Spring Things!

Friend Dave Seatter reports, the weather is getting better in Connecticut.  At least he's had to mowed his lawn for a couple of weeks!  Living in Florida we forget those little things.  Although with a colder winter than normal, Mr. Bill almost two months without mowing, the more hardy flowers did continue to bloom.  Visitors amazed that Florida always looks so green.  For those of us that live here year round....not the case.  If it is green you want to see, Spring and early Summer offer that color in a multitude of hues.  The landscape now overflowing with color, flowers and lush tropical plants fill every available niche, with vibrant color.  This southern heat can also be their enemy and unless the afternoon thunderstorms cool the air and grounds in which they grow, a summer burn will appear, but in Florida, EVERYTHING grows!  Our backyard preserve now so densely populated with grape vine, sweet gum trees, dawn cypress, live oak and yes "POLK SALAD" (it is edible,  though I would not venture in to pluck the tender leaves!), its canopy, providing a damp coolness for all of Mother Nature's children.

Yesterday neighbors driving by, delighted by the aromas and visual pleasures afforded them by Mr. Bill's flowers, asked if these were his hobby since moving to this climate.  "Gosh no!" he laughed, then proceeded to explain the little place we all remember.."FRED'S NEWS.  It's old Victorian architecture, plate glass windows, the "Paris Window" and its sidewalks in every direction, all framed by his "hobby", the Flowers of Fred's News.  The Egg-Nazi showed them pictures of what once was, within his eyes a certain sadness of what it is now, just an empty shell of its former heyday. Much like the seasons, Fred's had its glory days, the stories, pictures and memories help ease the uneasy pain that lies within, knowing it no longer exists. 

We had hoped to make the journey north in June, just in time for Mr. Bill's fiftieth high school reunion, unfortunately due to special committments at Disney, we will not.  Perhaps later in the Fall, when the leaves are turning, the evening air is cool and the smell of wood burning in an outdoor campfire, fills the crisp air,we will return.  As we played golf on Sunday morning, we discussed this possiblity.  Mr. Bill has always been such a "home boy".  He doesn't mind flying if it is just a couple hours but prefers to drive....we shall see.  Although the latest report on his cancer in remission was great, he is still uneasy about venturing far away from his little house, his security blanket!  For the time being, friend Ward says there is a chance he will visit with Mr. Bill at the end of July.  It will be "the guy's days", I plan on being in Paris during that time if all plans come together!  I might then be able to visit some small coffee shop with a cozy window, surrounded by dazzling flowers and just watch the world go by!