Miscellany...

The weather forecast was true to form last week. Not a glimmer of sun to be seen, though it has been quite humid and uncomfortable outside. Apart from researching a new drug plan and doing the requisite household chores, I did venture out with a new friend to a small restaurant in another neighbourhood on Wednesday.

Found amid a clutch of retail shops and town homes, this little Greek cafe provided a filling and economical lunch. I had grilled falafel on a small salad with a side of hummus and pita. My friend had the falafel sandwich.

 It would have been nice to roll around the shops for a bit afterward but the rain stymied that idea. Sadly, I do not live in a "walkable" locality, and there is not enough green space for my liking generally, so when I come upon an area that is walkable or rollable, in my case, I seize the opportunity. Another time and with photos.

Thursday was horrid as Tropical Storm Andrea made her presence known. Lightening, thunder and rain gutters overflowing. Everywhere. I was on my way to a medical appointment when a radio broadcast on the bus told people to get off and stay off the roads unless driving was an emergency. Apparently, no-one here heeds such advice because crashes and rescue vehicles were widely in evidence.

When I reached my destination and was waiting for the physiotherapist, the lights in her office kept flickering on and off, just as they had done at home. I wondered why anyone would stay open in such conditions but she is so booked, I don't think she felt she had much choice.

I got soaked on my way into the bus for the return home and found my teeth chattering as I reached the door of my flat. Once inside, I turned on the heat, something unheard of in our humid summer months. That gave me time for a cup of tea and a hot shower. The cats and I soon fell asleep listening to the steady pelting upon our rooftop.

While Andrea has since dissipated, rain, particularly in the late afternoon, is never a stranger during Florida summers. I think that the blacktop one sees everywhere here contributes to the blistering heat people love to complain about, too. Apparently, this state has been a developer's paradise, and the price the average person pays is to deal with the many and varied consequences of over development...Ask anyone who has had a sink hole...

But I digress. The weekend was much calmer, though still wet. Friday night services were lovely, and I eventually found myself in a space of complete rest and quiet. You know, finding that still, small voice inside is a rare event for me, and one that I look forward to, like a present given simply "because." I don't regard myself as mystical or extremely religious, but that sense of connection is profound and is something each of us seeks in our own way.

Until Next Time...