The Birthday Boy and O’Leno State Park

Steve’s birthday was the 14th. Bastille Day! I knew most of Steve’s family before I had ever met him. His Brother was the first one in the family that I met. He was dating (later married) a good friend of mine. He had joined the Navy out of high school. But when he was home, I would see him fairly often. We bantered and bickered endlessly. I liked the Brother immediately. This friendly fire never stopped until just before the Brother passed away in 2008.

While the Brother was on a Med[iterranean] cruise in his little boat, the aircraft carrier Saratoga, the friend and I went on a trip of our own…San Francisco, Hawaii, and Las Vegas with a group of over 200 folks from OES. I took lots of pictures. Mom wanted to see them. I had met Mom in a hospital room as we were both visitors a couple of years earlier. So, she invited my friend and me over for dinner one night. I now met Dad #2 and his sister Auntie, who was visiting from New Jersey.

Mom and I clicked immediately. Within a few days, I went with her to visit Gramma (her mother). In a conversation, she mentioned that Steve was to have a birthday on July 14. Being the history crazy that I am, I said, “Oh, Bastille Day!” I had not yet met Steve. But, I knew his birthday. (Short story…long).

I had not yet Steve, but knew Mom, Dad #2, Gramma, Brother, Auntie (and her dog) and, of course, my friend who would be his sister-in-law.

(When I finally met Steve—June 14, 1969--I was on a date with another guy…but that’s another story)

It has become a custom in this household that on one’s birthday and our anniversary—instead of giving gifts (when one is in one’s sixties, one does not need much—just more stuff to which one needs to get rid) we have started to do something special or go someplace special. We have a driving trip out West planned for later this year. We have, therefore, decided that that would be our special “to do” for both our birthdays. But, still it was his birthday, so we could do something different.

As one might be able to tell, we are big fans of Florida State Parks. Although, because of budget constraints, the fees have gone up dramatically, the parks are still a wonderful value. His choice was a park to which we had not yet visited—O’Leno just north of High Springs was his choice.

 

The motto for Florida State Parks is “…the Real Florida.” O’Leno was one of Florida’s first state parks. The town and area have a rich history. It was a boomtown until the railroad by-passed it in the late 1800’s. The original name was Keno…soon turned to Leno. The name of the park “O’Leno” is a contraction of Old and Leno.

Its sister park is River Rise Preserve is a whisker up the road—hiking trails connect the two. The two areas have a combined acreage of over 6,000 acres. Camping—youth, family, group, equestrian, cabins (bring your own linen). Trails—hiking, biking and equestrian. Canoeing and kayaking (rentals available) on the Santa Fe River. Swimming (both in the River and by trail to Sweetwater Lake). Picnicking.

Thirty-four miles of equestrian trails. Hiking trails range from a little over ½ mile to several miles. Most of the trails can be classified as “walking” trails. They are wide and easy. There are a few more difficult. It was a hot day so we did not walk very far. We are looking forward to revisiting in the fall to follow some of the many trails.

The Santa Fe River is a swamp feed river. This means that the water is consistently brownish—kind of like tea—from the tannic acid produced from the leaves of the bordering tress—many of which are cypress. It is not dirty or polluted—just brown. One of the trails brings one to a “natural land bridge” whereby the river flows underground for a little over three miles. It resurfaces and continues on its way.

 
Speaking of bridges…there is a walking suspension bridge over the river which connects some of the trails. This was really cool to cross and recross. It kind of bounces as one walks over it. It was built by the CCC in the 1930’s. The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) is also responsible for much of the clearing of trials and general construction. It was a CCC camp.

The CCC was one the many work stimulus organizations started in the ‘30s to put people into jobs. It was made up of unskilled boys 18-24…55% from rural/45%, urban. Also, some service veterans were eligible. Only 11% had completed high school.

Conservation projects were performed from 300 possible types of work projects within ten approved general classifications: Structural Improvements, Transportation, Erosion Control, Flood Control, Forest Culture, Forest Protection, Landscape and Recreation, Range, Wildlife, and Miscellaneous—surveying and mosquite control, etc. The fruits of the toil of a quarter of a million young men can still be seen today. Food and shelter plus a small income—a portion was sent home to the families—gave these men great insentive to be a part of this program—deemed one of the most successful of the era.

There is a small museum and a bronze statue in the park dedicated to the work of these men. There are also remnants of the grist mill (some of the wheels and turnings) that once made the town properous. One can see in the river portions of the dam constructed to change the flow so that the mills would work.

One thing we found while investigating one of the campgrounds was a doe grazing behind one of the campers. When I hit the button to open my window, it startled her just enough for her to mosey away. So, we did a second circuit of the campground. She was back. I was able to get out of the car and walk toward her before she turned and went back into the woods. She did not bolt, but just kind of moseyed.

It was a fun day. We went out for dinner at a little place on the Withacoochee River—one of Steve’s favorite places..food is plain, simple and good. And the price—cheap, cheap, cheap. Great value. (The Front Porch in Dunnellon).

He was a cheap date!

Census Reprise

This phase of our census work is quickly winding down.  The CL is completing his job by fulfilling his self-defining description of himself.  He is a perfect A-- ----!!!!!!!!!  The only time I have ever seen perfection in anything before.  Some how being a perfect A-- ---- would never be a goal of mine, but he has done it SOOOOO well.

PAH (from the above letters...perfect A-- ----) has been very condescending to the women.  The men are first and foremost.  The best example of this is we have to meet with him every morning, but we do not have set times--any time between 7:30 and 9:00 am.  There is also an afternoon schedule, but I do not got to that.  We need to turn in our time sheets and any work completed the day before.  So, we form a queue, so to speak.  (We don't form a line as such, but sit and talk...we know who is next, however).  Enumerator one (female) gets there first.  PAH has to verify her stuff.  Enumerator two and three are also female.  Male enumerator walks in while he is verifying the work of enumerator two.  All of a sudden, he becomes next in the queue as "he has work to do!"  What the heck does the CL think we are doing.  The upside, however, is that we are on the clock--bored out of our gourd--but on the clock.

Once most of the guys have gone through the queue, they may stay and talk (still on the clock)...just chit chat, nothing that necessarily is part of the job.  PAH never says anything to any of the guys.  However, if I stop to talk (which is one of my favorite past times),  PAH will say "Good-bye, Molly" and make sure I am out the door.

PAH did do one thing for which one woman benefited (the rest of us are REALLY annoyed).  One of our group had to go to the hospital emergency room.  She still had twnety-five EQ's stretched over five books.  They were supposed to be split amongst those of us who were finished or close to being finished to give us some more time.  Instead, all twenty-five went to one woman.  Most of us were struggling to get to twenty-five hours this week.  This woman made forty and a ton more miles with this little bonus.  A lot of irritation in that room this morning. PAH had some lame excuse.  But, that does not change the situation.

Part of me is happy that this phase of the census may be over.  If I had to work for this guy for very long, my big mouth would get me fired.  That might be good!  Then, I could start a law suit or something.

There is a slight possibility that those of us who have finished (I turned in my last EQ's and book this morning) may be shipped out to any area that has not yet finished.  That would be good.  But I hope I don't have to work directly with this turkey any more.  We do have one last meeting...Tuesday morning.  Than, I hope I never see him again.  I have NEVER disliked working for anyone so much before.

I enjoyed the job and most of the people that I have met.  I could work at this so very much longer if I had the opportunity, and PAH was not involved.

"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"

Although well into his seventies, the Pastor of the church I attend is really quite up to date. He began his sermon today with FACEBOOK as his first illustration on his theme of having Jesus as a friend.

The hymns we sang had such friendship as a base for his theme.

“Oh, Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end

           Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend.”

My personal all time favorite song is the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus! My grandmother sang it to me as a youngster. Maybe, because she liked it so well, it became a favorite of mine. It is a song that really touches my heart, and I find very uplifting.

This was our closing hymn today.

Music was written by Charles C. Converse in 1868. I don’t know anything about Mr. Converse.

The words were written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855 to his mother in the form of a poem as she dying. The poem was put aside and later found among her effects. Mr. Scriven did not receive credit for it for almost thirty years. Although Mr. Scriven was raised in a prosperous home, he had much adversary in his life, including the loss of two women he loved very much and died just before each of the planned weddings—one drowned; the other had TB. Yet through all this, Jesus was still close to him.

Coming out of Church, I mentioned that my two favorite hymns were included today. “What a Friend…” and “How Great Thou Art” which was played before the service started.

The woman to whom I was speaking, thought “What a Friend” was very depressing. I, on the other hand, oft sing it when I am most down in the dumps and find it uplifting.

It goes to show that two people can see or hear the very same thing and get two totally different views. I guess that can be true on anything in life. That is what makes us individuals!

Anyway, it is still my favorite hymn!

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

The Celebration of Independence Day

Independence Day Celebration

Independence Day is celebrated locally on July 3 with a parade at 5 o’clock in the early evening and fireworks later in the evening.

Last year was the first time we went to the parade. We discovered that very few people actually march in this parade…almost everyone rides…on a horse, on a float, in a carriage, in or on cars (Miss this and Miss that usually sit on the windshields of a convertibles). It was not like Fourth of July parades of which I am used to seeing (maybe, that’s the problem…it’s an Independence Day parade and not a Fourth of July parade). Any way, it was fun.

ROTC color guard. Lots of horses. Hardy’s Star, Ronald McDonald, local dignitaries, candidates for local, county and state offices. Lots of candy thrown to the youngsters. The various Miss this and Miss that. Something from many of the local business (car dealerships, banks, pooper scooper, etc.) Quietest parade I have ever seen--NO BAND!

This year one morning not long ago at the Masonic bi-monthly breakfast to which we have become regulars, Mike (SD) asked if anyone had flags that could be used on their float. They were also going to use signage of important Masons in American history (G. Washington, P. Revere, B. Franklin, etc.). Well, Miss Molly’s has been selling early American flags for years and let them borrow some. They had their own fifty star and the MIA/POW flags. Miss Molly had 12x18 inch service flags, along with fifty star US flags of the same size. We let them use several 3x5 foot flags which encircled their float.

The Betsy Ross flag with its thirteen five-pointed stars was in the front left of the float. Betsy may or may not have designed the flag, but probably did sew on that original banner as her husband was on Washington’s staff. Washington had wanted a six pointed star as he liked the look and symmetry of it. But, Betsy and her gang (sometimes, I call them Betsy Ross and the Supremes) thought that was too much sewing, so they used a five-pointed star instead starting the traditional. She lived in Philadelphia. This was first used officially on June 14, 1777.

On the right was the Bennington flag—tradition says this was created by Molly Stark of New Hampshire. Her husband John was a Colonel in the Continental regulars (later General). The Continental Congress’ resolve read:

"Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.”

Well, Molly Stark started her flag with the white strip (seven white, six red). She apparently did not mind the extra sewing and created a seven pointed star. She also did a little “gingerbreading” by adding “76” in its field of blue to honor the year that independence was declared. It was called the “Bennington Flag” as it was used at the Battle of Bennington, Vermont. [This flag is special to me as Steve had an ancestor that fought at this battle under Colonel Stark.] Used from 1777 in the Northeast.

[This flag was not used by the Masons, but I like to talk about it].

Star Spangled Banner. The only official flag of the USA containing more than thirteen stripes. It contains fifteen stripes along with the traditional appropriate number of stars, added when Vermont and Kentucky were admitted to the Union. At that time one strip was to be for each new state, but when the next four states were added, it was decided that it would be too cumbersome. Francis Scott Key gazed upon this flag when he composed his poem that would eventually become our National Anthem. Early 1800’s.

Don’t Tread on Me (yellow). One of several DToM flags, this bright yellow flag with a rattlesnake is known as the Gadsden (Mr. Gadsden was from South Carolina). It was an early Marine Corps flag and flown as a ship jack on some of the early pre-revolution and continental ships. The rattlesnake, representing the Colonies (and later the thirteen states) was first used by Benjamin Franklin in 1851 in one of his publications. The flag, as it is, is believed to have first flown c. 1774.

Florida State Flag: The cross of St. Andrew in red on a white background contains the State seal representing the land of sunshine, palm trees, rivers, flowers, lakes. The seal includes the sun, a cabbage palmetto, a steam ship, a Seminole woman scattering flowers. Adopted 1899.

The float also flew a thirty three star flag. This was the flag flown over Fort Sumter at the outbreak of the War Between the States in April 1861. A state’s star is added on July 4th after it became a state. Kansas had become a state, but her star was not added until July 4, 1861. West Virginia became a state in June 1863. Her state was added July 4, 1864. So, throughout the Civil War (aka War between the States, War of Northern Aggression, and a few other names), there were three official United States of America flags.

The Masons won third prize for their float. Congrats to them. Great pic in local paper with flags flying proudly.

Good small town enthusiasm and fun!

Just before the parade ended and the horses were marching nicely, the skies opened up.  We had one of our typical Florida gully-whommers.  Too bad the rain did not stay away for another fifteen minutes.  But, no one seemed to be particularly disheartened.

Very enjoyable parade. I did not make it to the fireworks. It rained at our house, but did not affect the booming and banging (It can rain on one side of the road and not the other in these here parts.)

Census Update

We did not work for a couple of weeks.  Then, about half of us were called back.  Many of the Crew Leaders (CLs) became Crew Leader Assistants (CLAs); many of the CLAs became enumerators like me.  Many of the enumerators were not called back.

We are doing some clean up stuff. In our training class on July 1, our new CL defined himself as a perfect a-- ----. Perfection is something that not many of us can obtain, as a matter of fact, in most instances, we can never obtain it. However, this CL’s description of his personality is absolutely correct. He is a perfect one. I am so happy that this is a short term assignment. I can tolerate most things in the working world for a short period of time.

Example: Time sheets are two-part. I worked last Saturday and gave the time sheet to the CLA. I asked the CL for my copy on Tuesday. (I did not work on Monday). He said that he did not have it, but the CLA did. I asked him again on Wednesday; he still did not have it. Today, he was waving mine around saying that he was not going to keep time sheets for four days. If we did not pick it up the next day, he was going to toss it out. These sheets are the only record we have of our hours. I mentioned that I had asked him for it. His reply was that he did not have it. This was a general statement that he was making...still wildly waving my timesheet.

Example: Some of the EQ’s that have been turned in have common mistakes. Again, he chose one of mine to use as an example. My name was blocked out, but everyone in the room knew it was mine. There were four items that he counted as mistakes. Three, indeed, were errors. No excuses—I know why I made them—but they should not have been made. I asked him about the fourth which I still do not consider a mistake (He actually had to call HIS boss to clarify what was done). I apologized for the mistakes; he continued ranting for quite some time. He is quick to point out mistakes (not just me, but of others, as well) in front of everyone in a loud boisterous voice.  He loves to harp on mistakes.  Another enumerator had made a minor error.  The boss was still ragging about it after the guy left.

Example:  The Census Bureau would like us to complete our timesheets in either blue or black ink.  That does not seem to be a problem.  If one's pen runs out of ink in the middle, that person better make sure that the next pen picked up is the same color.  This CL will throw it back at you.  The ink has to be the SAME color for the whole sheet. 

I could go on and on, but…

I have always had trouble working for stupid/inconsiderate people, but this guy takes the cake. I guess stupid might not be the right word, but he can NEVER be wrong. And he is very inconsiderate. Very exasperating! Glad that it is only for a couple of weeks. And, I only have to see him for about an hour every day.

His boss, however, is a real charmer, smart guy and appears to be considerate.

Finding weird places…such as the vacant house out in the middle of the peanut field. Mail box on road. Fence locked. Hardly could see the house. Talked to a neighbor. Told me tenant trashed the house. Owner will not fix up. Sounds like another off the wall EQ for an  HU (housing unit) complete.

Found another house. Apparently Mom passed away last year. Only child is a druggie. House has been used only for “parties.” Neighbors would not give their names as proxies. Afraid of the retribution. Does not matter to me…another complete. Weird scenarios!

Racking up sooooooo many miles. Hooray!

I have met some wonderful people out there.  Yesterday, I found a young farmer, who apologized for being sweaty.  Com'n sir, you work hard for a living!  But the thing I found that I liked most about him was that he was concerned about my job.  He did not want to give much information--the bare minimum was all he wanted to tell me.  But, he was so sweet.  He asked me if he did not give me more information, would it affect me and my job.  The answer is NO, but I thought it was very nice of him to be concerned about me as  a fellow worker.

Still like most of the job!  Wish it could be permanent with a new boss.   But Alas! Alack!  It happens only every ten years.

CLAMERICA and Cedar Key

Cedar Key is a wonderful little tourist resort and seafood coastal town on the west coast of Levy County. For those of you have no idea where Levy County is…well, what can I tell you? Okay, it is at the very bottom of the Big Bend. It kind of juts out just a smidge where the big bend begins on the west coast of Florida.

Cedar Key’s one school is K-12 with thirteen graduating students in the Class of 2010. In days gone by the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad ran from Jacksonville to Cedar Key. There was a fair amount of industry out there. The railroad tycoon David Levy Yulee (thus Levy County) founded and built this railroad. One of the earlier industries was pencils made from the massive amounts of cedar on the island (thus Cedar Key). But, eventually, the pencils were shipped out and the tree depleted.

There are some great restaurants and cafes on the key. Cedar Key is hometown America.

The town is the largest producers of “farm raised” clams—100-150 million harvested annually. They are usually fairly small in size; but, boy, are they delicious. Steamers! On July 4, the town brings out all its spit and polish and has a wonderful festival called CLAMERICA. We went last year and now want to make it a family tradition.

There is parade which includes almost everyone in town…kids on bikes, decorated golf carts galore, Miss this and Miss that riding in new convertibles, many businesses with floats or other ways they may choose to advertise, the bus, the pooper scooper company.

And, oh, yes, let’s not forget the politicians! Everyone running for any local or county office rides or walks in the parade. This year, there was even a pol who will be running for governor in this little bitty town’s parade. One would have thought that she might have gone to a place where there were more votes at risk. But, it was kind of nice to see someone who is the current state CFO pay attention to a small town.

There is so much candy thrown from the cars and floats that after the parade, there is still enough for adults to pick up and enjoy. I personally picked up many handfuls and gave them to some of the young people around me and still had a couple of things on which to munch myself. Fans. Beach Balls. Beads. All kinds of things thrown to the waiting crowd from the various vehicles. The parade was fun.

We then walked to the town pier and took a quick walk through the area next to the water with all those cute little boutiques and seaside restaurants. I met Chris Buerki, the author, in front of one of these restaurants. See separate post about one of his books.

Arriving at the local park via the long way, we now got to witness the sand sculptor. The same lady traditionally does the sculptor each year. It is always different and beautiful. She includes many of the sponsors within the sculptor.

Mosaic Fish Pond

Next came the clam recipe contest. Each year the local cooks provide their best sample of some sort of goodies made with—of all things—clams. Appetizers and entrees of all kinds of varieties and presentations are set on a table for the three judges to sample. First the judges look at the presentation and give so many points. Then, they sit down to eat a bit of this and a bit of that with more points added. The points are added up and posted on a board next to the creation’s name. Obviously, the one with the most points wins (not sure what they win). After all the points, the awards are presented and the public is invited to sample the goodies. Some are really good. I have boring New England taste buds and cannot tolerate hot spicy food. So, I am not fond of those. But, there is some really good stuff there. YUM! I have a passion for many of the appetizers.

A second contest is held later in the afternoon for cooks from local restaurants. Anyone can buy a place in the judging of this event. For a nominal fee, one gets a packet which includes a special fork for tasting, a chance to taste and this year a special Mardi Gras mask. I have not yet participated in this. Maybe next year.

The most famous item of CLAMERICA is Tony’s clam chowder. Again, my boring NE taste buds get in the way. The first taste is dynamic. But, then the spice hits. I am probably the only person who is not fond of this local delicacy. It has been deemed by many as the VERY BEST.

Under the same pavilion as the food cookoff is a container with a bunch of clams. Last year I guessed a little over 1700 and came in sixth…only 36 away from first place. Guess what the prize was…CLAMS!!??! WOW! What a surprise. This year the clams were in a very big laundry basket. I guessed 5218. I have not heard if I won anything. (I heard today July 7—1366 clams in the basket. Steve had guessed 1400 and something.)

There is a silent auction where local businesses provide most of the prizes—dinners, weekends, prints by local artists, kayak and boat trips. This year they had about ten painted trash cans by local youth that were also among those items on which on could bid. All had a seafood theme done by some very talented youngsters. Hope they got really high bids on these. (July 7—Steve had the high bid on the kayak rental…can’t wait to go).

And, of course, what is a Fourth of July festival without food…traditional and special--hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, cake, pie, corn on the cob, fries, soft drinks. Then, there are the seafood yummies—clam cakes, steamers, fritters, and the clam boil (kind of a boiled clam bake—clams, potato, corn). We split an order of steamers. Steve ate the traditional hot dog while I enjoyed the clam (or was it crab…can’t remember) cakes. So good!

There are fireworks at night, but we do not stay that late.

Cedar Key has several festivals throughout the year. But nothing beats this one. Can hardly wait to return next year.

http://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/

A GOOD READ

A Good Read

Yesterday, Steve and I went to Clamerica at Cedar Key. I will write a separate blog posting for that. I ran into an author who had crossed this great country via a southern route from North Central Florida to the Oregon border on a bicycle with his faithful dog Lucy in tow. He was selling his two books in front of a local restaurant. I often buy books when I can meet the author, especially when he/she is willing to sign a copy.

These books are kind of a Steinbeck Travels with Charlie, but the first tour was done on a bicycle. Chris Buerki has self published this pair. The first, which I finished this morning, is entitled Travels with Lucy, subtitled, 3600 Miles, 19 Flat Tires, 7 Puppies, and 4 Near-Death Experiences. He’s a good story teller—well read and articulate. His adventures are rather amazing. Trials and tribulations. Meeting new people—good and not so good. The companionship of a wonderful furry friend. Hot weather. Head winds. Mountains. Deserts. Highs and lows of adventure. Black and White Photos.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story, if I had to name a favorite part, it would be his trip back from California. He needed to get both his bike and his faithful companion back to Florida. He was rather innovative and inventive in this solution.

I disagree with him on some levels. He does not like law enforcement; I’m a cop’s kid. And, his view on pot is quite different than mine. Also, I believe that one can tell a good story (and he can) without using the “f” word (which he does).

I guess my biggest problem with this first book, however, is the editing. I would like to volunteer to edit for him. Spell checks do not pick up things such as “it” or “is” if one really means “if.” There are many such faus pax throughout the book. Capitalization. Run on sentences. Punctuation. Using “I” when “me” should have been used. And ending so many sentences with a preposition. Drove me CRAZY. All need to be rechecked. It would have made the book so much better!

However, on the very positive side, it is a wonderful read from a great story-teller who kept meticulously detailed journals. Delightful. Heartwarming. Heart wrenching. Humorous. And, in parts—belly laughing funny.

I have gained new respect for cyclists, especially one with a dog.

The second book is entitled Travels with Lucy: Part II; subtitled On the Road with a Dog and Her Book. This one looks as though the tour is done partially by bike and partially by automobile. I am looking forward to reading it later this week.

Writer777@att.net

27802 SW 120 Lane

Newberry, FL 32669