Travels with Beaverhausen: My Florida Finale ~~ Life in Venice

I was bummed this morning to discover the pan filled with popcorn that I made last night was thrown into the garbage by my cousin Walter. Thinking it was the handiwork of children at yesterday's pool party, he tossed it all into the trash. It was childish in appearance, I admit, with way too much oil and way too many unpopped kernels at the bottom of the pot.

Tomorrow morning, I'll once more take to the friendly skies and fly off to LaGuardia Airport. But today was my last in Cape Coral. We set off to visit my stepfather at his assisted-living residence, and then my cousins, sisters Sherry and Margaret and their mom, my Aunt Eleanore.

Off Walt, Sue and I set off into the wild, blue yonder, after our morning java, to Venice. We breakfasted at the Bagel Factory. They make fresh bagels. I had mine with lox spread. And more coffee. We then proceeded down the Interstate to Venice, FL.

First stop: The Windsor of Venice. Such is this palace of assisted living where my stepfather resides. It was my first visit in five years. We had to go no further than the lobby where Jack was seated with a cane, behind his walker (pictured). I was saddened to find the 90-year-old now largely speaks pure unintelligible gibberish. Quite animatedly, though! He said two things, however, very clearly. Introduced me as one of his nephews to the nurse. And cursed out an old lady who banged into his walker with hers. He was quite fluent in words like "God-dammit!" and "Nasty bitch!"

I enquired of a nursing-home assistant if Jack had, as I suspected, a stroke. For that information, however, I had to contact a registered nurse, none of whom were available on the floor at the time. However, I can find out simply by calling Tony, Jack's biological son and estate executor, once back in NYC. I'm sure he already knows any details.

So, communication with Jack being quite curtailed, it wasn't long before we three were off to visit Sherry and my Aunt Eleanore. We arrived 1/2 an hour early. Sherry's college-age son, Thomas, let us in and Shane, Sherry's doberman, was also in the house. A very friendly dog, he followed me all over. A big cutie!

I went out to sit at the pool. There was a handsome stranger out there! I said hello, put my feet in the pool (a'la Neely O'Hara in Valley of the Dolls) and, from behind my Foster-Grants, I asked "And who are you?"

"I'm here to clean your pool," the salt-and-pepper-haired, tall hunk said. This is how porn films begin! I then imagined him saying "Mind if I take my shirt off? I feel so hot." "Yes, yes, I can see you're hot; so so hot" I'd say.

At this point of my fantasy, my cousins and aunt arrived, thank God.

It was such a joy to return to reality and greet my close relations. We sat on the couches and chairs and caught up. Aunt El is staying at an assisted living residence. Margaret, Sherry's sister, is the wife of a preacher man, the only man who could ever reach her (high-school sweethearts). They have recently returned to Venice from the northwest. So nice to have the two of them nearer.

It wasn't long before Sherry set the table with quite an amazing spread of cold cuts and salads. We reminisced together and talked of our current lives as well. I was happy to sit next to my Aunt El, whom I've always loved dearly, recalling how she was the first person I knew (as a kid in the '50s and '60s) who was into environmental issues and health food. She was an absolute trailblazer! She was also an amazing artist (oil paints) and poet, and very influential on my life.

Sherry and Margaret recalled what that was like for them, as her daughters. "I just hated when she'd take our candy canes at Christmas and wash off the red food dye." My aunt just chuckled.

Travels with Beaverhausen: Peeps and Parties in Paradise

It began as a simple shopping excursion to Old Navy in Cape Coral. Sue was off to her women's book-club meeting, so my cousin, Walt, and I set off in his car. On the ride, we crossed the impressive and expansive Callahootchie River. It was a beautiful view.

Old Navy, it turned out, had a big sale going on. I got sneakers, shorts, shirts, t-shirt, flamingo-print boxers for a total of $53. My Florida wardrobe and summer clothes for NYC.

Expecting to go straight back home, I didn't bring my camera. Walter thought it was a good idea to go to neighboring Fort Myers for our dinner and I was game. It was very thrilling. The restored historic district combined the honky-tonk with the chic and trendy. Restaurants, theaters, condos in the beautifully restored neighborhood. Even the sidewalks and squares were full of musicians. So bustling and full of excitement. It was energy-charged.

Walt took me to Ford's Garage. We ate at the bar rather than wait 50 minutes for a table. Our waitress bore a strong resemblance to the young Valerie Harper. Had a burger and sweet potato fries. Filling and yummy.

Walt & Sue's son, Don and his wife, Vina, and their kids were with Sue when we got home after our excellent adventure. So the party continued, livelier than ever, before bedtime. Austin, Don and Vina's son, stayed overnight.

Come Saturday morning, Walter made an awesome big breakfast: an omelette (spinach, tomato, goat cheese, shrimp), shrimp grits and a buttered half of toasted english muffin with plenty of java. Vina and daughter Alexis (whose sweet-16 party I'll be going to tomorrow) swung by to get Austin.

After getting lost en route, then arriving during a brief thunderstorm, Michael Stein arrived with his wife Kim and their two sons. His kids were so well-behaved, bright and fun to be with. They even accompanied Walter to Publix to help him bring back groceries. Just one big, happy extended family.

Mike was my best friend in high school. Today was my first meeting with his charming wife and his sons. Naturally, we had a lot of catching up to do, but a lot of reminiscing too, a lot of it regarding growing up in Paterson, NJ. As a special treat, I got to speak with Mike's mom by phone. I love that lady, and it was terrific talking with her after 40 years.

Can't wait to see them again when I come down. Promise it won't be in another 40 years. And the Buddy Beaverhausen Florida Experience, like the beat, goes on!

Travels with Beaverhausen: Arrival, Cape Coral FLA

Landed safely in Sarasota on a wing and a prayer, as is said. Actually, it was a very safe flight with only brief tubulence mid-way on our trip down the Atlantic.

I flew JetBlue because the price was right and they have better snacks than most airlines. I had popcorn chips and Graham Crackers, plus water and tomato juice on the rocks. Any type of being catered to, no matter how small, is appreciated these days. But remember when airlines actually served meals during a four-hour trip?

I miss the glory days of airline service. That's why I loved watching Christina Ricci in ABC's Pan Am. Too bad it was a flop! Modern audiences don't appreciate the days when air travel was a classy, dress-up affair.

After high school, my friend Mike Stein and I went to California on summer vacation for a week. We wore jackets and ties as was the requirement back in the day. Now, passengers are mostly relaxed, though business people still dress up. On our flight, casual didn't get sloppy. I.e., no pajamas or sweat suits, thank God. Certain types of formal in these times can actually be a security problem. For example, burkas.

After reading and staring up at the endless infotainment played and replayed again and again on the mini-monitors built into the seat-backs in front of us, we finally began our descent. It was such a relief to de-plane, boss, de-plane!

My cousin, Walter and his wife, Sue, met me at Sarasota airport after a short wait. I didn't mind waiting because that airport is quite chic. Glass elevator, art displays, central man-made fountain. Beautifully landscaped, modern design, nicely laid out. Parrots roost in the palm trees in the parking area, that's how nice this place is.

Walt and Sue pulled up outside, called me on the cell, and I dashed down, hopped in and we were off. They live in Cape Coral. It is a long ride (about an hour and a half) driving by highway, down the Gulf Coast, from Sarasota to Cape Coral. Beautiful, tropical country but, oh, the humidity! Before we left Sarasota, we stopped for some killer Mexican food. Popcorn chips can only take you so far. Kept me quite sated through the night.

The aforementioned Mr Stein, by the way, lives on the East Coast of Florida but will be making an even longer drive to see me on Saturday. Ah, Florida, I'm back at last!

Travels with Beaverhausen: Let the Packing Begin for My Florida Vacation!

I'm leaving on a jet plane... tomorrow early afternoon. So let the packing begin!

Visiting my family in Florida, staying with my oldest cousin, Walter (two years younger than I and as close to me as a second brother; our mothers were sisters), and his wife, Sue. Can't wait to see the whole gang again! (You know who you all are.) I'll even be seeing my best friend from high school, Michael Stein, whom I haven't seen since 1969, when we traveled from Frisco to Mexico right after graduating high school. Ah, the Summer of Love! Also hope to visit my stepdad at the assisted living home in which he now lives. Very excited.

Cape Coral is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to fun in the sun and whatever events are planned/ arranged over the week. I hope to have a beach day, of course, but Walt & Sue have a beautiful, extensive lanai with pool (where I'll keep up my blog).

I return to NYC late in the day on June 11.

My round trip from LaGuardia (Brooklyn) to FLA and back cost only $330. Not bad, I think. I had my laundry done today and arranged car service to the airport, so I'm basically set. Why, I even spent a lot of time at the Apple store to make certain I can keep up my blogging. All I have to do now is pack.

Hmmm.... Where to start?