Bruce's Travels

Sunday March 22. Today, I went to a book signing by author Randy Wayne White at his "Doc Ford's" restaurant on Sanibel Island. I bought a copy of his latest novel, "Cuba Straights," in order to satisfy the requirement to get his autograph on the book. But then, I also brought along my prized first edition of "Sanibel Flats," White's first novel, a copy of which I obtained back in November here at the flea market, for him to sign as well. This turned out to be great fun. There were about 200 loyal fans at the signing. While seated at the bar waiting for White to arrive, I struck up a conversation with a couple of guys and we started talking about our favorite "Doc Ford" novels, and I pulled out my first edition of "Sanibel Flats," and you should have seen the commotion. People wanted to see it, touch it (I told them to keep it in the Ziploc bag I brought it in). I think one guy even wanted to smell it. It is considered the...

Thursday March 12 : I arrived in Kissimmee from St. Pete at about 10 a.m. and proceeded directly to the first watch show (World Wide Traders) at the Park Inn by Radisson Resort and Conference Center. There were 104 tables, which was actually larger than their Miami show in February. I bought three watches, two of them Tavannes (one of which is 14kt solid gold) and an Alpina sport watch. It appears I have the two Tavannes already sold to one of my customers, after I have them cleaned and serviced. For lunch, I refused to eat the overpriced garbage that was catered in by the hotel, so I went off premises to an Asian fusion restaurant that did a little bit of Chinese, Thai, and sushi. I had a delicious lunch of sesame chicken, spring rolls, and a diet Coke, all for around $14 including tip. Then back to the show to look around a little bit more, then to a Motel 6, where I had a booked a cheap room ($50) versus the host hotel (Radisson) at $120, which was supposedly WWT's "...

Monday March 9 -- Left Fort Myers about 11 a.m. and arrived at my "airbnb" house in St. Pete about 1 p.m. I met my host, Kelly, and got the tour of the place. Here is the outside of the house, and my bedroom: This is my bedroom and door to the bath (right). The doorway you see on the left (partially) is my private entrance. After that, I rode the Central Avenue trolley downtown, and did about 4 miles worth of of walking. I explored the restaurants, clubs, and funky shops. I had a late lunch at "Lucky Dill Deli" on Central Ave. and had a mile-high pastrami on marble rye, topped with cole slaw and melted Swiss cheese, a side of potato salad, and a Coke. Delicious. They brine their own beef briskets there. The bill came to $16, but the giant sandwich lasted me the rest of the evening. From there, I visited the store/galley of a watch acquaintance of mine on 4th Street North, about 11 blocks off Central Ave. His name is Jeffrey Hess, and his business is cal...

It's Friday March 6, and I'm at the Sanibel Cafe on Sanibel Island sipping a cold lemonade. I've rented a bike for the day, and have the Prius parked down by Billy's Bike Rentals. Just finished touring a little bit of the annual shell festival at the Community Center, and am taking a little break until my friend "Rona" shows to help with show registration at 2 p.m. Backing up to Wednesday, it was an eventful day, as "Rona" drove the two of us down to Everglades City for lunch and to have a ride through the 'Glades on an airboat, my first time. We first stopped for lunch at "City Seafood," which is both a restaurant and seafood market: It looks kind of "touristy," but actually it's a favorite of both the locals and tourists and boasts some of the best and freshest seafood around, with an amazing variety of both fish and shellfish. You order your food at a window, then sit at benches right along the river and pick up...

Saturday Feb. 28 I finally got a chance to listen to local piano  player/vocalist Chris Workman, who performs Saturday  nights at the Lighthouse Waterfront restaurant. I went with “Rona,” who finally appears  to be getting a break from playing host and tourguide to friends and  relatives. We arrived in separate vehicles at the packed restaurant at about 6 p.m. in a pouring rain, and were lucky enough to score a high top table in the bar  not far from the stage. I was drinking Jack Daniels, while Rona was  alternating vodka/club sodas with ice water. Chris started about 7:30 p.m.  He’s a fair pianist, playing a Korg electronic piano with some extra  voices which he uses sparingly … mostly strings on some of the ballads. But for the most part, he’s old school, avoiding pre-recorded background  tracks and drum machines. It’s just his voice and the piano, which is  nice. He played a variety of music, but I would say his ...