Florida, Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Village...

 

Memoirs of a Geezer

  

Reflections and Observations -- A Bright Passage from the Fantasies of Youth to Illuminations of Advanced Maturity!

This Episode:     Florida, Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Village...

These are Pekilans or Pelicans, maybe...  They live around Cocoa Beach, Florida, at least that's
what they told me.  We had a very chummy chat...   We became Jolly good chums, as it turned out

In July of this year, in the Year of Our GeezerHood, 2026, my entire nuclear family (and I) paid an almost week-long visit to the beauties and delights of Cocoa Beach, Florida, residing therein in two separate rented condominiums. 

The main objective of our adventure was to offer three of our grandchildren -- 2026 graduates of the University of Wisconsin-

Milwaukee, Shorewood High School and Ronald Reagan High School respectively -- the Graduation Gifts they most vocally and earnestly desired.

Namely, the aforementioned commemorative, nostalgic, returns to a place they so thoroughly and memorably enjoyed in their more youthful, teenaged and pre-teen years of life on the planet.  (I believe they're all from this planet!!??)

This is an image from Mallorca, as opposed
to some other Mediterranean Island or
boat landing place!

I hasten to add, our fourth grandchild will not graduate H.S. until 2028, but we would never have excluded that sweet child from the journey.  She had recently returned from a "Study-Abroad" sojourn on the island of Mallorca, off the east coast of mainland Spain.  

One of the condos we had rented previously -- and over several years' time -- was from SweetHeart's cousins when their parents and they, for many years, owned the Florida retreat located in the

splendidly named Spanish Main Condo Complex.  

I believe the complex was thusly dubbed owing to the preponderance of pirates, brigands, piracy and their fabled

Pirate Flags and 
Information Graphics!

adventures aboard their "Jolly Rogers."  Pirate ships sported much-feared flags of menace as they prowled the seas off the shores of Cocoa Beach in search of gold, treasure and other booty obtained by chasing, boarding and then killing people, and then pillaging and 
plundering anything and everything of value. 

Or...  I could be wrong, and much of that pirate pillaging, murder and mayhem was excluded to the confines of the Caribbean Sea.  It doesn't matter...  (I think I spotted pirate vessels when scanning the horizon during our time in Cocoa!!  Or were they pelicans dressed as pirates... ??)  

The iconic Skull and Crossed
Swords Pirate Flag, Preferred 
by many Captains of Infamy!

Our happy times in Cocoa (dropping the "Beach" suffix for purposes of brevity) included frolicking in the Atlantic, hopping or diving under enormous breaking waves, avoiding sharks and jelly fish and barracuda...  (I hypothesized that one might carry peanut butter in one's bathing costume to combat jelly fish, mixing the two to endear oneself to the stinging nasties!!  I recall feeding a PB&Jelly Fish sammie to one of them with desired results!...  Or I may have been hallucinating whilst lolling in the sands?!...)

What else?  Oh yes, we dined at least twice at the famous and

This is an authentic image looking out from
the fabled restaurant, Coconuts on the Beach
in Cocoa Beach, FL.  I'm the one out there
on the Beach!

fabulous "Coconuts on the     Beach," an indoor / outdoor culinary parlor just a mile or so south of the condo complex.  A walk along the beach would see you there pleasantly, even rather quickly at times, amid the smashingly delightful sound of the sea and the surf and the waves that constantly collide obstreperously with the beach and its abundant sandy surface, always littered with shells and the decaying carcasses of deceased, former sea life, such as conches and octopi and giant extinct toothy sea creatures!

Another delight was our visit to Cocoa Village.  That drive consisted of passing the abhorrent (Ron Jon) monstrosity, then turning left, passing over the Banana River, then the Indian river (one the Hubert Humphrey bridge), finally arriving at the delightful confines of Cocoa Village.  The village includes many

The yummy cafe on the
corner, serving coffee, pop,
ice cream, other nummy stuff!

many shops (one should take care to avert one's gaze if one finds shopping as loathsome...) and fine restaurants, even a yummy cafe that isn't quite so fine but far more affordable and accommodating to those visitors who do not have vast money bins and jewels hidden in their commodious wine or just stuff cellars!

The only negative part of visits to Cocoa Village was that our youngest granddaughter left a purchase behind that we succeeded in recovering the following day.  Our sweet and wonderful eldest daughter left a newly purchased pair of sunglasses (lentas del sol) at the shop of purchase that we were not able to recover.  Alas!

(Special Note of Dedication:    For SweetHeart, Alie, Bethie, Tad, Coen, Seany, Lucy and 

Phi Phi...  and in a lesser vein all the glorious pelicans, ships at sea and creatures of the Deep! 

Humbly Submitted 07-20-2026...  by Joel K 

 

  

   

An Admirable Life; A Treasure to Cherish!

Reflections and Observations -- A Bright Passage from the Fantasies of Youth 

to Illuminations of Advanced Maturity!

This Episode:    An Admirable Life; A Treasure to Cherish!

I wonder if it's true??  As we age, as we "step lightly" into the Golden Era of GeezerHood, do we ponder about, let our thoughts preoccupy and dote less on ourselves, and far more about

those good people in our spheres of friendship and family?  I hope that's the case, as selflessness is an attribute for which we should actively and consciously strive! Doncha Think?     

Here's a case in point.  There's a young woman I know...  I'll call her Beth, sometimes, more affectionately, Bethie!  She's a treasure in my life, a gift, brave, strong and remarkably resourceful.   She's a grown woman, and this story focuses on her life in adulthood.

Apologies for the unwanted
jwording ust above, or, just below
theimage of the Graduate!!
Thank you!

She earned a BA degree, subsequently a Master's Degree,  and became an educator in various organizations before joining a high school English Department.  Sadly, because, it seems, too many of our elected officials apparently believe that corruption and mediocrity are the attributes needed to blunder into public office, the teaching profession became marginalized.  Worse -- arguably perhaps the only profession that has the power to cure all of society's ills -- teachers, and education generally, were stripped of important rights and benefits in our state, and others as well.  Government officials can be and are, far too often, fatuous, insipid and outrageously short-sighted! 

Beth eventually left her teaching career and, following some other professional forays, joined a company in the IT field, and became a trainer, succeeding admirably.  She left that position after being courted by a stronger organization.  She was termed a valued and much sought-after "unicorn," her previous employer suggesting that she was merely "lucky" to be considered for a move into sales and marketing.  Today she thrives in her current

employment, and continues to be regarded as and is a highly valued asset, one whose future shines brightly.

Along life's pathway, Beth married -- back in 2004 -- but divorced about 11 years into the marriage.  She and her husband were simply not well matched, and the two parted amicably, having produced two remarkable children, whom they cherish, and of course share in separate lives and households.  A free spirit, Beth has charisma, great exuberance, a lively personality...   attributes her family would not part with for any bribe or promise.

Her children, now 12 and 10, they, Beth and and her parents enjoy frequent get togethers and travels.  She and the kids are delightful, fun and silly, the latter a trait her family prizes highly.  On a trip to Florida -- just to cite examples -- her son and "Papa," the grandfather, swam daily in the pool and played lots of games, including "elevator," amid squeals of laughter.  Romped like carefree fish in ocean waves as well.  Both children are excellent swimmers.  On one memorable occasion, Beth's daughter and Papa sat on the 

balcony, overlooking the sea.  Asked how she was enjoying Florida and various adventures therein, the young girl expressed her answer using the word "very" roughly 1,000 times.  Papa counted the "very's."  Funny stuff...  I mean, to those of us with silly bones! 

Just this past year, Bethie always thoughtful and generous, treated her parents to a week in that very popular northeastern peninsula, a holiday filled with great fun and too much good eating.  You know, like pizza, a rare treat for the parents, if not for the other members of the vacationing quintet!  We swam,

swan-dove, boated, biked and generally frolicked our way through a week of adventure.  Relaxing, renewing...   (Well, for the most part!!!...  Holidays can be taxing, sometimes required a long rest following the holiday!!)

I hope I've done justice to the subject of this writing, to someone I love more than I can adequately express...   my daughter, Bethie.  True, I'm quite proud of her and all that she's accomplished, all that she is and has become!  But being proud, I've long thought, is more a means of self congratulation.  Far more importantly, and perhaps a better way to praise, I'm filled with admiration for her, for her strength, her courage her determination. As a single parent, she's a champion.  As a soccer player, she's also a champion, come to think upon it.  

As you, Beth, continue along life's tricky pathways, I know you'll always choose the right way, the best course for you and those you love, the true pathway that leads to happiness and success, self fulfillment and genuine gratification for all whose lives you touch.  Oh yeah...  Hope you and SLC have a great weekend together!!! 

Humbly Submitted, 01-10-20 -- Joel K. 

  

  

Holidays in the Sunshine State... at First, Big Reluctance!

Memoirs of a Geezer!

Reflections and Observations -- A Bright Passage from the Fantasies of Youth 

to Illuminations of Advanced Maturity!

This Episode:     Holidays in the Sunshine State...  at First, Big Reluctance...!

"Flaarider!  You want me to spend an entire week in Flaarider?!"  In mock contempt, the word

is flattened, bent, extruded -- like solid material turned into a length of gutter or a downspout.  I conjure visions of the "beautiful people" languishing on beaches in Miami, or playing "pickle ball" from golf carts in The Villages.  Within the silent confines of my stubborn brain, I'm refusing to go, ever.      

"Do we really want to spend a whole week in Flaarider?"  Again, the mocking version of the word, dripping with derision.  The "er" at the end a dig at New Yorkers who wind up there when they're almost dead. "I may be a geezer," I say, "but I'm not ready for Flaarider!  They have nasty creatures there...  alligators, snakes, women in moo moos, rich guys in flowery tunics with manicured toes!  I won't go!"   

"You'll love it," says Sweetheart.  "Cousin Emma lets us rent her condo at a great price. It's in Cocoa Beach, and it's right on the ocean, with a swimming pool just beneath the balcony that overlooks the Atlantic.  I'll look for cheap airfares and a rental van.  The condo has three bedrooms, a full kitchen, air conditioning.  The village of Cocoa Beach is within walking distance.  You'll love it," she repeats with great emphasis.  "They have a great coffee shop."

"Alright," I say without conviction, "but only this once."  It's been five consecutive years!  The coffee shop in Cocoa Beach -- Juice N Java -- is a major draw for me.  I must have coffee houses in my life.  You purchase one large coffee (at ...Java); in theory, you can spend the entire day refilling your cup... without further remittance.  Now that's a great coffee shop! 

I must admit, I've grown to like and enjoy the destination.  It's what some might call, "Old Florida." Cocoa Beach has a number of small, independent businesses.  Restaurants, surf board shops, art studios, a pizza parlor that, we're reliably told by locals, isn't horrible.  (But you might get an argument from the aforementioned moo moo-clad New Yorkers!) And there's no dense forest of high-rises, those ugly great phalluses scratching at the skies, glutting and scarring beaches in so many oceanside cities.  

Pelicans roost on a
portion of bridge in
Sebastian Inlet!

Bethie and Phia in
Sebastian Inlet
Tide Pool...

On our first venture, five years back, we had a long day of travel, hunger beckoned and we stopped at Brano's, a decent Italian restaurant on A1A, prior to venturing on to the condo.  The waiter was a peach (though "orange" might seem a more appropriate word, it doesn't really fit...  apologies to Georgia Tourism!). He was generous with his friendliness and his tour guide persona. Among the "must-see" destinations he recommended was Sebastian Inlet State Park.  A truly gorgeous place! On one visit, we witnessed pelicans in great numbers diving into the tide pool, fishing, just a few feet, perhaps inches!... from swimmers and waders. The third year we were surrounded by at least a dozen manatees circling us, great gentle creatures like enormous friendly dogs.  With her four-year-old child in her arms, our daughter sang to them.  The manatees were drawn to her, quite possibly mesmerized by the sweet melody and her stillness.  Not as many this year as two years ago!  

We've seen ibis, great blue herons, wood storks, egrets, armies of pelicans, gopher turtles, dolphins, tropical fish...  Wonderful place to "commune with nature" (a phrase my father used with great frequency!).  We've taken dolphin-sighting cruises and one air boat ride in the swampy regions of St. John's river, where some of us spotted at least six alligators!  At one

point, on the Banana River boat excursion, we spotted seven breaching dolphins, an actual pod of them cavorting near the boat, obviously trying to get our attention!  We had a pleasant conversation with those delightful, bottle noses each time they broke the surface for air!  (I must engage a translator next time!...)  Oh!!  Lest one forget...  we also were thrilled to see, both perched and in full flight while passing a small island in the Banana River, a Roseate Spoon Bill.  Absolutely beautiful to behold.  I've even posted a picture (up a bit...  left...  that's it)!  

Beautiful Grandkids Phi Phi (left)
and Seany (he's the one eschews
the giant surf shop, with me!) and
(right) Allegra, the granddaughter /
daughter of great friends who visit
us in Cocoa...  They live in FLA!

Alright, alright!  I'm getting sappy!  I have to say something negative about the place!  I know what it is!!  That giant surf shop on the corner of A1A and Highway 520!  When Sweetheart and our daughter wish to go there, I'm off to the coffee shop with a book and a male child who shares my sentiment...  no book this time; we played "Hangman."     

Exploration Tower (photo, rt.), overlooking Port Canaveral, offers a fine view of locks and ships, tug boats and birds, the ocean as well. The tower is a kind of space and shipping museum, with a bit of surfing lore thrown in for comic relief.  We broke a fancy wine stopper in the gift shop, but they didn't charge us for it, in spite of staff petulance exacerbated (homage to Carol T.!) by sour, snotty attitudes.  We all had a good chuckle about that, and then headed off to Rusty's for a fine, mostly seafood dinner.  Rusty's offers a panoramic view of the Port, and they don't even charge extra (or do they?!!).

Oh, hey, listen...  if you get to Cocoa Beach, you must pay a visit to Cocoa Village, west via

Highway 520 about 5 or so miles.  Charming place, good restaurants, including Ossorio's and Murdock's, both located on Brevard Street. We got pictures, too, even (Ossorio's is the top photo, at right)!! We asked "Captain Quinn" of the dolphin-boat tour.  He was adamant. "You gotta eat at Murdock's.  Great food, good atmosphere. Ossorio's is good, don't get me wrong, but if you've never been there, you gotta eat at Murdocks."  It's one of my favorite's. Absolutely..." We ate at Murdock's.  It was good!  So is Ossorio's. They have ice cream, and it's a bit more family-oriented!  

Book stores?  Visit "Paperbacks" in the self-same Village.  They have the largest collection of books, mainly paperback editions, that I've

ever seen in one place!  And, "Books-A-Million (BAM)" is east of the Village along Highway 520, south side of the road. You know...  it just now occurred to me!  They offer my book though BAM (http://www.booksamillion.com) -- And Good Night to All the Beautiful Young Women...! Isn't that an odd coincidence.  Gee!  That's all I have for now about the Peninsula State.  If you're there in June 2017, we'll see you at Juice N Java.  Thank you, and Good Day, or maybe even...  Good Night...! Wait a minute! One more thing!!  Coconuts!!  You gotta get to Coconuts on the Beach!  Adventure!  Romance!...  

Special Note of Gratitude:   The perpetrator extends giant thanks to Sweetheart's Cousin Emma, and to Sweetheart, too, of course.  Thanks to Emma, her parents and siblings, we are able to enjoy time in the Sunshine!  She, Emma, is a treasure.  Sweetheart has the travel acumen to enable us to wander affordably.  Great thanks to Cousin Terri, the other E. siblings too!  Love and hugs to all...       

  Humbly Submitted -- July 8, 2016 -- Joel K.