Running Hot and Cold

After the busy last couple of weeks, this week is dead. Limousine runs are down by more than three-quarters, leaving we drivers with airport transfers and an opportunity to drink plenty of coffee. Down time is fine by me, but not too long, mind. My two-week fund of tips won't last forever, even if my coffee habit only runs to the cheap stuff.

The talk of the country is the weather, with Florida suffering under the burden of close-to-freezing temperatures. I know that must seem ludicrous to those folks in the north (and the real north, Canadia) but c'mon, everyone needs something to complain about. Snowbirds and natives and blow-ins like me are alike in wondering when Florida started imitating Iowa. Iowa without the snow, the clouds, the short days and the -40 temps. But it's relatively cold, y'know?

Which is actually a great relief for we in the limo trade. For much of the time, we have to run the cars with the air-conditioning on full-blast. Working in a dark suit and tie in this climate is rotten until this time of year. Now, it's appropriate. But for the other nine months, staying cool is a big priority. Frankly it's uncomfortable. All of which is a long-winded way of saying that I always keep the car running with the a/c on, and stay inside that sucker whenever possible.

This week, that's not necessary. I might be the only person in the country grateful for the cold blast. I heart you winter.




Photo from here. [link]

Boca Grande

Yeah, its a crappy photograph, but it reminds me of the funny naming game that Floridians play. Whomever dreams up names for new developments think that the more portentious (pretentious?) the title, the greater its desireability.

The Links at Palmer Creek.
Venetian Crossing.
The Meadowbanks of Florida.

Etcetera. The fact that the whole place is more or less a swamp doesn't stop those marketing geniuses.

Seinfeld memorably poked fun at this by having his parents live at a development called Del Boca Vista Phase II.

As always, the truth is more interesting. Boca Raton (from the Spanish, rat's mouth) was known as that from at least the 18th century, and this place, too was known to the Iberians. In any case, my wanderings took me to Boca Grande this week, for the first time. It is beautiful. Now I know what they mean by "old Florida" with houses that match the climate, people on bikes instead of cars, and water as good as any I've seen in Florida.