#101 Try on wedding dress at Miracle Mile

Ok, so technically this didn't happen on Miracle Mile. And technically, I didn't try on any wedding dresses myself. And of course, I'm not engaged.


But, all that aside, I went this week with my friend H. to a bridal shop in South Florida and she tried on wedding dresses for her fast-approaching marriage date. So, I had to blog about it, not just to revive this blog. But also it was really special moment to share with my friend H. and another friend C. The three of us went together.


Of course H. looked beautiful in every gown, and she found just the right one.


I guess the original idea behind this list item is that Miracle Mile in Coral Gables is known for its wedding dress shops. There are at least half a dozen in the span of a mile. Priscilla of Boston. David's Bridal. And my favorite, Pronovias.


When I walk down the street, it's always fun to window-shop and day dream.


I still can't imagine trying to decide which dress is "the one." Though I do have to say one thing: Lace, please.

#6 Walk in Coral Gables

I love walks. They are so relaxing, even when it's hot and steamy.


I have three favorite walks in Coral Gables.


One: walking around the youth center, where almost always there's a pick-up basketball, softball practice, or soccer game going on. It's also the lazy, short walk.

And the trees along the street are amazing: huge and prehistoric.

Two: The walk to the Biltmore, the historic, elegant hotel that's millions overdue in rent.

I get to stroll through the lushly green neighborhood.

And there are always lizards scurrying from my path.

And finally, three: the extra long walk around the Coral Gables golf course.

Can you see the steam?

#103: Get a library card

There's a library just a few blocks from my house. And I've always walked by. Now I'm a member. Today I got a library card.

(Of course, I refused to give up my Texas license and just showed my electric bill to establish my residency.)

The building is old and beautiful: big wooden doors, coral stone that's probably illegal now, a fountain in front and tropical plants all around.

It brought back memories of library time - Ramona books and mystery novels - in elementary school, and checking out Lou Reed and David Bowie CDs in high school. Really, libraries have a mysterious aura to them. They hold secrets. Like the great library of Alexandria. Or the medieval labyrinth of a library in The Name of the Rose. And then there's Borges' "La Biblioteca de Babel."

My first check-outs: Finding Mañana by Mirta Ojito and an animated version of Janáček's opera The Cunning Little Vixen.