Naples was on the west coast of Florida and we were on the east coast in Ft Lauderdale. To get there it takes hour and half and you transit on the Alligator Expressway through the Everglades and the Cyprus Swamp. This unique feature of Florida is called a river of grass. It starts in the north around Lake Kisimmee, flows south to Lake Okeechobee and south further to come out both on the east at the Atlantic Ocean or the west at the Caribbean Sea. During the late part of the 19th century and into the 20th century with the building of canals, roads and sub divisions it severely impeded the flow of water in the sea of grass. However when it was realized Florida reacted and much of the damage has been corrected and reverse engineered. It abounds with animals, birds, fish and amphibians. I wish I had the time to take an air boat and head out into the area to experience it.

The reason for this trip was to visit friends from Toronto Peggy and John. They had come down with their adult children and grandchildren. They had sold their home here a year ago and were renting a two million dollar four bedroom home for the week. The two of them are fantastic and gracious host and fed us regally. Another lady joined us called Fifi. She had attended our wedding and was also in Naples. She is a Grand Madame if ever there was one and entertained us in animated conversation during her visit. Soon it was 4 p.m. so we decided to head back to Ft. Lauderdale.

When we arrived in the Ft Lauderdale area Elizabeth said she wanted German food. A high order to find a German restaurant in Ft Lauderdale. However since I seemingly have a good memory I remembered that there was one "two blocks" plus "two blocks" from our motel. We ate there and it was like being in Germany. Hans owned the place. It had a German decor replete with a functioning cuckoo clock that sounded dutifully every 15 minutes. I had bratwurst sausage with sauerkraut and a German beer while Elizabeth had  Weiner Schnitze and winel. The waitresses were all older ladies and very polite. The place was packed with not a German in sight. It was both WASPish locals and tourist. I used the John and in the corner was a porcelain night pot on the floor. How charming is that? A few pictures and goodnight to Hans and home to bed.

By the way a cold front has arrived and the temperatures tonight will drop to the 50's During the day it is above 70. Of course it is in F not C.