Welcome October!

Could it be we’re actually welcoming the second of the “ber” months? How is that possible? Although waking up to 80 degrees today doesn’t feel fall like at all.

Anyways, let’s get into it.

Since last Friday…

Nick and his teammates receiving their medals.

Team and coaches gather on the field after the game, showing off their medals and ready for regionals in a couple of weeks.

Saturday, Vance and I watched Nick and the City of Miami Special Olympics softball team play with gusto against a much better unified team, taking home medals and now moving on to a regional competition in Broward at Nova University in a couple of weeks.

My favorite piece at the “Coupling” exhibition.

Nick before the Dolphins game.

Sunday, after watching the heartbreaking Miami Dolphins lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, I drove a few minutes away from home for the opening reception of “Coupling” at Bridge Red Studios. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces, chatting and seeing some very interesting art. The piece pictured above was one of my favorites. Click here to read about the exhibition which is up until Nov. 1.

Sunrise at Surfside beach.

View at North Bayshore William Lehman Park.

Tuesday, before sitting down at my computer for the day, I decided to get out of bed early and once again, drive to Surfside to do morning stretches and watch the sunrise. From there, I went to Bagel Bar East, where I indulged in a very pricey but delicious sesame seed bagel with lox, cream cheese… the works. I enjoyed half of it sitting at North Bayshore William Lehman Park and had the other half later on in the day.

The sis and I enjoyed the pre-show festivities, sporting our Panama hats.

The band gives us one final rousing jam on stage before the company’s final bow.

I spent Wednesday morning helping out with a City of Miami drive-thru food distribution hosted by City Mayor Eileen Higgins at Douglas Park. I was there on behalf of Food Rescue South FL and boy were we busy. It was just two of us sorting the food so it was hard work but the recipients were very appreciative. On the way home, I stopped at Daily Bread Marketplace to pick up a few things for lunch and for home. When I lived at home in the Roads neighborhood and later worked in Coconut Grove, I used to love going to this Mediterranean marketplace/restaurant. It was so nostalgic to be back there.

I’d been anxiously awaiting Wednesday night because that’s when my sister Mari and I attended the media preview of Broadway in Miami’s opening season musical “Buena Vista Social Club” at the Arsht Center. I knew I was going to love it and it lived up to my expectations and then some. I listen to the Buena Vista Social Club songs in my car all the time, but seeing them performed live by a phenomenal band, and accompanied by sweeping, Latin salsa-filled dance numbers and a moving and emotional storyline was truly magical. My sister Mari loved it too and knew all the songs. We arrived early and enjoyed pre-show festivities like salsa dance lessons and a sweet treat from Little Havana’s Azucar Ice Cream. It was also nice running into my high school friend Titi and plenty of other acquaintances at the show. Gloria Estefan and her daughter Emily were also in the audience that night. I encourage you to go see this play and although it is sold out at the Arsht Center, it will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts from Oct. 13-18, go get your tickets now! Don’t miss this one.

Yesterday I got to spend time with Vicky Rey who Vance worked with at Carnival and whose son AJ was in daycare and elementary school with Michael. We were both volunteering with Nourish Miami, prepping food for their Friday morning food distribution. It was great to see her.

Today I’m taking a solo road trip to Bradenton to watch my nephew Chris coach his high school football team at St. Stephen’s. I’ll be staying with my brother Mario. On the way there and on the way home Saturday, I plan to visit a few state parks. I’m looking forward to seeing my brother and spending time with him.

Now here are some of my recommendations for this week:

If you’re an avid reader/book lover, I suggest joining the Readers with Attitude Facebook group for great book recommendations and intelligent discussions on all things books and reading. It’s run by Connie Ogle, the Miami Herald’s former Book Editor.

I also recommend following Pola Bunster on Instagram and watching her videos where she drops knowledge about Miami history while walking through the city.

And lastly, I gave a tip to Sef “Burger Beast” Gonzalez, a local burger connoisseur, for his newsletter and he gave me a shoutout/thank you. Here’s what he said… “Palacio de los Jugos is coming to North Miami, taking over the old Boston Market at Biscayne Boulevard and 126th Street. Thanks to Josie Gulliksen for the heads-up.” The link above takes you to his website where he gives recommendations on what to eat at Palacio de los Jugos. I love the food there and the carrot/orange juice is THE best around. My sister Ana also loves that juice. I’m looking forward to this place opening, the sooner the better.

That’s all she wrote, literally. I’m ending it there. I’ll see you here next Friday with lots more fun stuff to report.

Until then… have a great weekend and thanks for reading!