Alabama Jack's

Haven't been here in a while! Haven't been anywhere! Too busy working at work and working at home! Finally, on the Sunday following July 4th, I was able to convince my darling husband to drive down to the Keys for lunch. It was a brutally bright south Florida summer day, and, while he was skeptical about how much actual "fun" this would be, he agreed we needed to get out for a bit.

We decided we'd take Card Sound Road, thinking the traffic might be a little less than that along U.S.1. And, we were right. There wasn't much traffic.

I asked dh what he thought about having lunch at Alabama Jack's. We stopped there to eat on our way home from Key West a few years back, but he didn't seem to recall. I couldn't remember exactly where it was.  I knew which side of the road it was on and that it was near the toll both. When we caught site of the toll booth, I don't think either one of us saw anything else.

He paid the toll and we found ourselves on a steep bridge. Coming down on the other side of that bridge was a "thrill ride." Such a great view! (Poor dh.) We rode for a while longer, on the lookout for Alabama Jack's. We rode. And, we rode. And, then, we hit U.S.1. Somehow we had missed it, so we made a U-turn and headed north.

On the return to the toll booth, we noticed it didn't say "Monroe County" as on the southbound side. Instead, it said, "Come Again." We paid the dollar toll and as we exited the other side, we saw it. On the left. We had gone right past it, in the blink of any eye. In our haste to get there, we had missed it.

Alabama Jack's.

It's a weathered restaurant floating on two barges in an old fishing community. It has an interesting history, too. Today, the regulars include motorcyclists, local residents and the upscale crowd from nearby Ocean Reef Club who come not only for the food but to admire the abundance of tropical birds and fish in the nearby mangroves. Dinner has to be early here; Jack's closes by 7 PM, when the mosquitoes start biting.

We were so lucky! We arrived shortly after 12:30 and there were a few people, all seated along the water. For just a second or two we were bummed that all the good seats were taken, then our waitress offered us a waterside table tucked back behind the bar.  The breeze off the water pushed the summer heat and the bugs away and my darling husband was happy. Oh, yes! Can you say "heavenly?"

Calories be damned—the conch fritters are an unusual, mountainous freeform creation of fried, loaded-with-flavor perfection. The crab cakes, made from local blue crabs, earn hallelujahs, too. And, the conch salad is as good as any you'll find in the Bahamas. We shared a seafood platter and I'm here to tell you, there is no better food anywhere in the four counties from Key West to Palm Beach. Given cold beer to wash it down, we couldn't ask for anything more!

It is so totally worth the drive!

As we headed north on Card Sound Road for the return trip home I spotted a mangrove nursery. I had read about these, but I had never seen one. People generally don't know how important mangrove forests are so I hope they will click here and watch for two minutes to see what I mean. My poor husband was startled when I yelled for him to stop the car and back up! Fortunately, there were no other cars on the road at that particular moment. He did back up and I did leap out with my camera. The roadway is narrow and the shoulders narrower. We got honked at and yelled at by tourists in a rush to leave the Keys, but it was so worth it to get this picture! Thanks to my darling husband for participating in that madness! And, for the wonderful lunch!

L.A. Trip Part 5

Malibu.

It consists of a 21-mile strip of prime Pacific coastline. Located in Los Angles County, California, it is known for its many celebrity residents.

(southern view, from where we were ...)

We drove through Topanga Canyon to get to Malibu and I heartily recommend making the trip by car.

It is a stunning scenic ride!

The shoreline where we were was different from the vast expanses of beach I saw along the Washington coast line. The beach was peppered with cliffs and large rocks and that made for dramatic ocean shots. The climate is said to be "mediterranean like." I thought it was breathtaking and beautiful.

Richard and Cliff and I spent about two hours walking along the beach and climbing the cliffs. I shot a lot of photos of them being goofy and took pictures of the flora and fauna. There are more photos on my flickr sight, here, if you want to see ...

No clue with this flower is, but it made a great picture!

When we had tired of the beach, we began discussing food. And, wine. We found a little restaurant that was across the road from the ocean and we were able to sit out on the deck and watch the ocean and the traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway. There was a gigantic flower pot at the SW corner of the deck and while we sipped our wine, I spotted a hummingbird feeding on the blue flowers. Lucky me! I got this shot!

Between the gift dolls and the dolls I purchased at the convention, it was clear what I had to do. I shipped my clothes home and packed the loot in my suitcase for the journey back to Florida. Do I have my priorities straight, or what!?

I highly recommend Virgin America airlines for nonstop service to/from Fort Lauderdale-Los Angles. Loved the flight crew, and all the other folks I met along the way!

I hope to return to California soon, with my darling husband in tow. We've talked about doing the wine tour for years, so, who knows? If not this year, definitely next!

L.A. Trip Part 4

Richard and I took Danbo to lunch at a restaurant just off of Hollywood Boulevard and began to "catch up." After all, it had been seven years since we saw each other! We met doing a play together, "Burn This" by Lanford Wilson. We were instant friends, as though we had always known each other, and we've been friends ever since! I've missed him so very much since he moved to California, but one thing I can advise to anyone traveling alone: go where you know someone. Richard knew all the "good places" to see (although he didn't know about Edelweiss Chocolate Factory), so we covered a lot of ground in just one day!

After we were done eating, we stowed Danbo and headed for Beverly Hills. I saw where many of the stars of the 1950s and 1960s had lived, including my all time favorite comedienne, Lucille Ball! When these homes were built back then, they were considered to be mansions.

Given how homes have become increasingly larger over the last few decades (especially in Florida!), these houses seemed small in comparison, yet, they are still quite beautiful. I'm glad they didn't tear them all down and build McMansions. However, Richard did take me by the site of Irving Berlin's home. The folks who bought it tore it down and built a McMansion. That's sad.

 My lovely friend said no Los Angeles trip was complete without paying our respects to Marilyn. He knows what a fan I am of Norma Jean Baker, so we made our way to Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. Yes, it has a really long name, but, in reality, it is a small, intimate space that serves as a final resting pace for a number of "old Hollywood" celebrities.

The story goes that when women visit Marilyn's crypt, they put on lipstick and kiss the marble. Then, every evening after the cemetery closes, the grounds keeper cleans the marble and polishes it. Over the years, the marble has been stained pink from the lipstick kisses, making it obvious which crypt belongs to the most famous movie star that ever lived.

After a full day of sight-seeing, we made our way into the foothills that surround Los Angeles and headed in the direction of Richard's home. He said he wanted to make a quick stop in Malibu before we called it a day, and it just wouldn't do but Danbo had to see the Pacific Ocean!

We frolicked on the beach and while copping a squat on some rocks, I spotted a seal. He was riding the waves close to the beach and I managed to get a shot of him. (Or, her.) I asked Richard if we could return to Malibu the next day and I was thrilled when he said yes! If I had only one more day to hang out with my friend, this seemed like a great place to do it!

L.A. Trip Part 3

Hollywood!

Sunday morning, following the close of the Integrity Toys Convention, my good friend, Richard, picked me up at the hotel and off we went to see the sights! It was a Sunday, the perfect day for a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard!

First stop was the Kodak Theatre (where the Academy Awards are held) and I have to say ... it is much bigger than I could have imagined! The columns are adorned with the names of the "Picture of the Year" and the stairway ... well, let me just say I don't know how all those movie stars with their sky high heels and elegant gowns can navigate those stairs. Whew! What a climb!

Along Hollywood Boulevard you will find characters dressed as film stars and, for a small fee, they will let you take their photograph. Lucky for me I have a great zoom lens on my camera!

There were a couple of characters I would liked to have shot, but they caught sight of me and turned away. I learned very quickly to be less conspicuous.

My favorite movie star's hands and feet, in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre! Meryl Streep! (We're the same age!)

Madame Tussaud's fed my love of Johnny Depp with his wax likeness standing guard. It was eerie how real he looked.

Star Wars characters were very popular along Hollywood Boulevard, too.

And, then there's the sign on the hill. I couldn't leave without a shot of this iconic image! Fortunately, they have a place for you to shoot from, so we didn't have to climb the mountain! (Although, I would have done it in a heartbeat!)

L.A. Trip Part 2

While attending the Integrity Toys Convention in Los Angeles, I had the chance to connect with an old friend who has been living there for several years. She and her boyfriend came by the hotel on Saturday, the last day of the convention, and picked me up to take me for lunch on Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive was swamped with people. I'm sure a lot of them, like me, were tourists. It's for sure the shutterbugs were out in full force! The weather was fantastic! 80 degrees, sun shining, very low humidity (which I am not used to!) and my friend, Libby, and her boyfriend, Phil, provided me with nonstop entertainment!  We walked the street, segueing into shops here and there, admiring the window displays of Chanel and Badgley Mischka and the many beautiful people moving along the street in their designer duds and sky high heels.

I insisted on going into the Ralph Lauren store. I love Ralph Lauren's clothes. I have quite a few pieces in my wardrobe and I have long admired the classic style of his designs, whether it is a dress or sweater or handbag. Every single thing has class and never goes out of style. I was taking pictures inside the store when Libby said, "They don't like that." So, I snapped a couple more shots and quietly exited.

As we completed our walk along Rodeo Drive (it's only a few blocks) and began discussing where we would have lunch, Libby said they had one more place to take me, and that it was off the beaten path. They had saved the best for last! Seriously!

Edelweiss Chocolate Factory is a tiny little store front and holds all manner of surprises, not the least of which was that THIS was wear the famous "I Love Lucy" episode in the chocolate factory was filmed!

The lovely woman in attendance graciously allowed us into the back of the store to see the conveyor belt that Lucy and Ethel worked on and I have to tell you, it is so much smaller than what we saw on the little black and white screens of our TVs!

The shop has had two owners, and Shirley Jones (of "Partridge Family" fame) is the current owner. It seems that the local folks are eager to preserve the little candy shop hidden away there off of Rodeo Drive and I can understand why! It certainly does have historic significance! At least for those of us of "a certain age!"

The front of the store is filled with candy in jars, candy in boxes, candy in glass cases ... candy everywhere! It is truly a delightful place to visit and I would later learn that some L.A. folks don't even know this place exists. We were told that Tom Cruise and Jay Leno are regular customers, so, clearly the celebrities know where the really great candy stores are!
Of course, I purchased chocolates for my darling husband!

After leaving the candy store, we found a lovely little restaurant and had a delightful lunch on the street where we could watch all the action. People watching is one of my favorite pastimes, and Rodeo Drive is great place to do that!

Libby had told Phil about my photographic adventures with Danbo, and when he asked if I had brought Danbo along, I said, "Of course! I never go anywhere without my little man!" He played with Danbo for a bit and managed to set up a shot for me. He did a terrific job, as you can see! Yes, it was truly a lovely way to spend an afternoon with friends! Thanks, guys!!

L.A. Trip Part 1

My darling husband and I did not get to take a vacation in 2013. He has been super busy in his job, so we were confined to day trips within radius of home. I, on the other hand, did board a plane and fly across the continent to attend a doll convention. This was my first trip to California and my first Integrity Toys Convention.

I arrived at LAX the day before the shooting. I am forever grateful the shooter didn't choose that day to make his statement.

The hotel was fantastic! The convention was held at The Century Plaza in Century City and it was a grand place for a doll convention! Kudos to Jason Wu and Integrity Toys for selecting such fine accommodations for the conventioneers! From the Starbuck's in the lobby to the beds (which were just fabulous!) to the meals served at every convention event, I am certain you couldn't do better. The staff was friendly and helpful, whether you called the front desk for something as mundane as how to turn the lamp on or stopped housekeeping in the hall to ask for more body lotion! Great people!

 I loved the room! The beds were ultra comfortable and, even though I was on East Coast Time, I slept like a baby and felt rested and ready to play every day! I shared my room with an amazing woman who is making quite a name for herself in the world of doll photography. In fact, she has actually raised the bar with her unique photographic style. She lives in Burbank and has won an Emmy for a short film she directed, "Change For A Dollar," and she is a fascinating human being. I was so blessed to have this chance to get to know her and watch her work! She's inspiring! Her name? Sharon Wright. Check out her Facebook page with doll pics here or visit her flickr page here to see what I'm talking about.

 Back to the convention! There were dinners every night, each with a different theme. My favorite, of course, was the Poppy Parker Luncheon, as she's the doll that drew me here. I was not a Fashion Royalty collector, but now I have five. And, it's a sure bet there will be more! As for the Poppy Luncheon, it was all a girl could ask for! Great food, beautiful dolls, new friends and so much fun!

Sharon's "Mini Me" and my first Poppy, Coney Island

There was shopping. Wait.
THERE WAS SHOPPING!
Integrity Toys hosted a salesroom that offered Fashion Royalty dolls, Dynamite Girls, Jem dolls, and, of course, Poppy Parker dolls! There were one of a kind dolls and dioramas that had been entered into a contest and every convention attendant had the opportunity to vote for their favorite. There was room shopping, too! Doll clothes, accessories, furniture, and more dolls were available throughout the hotel as guests opened their rooms for shopping! It was so much fun!

 Then, on the final night of the convention, the table doll was Black Orchid Vanessa Perrin wearing a reproduction of an original Jason Wu design. Yes, you had to buy the doll if you wanted to add her to your collection, but your number had to be called. My number, 9, was the first number called and I snapped that girl up and brought her home with me. And, yes! I got Jason Wu to sign her. Not the box. No. No. The doll! He signed her back in gold ink!

I have decided I will attend the Integrity Toys Convention in 2014 in Orlando, and I'll be attending with a couple of my favorite doll friends! Saving my nickels and dimes and counting the days!

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum ~ Palm Beach Florida

It's been pretty quiet on my travel blog here. No vacation this year. :o(    My darling husband's business is growing and there just wasn't room in life for any time away. Next year, for sure, though! Italy is at the top of our bucket list for places to go!

We had a long weekend over the Fourth of July, so on the Friday after the Fourth, we drove about one hour north to Palm Beach and spent time visiting Whitehall, the winter home of Henry Morrison Flagler. Flagler is known throughout Florida for building the Florida East Coast Railway system that linked the entire east coast of Florida, from Jacksonville to Key West. According to the brochure, Flagler was a founding partner of Standard Oil, the most profitable corporation in history, and they claim he was THE earliest and most important developer of  Florida. Along with the FEC Railway, Flagler built a series of luxury hotels and developed some two million acres of land. The railway line is definitely his legacy, though!

I had heard about Whitehall from friends, so when I suggested to my darling husband we should head north, he was doubtful. He loves the railroad, though, so when I read to him about Flagler's background, he decided it sounded like it would be worth the trip. And, I'm happy to report, IT WAS!

We arrived about 11 AM and there weren't many cars in the parking lot. We knew a lot of folks were making the weekend a long one, so we figured they had gone somewhere else. The admission is $18 for adults and $10 for kids, and I think it's worth the cost. When you walk up to the house itself, you can feel the history. And, when you enter the house, it's like stepping back in time.

I have to admit that I am at a loss for words to describe what I saw and smelled and experienced. Nothing was overlooked in the creation of this "house." From the wood floors to the frescoed ceilings, and all the details in between, it was clear that money was no object and the Flagler's wealth was on display for all of their friends to enjoy!

The breakfast room, above. Lace curtain detail below.

The ornate lamp shades caught my eye, as did the carpets.

There are a lot of statues throughout Whitehall.

Second floor guest rooms open onto this wonderful porch!

Each bedroom has its own unique design style and appears authentic.

I loved this room! You can see the bed reflected in the mirror.
The detail, below, is one of many charming accents throughout.

I tried to capture a detail in each of the rooms. The above statue was on
the bedside stand in the room below.

What can I say? Great use of color!

The lighting in these rooms is minimal, making it feel so authentic.
On the day we visited, it was overcast with clouds, so there was
no sunlight to aid the photographer, and flash wasn't permitted.
Above and below are glimpses of the "master" bedroom.

If you'd like to see more of the photos I shot during our visit, please visit my Flickr page here for the entire set. And, if you're considering visiting Whitehall, here's the link to their web site. I promise: if you love Florida's history, you'll enjoy this place! Thanks for visiting my little travel blog!