h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yesterday evening the first coolish front of Fall passed through! It felt great to open my place and not feel sticky. Of course, here in Florida (even central Florida) that probably means the temp was in the low 70sF last night. But it heralds the beginning of my favorite season, and now I live *here* there will actually be something that resembles my idea of Autumn. In Fort Lauderdale I kinda had a homeopathic version of the cooler seasons-- a molecule of coolness was sufficient to concoct a tincture of Fall, with all the accompanying accessories.

This morning I went for a bike ride along the bay, stopped for breakfast at the Lucky Dill deli downtown and then cruised the streets for an hour to see what's back there. I live in an *awesome* place! Suits me perfectly. I think I'll start biking to $2.95 breakfast a few times weekly. This morning gave me a totally new sense of connection to St. Petersburg.

Another lovely day, sunny and clear but with a hint of sharp in the morning air. The wicked pussy managed to sneak into The Inner Sanctum where she's not allowed, I awakened to purring on my chest. I kinda miss that, but I definitely *don't* miss cathair everywhere, yarked hairballs, being awakened in the middle of the night.

Last night I forgot about the concert by the bay, had looked forward to going and then...fzzzzzzzt.... brain must be deteriorating. But at least I got to see the fireworks, my place has a semi-unobstructed view and they put on a good show.

This morning I biked along the bay and then to The Dome for brunch. It's definitely working towards Autumn. The breeze has kicked up, the water was actually choppy!

Decided that it was absolutely necessary to learn to make hummus this afternoon, spent an hour listening to jazz, smashing chick peas and herbs from the garden. I made a vat of the stuff, a basic lemon/garlic/herb flavor, will be able to blend in roasted peppers or tomatos or whatever strikes my fancy and make smaller amounts in various flavors. I'd been missing hummus, finally realized that I can have it on celery and not worry about the calories or wheat alergy. Woooohoooo.

My garden is coming along beautifully. The cherry tomato bush has grown incredibly quickly and the jalopeno pepper is about to bloom. The other tomatos and peppers are doing very well, just those two grow visibly every day. The flowers are finally coming to perfection, probably because it's not so witheringly hot nowadays and I finally figured out where to put each one so it gets the correct amount of sunlight. The patchouli is awesome, the entire courtyard is fragranced with it when the afternoon sun warms the leaves.

Today was one of those quiet days, not spectacular in any way, but juuuust riiiight. It was a baby bear kinda day.

<hi there MoG.I was ing,and came across your space,and hoped you would'nt mind if i sent a short message!!I wish i had found your space a few weeks ago,,i was in florida from 16th september until the 30th!!!
Ithe place,but we had some free time,and didn't know where would be best to visit.We did consider st,petersburg,also cocoa beech,but weren't sure which would be best.Maybe you could give us some inside info???
We always do the theme parks,but need other places to visit as well.
We've been to busch gardens last year too,and my daughter did an airboat ride this time,and saw the alligators.We're planning on coming back again next year,and i wondered if you had any suggestions on where to visit,without been too far away from the villa.Hope you don't mind me posting.

Hi there!
I wish I'd known you were coming to Florida, would have been happy to help you plan your agenda.

I'd say St. Pete is waaaaay better than Cocoa Beach, though if you're here for a couple of weeks it's well worth visiting the east coast for a day so you can tour the space center. I grew up near Cocoa Beach, haven't spent much time there in the past 20 years. If you were to make St. Pete your home base it would be really easy to visit the Disney complex for however long, then go to Cocoa Beach, then travel back across to this side. It only takes about 3 hours to drive across the state.

St. Pete has some of the prettiest beaches in the US, there's a laid back but very artsy and eclectic atmosphere here. We have several excellent museums, the town is just gorgeous. Tampa (across the bay) is Big City, but there are cool areas and plenty to do there too. Sarasota is about 45 minutes south of me, am looking forward to going and spending a couple days exploring there.

Hi again
We have thought about staying in clearwater,it sounds wonderful there too.
We stay in orlando usually,but of course most people want to stay there,as they're going for disney.We have been every year since 1999,with the exception of 2004,which we cancelled due to a bereavement,and really don't want to go anywhere else!!Hubby has to push me round,and florida is so flat,and caters for wheelchairs so well.
I shall let you know the next time we're coming over,maybe we could take you up on your offer then! Hope you enjoy sarasota!!

Clearwater is nice as well, a bit newer and more condo-y than St. Pete. As I explore the west coast I'll post my diaries here so you'll know of pitfalls and hidden gems too. I'll keep my eyes open for difficulties with wheelchair, though I think you'll pretty much find all of Florida to be readily accessible. There's a lot of state legislation on the matter here so everyone can get around pretty easily.

The wheelchair access is amazing ,and everyone is so helpful.
I shall look forward to reading your diaries,and picking up tips as to where we might spend some time next visit.We haven't done the space center yet,that might be interesting!!!
sal