eyes open. Glad you are enjoying it there.

Nike		29-Jul-2010 11:10
300' not 300"

Nike		29-Jul-2010 11:09
LARGO, SORRY I"M A FEW DAYS LATE IN RESPONDING TO YOUR POST. I ARRIVED BACK DOWN HERE FOR A YEAR AND IT TAKES A FEW DAYS TO GET SETTLED INTO THE HOUSE. IT IS SORT OF LIKE KATHERINE HEPBURN AND JAMES FONDA GOING BACK TO GOLDEN POND. "NORM, LISTEN, I HEAR THE LOONS." IT IS GOING TO GET AS HIGH AS 89 OR 90 DEGREES TODAY. I GUESS I CAN TOLERATE THAT WITH A 10MPH BREEZE UP HERE ON THE 300" BLUFF. EAT YOUR HEART OUT.

whitebelt		29-Jul-2010 00:45
Though you done run off to Florida, Miami Girl. I hate mountain roads, too, especially with thousand foot dropoffs. Highway 64 crosses two ranges between Taos and Cimarron, NM. Two lane through the mountains. Some butt tightening hairpins on it. Downright frightening in the rain, ice, and dark. There is no reaction time if a car coming the other way goes over the line on some of them. Matter of fact, some you don't even see the car coming. Heading into Las Alamos from the jemez Pueblo has some very interesting hairpin turns. They are just like a bobby pin. Not a simple U curve. You come down, swing out, then come back in. Very disconcerting. Very good test of brakes, too. What is odd is that on big wide open interstates you get this weird feeling of not being real connected to the road crossing some ranges. Raton Pass and Glorieta Pass on I-25 are like that. So is I-40 around Santa Rosa. You just seem to lose that feel of the road there. Raton Pass is deceptive. It is steep but doesn't look it. That is over 8000 foot. Big wide open road with lots of trucks with their blinkers on crawling up the grade, and cars, too. Those roads out there also give your cruise control a real workout. I like flat straight roads.

miami girl		29-Jul-2010 00:04
Finally had a chance to catch up on all these comments about guns and those mango's I miss so much. Never realized there were so many varieties! The only one I knew was those from the trees in the neighborhood and no store bought one could ever compare. Just now returning from family reunion in Gatlinburg (I can live without ever experiencing those damn mountain roads again - they should be one way only), then a quick visit to our son's new house near Augusta, GA. Going home to a little cooler weather we hope. Keep the comments and memories coming, I'm always lurking around reading them even though don't have anything to say.

Fran		28-Jul-2010 05:05
WHITEBELT, I did see the tape. OMG, I thought at first before I turned the sound up that I was looking at a river with a lot of waves. Then I realized that I was seeing rare footage of a feeding frenzy. No, I would not ever, take that boat through that mess. No matter how much I wanted to go fishing. He's a lucky man...

whitebelt		28-Jul-2010 03:17
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/27/georgia.alligator.frenzy/index.html?hpt=T2 A whole BUNCH of gators. 300. I don't think I would have went through them with just a 14 ft johnboat.

Don Boyd		27-Jul-2010 21:24
Guest Eileen, I have a Facebook page under DonBoyd1 and I have friends on it who came from this site. But no, there is not a Facebook group directly affiliated with this site though I've received some requests to start one. There are several Facebook groups that are using some of my photos such as the "Bird Road Baby Boomers", "Hialeah... Remember when... 60's, 70's, 80's..." and "We grew up in Miami in the 60's and 70's." Don .

Fran		27-Jul-2010 15:58
PARKS, That's very nice of you to ask about the Papaya. Until then...have a great day.:)

Parks		27-Jul-2010 14:14
Hi Fran, I'm not an expert on Papaya. It's not a favorite fruit of mine. We did have several plants sprout up in our yard but the fruit was not great. I'll be seeing Chris Rollins next weekend. Chris runs the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead. I'll ask him for recommendations on which variety to grow. I’ll let you know what I find out.

Fran		27-Jul-2010 12:20
LARGO, YOUR 'TWO CENTS' IS APPRECIATED'. YOU ARE NOT BUTTING IN. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WAS TWO KINDS, MAYBE MORE. I LIVE IN COLLEGE STATION, TX, HAVE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. REPORTED HEAT INDEX TO BE IN THE 100'S BY NOON. A COLD SMOOTHIE SOUNDS GREAT. I'LL TRY THEIR TROPICAL, MIXED WITH PAPAYA, BANANA, PINEAPPLE AND WHAT EVER ELSE THEY PUT IN THEM.

LARGO		27-Jul-2010 11:05
HEY FRAN...'NOT' PARKS HERE..'LARGO'S 2 CENTS'...AS ONE KNOWS BY MY 'SCREAMING' TYPE..;~)... CANNOT REMEMBER WHERE YOU PRESENTLY RESIDE...BUT DID GROW UP, AS MANY OF US DID, WITH A S. FL. BACKYARD FULL OF ALMOST ALL THE DELICIOUS TROPICAL FRUITS SPOKEN OF ON THIS SITE...WE HAD PAPAYAS...2 KINDS ..DO 'NOT' KNOW THE NAMES...ONE WAS SMALL WITH YELLOWISH FLESH... THE OTHER LARGER (BOTH AT MATURITY) , WITH A DEEP ORANGE FLESH....WE ALWAYS SLICED THEM UP AND SQUEEZED LIME JUICE ON THEM..LEMON IN A PINCH...PERSIAN LIME (MY CHOICE) IT IS KNOWN TO BRING OUT THE FLAVOR OF THE FRUIT...AND DOES...TRY A TASTE TEST! I WAS ALWAYS FACINATED BY THE CAPER SIZE SEEDS OF THIS FRUIT...PUT ME IN MIND OF FISH ROW. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT 'SAVED' SEEDS WILL GIVE YOU...BUT THERE IS MYSTERY IN EXPERIMENTATION. THIS FRUIT IS ALSO GREAT FOR STOMACH AILMENTS..AND INSECT BITES. ALSO AS A MARINADE (PAPAYA JUICED) A THIN APPLICATION ON A (NOT SO EXPENSIVE) CUT OF BEEF OR CHOPS BEFORE COOKING ...(OVERNITE). ..HELPS TO TENDERIZE IT. I ALSO LOVE IT IN SMOOTHIES WITH PINEAPPLE AND AGAVE NECTER (NOT THE DISTILLED FORM).....I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF PARKS WOULD KNOW WHAT THESE VARITIES MIGHT BE???...SORRY TO BUTT IN........LARGO

Fran		27-Jul-2010 06:32
Parks, Do you grow papaya trees/plants? If so what is the best way to eat them? The papayas at our local market are from Mexico. Not sure about the fruit from there. Would appreciate your thoughts and others concerning the papaya. I collect seeds from fruits that I buy. If the fruit meets the A+ rating then I save the seed and plant when the time is right.. I lost my mango tree this year due to a cold winter. We are not really in the right zone to grow them

Guest		26-Jul-2010 21:03
Master Photomeister Don, Do you have a facebook page related to this site? Eileen Fitzgibbons Miami Springs 1946-1964

LARGO		26-Jul-2010 10:57
NIKE...HOW NEAT TO HAVE A LITTLE PLACE IN THE V.I'S.......I VISITED ST. THOMAS BACK IN '81....AND WANTED TO MOVE THERE IMMEDIATELY....NOT IN THE STARS....AT LEAST I GOT BACK TO FLORIDA AFTER 25 YEARS. INTERESTING HOW THIS "BLOG" MOVES ON SUBJECT MATTER...FROM GUNS TO MANGO'S...AN ON............GUESS THAT'S WHY I KEEP CHECKING IN..........STAY COOL YA'LL.......LARGO

Parks		25-Jul-2010 14:41
Hi Rat, The mango experts and snobs, my self included, have said for years that the Hayden was a good mango but not great. I hadn't had one in years until about a week ago. I am humbled. The Hayden is a very good mango. It can stand on it's taste with the best of the new cultivars. I think it may not produce as well as some of the new ones but it is a fine mango. Being a mango snob I've avoided the Tommy Atkin as well. That's the one you find in grocery stores most of the time. It has a reputation for being flavorless. It turns out that the ones you buy in the grocery store are picked too soon. Let it ripen on the tree a week or two longer and it is a fine tasting mango. Big and pretty too.

Fran		25-Jul-2010 14:34
Parks and MRR, I do remember the turpentine mango. Mention them to my mom and she would make a horrible looking face. My dad brought home several and made mango juice from them. My opinion, not so good. I haven't found a mango better than the Hayden. However I will check out the fresh produce markets in our area. Which means. Central Market will open later this year. May find several varieties in Houston. Parks, You make me want to move back and grow mangos. Yummmm :)

Miami River Rat		25-Jul-2010 12:15
I thought I was the only one that remembered turpentine mangoes! Also referred to as peach mangoes and some other derogatory names. Stringy fiber that gets caught in your teeth and not-so-hot tasting. My sister and one cousin can't recall them at all. There was a huge old tree of turpentine mangoes near my house back when. It produced more than the whole city would want to eat. Parks: Let us know if you identify a mango that tastes better than a Hayden. I've never found one, but then I haven't lived in mango territory for 40+ years.

Parks		25-Jul-2010 03:26
Hi Guys, It's mango time here in South Florida. Susan and I want to plant a new mango tree in our yard so today we drove to Redland to see what varieties we could taste.. We bought eight different varieties and were given three others by friends. In the next few days we will be tasting Ivory, Saigon, Gaylour, Turpentine, Swethinta, Tahar, Van Dyke, Paiti, Mallika, Hayden, and Tommy Atkins. Susan has never tasted a Turpentine and it’s been years for me. The guy we bought it from said they are mostly bought to get the seeds to grow root stock. Other varieties are grafted on to their roots. Poor poor me, having to taste all these mangos. Our Sapodilla tree is loaded this year and Susan is trying to figure out what to do with them. She used them in her mango bread recipe instead of mango, it’s great. Susan also dried some and I like it better than the fresh fruit.

Nike		24-Jul-2010 20:42
Parks, Thanks and "will do." I just got back from the 7' Saturn V launch. It was beautiful. Send me an email and I'll reply with a couple of photos.

Parks		24-Jul-2010 14:36
Nike, It sounds wonderful. If in all your travel you have a few hours in Miami, give me a shout. Maybe we can grab a beer or a bite.

Nike		24-Jul-2010 12:39
Fran, Thanks, and we will. We'll be coming back and forth with my work, ven though retired now. I am working on a case in Boynton Beach, Florida, Clinton, CT, and Princeton, NJ. Since my clients pay for the travel expenses, I don't mind.

Fran		24-Jul-2010 05:47
Nike, Best wishes for a safe stay. When you and Nancy have time, try out the Ritz Spa. Friends report that it's the best and the food is great too. See ya next year!

Nike		24-Jul-2010 04:48
This is my last weekend in this beautiful City of Atlanta where it was 103 today. Monday, we'll leave for our home in the Virgin Islands where the temperature today was 88 with a nice tropical breeze. It is about the same as Miami over the next few days. Fortunately, on Water Island we have 5 bars on our cell phones and satellite DSL so I can monitor Miami Memories. Not bad for a little island of 498 acres with 200 residents. No cars, just golf carts and utility vehicles. On Monday nights, a sheet is tied between two palm trees on the beach and it become the drive-in movie. The concession stand are the grills on the beach and Joe's Beach Bar on Honeymmoon Beach. There's BINGO on Wednesday nights and Friday is pizza night. There are no stores on the island. You have to take the ferry across the bay to St Thomas (8 minutes) or your own boat for groceries. No worries, Mon!

LARGO		24-Jul-2010 04:03
HEY HEY... MIZ ROBERTA AN THE REST OF THE GANG...NO I HAVEN'T POSTED RE: GUNS...NOT YET.....BUT I DO HAVE A LOVELY LITTLE LADY SMITH & WESSON 357 MAGNUM...STRICTLY FOR PROTECTION...............FO SHO.... ;~) LARGO

whitebelt		23-Jul-2010 23:10
I remember some women wore jeans so tight they had to lay down to put them on. This was back in the zipper up the side days. Has liberation and fly front jeans made that any easier? That was really before my time, so to speak, but I would think such things would have discouraged promiscuity among those ladies.

Fran		23-Jul-2010 22:39
MRR, I can't speak for the other ladies who post here but I do enjoy reading all of the posts including the guns. I received a dueling pistol from my dad's estate when he died. The rest of the pistols and riffles went to my brother. I remember his happiest times were spent when he went hunting using his swamp buggy. It was hot , hot, hot here today. Wish that we had rain, not gonna happen any time soon. Chillin' to the oldies:)

charlis		23-Jul-2010 21:57
I, a lady, love guns. When my uncle died, I was supposed to inherit a rifle from the Civil War.... never got it an no one knows what happened to it. As to the storm... wht a waste of a "name"... "they" predict so many storms this year and jumped the gun on the first two so that they can reach the limit they predicted... Charli aka Hurricane Lady.

Roberta Perry Hughes		23-Jul-2010 21:23
Rat.... Charlis has posted, and Largo, too, I think (?), re: guns. I have held my own comments on the subject, however. Even so, you boys have the right to equal time, for the subjects that interest you. God knows, we ladies have posted our recipes, and not too many of y'all b'witched about it.....that I remember, anyway...... I log on daily, and read the comments. Would not dream of fussing at y'all, over the good time y'all have been having, talking about y'all's favorite firearms, past and present. ************************************************************************************************************

Charles Knight		23-Jul-2010 21:09
Getting some rain and wind from the far edges of the Hurricane, you can really feel the difference in barometric pressure. As wary as I am of big storms this is actually a welcome change from the constant heat of late.

Miami River Rat		23-Jul-2010 20:05
I hope all this talk of guns hasn't chased the ladies away. Maybe we should put the discussions about trucks and chainsaws on hold for a while?

whitebelt		23-Jul-2010 02:07
Maybe it was the pained look on your face, Nike. :-) Where is Miami Girl? Has she gone on her trip yet? Having our third evening thunderstorm in a row now. Have had a herd of toads since Spring, big ones, medium size ones, and little ones. They gather around when I am working in the yard and watch me like the cats did back in NM. Never saw so many in one place before. Kind of cute.

Nike		22-Jul-2010 11:57
Whitebelt, No one wants to admit when it happens. I remember standing there after the CO moved to the guy to my left to inspet his and blood dripping down my hand onto my boot. Not a word was said. Fortunately, I was in the last line and after we were dismissed, I was just a few yards from the medic tent.

whitebelt		22-Jul-2010 05:06
Trail Glades was a really good range when I was going there. The people and management were great. Tolerant of responsible rule breaking by us regulars. Was a lot of fun. Only limitation was it only 100 yards. A lot of lizards died on that backstop. The rifle and pistol was what I did mostly. Pistol and benchrest rifle. Did a lot of handloading and experimenting. Would lug in 5 rifles and accessories on some days. Had a handtruck to carry it in. Shot international style skeet overseas but pretty much got out of it after returning. Expensive hobby. We used to shoot at night, also. That was cool.

Parks		22-Jul-2010 04:37
Whitebelt, I was shooting 16 yard trap which I think is easier than skeet, no doubles to hit. Those Remingtons are very reliable and soft on your shoulder. They've spent some money on Trail Glades Range. The rifle / pistol side is really nice now. I've always thought the shotgun side was a nice range.

whitebelt		22-Jul-2010 03:45
Parks, the Remington 1100 and 11-87 are the best shotguns there are to me. I've had O/U's and pumps, but those are the best. 100 straight is pretty good. I don't remember ever breaking 25. I was not the best of skeet shooters.

Parks		22-Jul-2010 03:04
Whitebelt, I bought an Ithaca 37 also. I quickly learned to hate it. As you said it will stomp you. I did like that it ejected down. I rented a Remington 870 out at Trail Glades and loved it. I ended up buying an 1100 semi auto for trap shooting. Warning! Warning! I'm about to brag: I once broke a hundred strait with that 1100. That was thirty years ago. A few months ago I went to Trail Glades and shot an eight out of 25. Very embarrassing. In my defense I was shooting a .410.

Arizona Al		22-Jul-2010 03:03
Whitebelt and Nike: When I was in Boot Camp in 1964 the standard issue was the M-1 Garand. I can still remember the nomemnclature to this day. "The M-1 is a gas operated clip fed semi automatic shoulder weapon.......sir." When I arrived in-country in 1966 I was issued an M-14 which I became familiar with during AIT prior to deployment. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		22-Jul-2010 00:22
Nike, that bolt closing unexpectedly just kinda makes you feel dumb, don't it? Clunk!! Oh, shi*t!! Ouch, ouch,ouch!! Some of those old military rifles had stripper clips that probably did more damage than the enemy.

Nike		21-Jul-2010 23:55
Whitebelt, Wanna compare thumbs?

whitebelt		21-Jul-2010 21:38
MRR, I had a Savage 110 in 270 that I wore out at the range. Great round. A similar one almost became the standard military round for the US after WW!. A 270 is a 30-06 necked down to a smaller diameter bullet. Lots of wildcat ammo was made from that case. Bought my son a 25-06, a 30-06 case necked down to 257. The muzzle blast is enough to scare anything to death. 400 yard antelope and coyote rifle.

whitebelt		21-Jul-2010 21:32
I had a Garand for a while. Also had a case of Garand thumb. Otherwise the greatest battle rifle of its time. Firepower, accuracy, and a real bayonet support tool. Fun to shoot. Not so much for reloading it. Had a Springfield 03, too. Close second to that Enfield Mark 3.

charlis

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