For the past two weekends, an ice cream truck has rolled through my apartment complex. Where were these guys during the summer?!?

And why is it that every time they come through, I happen to have no money on me? I want an Astropop, dammit!

Mellow Mushroom
2015 Aloma Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32792
407-657-7755

I have been driving by this place since they started to build it before Hurricane Charley. I just happened to drive to work on Thrusday down Aloma and realized it was open. I stopped by on my way home from work to pick up a menu so I could see what they had to offer.
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Went out to dinner tonight (nuthin’ fancy, just CiCi’s Pizza, settle down), and I almost regretted wearing shorts. I can feel the other cities glaring at us with their almost-winter temps.

(Please note: I am not dead. But I am pining for the fjords.)

If you or anyone you know is planning on eating at a restaurant today, please try and make it one of these. Darden restaurants in particular is donating 100 percent of profits made today in order to aid hurricane victims. All of the other places listed are donating a percentage of their profits. I think this is a fabulous idea, and there are tons of eateries participating. Here’s a chance to help out, and have a great meal in the process!

I was driving out of my apartment complex in beautiful Winter Park last night, when what do I spy but two cop cars parked on the grass across the street. The car in front had its headlights on, and caught in the headlights was…someone. The light was bad and I pulled into traffic so quickly that I couldn’t tell whether the person was male or female. It stood awkwardly in the headlights, almost leaning away. The cops seemed to be talking to him/her. It seemed to be tall and thin, with black hair. It wore a long purple coat, and I got the impression that their legs were unclothed underneath. My first thought was “flasher!”

Then again, who would such a person flash at 10:30PM? No one walks down that stretch of road except homeless guys and Full Sail students.

30 seconds down the road, my curiosity got the better of me. I pulled a U-turn and sped back towards the cop cars. Alas, the person was gone! One of the cops was sitting in the front car, filling out a report or somesuch. I couldn’t see whether this purple-coated individual was in the backseat or not.

So now I’m wondering if there’s any way to find out what the heck went on. Do they still publish police blotters in The Orlando Sentinel?

While making a visit to Barnes & Noble today, my second home, I saw the strangest thing outside. There were two police officers traversing the parking lot atop horses. I had no idea that the city even had a mounted police division but sure enough, they do. It just doesn’t seem like that kind of thing fits in this city, especially anywhere near Colonial. They seem like they’d be much more suited to the downtown area or certain sections of Winter Park.

Has anyone else seen these guys around? Or better yet, have you ever seen them feverishly chasing down a thug while atop their might steeds? I bet these guys hardly do anything but trot around all day wearing funny boots and hats. Hey, that’s a pretty sweet gig if you can swing it I bet, except for having to clean up horse shit.

We live just south of the Seminole County line, in Orange County. We’re just northeast of the University of Central Florida. This area had been [about 16 years ago] undeveloped land that was part of the Econlockhatchee River Basin. It’s still part of the river basin, but it’s definitely not undeveloped any more.

However, there is a tremendous amount of conservation land here and some of it has been set aside for recreational use. One of our favorite places is the Econ River Wilderness Area. It had been closed for a while, due to the recent hurricanes that passed through here, but they’ve cleared the damage and it’s open again.

There are 2.5 or so miles of trail through there, and the chance to see all sorts of wildlife, including alligators! The trail snakes along, right up to the river bank, giving you beautiful scenery and a glimpse of the Florida of old.

For you trail runners, it’s a treat. Dogs on leashes are allowed — and be on the lookout for horse droppings!

What’s everyone doing to get ready for Halloween? It’s my favorite holiday and I go absolutely nuts coming up with costumes every year. This year’s costume is no exception. I spent last night trolling the thrift stores for costume pieces. Came up unsuccessful, but I might have some good leads on Ebay.

Do you usually go out on Halloween? If so, where?

In 1921, Edward W. Bok was spending the winter months in the residential mountain lake community located adjacent to the highest hill of Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge, 298 feet above sea level. He enjoyed taking evening walks to the top of “Iron Mountain,” among the virgin pines and sandhill scrub, to enjoy Florida’s dramatic sunsets and bird life. The idea came to him to preserve this hilltop and create a bird sanctuary - a place of beauty, serenity and peace.

Bok commissioned fellow Philadelphian, architect Milton B. Medary, to design and build the majestic carillon tower. Medary drew his main inspiration from the Gothic towers and churches of Europe, but wanted to adapt his design to the characteristics of the Florida landscape.

Check it out @ Bok Tower Sanctuary

I’ve been to this place a few times and found it quite interesting and pleasant place to visit. I’m sure some of you have heard of it before but I thought I’d give it a mention. Definitely a nice place to go and relax as there is a large lawn in front of the tower that you can hang out, read, or do whatever. Check it out.

Yes, that’s what they say, but what they mean is “Leave No Voter Behind who will Vote for Kerry”. Nevertheless, they are having lots of LNVB parties on Wednesday night for the final Presidential debate. The one for Orlando is here:

Wednesday, October 13
8PM
One-Eyed Jack’s
15 North Orange Avenue
Orlando
407-849-0471

But you can go here to find parties in other areas. I be interested in going Wednesday, just because this whole thing has gone one so long that I think we need to have some fun with it (but not at the polls…..noooooo, not at the polls).

However, I don’t generally have a sitter for my son and his father works nights, so I’ll be here watching ‘Lost’ and ‘The Bachelor’. Ooops, wait, not if there’s a debate I won’t! Phooey. If anyone attends, let me know how it went!