So after the bear shadow, we headed back to the Inn for some cocktails (except Wifey the tee totaler). Lubricated by a few martinis, we headed over to an Italian place the In folks recommended --right across the street.
It turns out that Highlands has ONLY great restaurants. It's so upscale there, that any less than fine places go out of business fast. The Italian place (whose name escapes me) was terrific. I ordered Elk for the first time, and the waiter explained that it was "farm raised Elk," which is less gamey and more flavorful. In our buzzed state, we started theorizing that the Elk on the farm had even sadder eyes than wild ones, and they all wore t shirts pointing at their neighbors, etc...
It was a definite "had to be there," but we laughed, and ate, and laughed some more.
Next day, we were up and headed to White Mountain, where we had seen the shadow bear. We decided to take a 2 mile hike up and down the mountain. We grabbed walking sticks. The trail was described as "easy to moderate." Ha! As if! It was TOUGH!
Wifey whined and complained, as expected, but made it to the top! We were rewarded with views that took away any doubt about the existence of God. The vistas, in the Fall colors, were breathtaking.
Dr. Eric took about 300 photos on his high tech camera, and we drank in the gorgeous views, and the blissful weather.
Wifey felt "empowered" that she made the hike. We celebrated with another delicious lunch at a place called "Happy Thyme" in nearby Cashiers. Again, the food was delicious --we all had some of the best soup we'd ever tasted.
We returned to the Inn, and decided to make another trek, this time to "Sunset Rock," where the locals go to watch the day end over Highlands. Wifey had had enough --she stayed behind to revel in her "empowerment." Dr. Eric, Dana, and I made the short trip.
Again --we were rewarded with gorgous views. Eric snapped away, along with a fellow we met who was an ESPN cameraman enjoying his day off. He was an Alabama grad, so we made sure he knew his team's coach was the anti-Christ. He knew, but didn't care, so long as they won.
As the sun set, the colors drenched the sky over Highlands. It was a Fall post card in the best sense.
Next am we had breakfast, and left for Asheville, in the rain. We had all been there before, and decided its motto should be: "Asheville: A Southern City where ironic, wise guy Northern Urban Jews Could Actually live happily if for some reason they decided to live in the South."
I don't think the Asheville Chamber of Commerce will be clamoring to take this as their new motto, but it's true...
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Flying North to the South
Melville's Ishmael knew it was time to go to sea when the depression of living on land got to him, when he spent too much time lingering at funerals.
For me, it's time to get some cool weather after about 6 months of Miami's heat, especially years like this one where there are no cool spells even into late October.
So Wifey and I got ourselves to MIA last Sunday and headed to North Carolina.
We flew to Asheville Regional Airport, which looks suspiciously like the remodeled airport in Bozeman, Montana. I guess in the 90s a bunch of small cities needed to renovate their regional airports, and used the same rustic look.
We rented a car and headed for Highlands. Fall was in its full splendor! The colors were striking as we drove up into the mountains. We made Highlands after about an hour, and checked into the Old Edwards Inn, a quaint Inn on Main Street in town.
We met Dr. Eric and Dana there, and shared a check in glass of champagne.
I have to say here that Eric only plays at being the top cardiologist in Palm Beach County. He's at heart a Summer Camp Director, and Dana his extremely capable assistant. Eric planned, researched, and led this week like the terrific tour guide he is. He knew every option throughout Western North Carolina, and gave us all wonderful choices. It was grand!
Eric found out that there was a Fall phenomenom on a local mountainside that occurred only a few times per year, and our first evening in Highlands was one of them: as the sun sets behind a peak, the clear shadow of a bear appears in the valley behind it.
One of the Edwards's fitness instructors led us a few miles out of town, and we parked along the highway. There were easily 50 people there gathered to watch this event.
At first, as the shadow appeared, we chuckled. IT looked more like a turtle than a bear. But, as the sun fell lower into the sky, sure enough a bear shadow in perfect relief was there. It was way cool.
We were impressed, and headed back to town. A culinary adventure awaited. Who knew there were Elk farms?
For me, it's time to get some cool weather after about 6 months of Miami's heat, especially years like this one where there are no cool spells even into late October.
So Wifey and I got ourselves to MIA last Sunday and headed to North Carolina.
We flew to Asheville Regional Airport, which looks suspiciously like the remodeled airport in Bozeman, Montana. I guess in the 90s a bunch of small cities needed to renovate their regional airports, and used the same rustic look.
We rented a car and headed for Highlands. Fall was in its full splendor! The colors were striking as we drove up into the mountains. We made Highlands after about an hour, and checked into the Old Edwards Inn, a quaint Inn on Main Street in town.
We met Dr. Eric and Dana there, and shared a check in glass of champagne.
I have to say here that Eric only plays at being the top cardiologist in Palm Beach County. He's at heart a Summer Camp Director, and Dana his extremely capable assistant. Eric planned, researched, and led this week like the terrific tour guide he is. He knew every option throughout Western North Carolina, and gave us all wonderful choices. It was grand!
Eric found out that there was a Fall phenomenom on a local mountainside that occurred only a few times per year, and our first evening in Highlands was one of them: as the sun sets behind a peak, the clear shadow of a bear appears in the valley behind it.
One of the Edwards's fitness instructors led us a few miles out of town, and we parked along the highway. There were easily 50 people there gathered to watch this event.
At first, as the shadow appeared, we chuckled. IT looked more like a turtle than a bear. But, as the sun fell lower into the sky, sure enough a bear shadow in perfect relief was there. It was way cool.
We were impressed, and headed back to town. A culinary adventure awaited. Who knew there were Elk farms?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Whistling Past the Airport
Here I am again, on the eve of a trip with Wifey, and I couldn't help myself: I sent one of my infamous emails to Ds 1 and 2 giving instructions "just in case..."
I try to be a realist, and I know how illogical that is. Wifey and I have a far better chance of getting killed each time we drive together on I-95 than we do flying commercially, but I simply can't help it. (Matter of fact, I probably came closese to buying the farm last week in Delray Beach. While waiting for a takeout lunch at the Gramercy Deli, I was jostled and threatened by a pack of very angry old Northeastern retirees, all of whom seemed to be in a great hurry to get somewhere). But I digress...
I guess it's something about the loss of control when one flies that causes the mind to wander to thoughts of mortality. Whatever it is, I do my same routine...
When D1 turned 19, we changed our wills to make her D2's legal guardian in the unfortunate event... Now D2 is nearly 18, so would only be under her evil sister's control for another 3 months or so.
After that, between life insurance and the inevitable lawsuit against Delta Airlines, the Ds would be rather well fixed, financially. Would they become mini versions of Paris and Nikki Hilton? Would they still become productive, philanthropic women? Hey -- Wifey and I wouldn't be around to see, but my guess is more of the latter...
My partner Paul shares my whistling past the ( ) habit. Whenever he leaves for a trip, he renews his instructions about what to do with "his half" of our law business. Luckily, I have never had to act on his wishes...
Likewise, I'm fairly certain that Wifey and I will survive to spend the Ds' inheritance. On the other hand, as I am writing this, Wifey, in her pre trip anxiety, has been peppering me with questions, in DIRECT flouting of my request that she leave me alone when I'm writing these silly blogs, which brings me to the thoughts of Basil Fawlty's lament when his wife hectored him "I pray for the release death will bring!"
Not really. I still figure I have plenty of living to do. For example, today my beloved Canes are playing a tough ACC game, and I'll be leaving to tailgate in just 3 hours...
Still --just in case... I sent my emails to the Ds, as I embark with Wifey on a trip without them. My friend Professor Steve is already in Asheville for his 45th high school reunion, and he just emailed that the weather is gorgeous, and the Fall color is at its zenith. I can't wait to walk in the crisp air, with fallen leaves crackling beneath my feet, and that exquisite smell of burning wood fires detectable inthe distance...
We're going with Dr. Eric and Dana, and the four of us aim to enjoy the hell out of this trip. We'll celebrate our friendship and the lives we've shared. Our two oldest are Gators, humorously, and our two youngest will both be away in college in a few years (D2 in less than one year).
I plan to get Dr. Eric to remember and talk about our fathers, gone but still a looming presence in our lives.
And I plan to return for more fun and creation of memories on this mortal coil (D2 is reading "Hamlet").
But just in case...
I try to be a realist, and I know how illogical that is. Wifey and I have a far better chance of getting killed each time we drive together on I-95 than we do flying commercially, but I simply can't help it. (Matter of fact, I probably came closese to buying the farm last week in Delray Beach. While waiting for a takeout lunch at the Gramercy Deli, I was jostled and threatened by a pack of very angry old Northeastern retirees, all of whom seemed to be in a great hurry to get somewhere). But I digress...
I guess it's something about the loss of control when one flies that causes the mind to wander to thoughts of mortality. Whatever it is, I do my same routine...
When D1 turned 19, we changed our wills to make her D2's legal guardian in the unfortunate event... Now D2 is nearly 18, so would only be under her evil sister's control for another 3 months or so.
After that, between life insurance and the inevitable lawsuit against Delta Airlines, the Ds would be rather well fixed, financially. Would they become mini versions of Paris and Nikki Hilton? Would they still become productive, philanthropic women? Hey -- Wifey and I wouldn't be around to see, but my guess is more of the latter...
My partner Paul shares my whistling past the ( ) habit. Whenever he leaves for a trip, he renews his instructions about what to do with "his half" of our law business. Luckily, I have never had to act on his wishes...
Likewise, I'm fairly certain that Wifey and I will survive to spend the Ds' inheritance. On the other hand, as I am writing this, Wifey, in her pre trip anxiety, has been peppering me with questions, in DIRECT flouting of my request that she leave me alone when I'm writing these silly blogs, which brings me to the thoughts of Basil Fawlty's lament when his wife hectored him "I pray for the release death will bring!"
Not really. I still figure I have plenty of living to do. For example, today my beloved Canes are playing a tough ACC game, and I'll be leaving to tailgate in just 3 hours...
Still --just in case... I sent my emails to the Ds, as I embark with Wifey on a trip without them. My friend Professor Steve is already in Asheville for his 45th high school reunion, and he just emailed that the weather is gorgeous, and the Fall color is at its zenith. I can't wait to walk in the crisp air, with fallen leaves crackling beneath my feet, and that exquisite smell of burning wood fires detectable inthe distance...
We're going with Dr. Eric and Dana, and the four of us aim to enjoy the hell out of this trip. We'll celebrate our friendship and the lives we've shared. Our two oldest are Gators, humorously, and our two youngest will both be away in college in a few years (D2 in less than one year).
I plan to get Dr. Eric to remember and talk about our fathers, gone but still a looming presence in our lives.
And I plan to return for more fun and creation of memories on this mortal coil (D2 is reading "Hamlet").
But just in case...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Automotive Permutations
I think one of my life's goals is to live, at least for awhile, some place where you don't need a car. In Miami, the only 2 places like that are South Beach, and possibly Coconut Grove. I guess NYC is the best place to go car-less.
I used to enjoy driving, but the S Fla traffic has taken away the joy. It used to be that you culd avoid rush hour, but now rush hour seems to be most of the day. Early Sunday am, when I go for bagels for my girls, seems to be one of the remaining traffic-free times.
Plus, I'm a fleet supervisor. I'm responsible for the operation and cost of 4 vehicles. When one is out of service, it throws my family ourt of whack. Last Summer, D2's car was in the shop for nearly 6 weeks following a mishap, and now D1's car has been out of service.
Wifey sent D1 back to Gainesville with her SUV, and we rented Wifey a car for the past week. Supposedly, D1's car is ready after nearly 5 weeks in the shop, following her dog involved crash. So, Wifey and I plan to go up to Delray in the rental, pick up D1's ride, and then return the rental. We'll make a day of it by visiting Very Old Mother.
Speaking of which --there's a bad moon rising there. Mom asked me to get her a cell phone, to carry with her at all times, in case she falls or otherwise needs help. I ordered her the simplest model there is, but it still requires making sure the power is turned on, and pressing several buttons. I already know what's in store --frustrating phone calls about how the phone is "broken."
My father in law asked Wifey for a cell phone, too, to carry when he drives. A few years ago, when he couldn't get it to work, in a fit of anxiety and anger, he tossed it out of his car somewhere in I-75 at the Broward/Dade border.
Mom won't do that; she'll probably just not use the thing. What are ya gonna do?
So off to Delray today, to retrieve the car. Wifey will drive it until Thanksgiving time, when D1's next due home.
I have to go check the fleet's records --there's probably an oil change or 2 due...
I used to enjoy driving, but the S Fla traffic has taken away the joy. It used to be that you culd avoid rush hour, but now rush hour seems to be most of the day. Early Sunday am, when I go for bagels for my girls, seems to be one of the remaining traffic-free times.
Plus, I'm a fleet supervisor. I'm responsible for the operation and cost of 4 vehicles. When one is out of service, it throws my family ourt of whack. Last Summer, D2's car was in the shop for nearly 6 weeks following a mishap, and now D1's car has been out of service.
Wifey sent D1 back to Gainesville with her SUV, and we rented Wifey a car for the past week. Supposedly, D1's car is ready after nearly 5 weeks in the shop, following her dog involved crash. So, Wifey and I plan to go up to Delray in the rental, pick up D1's ride, and then return the rental. We'll make a day of it by visiting Very Old Mother.
Speaking of which --there's a bad moon rising there. Mom asked me to get her a cell phone, to carry with her at all times, in case she falls or otherwise needs help. I ordered her the simplest model there is, but it still requires making sure the power is turned on, and pressing several buttons. I already know what's in store --frustrating phone calls about how the phone is "broken."
My father in law asked Wifey for a cell phone, too, to carry when he drives. A few years ago, when he couldn't get it to work, in a fit of anxiety and anger, he tossed it out of his car somewhere in I-75 at the Broward/Dade border.
Mom won't do that; she'll probably just not use the thing. What are ya gonna do?
So off to Delray today, to retrieve the car. Wifey will drive it until Thanksgiving time, when D1's next due home.
I have to go check the fleet's records --there's probably an oil change or 2 due...
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Debbie Downer
I have an acquaintance who I encounter monthly, when she cuts my hair. I think my last haircut, yesterday, might be my last with her. She brings me down!
She's a nice person and cuts hair well, but each time I'm in the chair I hear a monologue about how bored she is with her life, and how there's no end in sight to the drudgery. I find myself giving pep talks about all that's positive, and how she needs to just go out and grab some gusto as the beer ads used to command.
Nah, she answers, she has her job, and her dying relatives, and her "responsibilities," and I could never understand because I have such a terrific life, etc...
I tried to counter that my life was ALWAYS terrific, and hers should be, too, but she just stays mired in the negative.
Well, for years I've been happy to be a cheerleader for her and the other downers in my life, but I'm giving them up. I figure there are plenty of haircuters out there who are fun and funny. I want to look forward to monthly rituals, not dread them.
I really don't get it. My haircutter and I have a mutual aquaintance who died this year of cancer, at age 46. She also lost a relative recently, also a young person who died. Why don't these events act as signposts. To me, they are so clear.
One must heed the advice of Warren Zevon: "Enjoy every sandwich!"
I guess I hate waste. I have no problem spending money, but I abhor seeing it wasted. I inherited my parents' Depression era mentality, and hate to see food wasted. I still walk through my house and turn off lights that aren't needed.
The worst waste of all is wasting time --doing things out of obligation that give you no joy.
My haircutter might enjoy martyrdom, and then seeking affirmation for all of her self imposed suffering.
Nah --maybe some enthusiastic gay guy is the way to go next time.
She's a nice person and cuts hair well, but each time I'm in the chair I hear a monologue about how bored she is with her life, and how there's no end in sight to the drudgery. I find myself giving pep talks about all that's positive, and how she needs to just go out and grab some gusto as the beer ads used to command.
Nah, she answers, she has her job, and her dying relatives, and her "responsibilities," and I could never understand because I have such a terrific life, etc...
I tried to counter that my life was ALWAYS terrific, and hers should be, too, but she just stays mired in the negative.
Well, for years I've been happy to be a cheerleader for her and the other downers in my life, but I'm giving them up. I figure there are plenty of haircuters out there who are fun and funny. I want to look forward to monthly rituals, not dread them.
I really don't get it. My haircutter and I have a mutual aquaintance who died this year of cancer, at age 46. She also lost a relative recently, also a young person who died. Why don't these events act as signposts. To me, they are so clear.
One must heed the advice of Warren Zevon: "Enjoy every sandwich!"
I guess I hate waste. I have no problem spending money, but I abhor seeing it wasted. I inherited my parents' Depression era mentality, and hate to see food wasted. I still walk through my house and turn off lights that aren't needed.
The worst waste of all is wasting time --doing things out of obligation that give you no joy.
My haircutter might enjoy martyrdom, and then seeking affirmation for all of her self imposed suffering.
Nah --maybe some enthusiastic gay guy is the way to go next time.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Into Each Life Some Dog Vomit Must Fall
We slept with the windows open last night, and the cool October breeze was delicious. I awoke before 7, and looked forward to my Herald and coffee, before greeting the house painters who have been a part of the Villa Wifey scene for the past several weeks. I should have known the moring wouldn't be quite so bucolic.
Last night, Wifey found the Ancient Labrador with her nose in an empty bag of puppy food. D1 took Madeline home yesterday, leaving about 2 lbs of her chow in the closet. Wifey figured the Lab had treated herself; I knew better: it had to be the evil Bassett Hound Molly.
In their life of doggie crime, Molly is always the instigator, and Honey the Lab the befuddled accomplice. Although we didn't have eye witness testimony, I'd have bet that Molly was the one who found the puppy food, ate most of it, and left the crumbs for Honey.
During the evening, Molly began to whimper pathetically. Wifey, the queen of romantic personification, was convinced the Bassett "missed Madeline." Ha! As if!
I took the Bassett on a mile walk, and she was fine. I started to question my diagnosis. We crated her and went to bed.
Alas, this morning, the truth was revealed. I spent 1/2 hours cleaning up the egested puppy food. It took up my precious morning time.
And so, back to normal. The Bassett wasn't at ALL apologetic --she howled for more food.
The painters are here, and the cool weather is leaving.
The bumper sticker is true: life begins when the kids leave and the dog dies.
Last night, Wifey found the Ancient Labrador with her nose in an empty bag of puppy food. D1 took Madeline home yesterday, leaving about 2 lbs of her chow in the closet. Wifey figured the Lab had treated herself; I knew better: it had to be the evil Bassett Hound Molly.
In their life of doggie crime, Molly is always the instigator, and Honey the Lab the befuddled accomplice. Although we didn't have eye witness testimony, I'd have bet that Molly was the one who found the puppy food, ate most of it, and left the crumbs for Honey.
During the evening, Molly began to whimper pathetically. Wifey, the queen of romantic personification, was convinced the Bassett "missed Madeline." Ha! As if!
I took the Bassett on a mile walk, and she was fine. I started to question my diagnosis. We crated her and went to bed.
Alas, this morning, the truth was revealed. I spent 1/2 hours cleaning up the egested puppy food. It took up my precious morning time.
And so, back to normal. The Bassett wasn't at ALL apologetic --she howled for more food.
The painters are here, and the cool weather is leaving.
The bumper sticker is true: life begins when the kids leave and the dog dies.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Cool Weekend
The weather finally broke, and we were treated to a blissfully cool day. Wifey, D2 and I caravaned with D1 and her boyfriend up to see Wifey's folks. We warned Thomas about my in laws, but they were on fine behavior today.
From there we stopped at D1's friend's house in Plantation, so Thomas could fetch his missing wallet and keys. Wifey and Ilene couldn't be separated, as they compared notes about empty nester-hood and aging parents.
D1 and Thomas left for UF in Wifey's SUV --we decided to let her drive that for awhile, for safety purposes. Wifey will get the small sedan when it comes out of the body shop.
After D2 pried Wifey away from her new BFF, we headed out for lunch at Two Jays in Plantation. We laughed and talked about the weekend, but there was sadness as we realized that D2 would be soon flying free like her sister.
We headed home, and I sat out at my pond, watching the fish and turtles. I saw something for the first time: 2 plecos, algae eating fish, attached themselves to one of my terrapins, and cleaned its shell as the 3 creatures swam along. I remembered the symbiosis lessons from Bio class.
D1 called. She made it safely back to Gainesville, with boyfriend and puppy all happy. I breathed out, thankfully.
Thomas misses Miami already, and wants to know where to get stone crabs near the UF campus.
I put on my innkeeper's hat, and went to the guest room to clean it out. Alas --Thomas left the space as he found it. Good breeding that young man has...
So D2 is hanging about, happy that tomorrow is a teacher planning day. She's nearly done with the infernal college applications, and their many essays. Next week is her last Homecoming Dance, and she's looking forward to that.
Wifey is watching a Brad Pitt movie on DVD.
I plan to enjoy the weather --maybe even build a fire outside in my fire pit. It's funny: the thing cost about $40, and it's probably my favorite posession.
So one more week, and then in my mind (and airplane) I'm going to Carolina.
From there we stopped at D1's friend's house in Plantation, so Thomas could fetch his missing wallet and keys. Wifey and Ilene couldn't be separated, as they compared notes about empty nester-hood and aging parents.
D1 and Thomas left for UF in Wifey's SUV --we decided to let her drive that for awhile, for safety purposes. Wifey will get the small sedan when it comes out of the body shop.
After D2 pried Wifey away from her new BFF, we headed out for lunch at Two Jays in Plantation. We laughed and talked about the weekend, but there was sadness as we realized that D2 would be soon flying free like her sister.
We headed home, and I sat out at my pond, watching the fish and turtles. I saw something for the first time: 2 plecos, algae eating fish, attached themselves to one of my terrapins, and cleaned its shell as the 3 creatures swam along. I remembered the symbiosis lessons from Bio class.
D1 called. She made it safely back to Gainesville, with boyfriend and puppy all happy. I breathed out, thankfully.
Thomas misses Miami already, and wants to know where to get stone crabs near the UF campus.
I put on my innkeeper's hat, and went to the guest room to clean it out. Alas --Thomas left the space as he found it. Good breeding that young man has...
So D2 is hanging about, happy that tomorrow is a teacher planning day. She's nearly done with the infernal college applications, and their many essays. Next week is her last Homecoming Dance, and she's looking forward to that.
Wifey is watching a Brad Pitt movie on DVD.
I plan to enjoy the weather --maybe even build a fire outside in my fire pit. It's funny: the thing cost about $40, and it's probably my favorite posession.
So one more week, and then in my mind (and airplane) I'm going to Carolina.
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