Blog No. 12 of 2025
Oh the traffic in this city! Yes, I’m starting this week’s blog off with a rant. The traffic has been especially horrible this week so I’m looking forward to being back up in Merritt Island in a few weeks.
I’m especially looking forward to vacation next week when we’re all headed to see my son Michael in Durham, NC.
My little empty Ginger Shot bottle from Rooted Rhapsody. The stuff is potent but good for you! I’m going to try to recreate at home too.
Now, on to more important things, and a recap of everything since last Saturday when I spent the morning in my kitchen making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches to drop off at a Community Fridge in Little Haiti run by Buddy System MIA. From there, I headed to Legion Park and the Urban Oasis Project Farmer’s Market where I bought a bunch of great dips, local strawberries, mushrooms, other produce and a fantastic ginger shot from Rooted Rhapsody. I love buying from local vendors and the views at Legion Park are beautiful. Urban Oasis also runs a market at Vizcaya Village outside Coconut Grove on Sunday mornings. Click the link above to learn about all the amazing things they do at Urban Oasis Project, helping communities in need by building community gardens and providing food boxes.
Sunday I spent the day with my daughter Elizabeth who was home for Spring Break, she left today :(. We went thrifting in the morning at Red White & Blue just blocks from house and then attended an art opening at Bridge Red Studios here in North Miami. It features the work of the late artist Tomata Du Plenty who was born David Xavier Harrigan. His woodcuts are colorful and feature familiar celebrities like Elvis Presley, Celia Cruz and many others. Click on the link above to read about his life as both a visual and performance artist. After the exhibit, Vance, Elizabeth and I went to see the movie “Mickey 17” starring Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette. It’s a science fiction/comedic romp with a deep political message.
The cast of “MJ” at the Arsht Center, dancing after the curtain call, keeping us all dancing and clapping along.
Tuesday night, my sister Ana and I attended opening night of the latest Broadway in Miami play at the Arsht Center “MJ.” It was a phenomenal production that takes the audience through the journey of Michael Jackson’s life all while he is preparing for that final tour he was set to embark on before his death. The music, the choreography, the singing and also the heartbreak and emotion poured out on the stage by the entire cast was something to behold.
Nick & Elizabeth on a ride at the Youth Fair.
Wednesday, Nick, Elizabeth and I went to the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair. We rode plenty of rides under gorgeous blue skies and it was perfect because crowds were minimal. We watched the circus performers, I especially liked the roller skating daredevil duo from Cuba. We also watched a young juggler from Chile, a guy on the highwire and an elegant and daring aerial silk artist. We ate good too with Elizabeth and I splitting a gyro, fries and a pretzel and Nick enjoying a corn dog which he shared with us and then later a burger and fries.
Today, Vance and I said goodbye to Elizabeth who is riding the Brightline back up to Orlando to start classes at UCF next week. It was so nice having her here.
Tomorrow night, Vance and I are double dating with Kevin and Michelle and Rick and Adina. We’re having dinner at Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables, Chef Michelle Bernstein’s revival of her spectacular restaurant that was originally located in the Design District. I can’t wait! I’m also going back there in a few weeks for a special Grand Opening and beginning of lunch service event. Hoping my sister Ana, who works in the Gables, will join me for that.
Lastly, I encourage you to visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden which is a lovely place to meander and enjoy the lush tropical landscape and where admission is free. And if you visit on Sunday, March 30, you can experience the presentation by Composer and Sonic Artist Juraj Kojš during his Orchid Soundscapes. Click on the link to learn more about his interesting take on making music with orchids.
Vance and Col. Bowman of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
And this final shot is of Vance at Port Canaveral after a press conference he organized receiving the Commander’s Coin for Excellence from Col. Bowman of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a job well done!
That’s all for this week. I may take next week off since I’ll be out of town so most likely my next blog will be on April 4. Happy Spring and be well!
