To avoid the massive pile up we were sure must be happening on 95, we took A1A and dead ended at a ferry dock. Not knowing where it was going, we hopped aboard. As the treacherous waters lapped the sides of the ferry, Savannah's relentless yapping saved our lives. Now we know what her superpower is. Howling strongly enough to fend off any lurking pirates and/or sharks (and yet again, any handsome men).
Minutes later we were in Amelia Island. Tres Bien!
After a hearty spa lunch, we headed to the beach. Carla ended up walking Savannah and I hopped on the back of an unsuspecting man's horse as he trotted down the beach. After gloating to Carla about my man meeting abilities, I discovered that "Larry" was a civil war reenactor with three horses and a large plantation in Yulee. After a bit of stalking on our part (the fool gave us his address), we discovered that his mansion was indeed very large. It was at least a doublewide. His horse barn dwarfed the actual home. Oops. I guess I won't be a member of the Southern Aristocracy after all. I'll have to make due with rubbing up against Tony.
So we hopped back on the road and headed north to get to the deep South. Once in Savannah, we headed directly to the bakery. One never knows when there will be a cookie shortage, particularly with the unpredictable Ike cone of uncertainty. Thankfully we were just in time to stock up. Southern pity encouraged the owner to give us some extra cookies "just in case".
We checked into the hotel, and Savannah wormed her way into the hearts of the bellboys with her particular Southern racist charm. As she greeted some with a friendly wag of the tail, she greeted "others"
with vicious snarls. I slunk into the room hollering "That is not my dog". Poor Carla tried to explain that Savannah belonged to her husband.
We decided to hit a local college hang out/pizza joint. Since my dreams of aristocracy were shattered, I thought I might try the artsy set.Unfortunately, the Idiot Savant at the nexttable dominated our time while he and his chess playing partner split one Pepsi. I'm not sure even how much of a Savant he was. He did have the good sense to flirt with me, but every time he spoke, the rich mixture of Camels and Pabst Blue ribbon wafted my way.
Meanwhile, the romantic clippity clopping of the local horse-drawn carriages went by. As I dreamt of Prince Charming I was shaken back to reality by Savannah's howling and the spewing of overtures of newfound love by my obnoxious suitor.
We felt so sorry for him, we gave him the rest of our pizza and high tailed it out of there.
As we stumbled back to the Mansion on Forsyth, our thoughts drifted to dear friends in Miami Beach. Although "Hurricane" Ike has not hit Miami directly, we knew our loved friends may have a problem in the morning when a light breeze whips up and topples their half drunk lattes in their laps. Our hearts and prayers go out to those left behind to weather the storm on their own.
Lunch today was quite an experience. We went to Mrs. Wilkes which is a unique Southern cafe. She serves southern fried cooking in a family setting. You don't get to order off any menu, you just eat what she serves. I likened it to a hearty Thanksgiving dinner without the family fights.
After napping for three hours to digest the heaviest meal I've ever eaten in my life, we went to the beauty salon. There, our hair stylist Christy told us of her impending marriage to a man she had met a month ago on Match.com. Now we know where the Southern Aristocracy advertise for wives.
Tonight we are planning to go to Firefly's Cafe for dinner. So far we've avoided Red Cross meals in tent city. But you never know . . .
Much love to all!
Thelma and Louise ___________________________________________________________________________________________
9/7/2008—Our Harrowing Escape from Hurricane Ike
Yesterday was a narrow escape from the cone of uncertainty hoveringover Miami. As we piled our sparse belongings into the Volvo, weemerged onto I-95. Much to our confusion, traffic was very light. Theturnpike must have been at a dead stop while our fellow refugees fledthe impending storm.
As we drove head on into the blinding sunshine, we wondered whattragedies awaited us. After an hour and a half, the white knuckleexperience had so exhausted us that we stopped in Stuart to refreshour troubled souls. The locals welcomed us as fellow Floridians in adisaster situation, greeting us with croissants and cappucinos. Whew!
We were concerned that these amenities may have been wiped out in thewake of hurricane Hanna before us. We quickly soldiered on as we feltthe storm creeping up on us from behind.
We finally made it to St Augustine's in search of shelter. Theevacuation facilities here are referred to as Band B's. Although weare not sure what the B's stand for. Maybe Bandages and Blankets. Ourcots were surprisingly comfortable in a Victorian style covered inGrandma style Chintz. We realized the enormity of our hardship when wesearched for a neighboring Starbucks. Alas, we were to have none.
Instead, we found the Casa Monica barista, still courageously makingcappucinos for Miami evacuees. Oh the selfless bravery.
Additionally, the shelter that we have sought refuge in is emptyingtheir cupboards in anticipation of the storm. They have offered allevacuees an egg casserole from their refrigerator to strenghten us onthe rest of our dangerous journey.
We are still nervous about the impending disasterous weatherfluctuations. As it is very calm, we can only assume that we are inthe eye of a killer storm.
Today we become Florida Expats. We will miss our home. UnfortunatelyFlorida remains in a state of emergency thanks to the foresight of ourconcerned (and definitely straight) Governor, Governor Crist. Althoughwe are excited to observe safety, Carla maintains lingering fears ofthe Russians in Georgia. Apparently we are not the only ones in searchof safety.
Savannah has protected us from the wilds here. Each time a horse, dog,or handsome man approaches, she barks incessantly until they run away.
Thank God for Savannah.
More tomorrow. If we survive . ..
Thelma and Louise
On July 16, 2008 Heather Dopp was installed as the President of the Miami Beach Rotary Club. Following is the draft of her acceptance speech.
Hello Everyone. Thank you for coming.
I am not going to speak for very long so that we can all have some fun and enjoy our pleasant ambience. There is much to discuss concerning what we are doing this year, who we'll be working with, and how we'll be doing it. The only thing I want to discuss today is a number (hold up sign).
26,000 is the number of children that die EVERY DAY. 26,000. (ask arizona to come and hold up the sign). 2/3 of these deaths could have been prevented with the clean water initiatives that we are focusing on this year.
This is my daughter. She is only one. But that ONE (hold up ONE sign) means the world to me. To think that in our time 26,000 children die PER DAY is mind boggling.
When I became a member of Rotary, it was not for this number or for any other real reason. It was as a thank you to my sponsor for a favor he had done for me and I figured it was a good resume builder. My rationale was that I could pay some money and then take a nap during those Tuesday weekly meetings. But when I REALLY became a member of Rotary is when I understood this number. And I understood other numbers too. Like 2 BILLION (with a b) (hold up sign)children that have been immunized against Polio. Like the 1,000 (sign)children that used to die EVERY DAY from polio in the 1980s which has now been reduced by 99% (sign).
When I understood those numbers, there was no more naptime. There was only pride that I was a part of such an amazing organization.
This year, we are celebrating in our club Unity Through Diversity. Our new members all have innumerable (so I couldn't make a sign for that
number) diverse views and opinions. We are all pulling for the same thing and each in our own separate way. But when we join those separate ways together, we have an unbeatable team.
We have a great many heroes in this room tonight. When you paid your $40 and took the time to come tonight, you became a hero because you helped to reduce THIS number. Each of our new inductees tonight reduced this number. My heroes in this room are the members, the new inductees, and the people who have supported the Rotary Club over the past year and into this coming year. These are people who have given of themselves, given of their time, and opened their wallets and hearts to children that they will probably never know. But when the call to service came, each of these people answered. This year, I intend to spend money and time that are both difficult for me to spend. But if I can reduce this number by just one, JUST ONE (point at arizona), then it is all worth it.
Thank you to my many heroes, and especially to my biggest hero -- this ONE that you see beside me. This ONE means more to me than anything and it is for her that I will fight for 26,000 other ONEs.
Arizona and Heather at her Installation as Rotary President
Heather
Heather giving her acceptance speech.
Arizona and Heather during her speech
Janine Sylvestre was the Rotary President from 2007-2008// Heather Dopp// Andrew Brunstine Assistant District Governor 2007-2009
The Motto of Rotary is Service Above Self
To go to the Miami Beach Rotary please click on the picture above or on the link below:
1. Is it the Truth? 2. Is it Fair to All Concerned? 3. Will it Build Good Will and Better Friendships? 4. Will it Be Beneficial to All Concerned?
A Message from the Club President
The Rotary Club of Miami Beach is on the move! We have some exciting projects this year and a renewed vigor and vivacity. This year's club theme is "Unity through Diversity". There is no better city in which to express our appreciation for different ideas and perspectives. This year, we will be continuing to explore other cultures and beliefs. Locally, we will continue our support of the Children's Halloween Party to be held at the Miami Beach Community Church. We will also continue to support ECOMB and the North Beach Bandshell as well as the Short Film Festival at the Miami Beach Senior High. Internationally, we will continue our support of both SOIL and the University of Fondwa in Haiti. As always, we will remain vigilant to world conditions to help out with emergency donations when necessary. We have been given a big responsibility as well. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has challenged Rotary International to raise $100 million this year. They will match that amount to finally eradicate polio worldwide. The Google Foundation has also pledged $3 million in matching grants. This means that for every dollar that we raise, four goes towards eradicating polio. I know that with our active group, we can accomplish our part in this huge undertaking. I am looking forward to working with the phenomenal members of our club this year to make some real changes in our community, both locally and internationally. We have the right group to do it!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Heather Dopp President 2008-2009
June 28, 2008
Heather writes from Scotland:
\i've just arrived in Scotland this morning and the only word that can accurately describe it is \'idyllic\'. What a gorgeous country! \ it is not as darkly lush green as \ireland's countryside, but the yellow green hills meandering off as far as the eye can see are breathtaking.
Scots have a natural affinity and love for gardening and large flowering gardens abound here. \i am staying in a converted castle, home of the Douglas clan, with rolling pastures on one side and a beautiful garden complete with dovecote on the other. All the way into the distance the only sights are the rolling hills dotted sporadically with trees and gardens.
The livestock, including the birds, are all fat and healthy. For that matter, so are the people. The entire day the birds have not stopped singing. \i suppose they are happy about the weather which is the perfect mix of brisk and balmy. \i've tried to lure the cows to the side of the fence with oatmeal cookies, but to no avail. They all simply stand there gazing at me jumping up and down with perfect \yogi expressions \\\9pun intended, adam\\\\0.
Currently, \i am on the computer of the operator of the establishment.
\i have never met people so friendly and trusting. \i've been collecting money for them as travellers check out. \i suppose \i'll leave it here on the desk. There is a wedding that just occurred including the whole gamut of kilts. Those men not wearing kilts wore tartan pants, much louder than even an avid golfers. Somehow, they look very sharp however. Go figure . . .
The city is even more quaint than the shops of \ireland. \i wouldn't have thought it possible. But again, all the city is filled with friendly shopkeepers, farmers, etc. \it's almost as if \hollywood had made a movie about the cutest town ever.
The area that \i am in is known as Ayrshire, which is where my mother's side of the family is from. \i have to say that \i am very proud to be potentially related to these friendly faces. \i always thought \i got the blue eyes from my Swedish side, but the blue of the eyes here is stunning. \i've never seen anything like it.
Well, sending love to all. Quaint towns tend to close early, so \i suspect \i'll be with my book tonight. But tomorrow is off to the town of Ayr, from where Robert Burns came. \it is easy to see how this land can inspire poetry \\\\\\9and pottery as this computer keeps insisting upon writing\\\\\\\0
\i miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!
\love,
\heather
June 27, 2008
Heather writes from Belfast, Ireland:
" What a sad day yesterday!
\i took a taxi tour around Belfast and learned some horribly tragic details about the history of \ireland.
Belfast is not nearly as beautiful as Dublin. \it is large and industrial with a few older buildings. \it is mostly working class and has a bad \'feel\' to it.
The \protestant side of town is separated from the catholic side in the working class neighborhoods by a high cement wall. \on top of this wall is a chain link fence to discourage bombs from being thrown over into the homes.
The history of \ireland is commemorated in its murals. \on the protestant side of town, there are two disturbing murals. The first is an homage to one of their \'heroes\', a guy named Sean \mc\kreag or something similar. Turns out, this guy is a hero for having killed 37 Catholics \9men, women, and children\\0. \he was famous for riding his motorcycle to the catholic side, shooting the first person he saw, and then riding back to the protestant side. the police never stopped him.
After he shot a young girl to death, he was asked \'why her\' to which he replied, \'wrong place, wrong time\'. This is a phrase that \i have used in the past but will never be able to use again. The fact that he is regarded as a hero literally sickens me.
The second mural on the \protestant side is of a \loyalist soldier pointing a rifle at the viewer. As you walk past it, it appears that the rifle follows you. \it is really creepy.
\you must cross a road called Shankle road to get the the Caltholic side. Shankle road is infamous in that young Catholic men were routinely kidnapped on it and brought to a nearby lodge to be tortured to death as a warning to other Catholics. \i'm not sure what the warning was for.
At the Separating Wall, which has been compared to the Berlin wall, \i had a chance to write a few words. \instead, i chose to make a statement by drawing the peace sign with my signature underneath.
\imagine my embarrassment when, after standing back to view my masterpiece, \i realized that \i had drawn it upside down! oops. \i quickly redrew the peace sign and slunk back into the taxi to the resounding laughter of my tour guide, \paddy.
The Catholic side has many more murals. \none are as disturbing, or ironically, as well painted. There are several murals bashing George Bush for his views on Cuba and \israel. Apparently the \irish Catholics view the \us and \israel as imperialist oppressors. they also sympathize with American Blacks and their struggle for equal treatment as there are obvious similarities.
There is a memorial that is funded wholly with private donations for slain members of the \ira as well as innocents. The sad thing is to look at the wall and realize how many children have been killed in the hostilities. The \irish euphemistically refer to the worst of the atrocities as \'The Troubles\. \i knew there were issues over here and was keen to learn about them, but \i had no idea how deeply they ran and how deeply they still run.
\june, \july, and August are are known as the \'marching months'\. \on Saturday there will be a parade by the \protestants sure to cause trouble. They march through the town and then march through forbidden Catholic territory. \paddy likened it to a march by the \ku \klux \klan through black territory. Resentments run deeply and unfortunately there is not a lot of forgiveness \9although \i'm not sure \i could forgive either if faced with the atrocities that Catholics have faced here\\.
Writing about the divisions in Dublin was funny, but here in Belfast, so many have been massacred and then killed in revenge shootings and bombings. Thankfully, there has been a successful cease fire for the past three years, but things remain more tenuous than the irish are willing to admit at the outset. \only under intense questioning \9which you all know \i'm good at\0 do true feelings begin to emerge.
After this fairly traumatic morning, \i ate lunch at a local pub called \'the Crown\'. \it was a very interesting bar in that it had separated stalls in which to eat. The food was delicious but the history was better.
The pub is named \'the crown\' to honor the attachment to the English Crown. \it was, however, owned by a protestant husband with a savvy catholic wife. she had the crown tiled onto the floor of the entrance so that whenever diners would come, they could wipe their feet on the crown. \only the irish!
Then last night went to see \kylie \minogue in concert. She#s not one of my favorite vocalists, but she does know how to get a crowd involved. A real pro.
This morning \i went to see the Giant's Causeway, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. \it is an upcropping \9\i know that is not a word, but could not think of a more appropriate one\0 of polygonal rocks. Very unusual. The drive up was gorgeous and represented the more traditional \irish landscape of sheep and lush green farms.
\on to scotland!
\love,
\heather"
-
Heather has decided to return to college to complete her degree in Psychology. She had straight A's during her first two years of college so she should do very well. She's planning to attend a college in Florida.
Heather is the oldest of our four children and is 38. I think her My Space age is 29. She lives in Miami Beach, Florida where she works as a lending broker for large commercial loans. She is the president- elect of the Miami Beach Rotary. Her IQ is so high that she could have gone into any profession of her choosing and she chose finance. Heather and I love each other dearly. Heather has been a real blessing to Stephanie and I and has set an example with her fierce independence. One thing is for sure, she caused me to change my whole approach to child rearing and I think her younger siblings should thank her for softening the old man up for them. By the time they came along, I was a softy and their Mom was the tough one. Heather has a great sense of humor and is a patient and kind person. Those qualities have always had my deepest respect. Heather can write very well but to date she hasn't done much professional writing. If she wanted to, I believe she could make a living with her writing. I suggested this to her at the holiday season but Heather rejected the idea. Heather has ignored my advice all her life so I don't know why I should expect her to start listening to me now. It doesn't matter what I think, she'll go her own way and as always, she'll succeed.
Heather Dopp
Heather, Stephanie and Arizona
Buck and Heather
She is single now, but she gave us one of the greatest things ever, a wonderful grand daughter, Arizona Kristin Milotich who is 14 and everything you would want in a grand daughter. Heather is going to Thailand in April for a spiritual retreat and to bring relief items to Burmese orphans who have escaped the military junta. If you would like to learn more about Heather's work with Rotary and to see her pictures, please click on the link below. Thanks.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us. It is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
--Nelson Mandela
Heather recently returned from a month long trip to Thailand where she went to diet and contemplate her life. She shared the following pictures and comments with us during her trip.
Elephant and Heather
Then the elephant kissed me. It REALLY did kiss me too. A little messy, but sweet just the same.
Heather with a little friend
This little guy quickly developed a crush on me as I was the only one of the group foresighted enough to bring some almonds as a treat. He kept running over to me, grabbing my hands, and looking inside.
Obviously, I couldn't resist filling up to provide him with an unlimited supply of almonds.
Heather on a water buffalo
Heather riding on an elephant
So, it had to be done. This was just a short trek through their own little "river" and "jungle" but it was an experience I won't forget.
The elephant I was on was especially feisty. I think because she could smell the almonds I had snuck along as an extra treat.
Heather with an ox cart
Here I am riding an ox cart with my new friends Marjorie (from London) and Jessie (from Alaska). I actually felt bad for the oxen by the time we were done. I'm not sure this is an experience I would like to duplicate as at the end of the day, oxen smell!
Heather river rafting in Thailand
This is one of my favorite photos. Although everyone in our group is smiling and excited for the adventure to begin, you can see Jessie (on the left in the middle) scowling. She is a white water rafting guide in Alaska so was unimpressed to say the least with the Thai version of rafting.
The Thai version consists of opening a dam at a certain time each day to let the Pharang (tourists) white water raft. It was uninspiring to say the least. There were so many boats that it was more like a bumper boat ride at an amusement park. The rest of our group are all blissfully ignorant of what Jessie later told us -- that the guides had botched each and every safety instruction, including where we should place our feet. This was not the highlight of the trip, but it was worth it just to get that picture of Jessie scowling!
Swiming under a waterfall
Me and my friend Jessie swimming away from the waterfall in Thailand.
It doesn't matter what I think, she'll go her own way and as always, she'll succeed. 
