Usually I have to make a big effort to get my cuties to pose for me—but not this star—-this is a dog that realizes how great it is.   Thanks you’re a real little winnerr

 “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” ― Gustave Flaubert

Marathon—-in the Florida Keys

https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/marathon.html

If you love to fish—or would like to give it a try then Marathon might well interest you.  Situated about half way (between the main land and tip of Florida’s peninsula and it’s final destination Key West—really there are more islands beyond Key West, but those can only be reached by sea plane—or a nice boat day trip out of Key West https://www.drytortugas.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtOjyBRC0ARIsAIpJyGMYRCGmVhNDw0lINCdYTf1jXps42rGbLi1rhUTBy5n93oPyqiWzCUwaAo00EALw_wcB

Marathon has long been know for it’s Tarpon fishing which has been described as the hottest fishing in town.  And you don’t need a boat to do it….there’s the East end of the Old Seven Mile Bridge —that is also a great place to view sunset—been there done that—the Bahia Honda Bridge as well.  But don’t be afraid of the smaller bridges like Long and about Duck Key—-but I’d ask first as the natives can tell you where they’re biting and the location of fishing areas and bridge safety for fishing.  Season was April – July but I’m not a fisherman https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/

Florida licensing requirements:  https://fishingbooker.com/blog/florida-fishing-license/

And a great place for dinner and a sunset—love this place

The Lorelei Restaurant And Cabana Bar – The Pulse Of Islamorada

“Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty

Fishing on the Kenai Peninsula

Alaska is one of the premier fishing destinations of the world. With annual salmon runs totaling in the millions, our rivers offer some of the most dynamic and productive fishing to be found.

The Kenai Peninsula is often referred to as “Alaska’s Playground”. Centrally located in the stunning Chugach National Forest, Cooper Landing is an excellent place to set up your home base. We are an easy drive away from the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park out of Seward or Halibut Fishing in the Cook Inlet. Best of all, we are right in the middle of some of the best trout and salmon fishing waters in the world. The Mighty Kenai River, the Russian River, Quartz Creek and the Kasilof River are all easily accessed from our location.

https://www.drifterslodge.com/fishing/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtOjyBRC0ARIsAIpJyGPFBkk_-xaKGDIJ07aRzyIukStWQhNZyAc1wreu_NHkZxm6t4o6i6YaAhGnEALw_wcB

Agusta Savage

1892 – 1962

Born in Green Cove Springs, Florida on Feb. 29th.

https://www.greencovesprings.com/departments/parksrecreation/ augusta-savage-arts-community-center

            Later she moved to Jacksonville

https://www.visitjacksonville.com/blog/10-reasons-to-explore-jacksonvilles-african-american-heritage-trail/       but was unsucessful in her attempt to persue a career in sculpture.  Eventually like a lot of Black Americans during this time she found herself in Harlem https://traveltips.usatoday.com/african-american-history-walking-tours-nyc-12918.html

in 1921  this was the time of the Harlem Renissance   https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/harlem-renaissance

and in this vibrant community in NYC she was able to estiblish herself as an artist and a teacher.

. PIG SQUEALS WERE A KEY PART OF THE EXORCIST‘S SOUND DESIGN.

Much of Regan’s moaning and grunting were created by remixing pig squeals. When the demon is finally exorcised from her body, the sound you hear is a group of pigs being led to slaughter.

20 Fascinating Facts About The Exorcist  BY JENNIFER M WOOD    DECEMBER 26, 2018   (UPDATED: DECEMBER 27, 2019)

“Lesbians were tolerated if they appeared reassuringly feminine, or if they were lke Queen Anne, of such exalted station that they were immune to the law.  The Fleet Register gave three examples of women marrying with each other, without any action being taken against them.  While heterosexual women, who dressed as men to enlist in the military, such as Hanna Snell, the female Marine (1723 – 92) were tolerated, visibly butch women received very diffrent treatment,  since passing as a man endowed them with greater social and economic status.   Catherine Vizzani, an Italian courtesan caught trying to elope with another woman whilst dressed as a man was shot to death in 1755.

Guildhall Art Gallery

​Located off Guildhall Yard
London EC2V 7HH

Established in the late 19th century as a collection of art treasures worthy of the capital city, the Guildhall Art Gallery soon lived up to this ambition, with exhibitions that featured world famous masterpieces and works by some great artists. 

Step into the ruins of London’s Roman Amphitheatre, in which crowds would once have gathered to watch wild animal fights, public executions and gladiatorial combats. Lost for centuries, the original circular walls were rediscovered by archaelogists working on the site of the new Guildhall Art Gallery building in 1988.  

Skeleton Choker

$29.95

In Stock

First how do you like our Cutie of the day—Such a Marvelous little honey and yes still Mt. Dora.

What about cost of living in Clermont , FL? The median income in Clermont , FL is $51,938 and the median home value is $173,900, which should give you a pretty good idea of its affordability. Clermont , FL is also the perfect place to break in your new shoes, due to its WalkScore ® of 20.2221.

Clermont, FL: What you need to know

You will come to the end of W. Osceola which curves into

West Street

Our Next Point of interest is

Clermont Historic Village Museum

http://clermontvillage.org/

352-593-8496   |   490 West Avenue, Clermont, FL

Hours of Operation

Friday – 1pm-3pm

Saturday and Sunday – 1pm-4pm

Admission

Admission: Free
Guided Tour: Suggested Donation $2*

 Clermont Historic Village property, which included the Train Depot and the Quonset Hut.   This is a great village including some local historical residences, a school house, library and even an outhouse.  It is well worth a visit.

and check them out on    https://www.facebook.com/ClermontVillage/

and

Park of Indian Hills

• 

  Rainbow of Colors Custom Framed–Double signed 1978.

  $15.80

  https://www.etsy.com/listing/521889888/rainbow-of-colors-custom-framed-double?ref=shop_home_active_47

The names Winova and Minnehaha come from not local tribes or even history but from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Song of Hiaawatha and were picked by a Mary Hanks, mother of ten and one of the early settlers in the area.  The point just past Winona Bridge on Lake Minnehaha is Hooks Point, named for her husband Henry.

Prior to these early settlers the area was inhabited by Indians, though exactly what tribes I’m not sure—but they did leave a few scattered implements on the point now named for Henry

Beyond Hooks Point, lake shore drive gradually turns south, still hugging the lake.

Private piers and boat house juts into the water.  Reeds often green the shorelines.  On the left the land rises rather steeply to where homes overlook the water

Soon you come to a bridge over the Pllatlakahan Creek,  just beyond is a short road leading to Lake Susan Lodge and Marina  (this lodge that had been open in the 1940s as a fishing camp, is now closed—there was a fire in 2016—or 17 and my unserstanding is that it is now gone) .  The lodge wasn’t fancy but set among the huge cypress tress it was a great remder of old Florida—-It served meals and had a veranda and a view of the lake as well as cabins for rental.  There is or was at the time I last drove this route a feeling of isolation in the area with rustic building and great cypress trees.

Lake Susan, valued for its bass fishing is part of the Clermont chain of lakes  Which were at the time I was there designated as an “Outstanding Florida Waterway”  and building was restricted.  Lakes Minnehaha, Menneola and Louis were included in this chan.

From Lake Susan Lodge , or  there about since it is to my understanding no longer there, Lakeshore Drive moves from the cypress lined lakes to a high elevation (if there is such a things in Florida) of sand hills, this happens rather suddenly and the area was building up when I was there years ago….so …but at that time they were described as “tastefully done” and Not overly” intrusive.  This area was once all orange groves a crop that was completely (or almost?) destroyed in 1989 with the great freeze and at the time of our visit you might still spot a few trees or other signs of the groves that I’m sure are all gone now.

Back in my time there Clermont’s population was predicted to double in the next five years (The population was 28,742 in 2010. )

Overview

Location: Clermont
Length: 1.7 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.507938, -81.750393
Address: 11121 Lake Louisa Rd, Clermont
Fees: none
Restroom: at the trailhead
Land manager: Lake County Water Authority
Phone: 352-343-3777

Crooked River Preserve

When I was roaming about this area there was a tour that took you about (on Fri, Sat, and Sundays_ Lake Susan it was the River Rat and if all else failed you could also rent a motor boat or canoe.

I found a River Boat rental now

Clermont’s Citrus Tower

Live From The Top

The Citrus Tower stands unrivaled as a majestic and monumental tribute to Central Florida’s famed citrus industry and its lush subtropical groves. With the area’s changing economic climate, the Tower serves as a beacon guiding a burgeoning new business and population base to the scenic South Lake County region.

Home

• HOCKLEY VILLAGE
• http://www.arrivalguides.com/en/Travelguide/NOTTINGHAM/shopping/hockley-78964
  Nottingham, UK
• This little town in the city has a variety of fashionable bars, restaurants and shops.
• The area still has some 19th c lace machines in use and tours of the older buildings are available.  https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/explore/nottingham/the-lace-market

 

In an e-mail to director James Marsh about the portrayal by Eddie Redmayne, Stephen Hawking said there were certain points when he thought he was watching himself. In addition to his copyrighted voice, Stephen Hawking also lent the filmmakers his Companion of Honour medal and his signed thesis to use as genuine props in the film.

Entertainment

IS IT REAL OR A SCAM?

A call from the Social Security Administration says there’s a problem with your account.  They threaten legal action

HANG UP:  The SSA will never call to ask for you Social Security Number, ask you to pay anything, or threaten your benefits.

For more on scans go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts

Rodriguez Cigar Factory

4.8  (76) · Manufacturer

113 Fitzpatrick St · Near Mallory Square

Open ⋅ Closes 4:30PM · (305) 296-0167

Cuban Leaf Cigar Factory

3.9  (7) · Tobacco shop

310 Duval St

(305) 295-9283

Island Cigar Factory

4.6  (98) · Cigar shop

1100 Duval St · Near The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Open ⋅ Closes 2AM · (305) 879-4959

Eduardo Gato Cigar Factory

4.2  (5) · Cigar shop

Simonton St

Open ⋅ Closes 6PM

Island Cigar Factory

3.0  (2) · Cigar shop

271 Front St · Near Mallory Square

Island Cigar Factory

4.3  (6) · Cigar shop

606 Duval St

Key West Cigar Club & Smoke Shop

4.7  (71) · Cigar shop

335 Duval St unit f

Open ⋅ Closes 10PM · (305) 517-6741

Gato Cigar Factory

3.0  (1) · Cigar shop

1100 Simonton St

Open now

Island Cigar Factory

4.0  (1) · Cigar shop

291 Front St · In Clinton Square Market

Addresss for facilities

ER:  380 Rinehart Rd

Medical Pavillion:  392 Rinehart Rd

Both in Lake Mary, Fl 32746

www.orlandohealth.com/Lake MaryER

May 1, 1840: The Penny Black, the world’s first postage stamp sold for one penny, is released in Britain, featuring a profile portrait of Queen Victoria. More than 70 millions letters are sent within the next year, a number tripled in two years. It’s soon copied in other countries, and the stamp is used for 40 years.

History.com

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/?utm_source=Cox%20Media&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=EA-C-26875-Florida%20Museum%20of%20Natural%20History%20-%2075%20mile%20radius-SEM

Hiram Revels subverted slave states and recruited soldiers in the Civil War. In the 150 years since his election, he remains one of only 10 black senators ever.

Find out more:  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/reference/people/first-black-senator-extraordinary-life-hiram-revels/

Royal Scottish Museum

https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/things-to-see-and-do/explore-the-galleries/

Edinburgh Old Towne

High up Chamber Street

with a particularly fine exhibition of primitive art.

From the prehistoric Balkan     s to the deserts of New Mexico, from the biblical visions of Ezekiel to modern abduction encounters, Intimate Alien (by David J. Halperin)  https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=30648  traces the hidden story of the UFO. It’s a human story from beginning to end, no less mysterious and fantastic for its earthliness. A collective cultural dream, UFOs transport us to the outer limits of that most alien yet intimate frontier, our own inner space.

“The Legends of the Britons provided great entertainment for aristocratic audiences throughout the medieval Europe.  With the exception of some ballads and fabliaux  Arthurian works relied on the patronage and tastes of the mobility until well after the invention of the printing has shown press.  Fortunately.  British royalty  shown an enthusiasm for Arthur from the middle of the 12th century on ward  This royal interest has not been limited to entertainment, however, for several British monarch have tried to emulate Arthur, even claiming him as an ancestor.  As Britain went on to create a world empire, Arthur and Camelot have grown, from medieval literary subjects to universal symbols, transcending any particular culture and becoming applicable to any age.  In the 19th century, artists as diverse as Alfred Tennyson, Mark Twain and Richard Wagner understood this symbolic dimension of Arthuriana, making their own significant contributions to the tradition and ensuing us appeal to modern audiences in the next century and beyond.

Born in 1897 in Sicily and raised in New York City, Lucky Luciano played a pivotal role in creating the National Crime Syndicate and is considered the mastermind behind modern organized crime in America, thanks to his establishment of its governing body, the Commission, in 1931. During that decade, Luciano became the most powerful mob boss as head of the Genovese crime family.

Biography.com

Illustrations of Blood Flow to the Heart

Heart Attack Warning Sign

Chest discomfort—most commonly in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes,, or that goes away and comes back.  It can fee like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body:  including pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach

Shortness of breath w/or w/out chest pain

Other sighs include:  Breaking out in a old sweat , nausea or lightheadedness

Woman’s most common heart attack symptom is also chest pain or discomfort, but women are somewhat more likely to experience other symptoms particularly shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and back or jaw pain

It’s a good ideal to have the symptoms check out—minutes matter and fast action can save lives–don’t wait call 911 or your emergency responder number

We live in a world where we have to hide to make love, while violence is practiced in broad daylight.  John Lennon

Stopped in to a church I passed along the way
Well I got down on my knees
(got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray
(I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher likes the cold
(preacher likes the cold)
He knows I’m gonna stay
(knows I’m gonna stay)
California dreamin’
(California dreamin’) on such a winter’s day

Mamas and Pappas

No cutie of the day—didn’t stop to do pictures last weekend—was feeling a bit down—bad night for sleep and all that good stuff—But we are doing a featured town today from my memories of a tour I did with some friends years ago.

We resume our trek

We had came to Hwy 50 within Clermont’s City Limits

Turn left—or East on Hwy 50

Clermont

This city was founded twice—the first time is much in the spirit of the not too far Disney World in that it was a fantasy–seems Tom Hook, (wonder if he’s any related to the Captain?)  Hook was an agent for the Sanford Company who sold hundreds of acres of land for person from New Jersey. these Jerseyites incorporated it as Clermont Improvement Company–the name by the way was a tribute to the company’s general manager Authur Wrotnowski’s French birthplace.  They advertised in the north and the company’s president House moved here along with his family and constructed a grand mansion with a 5-story tower which he named St Montrose, after the town he grew up in–in Penns.

Turn north from 50 onto 8th Street at To Downtown Sign

8th Street goes around a pond of a lake:  Carter, back when I did my tour it passed The First Methodist Church 

https://www.flumc.org/

If you would like to see the new church (pictured above) turn right on West Brome Street and then left on 7th St. (950 7th St)  Church on left

Then turn left on West Juniata Street

Past Wesley Center 

http://fumcwesleycenter.com/

an event venue on the left.

Return to 8th Street–turn right.

Cross DeSanto Street

There is some parking along the street—start looking for a place to park

, once you’ve found one, park and  return on foot to the Northeast corner of Montrose and 8th is the  (now the

site of the Corner Stone  a music store at 798 W. Montrose St

https://www.cornerstoneguitars.com/shop/)    a 2 story brick building where the Roe Cousins ran the First State Bank, early Clermont’s most important institution.

On average, there are 236 sunny days per year. The July high is around 92 °F (33 °C). The January low is 46. The comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 28 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable.

Wekipedia

• 

  LOVELY Lady in a Gold Frame 1977 by Chris Hadlow

  $9.99

  https://www.etsy.com/listing/539740757/lovely-lady-in-a-gold-frame-1977-by?ref=shop_home_active_26

Home to some of the state’s most acclaimed biking hills and trails, there are a number of places to explore on bike in Clermont.

The South Lake and Lake Minneola Scenic Trail is set to become an iconic piece of the coast-to-coast connector, allowing bikers a ride across Florida from Titusville to St. Petersburg.

312 ft. Sugarloaf Mountain is another hot spot, being the highest point in the state (other than in the Panhandle). Bike enthusiasts from around Florida visit Clermont to ride rare Sugarloaf and take a break from the flat trails offered throughout the rest of the state.

Whether it be a relaxing, waterfront ride or a hefty workout among rigorous hills, your love for cycling will be fulfilled in Clermont!

http://blog.eragrizzard.com/hometalk/why-clermonts-the-center-of-central-floridas-cycling-craze

• 

  Mr. Rogers Collection including photos and booklet

  $40.00

  https://www.etsy.com/listing/755845971/mr-rogers-collection-including-photos?ref=shop_home_active_45

Past (on the left side of the street)

St Matthias Episcopal Church   https://stmatthiasfl.com/

574 W Montrose St,

Continue on east 

Mulbury Inn

915 Montrace

http://www.nbcfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Newsletter_Dec2009.pdf

Built around 1890 by townfounder and sawmill owner Archibald Gaines.  The two story dwelling was owed by C.O. Roe between 1900 – 1910.  When I was visiting it was a bed and breakfast.

In 2009 it was refurbished and opened as a home for Women With Children.

Continue 2 blocks 

Go north on 5th Ave.

Turn right on Minneola Ave

Kehlor Park

https://www.clermontfl.gov/departments/parks-recreation/kehlor.stml

 466 W Minneola Ave, 

The Kehlor Recreation Center is designed for seniors for a new, and bigger facility downtown to offer a variety of programs. The Kehlor Center has an indoor restroom, and two restrooms outside of the main building for access from the shuffleboard courts, and tennis courts.

Return to 5th Street and continue to West Osceola street and turn left

The CIty Pier

End of 8th Street

There’s a lovely promndae that extnds east along the shore and the bike path etends along here and connects with the West Orange Trail in Oakland.

Continue on just a few feet  (on the lake side of Osceola)  and you’ll find

Lilly’s On The Lake

https://lillysonthelake.com/

846 W Osceola St

Caribbean-themed bar & grill serving casual meals in a scenic setting with indoor & outdoor seating.

We will end our tour —or at least part one at the end of Osceola Drive…..come back next week and we’ll see some more of this great Florida City

• 

  Rusty Wallace Autographed Picture and Legends of Nascar Comic 1992

  $30.00

  https://www.etsy.com/listing/755836931/rusty-wallace-autographed-picture-and?ref=shop_home_active_46

This picture is from Winter Park Village just across from the movie theater

off 17-92 in Winter Park, Fl of course—as is our main picture above

And I owe an apology to this cutie of the day—Seems I took a picture of the darling with a big red bow on him and never put him in my blog—I am so sorry I love to feature these best friends whenever I can but I sometime mess up and/or loss pictures:  SO SORRY.

The Concept of power-from-within encourages healthy pride, not self-effacing anonymity: joy to one’s strength, not shame and guilt.  In Witchcraft, authority mans responsibility.  The coven leader must have the inner power and sensitivity to channel the group’s energy, to start and stop each phase of the ritual, adjusting the timing to the mood of the circle.  A ritual, like a theater production, needs a director.

If you’re interested in Witches and magic these place might interest you:  https://www.thetravel.com/places-destinations-fans-witches/

You can wind down a bit with a trip to the ‘Adirondacks’ of Central Park – you may think Central Park https://www.centralpark.com/ is not that big of a deal but honestly, have long as I’ve lived here I continually either learn something new about it or find a new corner of it to love.

Landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed the area – known to some as the North Woods to replicate the forests of the Adirondack Mountains. Found near the 100th street entrance, things get tranquil fast. Once you walk under the Glenspace Arch, you can follow the stream and take a lovely walk beneath the cascade with much gorgeous greenery awaiting you on the other side.

SECRET NEW YORK: 30+ OFF THE BEATEN PATH SPOTS IN NEW YORK CITY TO LOVE

November 28, 2019 

https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/secret-new-york

Spanish Missions

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/historical-landmarks-american-west-region-10472.html

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Spanish crown established missions throughout the American West with the goal of converting Native Americans to Christianity. The most famous of these missions is the Alamo in San Antonio  https://www.thealamo.org/, site of the legendary Battle of the Alamo, in which a group of volunteers fought against the Mexican army in a struggle for Texas’s independence. Admission to the Alamo is free. For a fee, you can take a guided tour, which you should reserve online ahead of time. California is home to another 21 Spanish missions https://www.visitcalifornia.com/feature/california-missions , all of which are open to the public. Mission San Miguel http://www.missionsanmiguel.org/, a National Historic Landmark, is noteworthy for its frescoes painted by Native Americans, while, at Old Mission San Luis Rey https://www.sanluisrey.org/museum, you can see the oldest living pepper tree in the state.

Whimsical Crib Sheets

Soon after his death many people throughout Europe started venerating Becket as a martyr. His shrine in Canterbury Cathedral became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in England. On 21 February 1173, Pope Alexander III officially declared him a saint. His fame spread and his life remained a popular theme in art. Major works based on his story include Alfred Tennyson’s play Becket, T. S. Eliot’s play Murder in the Cathedral and Jean Anouilh’s play Becket or the Honour of God, on which the 1964 Academy Award winning movie Becket was based.

https://learnodo-newtonic.com/thomas-becket-facts   

STROKE WARNING SIGNS

1.  Face Drooping—One side of face droops and is numb.
2. Arm Weakness—One arm is weak and/or numb
3. Speech Difficulty–Speech is slurred, or unable to speak or hard t understand

TIME TO CALL 911 if these symptoms are present.

Ballygally Castle in County Antrim, https://www.hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle/  currently a hotel owned by a major chain, is allegedly one of the most haunted places in the country. Lady Isobel Shaw, whose husband built the castle in 1625, is said to knock on doors at night and then disappear. While alive, Ms. Shaw was locked in her room by her husband and starved, until she leapt to her death from a window.

https://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/ireland-facts.html

Cinderella

The familiar English version is a translation of Charles Perrault’s “Cendrillon,” which appeared in his influential collection of fairy tales, Contes de ma mere l’oye (1697; Tales of Mother Goose, 1729). Some of the features of Perrault’s version, such as the fairy godmother, are uncharacteristic. Usually, the supernatural helper is the girl’s dead mother or an animal agent sent by her. The prince’s recognition of the cinder maiden by the token of a “glass” slipper is unique in Perrault. In other versions of the story the test of recognition is often a golden or silver slipper or a ring.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cinderella-folktale-heroine

Rakotz Bridge, Germany

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rakotzbr%C3%BCcke-Germany/1694010834173043

Passing under Rakotz Bridge in Kromlau, Germany, you just might feel like you’re on your way to sell your soul. So it’s fitting that it—along with other ancient bridges—are known as “devil’s bridges.” When reflected in the water, the structure makes a perfect circle.

https://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/real-fairy-tale-places/

REAR WINDOW (1954)

Critics Consensus: Hitchcock exerted full potential of suspense in this masterpiece.

Synopsis: Laid up with a broken leg, photojournalist L.B. Jeffries (James Stewart) is confined to his tiny, sweltering courtyard apartment. To  pass the time between visits from his nurse (Thelma Ritter) and his fashion model girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly), the binocular-wielding Jeffries stares through the rear window of his apartment at the goings-on in the other apartments around his courtyard. As he watches his neighbors, he assigns them such roles and character names as “Miss Torso” (Georgine Darcy), a professional dancer with a healthy social life or “Miss Lonelyhearts” (Judith Evelyn), a middle-aged woman who entertains 

Starring: Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter, Wendell Corey, Raymond Burr

Directed By: Alfred Hitchcock

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/200-essential-movies-to-watch-now/

And we have another cutie of the day—and yes again Mt. Dora—–lots of pups and friends out an about.

So we’re still on the wandering  trip I took several years ago.—–and I am including things that are still there today so you can have some fun of your own away from the things you’re tired of doing.  Above is Oakland that we did last Wed/Thurs?  and next stop is Minneola.

We return to 438 and head right—or south West…..You’ll eventually cross the Florida Turnpike

Just past the  bike trail headquarter on the left is Lake Blvd.  If you turn down here after you pass over Hwy 50  you’ll come to John’s Lake, which is reportedly great for bass fishing….The ramp is capable of launching two boats at the same time with a long floating dock to tie boats up to and a small area you can beach your boat on. The Johns lake parking lot is well maintained, and with a combination of the parking lot and overflow parking directly across the street from the ramp can hold up to 30 vehicles.  https://bassfishingfl.com/lakes/johns-lake/

Otherwise continue on route 438 

On leaving the trail head you pass into Lake County.  Where a sign indicates that the road has become Old Hwy 50, distinguishing it from the hustling, multi-lane Hwy 50 that run south of this older road.

Then you’ll cross the Interstate again

This Old Hwy 50 is part of the landscape—not a scar across it.  If there is a hill the road goes over and not through it.  It runs thru orange groves (or what is now left of them) as well as thickets of wax myrtle and live oaks.  While cows graze lazily besides ponds.

Turn Left on 455 back across the turnpike

Follow Old Hwy 50 to the right

Old 50 was once the primary route west.  In the horse and  buggy days the hills were called the Apopka Mountains.  The roadbed consisted of loose sand overlaid with pine needles.  Wild hogs, black bears and panthers often emerged from the scrub.  When it was paved in 1927 it was often called the Roller Coaster Road.   (Best Backroads of Florida: The heartland  By Douglas Waitley.)

When you come to North Hancock Rd turn left on the divided road

Follow 50  It turns into E. Washington Street —-Continue on this over US 27.

      Welcome to Minneola

‘

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.71 square miles (8.4 km²), of which 10.34 square miles (26.8 km²) is land and 0.37 square miles (0.96 km²) (5.26%) is water.

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

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• Along here NOW are:

Minneola Grill (also on Left

Get Back 2 Basics  another left

Home Page

Plant based cafe

Hours:
Monday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Location:
205 W. Washington Street, Suite B
Minneola, Florida 34715

Turn Right on Main Street–Head North

George Hull, a surveyor was an early settler in this area when he arrived from Diluth, Minn in the 1880’s, to this nameless settlement.  Lake Minneola was called Cow House.  However that didn’t last long and  Hull reportedly name it Minneola—which legend say it came from a Sioux word meaning many waters and from there you have the inspiration for the name of the town.

When I came to Minneola those years ago it had a population of abut 2,000—by 2018 the population was up to 12,124.

Notable person

• Ryan Villopoto, four-time supercross and five-time motocross champion, who races for Monster Energy Kawasaki.

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• 

If you turn right on West Pearl St

Jack Benny’s Barbeque

https://www.jacksbarbeque.com/

100 S Hwy 27, Minneola, FL 34715  corrner of W. Pearl and 27 on right

Serving our customers slow, wood-cooked barbeque for over 60 years.

Center abut a lumber mill the town prospered until the trees were ll cur down which left the town with no visible means of income and it was described as “an economic back water”  Though it is said that it has improved in more recent years.

Turn left on Virginia Street

 and you will arrive at Lake Minneola.

Turn Left on 561A

on the right was the Palisade district which had it’s origins in post Civil War Florida.  A husband and wife William and Sylania Smith built a log house near here.  They were better known in the area as Uncle Billy and Aunt Silly and they eventually sold the place to the Wlsons–Cyprus and Linda–Yankees from New York in 1880.

They went about clearing the property and selling the wood to the aforementioned sawmill. They replace them with citrus trees.  At harvest time they loaded the crop on barges and sailed the fruit across the lake to Clermont where they could ship them our on the Orange Belt Rail Road.

By the late 1920s the land had been converted to the Palisade Golf Course with a large 2-story wooden structure on a hill top with a view of many miles for a club house .  The course ran over the hills and down close to the lake—there was a tale that the golfers told that early morning foursomes often had to fight of  gars with putters during high water times.  The golf course is still there but now surrounded with homes.

Other things to do in Minneola

 Minneola Mini golf

650 N Hwy 27

Minneola, FL 34715

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From the Palisades the Road arches around th lake and in a mile or so comes to a bridg ovr the Palatlahaha RIver which at this point is less a river than a shallow channel.  Westward is Wilson Island—Cyprus Wilson’s site for his most productive grove

Come back next week for a visit to Clermont.

Birth order can influence whether a marriage succeeds or fails. The most successful marriages are those where the oldest sister of brothers marries the youngest brother of sisters. Two firstborns, however, tend to be more aggressive and can create higher levels of tension. The highest divorce rates are when an only child marries another only child.

10 Interesting Facts about Marriage

Nottingham Council House

Nottingham UK

https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/council-house

Great domed building which stands on the site of the town’s famous

Goose Fair

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/articles/2005/09/15/goose_fair_history_feature.shtml

Still held in October   http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/articles/2005/09/15/goose_fair_history_feature.shtml

Designed by Thomas Cecil Hawitt     http://hucknallparishchurch.org.uk/thomas-cecil-howitt/    between 1927-1929.  Neo-baroque   https://www.britannica.com/art/Neo-Baroque   

It is claimed that the bell in the dome:  Little John (over 10 tons) can be be heard for 7 miles.

It is built from Portland stone from the same quarry as St. Paul’s Cathedral  https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Pauls-Cathedral-London

Contains murals of Danes capturing Nottingham in 868 AD

Wm. Conqueror ordering the castle built 1068

Robin Hood and his Merry men

and

King Charles raising standard in 1642

https://www.nottinghampost.com/whats-on/shopping/next-time-you-visit-

Lions by entrance steps created by Joseph Else

The Story Behind: Joseph Else, creator of the iconic lions

Lakecountyeuros@Euro@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountyEuros/

You Could Finally Enjoy Alcohol Legally

In 1920, a new amendment to the United States constitution banned the sale of alcoholic beverages. The Roaring Twenties came to be defined by bootlegging and gang warfare as a result of Prohibition. The amendment was repealed in 1933, so after dealing with all of the stresses of the depression, people could at least enjoy a drink without breaking the law.

https://historycollection.co/30-eye-opening-facts-about-average-life-during-the-great-depression/

Whitby Abbey

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/

Whitby

https://www.visitwhitby.com/

North Yorkshire, England

https://www.yorkshire.com/places

“The abandoned structure we see today is Whitby Abbey’s  third incarnation, a handsome Gothic Church (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/best-gothic-cathedrals) first begun about 1225, but due to lack of funds, only completed two centuries later.  The abbey was suppressed in 1539 by Henry VIII’s  (https://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item106122.html), riff with Rome, which lead to many associated buildings being destroyed.  Later wind and rains eroded parts which led to associated buildings being destroyed.  Later the Germany Navy caused further damage by bombing the abbey during World War II.

Abandoned Sacred Places by Lawrence Jofee

So, although (Brams) Stoker  ( https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/history-and-stories/dracula/) was to spend six more years on his novel before it was published, researching the landscapes and customs of Transylvania, the name of his villain (DRACULA  https://www.britannica.com/topic/Count-Dracula )  and some of the novel’s most dramatic scenes were inspired by his holiday in Whitby. The innocent tourists, the picturesque harbour, the abbey ruins, the windswept churchyard and the salty tales he heard from Whitby seafarers all became ingredients in the novel.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/history-and-stories/dracula/

However, a University of Kansas English professor, the late Jack B. Oruch, had a different theory, notes the Times: Through research, he determined that the poet

Geoffrey  Chaucer  https://www.biography.com/writer/geoffrey-chaucer)  

linked love with St. Valentine  ( https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-st-valentine.html )for the first time in his 14th-century works “The Parlement of Foules” and “The Complaint of Mars.” Therefore, Oruch claimed that Chaucer invented Valentine’s Day as we know it today. (At the time of Chaucer’s writing, February 14 also happened to be considered the first day of spring in Britain, since it was the beginning of birds’ mating season—perfectly appropriate for a celebration of affection.)

https://www.countryliving.com/life/a46353/history-of-valentines-day/

click here to see things to do and things too see plus more in Texas

https://www.traveltexas.com/things-to-do/

The oldest tree in Texas existed about 500 years before the First Crusade.   https://www.ancient.eu/First_Crusade/

The oldest tree in Texas is estimated to be 1,500 years old — although some believe it might be even as old as 2,000.

The First Crusade happened in 1096.

Source: Chron

Exercising can be predominantly broken down into two main categories: anaerobic exercise (high intensity/short duration/less oxygen) and aerobic exercise (low to moderate intensity/longer duration/more oxygen). Cardio workouts would be classified as aerobic exercise, which may be precisely why everyone hates aerobic exercise.

44 Intense Facts About Exercise

The River Ranch is no longer going but if you want a Dude Ranch in Lake Wales check”

River Ranch

https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort/

Circle F Dude Ranch

For kids:

Home

Sadlebag Lake RV Resort

Interested in RV camping in the area now the resort  above seems to be more of a mobile home than campers but–see if any of these have what you’re looking for

Lake Wales Campground

http://lakewalescampgroundrvresort.com/

http://www.campnaire.com/index.htm

Home

2. Pinewood Estate

Pinewood Estate History Tour

3. Lake Kissimmee State Park

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-kissimmee-state-park/history

  4.  Spook Hill

http://spookhill.info/index.htm

5.  Lake Wales History Museum

http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/241

6. St. Anne Shrine

https://www.theledger.com/lifestyle/20150324/secret-sanctuary-history-surrounding-st-anne-shrine-is-miraculous

7.   Tiger Creek Preserve

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/tiger-creek-preserve/

8.  Eagle Ridge Mall

http://www.eagleridgemall.com/

9.  Sunshine Flea Market

https://www.sunshinefleamarket.com/

First My Cutie of the Day—I apologize to the big guy but I for got his name—I do know that his human companion said that he was disabled—the cutie that is– and has a condition of the pelvis/hips that limiteds his activities—-Oh and the picture was taken at Lake Underhill Rd’s Good Will in Orlando, Fl.

Continued from Last week  when we visited Winter Springs—Today we’re in Oakland

In two miles (from last entry last week) you come to the Oak Lined entry to Oakland (I made this trip years ago do my description may be a  bit off as to thing like this—the items I list for visit and see there include current web sites so you can enjoy it today)

OAKLAND

https://oaklandfl.gov/

Those massive trees announce that you’ve arrived into a town that was part of a Russian in Florida’s railroad kingdom.  In 1886 Peter Demen’s choose this place for the headquarters of a railway he was building to the west coast of Florida—he would have to cross immense pine forests, many lakes—not to mention the mashy low land that Florida is so noted for and there was the Withlocouche River as well.  His route which wandered south west would eventually end (he planned) into an area on Tampa Bay.  What’s 150 miles of wilderness to a man who was coming up short of fund.

But he carried on with surveyors to plot and crews to clear all in the heat of Florida summer.  Soon those who could afford the trip heard of the project and many came to Oakland wo see the results as well as the bass in Lake Apopka.  One of those was Philip Armour, a meat packer who wasn’t convinced to invest, but he did provide some loans.  It got so bad money wise that his creditors went to all manner of efforts to get their money they chaine his trains to the tracks, an effort that legends says resulted in one of the chainers to have a fatal heart attack.

And it wasn’t just the rich that were after this crazy Russian—in 1887 a group of worker–reportedly hungry and ,rag clothed Italians arrived in Oakland on railroad flatbed cars.  They took possession of Demens and threatened to hang him—if not for the help of some local bankers he might never have survived.

And while he was waiting for the completion of his train, he also built a pier in Oakland and launched a 48′ ship on Lake Apopka to bring fruit to his shipping center..

The Town endured much to receive fabulous prrosperity—but as you look around you will notice it never came.  The Orange Belt wasn’t a winner and Oakland faded with it helped along by a fire that destroyed much of it.  Today it is a small village—at the time I visited about 900 people.

Oh and by the way even though it wasn’t successful—-He did get the railroad to the coast and that place on Tampa Bay which he helped found and named for a place he had spent his youth–St. Petersburg.  And that was successful.

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Turn right  off of  on 438/Oakland Ave

Go north to  Town Hall  230 N Tubb St, Oakland, FL 34760  on right side of the road.

https://oaklandfl.gov/217/Historic-Town-Hall

This is a quaint building on Pete Tucker Circle beside the trail

Continue up Tubbs to

342 Tubbs St

This is the site where the

Oakland Hotel

https://www.facebook.com/OakTownUSA/posts/backwhenwednesdaythe-oakland-hotel-opened-in-1910-on-the-southeast-corner-of-wha/1274209049380366/

once stood.  It was a 3 story building where railroad execs once stayed.

(across the street from the site of the  old hotel is Speer Park    https://oaklandfl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Speer-Park-2)

Follow Tubbs to its end and there is a small entry area to go to Demens’ Lake Apopka Pier—Now Jake Voss Pier   https://oaklandfl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Speer-Park-2

This quaint town of nearly 3,000 residents lies about 2 miles west of Winter Garden on the southern shores of Lake Apopka. “Oakland became the center of Orange County’s social and economic life with people of wealth and fashion coming to the hotel and neighboring homes for the winter social season,” wrote author Eve Bacon in a book entitled Oakland, the Early Years, which traces the town’s history. “If it had not been for the failure of the railroad, Oakland may well have become the population center of Orange County.”

https://oaklandfl.gov/220/Oakland-History

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West Orange Trail

goes thru Oakland—just north of the Town Hall

https://www.traillink.com/trail/west-orange-trail/

D.G. Donuts

One of several unique markers at the site.

Oakland African American Cemetery

Tucked deep in a wooded area just north of West Colonial Drive, mostly hidden among weeds, downed limbs, giant banana-spider webs and debris, are the final resting places of some of the earliest residents of Oakland. There’s James W. Walker, whose family was one of the first to settle in the town; another family member is buried nearby. There are many children, too, in the Oakland African-American Historic Cemetery, which the town now operates.

The Cemetery Board quit-claimed the land (in 2014), approximately three acres in size, to the town so the cemetery could be better taken care of. The small board had not been active; one member moved out of state and another was an elderly man with health problems.

To learn more:  https://www.orangeobserver.com/article/oakland-takes-over-historic-black-cemetery

and check out this:  http://fpangoingpublic.blogspot.com/2014/09/old-oakland-african-american-cemetery_27.html

also check here for info on the oakland cemetery African American Grounds:  https://oaklandcemetery.com/african-american-grounds-project/

 This yellow house on Tubb Street, the Hartsfield house, was once the Oakland hospital. The Central Florida Archaeological Society did a dig here recently and uncovered lots of artifacts from the town’s past. Back in those days, refuse and broken objects were often buried on site, effectively serving as time capsules. Excavations help show that Oakland was once an industrious, populous town, busy with railroad and agricultural enterprises as well as being a noted social hub for Orange County.

Deeper Inside West Orange County, Florida: Oakland, Beulah, and “To Kill A Mockingbird” in Winter Garden

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Cross over