Another special post because so much to tell you.
First, more advice. If your name starts with B, G or K, and you struggle to get more than 34 minutes sleep in one go, get in your car, or keyboard, and buy a 2 inch slab of foam for your mattress, and a foam pillow, and you’ll sleep through dogs, shrinks living next door and ride-on mowers. Lynn and Kurth’s spare bed is pure bliss. Who knew the power of foam? Well probably everyone except me.
Ever wondered what happened in the Garden of Eden in autumn?
On the subject of glee, no sooner am I out of the shower than Lynn has whipped up omelette for breakfast and warm brownies. Yes, brownies are on my detox list. Shut up.
Lynn said she loves having guests as has an excuse to cook all her favourite foods that they don’t normally eat. Lasagna for supper.
Then … another spooky coincidence … she lends me biography of 48 year old children’s book writer who sold up to roam the world. Blow me down if it’s not same author who wrote my sister Penny and my favourite childhood book, “More Spaghetti I Say!”, which we still recite today.
Strolled to station to get train to Winter Park, 12km away. Clearly the $3 fare isn’t enough to keep ticket machines working.
First machine got stuck just as the guy’s ticket was meant to be spewed out.
Lined up for only other machine. Woman using said a few cuss words, turned to me and said “This machine is shit.”
Decided it was the better of two options and spent next 5 mins hitting “NO!!” as the “Do you want to cancel?” screen appeared every 2 seconds. I had to quick as a flash hit each button to complete my transaction in between getting rid of the omnipresent cancel screen.
Got half way through, ready to kick the stupid thing, when the English/Spanish announcement tells me the train arrives in 3 minutes. My fingers have never moved so fast. Not even when grabbing free food samples.
Winter Park is absolutely gorgeous. Average household income: $900,000. Three smoothie/acai bowl cafes to every coffee shop. Am about to find museum with Tiffany glass chapel. Well, that’s after I’ve been into every shop and strolled the endless gardens.
Am in Starbucks, only coffee in town. Ooooh, just got up to sprinkle nutmeg, chocolate and vanilla in my coffee and this rich-looking local guy looks up and gives me big “So, come here often?” smile. (“Yes, duh, free wifi”). I’m in!!! Wedding in Tiffany museum in 2 weeks. Send me your frock/pants sizes – 40% off at Gap today.
You know you’re in Winter Park when the coffee that cost you $2.19 in Longwood yesterday now costs you $2.39. To get my money’s worth I took a copy of “The Nanny Diaries” from the Starbucks book exchange.
Charles from Charles Scott Menswear. Gives you an idea of the standard of shopping here. Before you admire my gall at getting him to pose I actually took the photo from the Winter Park promo mag.
Had a(nother) brainwave walking to station. Low blood pressure is 90/60. Mine got down to 74/54 in hospital. Surprised I’m still upright. So need to invent a motorised combo IV drip wheelie thing/luggage trolley to haul my backpack the rest of the trip.
I’m so happy today.