The Biltmore

I swear - we stayed at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida last night. Think the Babes - Ruth and Zaharias, in golfing knickers playing with persimmon drivers, an unfinished hotel tower in the background. The place drips with historic cool and present-day luxury. It's the Miami of legend: long, low, tile-roofed houses set in lush tropical gardens shaded by oak trees that twine together over the streets. Gorgeous. Unfortunately, it was 36 degrees and raining. The locals were not happy. We were okay with it because it was 18 degrees in Austin and it's warming up today and we're on our way to get on Delbert's Sandy Beaches Cruise shucking layers of clothes as we go.

Our gig last night at the U. Of Miami was a fundraiser for the study of ethics and public service in honor of Steve Chaykin. We really appreciated the chance to play for this group and their cause. We especially loved it when the spirit took the audience and the big umbrella came out for a march around the auditorium. Very Chaykin, I'm told.

So now we're crossing the Everglades, the sun is shining and I've got to quit typing and start looking at the birds. Amazing egrets and herons of all sizes and colors. I think I saw an eagle. Need my bird book. Okay - now I just saw an alligator! No joke! Okay - now we've seen about ten of them sunning on the bank of the canal alongside the road. Cool.

More later. Stay warm. Marcia