Sunday Errands

[htmb]

I had a diverse group of errands to run today, so thought I would document the three hours I spent navigating around town.

I started out on the north side, driving near where I currently work.



Since my first stop was not far from the school where I taught little kids for 14 years, I drove by for a couple of pictures. The area is located down the street from the old "Dubs," a student hangout from my early 1970's college days. It's where I danced to music by local boy Tom Petty and the band Mudcrutch. It's also close to the location of the farm where the band rehearsed. Incidentally, Petty's first cousin, Sadie Darnell, has been our sheriff for the last several years.

The area grew over the years as housing developments were added, and then a school was plopped down in the middle of the neighborhood.




It's really nice because most of the students can walk to school, rather than ride a bus. Truly a neighborhood school.



To the rear of the school stands a greenhouse my former colleague and I build about twenty years ago. Inside is a hydroponic system where our students grew strawberries, herbs, and lettuce. We sold some of the produce, centered many mathematics and science activities around the endeavor, and also prepared and ate some delicious foods. My former colleague is still working at the school and operating the greenhouse.





Leaving the school, I drove through some of the neighborhood.

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I then drove south towards the university campus. My six year old Arizona grandson is working on a school project and had asked for a little help with information about alligators. I planned to look in the gift shop at the Florida Museum of Natural History.



Off to my left you can see the back of the museum complex.




As I parked in the large lot, the student recreational building was to the north.




To the east was the women's softball field.



The parking garage, performing arts center, natural history museum and the art museum complete the circle around the parking lot.













I located a few appropriate books and a plastic alligator with babies on its back in the museum gift shop.




Wandered around a bit and snapped a few photos....













And then took off for the art museum next door.

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I've mentioned before that the Harn Museum of Art owns a painting by Monet.



There is currently on display an exhibition of American Impressionists, as well as another couple of Monet paintings.



I wasn't sure when I could get there for an extended visit, but figured I could just pop in for fifteen minutes or so today and scope out the exhibit.



Photos were not allowed, but the show is marvelous. I do need to go back.

While there, I ran into a former student; one of those great kids who has thrived academically despite many odds being against her. I actually know her brother even better, so we had lots to talk about since I had just had a visit from him last month. The young woman was with a group of students from the University French Club (she's a French and Pre-Med major). They were there to see the art, but I was able to tell them about the film Timbuktu which is currently showing at the local Hippodrome Theatre. I mentioned Kerouac gave it several thumbs up, and had reported it won best picture in France Friday night. (Also showing here is Two Days, One Night with Marion Cotillard).

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Back to the car, I was off to mail the package to my grandson.



In the same strip of shops is a grocery store where I bought a few household items and some food.










The Girl Scouts were in front of the grocery store hawking cookies.




No, I didn't buy any cookies, but I did go inside the pet supply store.




Then headed home.




To this....





She's already partially destroyed the new ball!!!

Thus ended the exciting part of my day.

[tod2]

Oh that was lovely! It's so nice to see how the other half lives. I posted a journey to my work place and home some years ago now. Should still be lurking somewhere on AnyPort.
Htmb - this could start a whole new thread and put a lot of us in a "village of familiarity"

[htmb]

Thanks, Tod. I was inspired by everyday posts made by you, Mossie, and some of the others.

[Deleted]

Ah, life in the flatlands and pine forests -- that is the first thing I notice in a report like this, since the terrain of my youth was identical. Even though there are plenty of other trees besides pines, those are the ones that always stick in my mind.

I see that Publix has changed the style of label on the house brands since I was there last time.

[mossie]

Nice to see plenty of trees in a suburban? setting

[htmb]

Kerouac, I thought you were a Wal-Mart Superstore man.

Mossie, my city is the largest in the county with a population of approximately 130,000, plus 60,000 college students. We aren't exactly suburban, but we do have an extensive tree canopy.

[Deleted]

I am a many faceted person. Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Publix... I still mourn the disappearance of Kash n'Karry.

[htmb]

Never fear, there's still Piggly Wiggly in various parts of the US. ;-)

I always thought that was the most ridiculous name for a grocery store. They used to have them in the Florida panhandle. Perhaps they also drifted west into Alabama and Mississippi.

[Deleted]

Yes, Piggly Wiggly existed (and perhaps still exists) in Mississippi. However, I have never set foot in that establishment.

[htmb]

I entered one once in Panama City. I was forced against my will.

The one thing I remember about the store was the orange juice pitchers they sold with built in plungers for aerating the pulp.

[bixaorellana]

Thanks for taking us along on your errands, Htmb. I felt quite nostalgic, as some of the terrain reminded me of where I used to live on the north bank of Lake Ponchartrain. I really love how this thread expands on your Gainesville thread, showing not only neighborhoods, but the two quite dazzling museums. I see you have someone waiting for you at home, so won't keep you. She's a doll & that's a super portrait. Also, your rug is bee-yoo-tee-full!

[mich64]

I enjoyed following your errand trip htmb! I agree with Bixa about the photo of Lily.

Sunday when we went to town for the hockey game, I thought of taking some photos of the drive in, the Arena, etc. There is another afternoon game in a few weeks so now I am inspired to do so.

[tod2]

Look forward to that Mich!

[htmb]

Yes, Mich, pictures of the drive would be wonderful! Maybe some hockey pictures, too?

I've been to a few hockey games, but not since the 1970's when I lived in Atlanta.