We stand between two storms. Gustav is a hurricane and it is giving us some rain and a little wind. Hanna is still a tropical storm and it just seems to meander. The weatherman has no idea of what this storm will do the feature. 
For most of my life our family had seven houses in Coral Gables. My parents had one and there brothers and sisters had the others. When this house was in the family it was painted in an off white. I can't say that I like the Mamey color. The city allows this and calls it a historic color. The true historic colors never looked like this.
The more that I looked at this house, the less I could figure it out. Does the front door open to a little room and then to a very large room with a very big window near the ceiling or is that window in a bedroom on the second floor. I give up.
Coral Gables Elementary has a nice pergola. When I brought my lunch to school I could eat out there. Back then there was no fence or pavement, just grass and shade, and a lot of running and noise.
This auditorium and the one at Miami High School were used as public meeting places until the late 40's. After that we had a large auditorium for the whole county. Now we have a state of the art complex that is a gem.
This orchid is growing on a tree. Once it is established on the tree it's on it's own. It blooms every year and I don't have to do anything.
This was my school in the 40's. But things have changed. The iron fence is new. When I went there, most rooms had one wall that would open up to allow the fresh air in to the room. Now they have AC and almost no windows. I remember looking out and seeing people walk by, the birds flying about, and the leaves moving in the breeze. The students may be cooler but I doubt if they are happier.
With a new court yard, covered walkway and extra bedroom, the house will look new. Well maybe.
Not a single 'Lizzie' fell out of the trees during the tropical storm Fay.
I guess I like the porch more then the owner. There is not one chair on the porch.
While cleaning up from Fay, the tropical storm, I found this orchid hiding behind some palm fronds. This is a natural hybrid of two species and it was found in the jungle. The 'x' in the name is placed there to let you know that it is a natural hybrid.
It kept us in the house all day, but it wasn't a hurricane. It was no worse then a normal rain storm, only longer. My water gage is not precise.
A tropical storm is giving us a steady rain. So far we haven't seen any wind, but that should start this afternoon. It looks like we will not have any damage, just a lot of rain and some wind.
The lotus leaves are magic. Unfortunately they are dormant in the winter. But now we will have the beauty all year around with this painting. Notice the Miltonia flowers in the tree.
