So I spent a few days in Florida

[malaise]

We had a grand family reunion but I did have some time to make some observations.

Even in my sister's complex full of professionals, there are more than a few homes empty from the sub-prime crisis.

There are way fewer SUVs in driveways and many smaller model cars. This was also true on the roads.

I saw very few bumper stickers. I didn't see one with McSame, but I did see six Obama stickers on the roads in Miami. I also noticed four union stickers and smiled.

Service in the Dadeland Mall has improved tenfold - I guess staff really need those commissions in these hard times and one older lady was very, very helpful to us.

Most prices are up except at Barnes and Noble and a few sales at clothing stores. I could not believe the increases in the supermarkets.

I had to order all progressive DVDs I wanted - couldn't find any in stock. I spent hours searching for The Corporation but eventually I ordered it. I found every book I wanted on open shelves at Barnes and Noble - a rare treat. There were just three copies of Shock Doctrine and we bought two.

All but one person who came to the parties (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) are voting for Obama and that includes at least fifteen young people who are quite excited (mixed kids, white kids, and Cubans). Generally people are being very careful with their money and credit cards are being torn up with the same speed that people are selling SUVs.

Everyone there watched Olbermann every night - even the one guy who says he's not voting for Obama. The only good news from him was that he won't vote because he thinks McSame is too old and he's 63.

I still hate airports. The TSA lady gave me the usual feel down which pissed me off yet again - all for one metal button on my jeans. Hubby found it funny.

Gr.

[Arctic Dave]

1. I'm glad to see you had a great family reunion.

[malaise]

3. Sure did

We had a blast - drank up a storm as well :D

[babylonsister]

2. A family reunion-what fun! Thanks for the observations; always love

to read personal interactions. Sounds pretty good for FL.

[malaise]

5. Sister #2 turned 60

and everyone came from everywhere so we had some great political discussions covering the globe and several US states. It was pleasantly surprising to see almost everyone agreeing re the state of the planet.

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. How was the Jamaican dollar rate compared to last time?

Had food made the price increases in Jamaica that you saw here?

[malaise]

8. I was in Florida for a graduation last year

and our dollar was 60something to one; now it's 71 to one.
We buy a lot of local food here in Jamaica and that is much cheaper - fish (we pay $4.50 for fresh snapper), shrimp ($4.00 here) vegetables and fruit( you wouldn't believe the price of vegetables and fruit here). Imports are up here are well.

[AlCzervik]

6. My BIL lives in Florida, 30 years in the military and a retired full bird Col and one

bil i won't be visiting anytime soon. He lives on Amelia island? tons of exmiltary folk down there and his long suffering wife told McCain isn't real big in their hood. I'd ask her for more info but there's always a chance he might answer the phone---blech.

[malaise]

9. Thankfully my folks are in Dade County

and that's pretty blue. The youngest sibling lived in St Petes until she died in 2005, but she was a Dem to the grave.

[spanone]

7. welcome back thanks for the insight

flying is the pitts

[malaise]

10. Yep and Air Jamaica

decided to add Montego Bay to our direct flight to Kingston which just pissed us off.
Hubby was tempted to stay over for two days after we saw the beach and lovely sunshine.

[marmar]

12. My aunt flies with her boyfriend to visit his family in Ocho Rios fairly often....

..... and she said Air Jamaica routinely alters the routings.

[malaise]

13. Well it's only the second time they've done it with me

and I always fly Air J. Still passengers were really angry because we chose the early flight because we had things to do.

[hellbound-liberal]

11. Hey malaise, you can watch The Corporation and many other documentaries for free at this site

http://www.freedocumentaries.org/film.php?id=102

In case you want to watch it while you are waiting for yours to show up. LOTS of other documentaries available there as well.

[malaise]

14. Thanks

We'll watch it Friday night.

[Edweird]

15. South Florida isn't so bad, huh?

I've lived here for around 18 years and love it. I'm just across the county line to the North.
Glad you enjoyed your stay.
:hi:

[malaise]

16. No South Florida is OK

but I still prefer Jamaica. :D

[Edweird]

17. I hear ya. It's nice to see a post about Florida that is honest.

Thank you.

[malaise]

19. We know South Florida pretty well

and if you know your way around, it's quite interesting.

[geomon666]

18. Hey you were by Dadeland. I live right down the street.

Shame you didn't catch my ride with the DU sticker on it. By the way, I have seen a few McCain stickers around here and more than enough SUV's but this is a more well off area. They can tolerate a lot more of this crap.

[malaise]

20. I didn't see a single DU sticker and I was looking

I did see a lot of new smaller cars and a gazillion Camrys. :D
I'm sure I would have seen more stickers if we stayed a few more days. We avoided Wal Mart and that helps :D

[A HERETIC I AM]

21. You're right down the street from Dadeland? I graduated from Miami Killian

and lived off of Galloway and Killian for 15 years from the mid 70's on.

I'm across the Trail in Fort Myers, these days.

Ever been to the Keg South? Great beer pub @ 104th and US 1. I was a regular there for years. Ever heard of "Ciro's Italian Restaurant" down by The Falls Shopping center? Best pizza south of New York. Good friend of mine.

[malaise]

22. You know where I really like in Florida for a holiday

Anna Maria island. Lovely swimming and every beer on the planet. We had a great holiday there a few years ago.

[A HERETIC I AM]

23. You should check out North Captiva

http://www.northcaptiva.com/

No cars, just golf carts. You get there by boat only. There is a 2000' airstrip, but you have to have prior permission to land. Oh yeah, and an airplane.

Gorgeous Gulf beaches.

[malaise]

24. That's way out of our price range

Looks lovely though.