`

Well made it to the Highland Games in Winter Springs and it’s the most people attending that I have witnessed since I started attending several years ago—above is my clan—at least my dad’s family is a sept of—-they’re taking part in the parade of the clans and the bands and The Outlander Fans—-it’s a very festive day.   I Hope some of you out there made it.

Two things Florida can teach the other 49 states: how to make a good margarita and how to deal with the aftermath of a hurricane.     

Tom Feeney

Collection Davey Allison Articles Cards, Magazines 2/18/89 – 2/17/94

$80.06 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/615272165/collection-davey-allison-articles-cards?ref=shop_home_active_6

Two  8 inch Goblets Made in Romania

$80.20 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/598095030/two-goldenger-8-inch-goblets-made-in?ref=shop_home_active_7

Eustis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustis,_Florida

Settled in late 1870 and early 1880’s it was originally called Highlands after it’s elevated status on the banks of Lake Eustis and later Penryvile after a hotel established there by .A.S. Pendry.  It eventually became Eustis in 1883 after it’s adjoining lake that was named in 1823 after Lt. Colonel A. Eustis who was an American officer when the territory was still Spanish.  In the early days the same lake which is part of the Harris Chain of Lakes was the main transportation until the railroad came into the area around 1887.

In these early days the city was a winter residence for tourists who arrived by train and riverboats and the downtown included many hotels and residence for the wealthier visitors.

Eustis has preserved many of these historical structures and they can still be viewed today.

Florida is a very healing place.

Burt Reynolds

• 109 N. Bay St,
• Eustis, FL
• (352) 357-7777

This building was constructed in 1916 and included vaudeville theatre as well as showing those new fangled “moving pictures”  It possessed one of the largest “photo play” pipe organs in the Southeast.  The 2nd floor housed offices….during the depression the state presented chorales and music programs.  By the 50’s it was devoted mostly to movies, but by 1974 even the movies were gone and it closed.

But in 1975 the Bay Street Players were formed and live performances returned to the theatre and have remained there ever since.

And if all that isn’t enough the theater has a substantial history of reported paranormal activity including orbs,  screaming from unknown sources and on one occasion the appearance of a hanging man.

Florida is a place of unparalleled diversity of backgrounds, experiences and vision. It makes our culture unique, but it can also make it difficult to define a common identity and create a sense of community that reaches beyond our neighborhoods to all corners of our state.     

Jeb Bush

Grand Magnolia Inn,

108 N. Bay Street (c. 1912)

Eustis

The Arborio Building, it was constructed in an Italianate Style.  It first opened as the First State Bank in 1913 and was called the “McClelland Building” after the bank’s president—William S. McClelland.  It has held several businesses one source said it was a factory for the Waterman Pen Company, but I did not find this anywhere else.

Waterman in fact did build a winter home and planted a grove in Eustis after he made a fortune manufacturing Waterman Pens in the north—Seeing an opportunity to serve the tourist, Frank D. Waterman later built the Fountain Inn, a first-rate hotel in downtown Eustis. The hotel opened in 1923 and operated up until 1936 when the impacts of the Great Depression could not be endured any further. In 1937 Mr. Waterman turned the hotel over to a group of local doctors for use as a hospital which “became known as the Waterman Memorial Hospital in honor of its benefactor.  Florida Hospital Waterman, as it is called today, operated in the heart of downtown Eustis for over 65 years before relocating in 2004 to its current location on U.S. Hwy. 441.

http://www.eustis.org/residents/history/index.php

August in Florida is God’s way of reminding us who’s in charge.

Blaize Clement

Ferran Park (1922)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ferran-Park-and-the-Alice-McClelland-Memorial-Bandshell/109334162426528

Ferran Park Dr,

Eustis, FL 32726

In the historic downtown between Orange and Clifford Avenues, the  park is named in honor of Edgar Ferran, a leading merchant and promoter of Eustis, it serves as a recreational focal pint for the community.  It was created from a bulk head an over 100,000 cubic yards of fill

McClelland Band Shell

Built in the park in 1926 for another prominent citizen W.S. McClellan.  He donated it in memorial of his deceased wife, a music lover.  It is done in Spanish and Mediterranean design influences.

Beautifully landscaped, with walking paths and benches throughout, the park provides a glimpse into the City’s history, including the restored sea wall running along the lakefront to the Mediterranean-style Alice McClelland Bandshell (listed on the national historic register) majestically located at the northern end of the park. Other facilities include a playground area, two gazebos, and picnic tables. Immediately adjacent to the park is the Eustis Aquatic Center with two heated pools, and the ever-popular Eustis Lake Walk. The Lake Walk, which extends for one-quarter mile along the shore, offers four gazebos with benches and 20 boat slips. http://www.eustis.org/visitors/eustis_attractions/eustis_lake_walk_and_ferran_park.php

We are not exposed to ice much in Florida.

Brittany Bowe

for more information on things to do in Eustis here’s the Trip Advisor site–I’m a regular contributor to TA with over 288,000 readers so I am partial to using them for information

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34209-Activities-Eustis_Lake_County_Florida.html

and go to this site for the official calendar of events for the town

http://www.eustis.org/calendar.php

Florida:  Where your vote counts, and counts and counts

This week we’re dealing with an item for another new reader that I met at —not the museum this time–my nail salon…..she is looking into the possibilities in the central Florida area for kids birthday parties—and while you may not live in this area it still may give you ideas for what to do for something a bit more special than the usual cake, candles and songs.

THESE ARE IDEAS FROM MY OWN LOOKING AROUND THE INTERNET FOR INTERESTING IDEAS AND PLACES FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR KIDS….I HAVE NEVER TRIED ANY OF THEM AND ONLY PROVIDE THE NAMES AND WEB SITES TO ALLOW YOU TO HAVE REFERENCES FOR YOUR SEARCH FOR A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOU LITTLE GUYS AND GALS.   THEY ARE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION ONLY.

A life-long blessing for children is to fill them with warm memories of times together. Happy memories become treasures in the heart to pull out on the tough days of adulthood.

Charlotte Kasl

 Lovely Red Glass with White Accents 6 inch tall Vintage Vase

There are places that offer parties with all manner of things to do etc.

Chuckie Cheese

https://www.chuckecheese.com/kids-birthday-party?msclkid=82e9b02a9a8419160a80ec688c6e234d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BNon-Brand%5D%20%5BBMM%5D%20Birthday%20General%20Terms&utm_term=%2Bbirthday%20%2Bplaces&utm_content=Birthday%20Places&gclid=CPmR2pH3998CFQT-DQodxCgK9g&gclsrc=ds

offers multiple choices with everything from Pizza and unlimited drinks to games

They advertise that they  have birthday party packages to fit all ages,

party sizes, and budgets. Upgrade any party to

include all you can play games!  and you can pick the package

that’s right for you.

My Little Town

Indoor Playgrounds

For younger children and is in Orlando

https://mylittletownkids.com/10-children

Admission for up to 10 children and 20 adults for two hours. Package includes private room, one large pizza, one juice box for each child, unlimited soda, water, ice, plates, napkins, spoons, cups and cake cutter (white color), table covers, 20 inflated balloons, themed backdrop, standard printed invitations and an assistant during the event.

They also have a cake service available.

Mad Science East Orlando

https://cfl.madscience.org/birthdayparties.aspx

Birthday parties on site with a science educational offerings for kids 3-14

Parents were invented to make children happy by giving them something to ignore. Ogden Nash

Collection Davey Allison Articles Cards, Magazines 2/18/89 – 2/17/94

Lukas Nursery And Butterfly Encounter

Just click below

Birthday Parties

in Oviedo

Offers something entirely different, a chance with your children to interact with some of natures most beautiful creatures.  There are 3 options ranging

Smallest being min of 6 children and includes 6 ticket to encounter and use of facility for 2 hours.

The Central Florida Zoo

in Sanford

If you haven’t been here you may be surprised at how nice this zoo just north of Orlando is….and how many animal they have for your viewing enjoyment and good news they do birthday parties for kids 1 year and up.

• Zoo admission for each guest including access to the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. (weather permitting)
• Train and carousel ride for each guest. (weather permitting)
• One hour hosted celebration in our indoor party room.
• Party host/hostess(es) to assist in serving food and drinks, facilitate games, lead birthday song, etc.
• Animal-themed decorations personalized with birthday child’s favorite color(s).
• Paper products and utensils.
• Basic cake candles (bring your own numbered candle if desired).
• Special goodie bag for birthday child.
• Personalized invitation emailed upon reservation (you print and/or forward electronically to your guests).
• One reserved parking space for party parent(s).

NOTE: Guests provide their own cake/cupcakes.

Fun Spot America

https://fun-spot.com/birthday-parties-in-orlando-and-kissimmee/

Orlando or Kissimmee

Has packages for Birthdays too

which incude

Birthday child receives FREE Fun Pass

Special gift for the birthday child

FREE Chauffeur armband for every child under 54″ tall

2-Hour outdoor covered table is included with minimum food purchase.

Food Add-Ons menu available for download below.

No outside food or drink except for birthday cakes.

Gator Spot is included(Orlando location only)

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. Khalil Gibran

 Parker Little Rascal Surgical Steel Blade Made In Japan Pocket Knife

Princesses & Princes

https://princessesandprinces.com/party/

This location in Ocoee offers all manner of themed parties, treats, photography and add-ons to make this a special day…just click above for their party information.

or you can do a party at home and bring in the `entertainment:

                         there are all manner of persons available to provide entertainment….just google what you want—then be sure to check references and who those are coming from before hiring anyone:

Jacki Manna, Ventriloquist, Magician, and Face Painter

https://www.gigsalad.com/Variety/Children-Kids-Entertainment/FL/Orlando

Sunshine Face Painting

https://www.thumbtack.com/fl/palm-bay/face-painting/face-painting-services?service_pk=190330120099611842&category_pk=122708003115475293&search_request_pk=348696167152730123&encoded_answers=eyJzZl9wayI6IjMzODM0MDQ4NDQ3MjU4NjQ3MCIsImFucyI6eyIxIjoiMjAxOS0wMS0yNVQyMDowMjoyOS4xNjFaIiwiMyI6NCwiNiI6IjMyODAxIiwiNyI6MX19&lp_request_pk=348696148079116301&is_date_set=true&zip_code=32801&lp_path=%2Ffl%2Forlando%2Fkids-birthday-party-entertainers%2F&click_origin=pro%20list%2Fclick%20see%20all%20reviews%20link&urgency_signal=popular

Even:

Stilts Entertainment

https://www.thumbtack.com/-Orlando-FL/service/3242280?service_pk=304137430016049332&category_pk=122708003115475293&search_request_pk=348696201698598921&encoded_answers=eyJzZl9wayI6IjMzODM0MDQ4NDQ3MjU4NjQ3MCIsImFucyI6eyIxIjoiMjAxOS0wMS0yNVQyMDowMjoyOS4xNjFaIiwiMyI6NCwiNiI6IjMyODAxIiwiNyI6MX19&lp_request_pk=348696148079116301&is_date_set=true&zip_code=32801&lp_path=%2Ffl%2Forlando%2Fkids-birthday-party-entertainers%2F&click_origin=pro%20list%2Fclick%20see%20all%20reviews%20link&urgency_signal=

Just google Kid’s birthday party entertainment—but again check their references as you can’t be too careful with your kids.

and of course you need a cake for that home party

You can buy one at the grocery store—Publix  has an online ordering at http://www.publix.com/product-catalog/productlisting?ch=2.6.3.&page=&filters=scentcolorflavor::Kids&msclkid=e4c2c90a3fff1f3b516b95480c38360b&gclid=CLCw49WS-N8CFU6sgQodAmsOeA&gclsrc=ds 

or of course you can order directly at the store’s bakery—-don’t have a Publix if your store has a bakery you can probably just order their at their counter.

Or how about a bakery

for example

Annette’s Cakes

Birthday Cakes

on Colonial in Orlando (just click above for some examples—again you can google Kid’s birthday cakes and your town and get a nice selection to pick from.

Oh and when ordering a cake always get their favorite–icing and cake–not yours—and cake may not be your best choice for younger kid—when I was little I ate the icing and as little cake as possible—-if that’s your kid then you might go with decorated (complete with candle) cup cakes.  They’ve gotten very good with them lately.   Or a cookie lover might like one of those giant cookies (flavor of their choice) decorated and done up for the big day)

Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their own decision. Denis Waitley

If you’re doing the party at home on your own you must remember that

THERE IS NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL BIRTHDAY PARTY

or at least there shouldn’t be.

First the size of the party is important—with younger children too many people can be over powering and intimidating–a few kids that they play with the most and close relatives like fellow siblings, grandparents and aunts and uncles are probably the best—and this can be adjusted as your child ages—once they get into their teens they tend to not want many if any relatives….but we’ll stick to the younger and more manageable for now.

Pick a theme—what does your child like—what’s his favorite book, TV show, game and then go out into the world (real or on line) to see what you can come up with)—balloons are usually a nice touch for all ages and can be obtained with all manner of decorations and colors at any where from the party stores like Party City (there are 2 in Orlando https://stores.partycity.com/us/fl/orlando/party-store-pc500.html?extcmp=BPlisting_FL_PC500_organic   

1 in Winter Springs, Sanford and Apopka.)   to grocery stores like Winn Dixie and discount stores like Dollar General.   These same places also have paper (and plastic ) plates, table cloths, cups and other items with all manner of super heroes—princesses and cute animals to name a few– that might help with your theme   From Sleeping Beauty lovers to dog lovers there are all manner of thing—-don’t over do—again younger kids generally do better with basic décor and you can get more elaborate with their parties as they get older.

One thing about themes—-don’t just pick something they have a lot of at the stores, kids have things they like and it is important to them that you acknowledge these and hence them.   Pay attention—you may have been giving them Batman—but they have been watching Wolverine and you acknowledging that may just be putting this celebration over the top.

The most sophisticated people I know – inside they are all children. Jim Henson

 Porcelain Lidded and Hinged with gold-tone Metal and Purple Flowers

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Kent Nerburn

It’s finally 2019 and the holiday (the serious ones Halloween, Christmas and New Years) are behind us and now maybe I can get back to a normal routine…one can only hope.   Here’s hoping that you all survived the food, drink and good cheer and are successfully returning to the humdrum of work—a government that is ah….yeah and all the rest–welcome to the rest of your life….HELP

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” — Maya Angelou

After just purchasing tickets for the

Central Florida Highland Games

January 19-20 2019

For Brochure:

http://www.flascot.com/forms/CFHG_2019_Brochure.pdf   

For tickets:  go to http://www.flascot.com/

Click on information (top of page) and scroll down on the drop down to tickets—just click there

which includes

 Pipe bands lead colorful clans with the Parade of Tartans on the Ceremony

Dancing competition (traditional dances of the Scottish Highland)

Pipe & Drum bands

Archery Shoot longbows and recurves for prizes and tournament,

 Border collies and shepherds thrill the crowd with feats of herding.

Highland  cows (better know as coes)

Country dancing

a bit of mead or a shot of Scotch as well as locally crafted ales.

Savor meat pie, haggis, bridlies and fish and chips to name a few

Buy your own little bit of the culture from the merchants that feature everything from kilts, tartans, bagpipes, weapons, jewelry and much more`

and of course there’s entertainment for wee ones as well

And I got to thinking what better way to learn other cultures than by attending events like these and while I am more like visiting family as I am from so many clans from McClellan to Swann, to actually from the Scot clan itself—and many more, it still is a fun reminder of the things of my ancestors which can’t hurt.

If you are or are not of Scottish descent it might well be a place for you to learn more–see the dress the games and learn the Songs of this proud race from the cold recesses and mountains of the British Isles.

I don’t know very much about, honestly, about the Middle East, and yet I’ve played a lot of different people from a lot of different cultures. The thing that I notice is that we’re all – there is a core of humanity that travels right through every culture. And, after all, we’re all from Africa originally. Meryl Streep

• 

  Precious Moments Enesco January Porcelain Tea Pot with Snow Flake

  $4.99

• https://www.etsy.com/listing/606681403/precious-moments-enesco-january?ref=shop_home_active_7

For instance there Chinese New Years  which takes place in China from Jan. 28  – Feb. 19th.  In fact this new year will be the year of the pig (a zodiac sign)

In London for instance there are several celebrations:

The 2019 Chinese New Year Parade

2/10/19

It is a large parade thru out Chinatown as well as Trafalgar square

It is in fact free to view and is reportedly the largest Chinese New Years celebration outside Asia.

There are several other events in London to celebrate this Asian holiday—check them out at https://www.timeout.com/london/chinese-new-year-in-London

“Accordingly, globalization is not only something that will concern and threaten us in the future, but something that is taking place in the present and to which we must first open our eyes.” –Ulrich Beck

Tiny Metal Hinged Lid Decorated Tea Pot by Ganz

$30.65 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/606660729/tiny-metal-hinged-lid-decorated-tea-pot?ref=shop_home_active_10

For something a bit more exotic:

Khamoro – World Gypsy (Roma) Festival 2019

https://www.khamoro.cz/en/

A celebration of Scandinavian and Scandinavian/American folk music  in northern Minnesota.

This is just a small glimpse–google your state for ethnic and/or cultural festivals-or religious ones too which may have ethnic angles–I have not touched on Japan, India, nor many other countries thru Europe and Asia and all of Africa and then there’s all their religions and how they impact that section of the culture—-this is a small blog and this is to get you to start thinking and see if you can’t find your education on the world….while having fun and adding new tastes to your pallet—you never know how it can change your life and enrich your life style and don’t forget making new friends….which could make not only your life but the world a bit better place.

The opportunity here in the U.S. is so unique because we are so diverse, with so many different cultures living together. Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, all with their own connections to the spiritual aspects of food and with lessons that we can learn from each other. Marcus Samuelsson