Just a very few weeks ago, less than three, I posted a video HeRe to show how severe my tremors were becoming. A few days later and my short and shakiness had landed in, of all places, Florida, where I'm spending some quality time with my mother. I need to do another video soon, to demonstrate how lovely and calm it is when the tremors are at their minimum. Which they are. My blood pressure has dropped and my heart isn't galloping or giving out with odd, extra beats either.
Bliss.
The weather is practically perfect just now. Mid 80's F. (29.4 +/- C.) and mildly breezy; mostly clear skies with occasional showers. Suitable weather for a residence slightly south of a town named Frostproof.
Is it possible, do you think, to fall in love with a place? This isn't coastal Florida, not Miami nor the Keys... not even Disney. We're in the middle of the state, where oranges, cattle and old people are the main industries. You can drive for miles on two lane roads and see scarcely another vehicle and the 'old' architecture looks like this:
There are lovely little towns, like the one called Labelle, where much of the population is Hispanic. There are old-style tacquerias whose like I haven't seen since I was last in California and on a quiet Sunday afternoon you'll see soccer teams made up of every age playing in the local church yards. Dotted around the streets are vendors, with lines stretching along the streets, waiting to buy handmade tamales, carnitas, Mexican street corn and sinfully sweet empanadas.
Here, where Mom lives, it's quiet: small town - almost country - quiet. I think I've heard one siren in all the time I've been here; a body can relax into the sussuration of wind playing amongst the palm fronds. A rather pleasant melody to accompany gardening, which I did a bit of yesterday, potting up a few things for Mom.
A 'black' cherry tomato.
Must have lavender, of course, and a butterfly bush for Mom's beloved butterflies.
Mom and I spent Sunday, last, with a family friend and her daughter; Mom and Judy have been friends for years, as have Melody and I.
Mom is in the lighter blouse.
And I have had my hair chopped off again.
It struck me, as we were returning from our day out, just how relaxed and happy I felt.
Oh, and if any of you are Shania Twain fans, here is a part of her McCompound on Marco Island, Florida.
Oh, and just because I can (and because he's a friend and extremely prolific writer) I'm including this blurb today:
If only that kind of quiet and peacefulness could be bottled and sold, sigh. So good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteShania Twains home is lovely, although far too large for me.
I like the old place you pictured far better.
I smiled at the butterfly bush in a pot. It's a buddleia, my daughter K has a white one in her front yard, there was a purple one too, but it died. Both were about 5 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide, now the white one has spread to fill the space left by the purple.
Nice to hear your tremors are calmed for a while.
This buddleia is supposed to be a more compact variety... a necessity, given how small Mom's yard is.
DeleteIn re: Shania Twain's compound, that was only about a quarter of it! I'm far too much a peasant for that.
My old Pocket Book edition of J. Hilton's "Lost Horizon" sets Shangri-La high in the Tibetan mountans. I had no idea it was really down in Florida. Delightful photos and descriptions. My admiration and thanks.
ReplyDeleteFor Mr. Hilton, Shangri-La probably was in the Tibetan mountains; for me, it's where I know I'm loved.
DeleteEither works. =)
You seem to be having a very relaxing time, which I am sure to deserve.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having a relaxing time, which I am sure you deserve.
ReplyDeleteHope you are as well, Andrew.
DeleteOh I have always believed that a girl indeed needs her mother and sunshine and warmth and a Canadian singer like Shania Twain:) I am so happy you are happy and doing OK. Intriguing snippet:) HUGS HUGS B
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs in return!
Deleteahhhhh...thanks for the shout out :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a hello from across US 60, here in Tampa.
See that floppy hat waving to and fro? Yup, that's me!
DeleteThat sounds like the perfect spot to settle into. Well at least until it gets super hot in the summer.
ReplyDeleteAir conditioning and the beach solve all over-heating woes.
DeleteFlorida sounds delightful. I hope you have a good visit with your Mom. My Rare One is the biggest Shania Twain fan IN THE WORLD.
ReplyDeleteMom and I are having fun. =) So, if you and your rare one should ever meander this far south, you want I should show you her house?
DeleteThis is a Florida most North Easterners know nothing about. The physical environment most definitely affects the body and the mind. How nice that you've found a place with such soothing effects. Would you think of moving?
ReplyDeleteOh there are a number of factors which would go into such a big decision.
DeleteYou and Mom look alike.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be quartered so lazily it is an effort to lift a hand. You're letting the breezes hypnotize you. I know little towns like that; they are exquisite!
And the fact I'm feeling so very much better physically would have absolutely no bearing on this. ;-)
DeleteHow great indeed, spending time with family is nice. And those are lovely photos, greetings and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteAnd greetings to you as well!
DeleteI'm so glad your tremors are slighter right now, that video made me hurt for you. It's Jody again, the cat woman.
ReplyDeleteThanks Strayer!
DeleteWe're both glad to hear that you're doing better. And that you're already planting goodies. The weather here is still too cold to plant outdoors, but my indoor tomatoes are booming and the last of my winter salsa supply is going strong.
ReplyDeleteAnd Florida does sound pretty amazing. Though, anywhere with old-style tacquerias and Mexican street food is a good time in my books.
It's been over a decade since I was last in California ... you can imagine my delight!
DeleteYes, I do believe it is possible to fall in love with an area, a place. I've written so often about a couple of places that have a special hold of my heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're getting some peace from the tremors...it must be such a relief...I hope the peace continues.
Have you ever read "Cross Creek" or seen the movie starring Mary Steenburgen playing the role of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the author of "The Yearling"?
In 1928 Rawlings left New York State to live in a dilapidated cabin on a run-down, overgrown orange grove in Florida. There in the middle of nowhere in a place that stole her heart, Rawlings wrote her best works. Her story is inspiring...and it is beautiful. :)
Thanks for sharing. Take good care. :)
I've read The Yearling, but not Cross Creek; a situation I must soon rectify!
DeleteWelcome to Florida!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to try some Cuban braised pork or, some Salvadorian Pupusa. Yum!!!
I make my own Cuban braised pork; Salvadoran pupusa? That I shall most certainly have to look for.
DeleteI'm new to your blog and am enjoying the reading! Moved to a small eastern coastal town in Florida 18 years ago and have loved every day of it! Even Central Florida is only 2 hours from the beach and we are 5 min.Try a few hours in a beach chair for the ultimate calm! Flagler Beach is a gem!!
ReplyDeleteOh my sounds like a heavenly place! tamales and empanadas included! Enjoy!!
ReplyDelete