Blog No. 24 of 2025
I’m sure you noticed that Blog No. 23 didn’t hit your inbox last Friday. That’s because I forgot to send it! But I’ve included a link in the e-mail this week.
Now let’s get to this past week when…
Nick and I had lunch at Cracker Barrel on Friday during our road trip up to Merritt Island, where we spent the weekend. Then that night, Elizabeth came over and we all went to dinner at Tin Whiskey Southern Kitchen & Still in Cocoa Village. I had a delectable and very huge BLT and Elizabeth and I split the fish dip which was really good!
The next day, while Vance was working an event at Port Canaveral, Nick, Elizabeth and I made a Target run and then spent the afternoon at Jetty Park Beach. The water was ultra refreshing and shallow and the snacks were tasty. We threw the football around and enjoyed an afternoon of sun, sand and surf.
A sculpture I fell in love with at the Brevard Zoo. The bench it sits on is dedicated to a little girl that passed away.
Us on the train at the Brevard Zoo
Nick feeding at giraffe at the Brevard Zoo
Sunday, after mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Nick, Vance and I went to the lovely Brevard Zoo where we rode the train, fed giraffes and spent the afternoon meandering through the lush surroundings. The exhibit areas are so well done, we were really impressed and I also love that they have Zip Line and Treetop Trek adventures and kayaking available. Definitely doing those next time we’re there! I’ll admit, the whole time we were there, I was keeping up with the Men’s French Open Finals and was shocked at the 5+ hour length of the match and ecstatic that Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz won!
Path at Rockledge Gardens
Nick snapped this pic of Vance and I as we relaxed in the Japanese-inspired gardens at Rockledge Gardens.
After the zoo we took a little walk through Rockledge Gardens then went back to the townhouse and had a relaxing evening at home. I watched the Tony Awards that night which I absolutely loved!
Wednesday after my meeting at Sandra DeLucca where I was filling out the yearly registration forms for Nicholas, I went to Books & Books in Coral Gables where I got lost wandering around, checking out their amazing selection. There’s nothing like the ambiance of that place.
After that I went to my friend Claire’s beautiful house in the Gables where we split a delicious chicken tenders Pub Sub and caught up on life. It’s always great seeing her and her husband Jim. I know them through my Food Rescue volunteer work.
Tonight Vance is joining me for the Bookleggers Library 13th Birthday Party in Wynwood at the Bakehouse Art Complex. It should be a fun time. And tomorrow, Michelle, Monica and I are going to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for their “Fairies” exhibition. It’s thanks to Michelle who is a member there and was gracious enough to get tickets. She and her husband Kevin are members.
And here’s what I recommend you check out…
A cool skateboard art exhibition at El Fresco, in Little Havana. Click on the link to see what they do there at this unique space.
Any one of the Books & Books locations in Miami, they’ve got three… one in Coral Gables, another in Coconut Grove and the other at Bal Harbour Shops.
The Artburst Miami website to catch up on what’s happening in the arts this week. From “Chicago” opening at the Arsht Center on Tuesday (I can’t wait!), to an upcoming Community Arts Summer Music Series and a new exhibition at The Wolfsonian-FIU about the World’s Fairs of the past.
Earl’s Garden
And you know me, I usually conclude my blog with a parting shot. This one featured above is of a lovely yard I walked past yesterday where when I stopped to snap the pic, ended up meeting the homeowner Earl, an older guy who has lived there with his wife for the past 40 years. He was a total sweetheart.
That’s all for this week. See ya next Friday!
