Kayaking the Wakulla River

I don't have much time to write tonight. Running around this week. Feels like I've been running around all month but took time to kayak the Wakulla River yesterday with The Wilderness Way.

It was FABULOUS!! Saw about a dozen manatees over the 2 to 3 hour trip. Best part, we dropped in and pulled out down river so there was no need to paddle against the flow. It was more of a float than a paddle but still loved it. The rain sprinkled slightly and it was refreshing (frizzing my hair, of course).

The Wilderness Way folks are great, too. Couple of them are graduates of the Wakulla Institute's Green Guide program I'm taking (which, by the way, I won't be able to take any classes until sometime in November).

The photos: Me, a self portrait; View from my kayak and some Wakulla River scenery.

Historic Photos of Tallahassee: Belongs in Every Tallahassean's Library

I had a chance to review Historic Photos of Tallahassee recently and loved it. It's a collection of 199 black and white photos gathered from the State of Florida Archives compiled by Tallahassee Historical Society president, Andrew N. Edel. Images range from the mid-1800s to 1970. The book's published by Turner Publishing Company.

With Christmas around the corner, it'd be a great gift for anyone who's called Tallahassee home or who's into Florida history. Better yet, Edel will be speaking at the Knott House this Thursday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The topic is Catt Love or Knott, discussing the 1916 governor election when W.V. Knott was defeated by Sydney Catts.

Edel will sign Historic Photos of Tallahassee. Read my full review of the book at Suite101. The event is free.

Another Class in Paradise: Green Guide Certification

I was bummed I missed out on kayaking yesterday, part of the Wakulla Ecotourism Institutes's Green Guide Certification (part of TCC). Happily, I was back in the swing of things today and back to class - Web pages/Internet Marketing today. I'm such a tree hugging geek, of course I loved the class! (I admit, I haven't attended a class I didn't like, but I really found the two Web classes interesting and useful). Anyway...

Jay Westmark of Wakulla.com has been the instructor and he's showed us some pretty neat stuff. Even though I've been a devout Blogger.com user, Jay's classes are pushing me more towards WordPress. (Uh, oh! Is Google going to knock my PageRank for admitting that?)

I love the WordPress templates and flexibility but I also like making money through my blog (honestly, I don't make money from this blog, but my primary blog I do). So, just need to get my plan together and go from there.

Jay showed us some groovy Web marketing tips, too. Things which are easy and inexpensive (I'll be reviewing my notes and seeing what I can do about these blogs later this week). While Jay and his wife run Wakulla.com, he also does Web design and Internet marketing for businesses in and around Wakulla, Tallahassee and I imagine beyond the Big Bend Area.

I think tomorrow's class is geology (no, Jay Westmark won't be teaching that class, I don't think...)

Before I call it a night, could you pleeeeaaaze drop over to my "work" blog, VFg3, and complete the survey - it's on the right hand side. It's a two click survey, trying to evaluate people's attitudes towards the going green movement. Much appreciated!

A Conversation with Big Brother 8 Houseguest Zach - UPDATED

I had the chance to meet and chat with Big Brother 8 houseguest Zach Swerdzewski while he's been home in Tallahassee. You'll have to wait for the complete article but he's a terrific, energetic and genuine guy. He has a bright future ahead of him.

Big Brother Zach fans need to mark October 17 in their date book, that's when his Web site www.DolphinCrash.com launches to sell his edgy surf gear and swimwear.

Stay tuned for the complete interview, which includes his thoughts about being on Big Brother 8 and what he's looking forward to.

Thanks for your time Zach!

Updated: Here's a link to the Part 1 of the interview, it focuses on Big Brother 8. Coming next week is the interview focusing on Dolphin Crash, which will now launch on Oct. 23.

This Weekend's Packed with All Sorts of Groovy Things to Do in Tallahassee

Okay, so it's nearing the second weekend of October and there are some pretty groovy events happening this weekend. These are ones which have caught my eye:

Bark & Wine Oktoberfest-Style - Leon County Animal Services, Oct. 12
Greek Festival at Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church,Oct. 12 & 13
Fire Arts Festival - Downtown at Woodward and Gaines, Oct. 13 (it's FREE!)
Historic Architecture Revealed - Knott House Museum, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. (and every Saturday in October)
CANpaign Recycling Rally (paying 40 cents per pound of aluminum cans) - Home Depot Parking Lot (3200 Capital Circle), Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Italian Cooking Classes - La Lanterna, Oct. 15 (visit La Lanterna's site for cost and additional class schedule)

I'm Lovin' Green Guide Classes - UPDATED with Photos

I've completed my first set of six classes/field trips in the Wakulla Ecotourism Institute (towards my Green Guide Certification) and am loving it! My fellow classmates are terrific, everyone is bringing their own special background and interests to the table (there's about a dozen of us). The instructors are incredible, too, and eagerly share their enthusiasm and expertise in their designated field. I'm enjoying learning about the geology and biology of this area.

Last Sunday was a field trip to Wakualla Springs State Park where Sandy Cook, Park Manager, spoke to the group followed by a tree identification walk in the park's hardwood forest. (I have photos but haven't had access to my home computer to upload them). This weekend the group's kayaking - I can always kayak!

I'm really glad I've enrolled in the program and am looking forward to learning more and eventually implementing what I've learned.
Photos added: Um, I really did pay attention, but can't think of the tree name! October is breast cancer awareness month and bikers supporting the cause were at Wakulla State Park. Saddleback Caterpillar - no molesting the wildlife, there's poison in those hairs!

Meet Tallahassee's Own Big Brother 8 Houseguest: Zach Tonight!

CBS's Big Brother is one of my vices. I saw it in the beginning and have seen it evolve over the years. This season, Tallahassee's Zach Swerdzewski made the final three - yeah! Tallahassee and yeah! Zach for putting up with Dick all that time.

If you're a Big Brother fan, come meet Zach at Barnacle Bill's tonight between 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Unfortunately, I won't be able to stalk, err, meet Zach, I have class tonight.

Welcome to Small Town USA

I'm dog sitting/house sitting for another six days for a woman I barely know. I met her while taking care of a friend's dog in her neighborhood. Upon moving to Tallahassee, I figured out pretty quickly to be somebody in this town, it's all about who you know and what your background is. It's not like Sarasota where newcomers are embraced into the community and can easily become a big fish in a small town. I've learned tradition and heritage are important to Tallahassee residents. Outsiders are looked upon as a curiosity. Who a person is seems to be dependent on where they went to high school and who their parent's are rather than the individual.

I've had my thoughts on this reaffirmed over the past couple of weeks. Had a discussion with a gal who was born and raised her but her parents moved here in the 1970s. People constantly ask where she went to high school and are disappointed when she doesn't reply with Leon. (Apparently the Leon kids are the wealthier ones? I'm still learning all this). Back to house sitting...

Came home on Tuesday to find a note posted to the door, one of the neighbors asked that I please give her a call but not to call after 8:30 p.m. No number was on the note but the client had left a list of neighbor's numbers. My plan was to take the dog out then head to class but thought this note meant there was an urgent matter needing tending to. While rounding up the dog, I called the neighbor. She informed me she and her daughter were on their way over to meet me and bring some soup over for my client, which is sweet and hospitable.

She seemed disappointed when I told her I was heading out the door and wasn't sure when I'd be able to have some free time to sit down with her. I'm a cut-to-the-chase person and not the chitchatting-type with strangers, which is why I'm an oddball here in the South. I'm guessing the neighbor's curious what type of person I am (all she knows me as is the "house sitter") and wants to make sure I haven't trashed the house (the client's in the process of moving so there isn't much in the house; has a great wood floor, could be a great roller rink or dance floor!) I'm tickled at her curiosity.

Tonight it's Wine Tasting and Cigar Smoking at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits at 1930 Thomasville Road. Tomorrow I have GOT to get to the gym (haven't been since Saturday). Saturday night is Club 3 at Lake Ella, a one-night nightclub for only 7 bucks. Sunday it's out to Wakulla Springs State Park for a field trip (I'm like a kid taking these eco-tourism classes). Last Sunday was a trip to the Wilderness Way for the kayak sale. Didn't find one in my price range but signed up for the sunset paddle on Oct. 21. Lunch and wandering in Apalachicola followed for the rest of the afternoon. It was nice, just wish more businesses would be open on a Sunday afternoon, after all, isn't that when most people have the time off?

Oh! And only a couple of days are left to join the Tallahassee Kite Runner Group - remember, if 100 members join, Tallahassee will get a free, private screening of the Kite Runner.

Embrace Your Inner Tree Hugger This Weekend

Saturday, September 29, it's super cool to go hug a tree, it's National Public Lands Day. It's a day to give back to the public lands either by improving or enhancing a recreational area. There's plenty of opportunity for volunteers to get out this Saturday into Tallahassee's public lands. Visit the site to see what interests you.

And, want to score a deal on a kayak? Sunday is the Wilderness Way's Annual Used Kayak Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4901 Woodville Highway). Would be a good time to get paddled, err, get a paddle or probably score an excellent deal on a used kayak.

*Sigh* I'm pretty sure I'll be heading out that way to check out the kayaks but I really shouldn't buy anything. I have that darn trip to Italy coming up. Although, I picked up another dog sitting/house sitting client so the extra cash will be nice. But need to save, save, save and not spend, spend, spend. Yes, dog sitting/house sitting is among one of my many talents. It's quite amazing I'm still single...

Oktoberfest's 'Round the Corner: Check out Bark and Wine Art for the Animals

Touching base on a previous post about Oktoberfest Puppy (and Kitty) Style. The folks over at the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center have shared with me the line up of fabulous artists exhibiting between Oct. 12 and Jan. 7, 2008. Come kick off the art exhibition on October 12 with one heck of a bash.

Participating artists displaying their artwork:

Kathleen J. Bell
Debra Brienen
Alice Cappa (be-ewe-tiful work)
Pamela Casey
Carla Deterding
Colleen Fahey
Judith P. Felder
Alfreda C. Green
Yoshiko Murdick (fluid, dreamy watercolors)
Rachel Sandler
Sarah Thompson
Mike Vanderberg

Remember, there'll be brews and wine to savor, delish nibbles and desserts along with music to unwind. See ya Oct. 12 at 1125 Easterwood Drive, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more info, call: (850) 891-2966 or visit the site.

Made in Tallahassee: My Brother's Keeper

Remember my April article about Spike Lee speaking in Tallahassee and how a filmmaker gave Lee his DVD of a show called "My Brother's Keeper?" Well good news, Tallahassee! My Brother's Keeper "The First Impression": An Introductory Short Film to the Hit New Drama Series is now available here in Tallahassee at:

Vinyl Fever
2256 West Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL

CD Warehouse (Next to FAMU)
803 Railroad Ave.
Tallahassee, FL

If you can't get out and shop locally, pop over to Amazon.com. The DVD has the first two episodes of the six-episode season dealing with a gritty, realistic look at college life. Support the local talent and check it out! So, did Spike Lee help out? Dunno. But if/when I find out, will report back.

Embracing the Inner Tree Hugger

Today I took the steps to earn TCC's Green Guide Certification under the Wakulla Ecotourism Institute. I've enrolled in the Ecotourism Institute and my first class is tomorrow. My purpose in enrolling is to help make me an expert in ecotourism, especially Florida ecotourism, and hopefully give me the tools I need to someday open a green/ecotourism business. Will this happen soon? Probably not, but slowly, I'm figuring out what I'm suppose to do with my life.

What a Wild and Crazy Week It's Been

Can't believe the weekend is already half over, where did it go? Last weekend was awesome, it began with the Talla Festa parade and festivities (pictured) then off to Madison to visit O'Toole's Herb Farm (pictured). Guess it would have been more productive if I purchased some herbs but was afraid I'd kill them. I enjoyed browsing the herbs and chilling out in the garden. A late lunch at One Eleven Grill at 307 SW Pinckney Street in Madison followed. Oh, and save the date: Feb. 2, 2008 is O'Toole's Herb Farm's popular Just Because Festival.

Over the weekend I did pick up my "Keep It Tallahassee Sassy" t-shirt at Lake Ella's Quarter Moon Imports. The shirts are "one size fits most" and although I can fit into it, I won't be wearing it in public, it's a bit more form fitting than I like but goes to a good cause, supporting locally owned businesses.

And the week? I house sat for most of it, which means I didn't sleep well (but did pick up another client) and the fire department visited the office twice - don't ask.

So it's Saturday. Tonight it's the Tallahassee Rollergirls at the Fairgrounds then tomorrow a visit to TCC's Wakulla Center for the Ecotourism Institute Open House and finally back to Monticello for the FREE open house at Monticello Vineyards & Winery.

An Evening with Tallahassee's Newest Ghost Hunters: S.I.T.E.

Remember this post bragging about the cool evening I had with Anna and Mike with S.I.T.E., Tallahassee's newest group of ghost hunters? Well, I finally got the article written and published. Enjoy it here.

And, if anyone is interested in joining the group, they're recruiting members! And how cool would that be to be a Tallahassee ghost hunter???

BTW - the photo is my hand holding the "ghost detector" (read the article to understand).

What's on Tap for My Weekend?

I confess to planning my weekends as soon as the previous one is ending. So what's in store for me this week? Updated Sept. 13: Well, the Democrat and the Mary Brogan Web site have been promoting speed dating this Friday, but after calling the Brogan this afternoon to find out more about it, I was told "We're not having speed dating and we're not sure where the paper got that info." I informed the gal that it's posted on the Mary Brogan calendar. Good news, thought. Was was told it should come back sometime after the first of the year, so guys and gals, you have one shot at it...

Also happening is TallaFesta: Tallahassee's International Festival. Some gala is Thursday night with the Carnival Village open Friday and Saturday but bulk of the festivities taking place Saturday....moving to the rest of the weekend...Of course, there's the Friday Night Bounce downtown at Clydes and Costello's (a place to chill after the speed dating).

Saturday, I really want to head over to Madison to O'Toole's Herb Farm. I've heard it's a bit on the "granola" side, which means I'll love it! (Did you see this blog post? Feel free to share your comments!). Of course I'll let ya know how it is.

And if you haven't already joined, be sure to join the Tallahassee Area Kite Runners group so we can all receive a private, advanced screening of "The Kite Runner," based on the book. Check out my blog post about it here.

Private Screening of "The Kite Runner" in Tallahassee???

It could happen. I've taken on Paramount Vantage's challenge to set up an online community as part of the "The Kite Runner Loyalty Program and Competition." As the Kite Club Captain, I need to gather at least 100 members to the Tallahassee Area Kite Runners group and our handsome reward will be a private, pre-screening of "The Kite Runner" in Tallahassee. How cool would THAT be?

It's free to register and the screening would be sometime in October.

Why did I do this? I read the The Kite Runner because I was planning to join a book club. I found the book beautifully written yet ugly and dark, yet real. It sparked an interest in Afghanistan, which led to my March 2006 trip to Kabul. The book piqued my curiosity of what life is like for the Afghans so as crazy as it sounds, I made the journey. If you haven't found it yet, I kept a blog at: www.QuirkyKitsch.com.

I encourage anyone who's read the book, has an interest in good stories and films or just a curiosity about people to join the Tallahassee Area Kite Runners group. Hopefully, we can watch the film together and how cool would that be?

Message to Tallahassee Drivers: Breath and Slow Down!

Over the past week, I've seen three accidents HAPPEN, not just the aftermath, but actually happen. Driving to and from the new offices each day is exposing me more to Tallahassee drivers and frankly people, you need to simma down, breath and chill.

Yes, the traffic sucks, it takes me 30 minutes (used to take 15) to get home or the gym at night from work but cutting people off, speeding through "pink" lights (between yellow and mostly red) and my biggest pet peeve, "blocking the box" - you know, the INTERSECTION at a red light - isn't going to improve anything. And pay attention, people! Two of the three accidents I saw were caused by people on their cell phones, rear ending cars at red lights (the other was a motorcycle rear ending a car at a red light, hope the dude wasn't on a cell phone!).

Yesterday, I saw a pissed off driver follow a female driver into my gym parking lot so he could scream at her for stopping at a green light (she was making a right turn but couldn't because a pedestrian was in the crosswalk; the truck behind her slammed on the brakes and got pissed, guess he's a driver into obtaining points...). Road rage is pretty frightening.

Things you can do on the evening drive? Listen to NPR, either soothing music or commentary, turn on 87.7 and listen to the news on WCTV (for traffic reports), tune into Hank FM (my fave Tally radio station right now) and sing along with the classics or pop in a CD and learn a new language (which I should be doing for the Nov. trip to Italy). Alright, I'm a geek, but find something soothing during the drive time. Getting pissed off isn't going to change anything, it only makes things worse. Why can't we play nice on the road?

Visiting Monticello Vineyards & Winery

The things to do in Tallahassee keep surprising me. Maybe you already know about this but I just discovered the Monticello Vineyards & Winery (in Monticello) and spent Saturday morning picking luscious, sweet certified organic grapes. (I bet you thought I was a lush, sipping wine before noon, ha!) The winery produces no sugar added muscadine wine (as explained to me, the grapes are sweet enough and "want to become wine."). Dr. Cynthia Connolly is owner of Ladybird Organics, which operates the vineyard and winery.

During August and September, visitors can pick the grapes ($4 per pound) when the organic vineyards are open, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or by appointment).

I met Dr. Connolly, a lovely, smart, enthusiastic women who's been into organic farming before it was cool (the farm's been operating since 1989). She's quite proud of her operation, as she should be. She sells organic (chicken) eggs ($4 per dozen), too. More than a dozen varieties of muscadines are up for the picking and it doesn't take long to gather enough to do something with them (I've made muscadine jelly and muscadine grape butter, seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, yum!).

Haven't been to the Monticello Vineyards & Winery? It's an easy 30 minute drive east of Tallahassee and guess what? Sunday, September 23, the winery is holding an open house between 2 and 5 p.m. See ya there!

It'll be a busy weekend, the day prior I'll be at the Tallahassee Rollergirls last home game of the season (and I see they're still recruiting, hmmm, I've considered it...)

ABC Wine & Spirits Wine Tasting

When I left for the office this morning, I was planning on hitting the gym after work. Later in the day, I remembered seeing a listing by the Tallahassee Democrat's Calendar Girl about a wine tasting at ABC Wine & Spirits on W. Tennessee tonight.

My friend CJ joined me for an evening of sampling dozens of wines, liqueurs and spirits, all for $5 (there were more than a dozen wines to sample, I was just at my limit). Best of all, the $5 included an ABC wine glass (to add to the collection) and a $3 off coupon on any purchase. I ended up taking home a bottle of St. Brendan's Irish Creme Liqueur, tastes just as good as Bailey's but less expensive.

The crowd was a youthful one but the twenty-somethings didn't dominate the scene. There were patrons of all ages mixing and mingling.

This particular ABC store has about three and four tastings a year but among all of them in Tallahassee, there's one about every month.

I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for the next tasting in town and will have to keep my eyes on the Calendar Girl's listings.

Pizza and Pirates - Yum!

I realize it's only Wednesday but I feel the week has gotten off to a slow start. Tried lunch today at Mellow Mushroom (1641 West Pensacola St.) - yummo! It's a chain with restaurants located throughout the country but O-M-G! My pizza (Magical Mystery Tour - pesto base, spinach with Mozzarella with Portobello and button mushrooms, feta and jalapenos; $11.55 for a 10" pie + $2 root beer) was awesome and plentiful. Best of all, it tastes great cold so the left overs were my dinner. The outside is fun, bordering on quirky and inside is a dab of mystic whimsy with Nole influence. Look for the Jerry Garcia painted in a corner. While the pizza was amazing and service friendly and well, mellow, food is cooked to order and takes a while, in comparison to other lunch spots. If not on a schedule, I highly recommend the Mellow Mushroom.

Arrrr! Don't forget tomorrow is WCTV's Double Dollar Deals and 100, $50 gift certificates, sold for $25, valid at Pirate's Tiki Hut on Timber Island (Carrabelle River) go on sale. Being a fan of pirates (because International Talk Like a Pirate Day is coming up on Sept. 19 - if you didn't click the link then, do so now to learn the five basics of pirate talk!), I may have to scoop me up a certificate.

Speaking of food, I just published an article about the 8 flavors of Buffalo - enjoy!