Checking in...

There’s no outstanding news, which is probably a good thing: “No news is good news.”

The temperature is a bit below average (75F), being 60s during the day and 40s – 50s overnight. However, the sun makes it feel quite a bit warmer than the temp.

The first thing I do in the morning is check the temp in Orillia, so I know about the -1C and snow. I also know about the -15C and snow in Manitoba, so I’m not complaining about the cool temps here.

I must say I’m pampered, here. My table at Sluggers has a “reserved” sign on it so I always have a seat regardless of how busy it might be. My room is cleaned while I’m out for breakfast (9:00 – 11:00) so I’m not disturbed while I’m writing, and I can order anything off the menu (within reason).

Because of the cool weather I haven’t wandered away from the hotel. I do want to get across the street to see if they have made any progress on the archaeological dig they started last year–the foundation of a 17th century church. I was lucky enough to photograph a corner of it last fall. Fascinating stuff.

I’m writing steadily. I would like to finish this draft before Christmas so that I can start getting it ready for the publisher by late February. I’m getting stale with this story, so I want to get on with the next one: “The Brit, Kid Cupid, and Petunia.” It’s a light comedy, so it will be a change of pace.

I also want to visit some of the attractions here in St. Augustine–the fort, and alligator farm–and I have my regular driver and friend, Kerry Sullivan (a good, red-haired Irishman), at the ready. Will post pictures when I do.

To all of my friends in the northern hemisphere, stay warm.

Will write again, soon.

Gerry B.

Addendum: The archaeological dig from last year.

This plaque describes what is known about the previously undiscovered building. It is thought to have been undertaken by Simón de Anda y Salazar, Governor of Florida from 1674 – 1680. He seems to have been a rather controversial figure who was eventual relieved of his duties.

Here are a few pictures of the portion of the foundation that has been discovered so far. The light stone if coquina (petrified sea shells).

And if that wasn’t enough, I also discovered there is an entire centre dedicated to the Burnies at McGill University in Montreal, i.e.  http://burneycentre.mcgill.ca/bio_james.html.  So altogether is has been a full day.

Gerry's marvellous adventure...

Well, it’s that time of year when the ‘snowbirds’ fly south, and me along with them.

As usual, the trip was an adventure.  The shuttle from Orillia to Toronto was lovely and new, but obviously not designed for handicaps or seniors. To get on board there was a double sliding-door with nothing to hang onto. Now, why a passenger vehicle needed a double door I don’t know, but with a little ingenuity I managed to get on and off.

The hotel was relatively close to the airport and comfortable, but the restaurant left an lot to be desired. I ordered pot roast, which consisted of two pieces of meat in brown gravy, but the worst part was the service. It took a good fifteen minutes to clear the plates.

The flight out of Toronto was idyllic, and the airline personal couldn’t have been more helpful. However, when I reached Philadelphia it was another story. The gal shuttling me to what I thought was my next gate was an absolute mad woman! She sped through the hallways cackling inanely and scattering people in her path, until we got to our destination–a bus stop to the next terminal! Now, these are regular buses I’m talking about, without a handicap lift. In addition, they once again had double doors with nothing to hang onto.

To top off this experience, the attendants at the gate were surly verging on rude. I told one of them that I needed a yellow valet tag for my walker (so that it would be brought to me when I reached Jacksonville), only to be told rather officiously that they used blue tags in Philadelphia. (More information than I needed.)

Once I arrived in Jacksonville, however, and my friend Kerry met me at the airport, I knew I was at home.

At “Sluggers,” my favourite restaurant in St. Augustine, everyone was on had to welcome me back like a long lost son, and–apart from the cool weather–it’s  been that way ever since.

Here’s a pic of the St. Augustine “Festival of Lights” that began last night.