From
the Desk
of the Executive
Director:
Lewis
"Nick"
Wynne
email:
wynne@flahistory.net
phone: (321) 690 - 1971 Ext.
Fax: (321) 690 - 4388
Plans for new library expansion:
From the Director....
Debra and I spent the most enjoyable three weeks in Scotland in July and Early August. I must confess that it is possible to overdose on beautiful scenery because that is all they have there. From Loch Lomond to the Isles of Skye and Arran, to Edinburgh to Inverness, from Glasgow to Luss and Stirling, we were constantly surrounde3d by the world's most beautiful flowers, scenery and countless castles.
We were participants in a home exchange program and I would recommend the experience to anyone. No schedules, no hasty tours, no hotel restaurants. Home exchanges make it possible to have a permanent base of operations where you can do laundry, cook an occasional meal and just "kick back" if you want to --all without the guilt of missing some prearranged outing.
It was hot--not in degrees, since it was only in the upper 70's, but the absence of air conditioning and windows that opened made it seem much hotter than it really was. Of course, the humidity adde3d to the discomfort--but that was all trivial!
I purchased a full kilt outfit--something I have always wanted, My family's tartan (McLeod) was a less than pretty yellow and gray, so I went with a non-affiliated hunting tartan. Yes, there are pictures available, but to get the full effect, I promise to wear it at the Annual Meeting banquet in 2007. Perhaps I should rephrase that to make it a threat!
It is surprising how many Europeans want to come to the Sunshine State during the "Dog Days" of August and September--even with the perpetual threat of hurricanes, gnats, midges and love bugs--and we have already received offers to exchange homes next year in Oxford, Paris, Castellneto and the Canary Islands. Just as Americans can't get enough of the "old" countries, Europeans seem to be infatuated with the idea of heat, beaches and more heat! Go figure.
The family that stayed in our home spent their vacation exploring Florida. Michael, the father, broke his foot learning to surf. Instead of being upset, he considered it a "great story to tell his friends in Scotland!" Talk about determination to have a great vacation!
The greatest part of our trip was arriving home just days before the latest clampdown on airport security.
If you haven't considered a home exchange, let me encourage you to do so. It is well worth the experience.
All in all, however, it was great to get home. Those people over there know absolutely nothing about the culinary and restorative powers of boiled okra! But come to think of it, neither does Debra.
Nick Wynne