Day 49 - Florida

Day 49

November 29

White Springs, FL

Dear Miss Smith,
          Today we spent a whole day at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park near the Suwannee River. We almost got lost trying to find our way there, we all tried to find where we were to go but soon we had to admit that we were lost, I will tell you this though, we really enjoyed trying to find our way there.

Suwannee River

 Anyway,  we did arrive and we rented some bikes and took the dogs with us down the trial. The trail is not more 70 miles, but as you can guess, we did not go all the way there and back. We enjoyed the splendor of it all, the trees full of chattering squirrels, and the birds calling to one another.   It actually wasn’t that cold and it wasn’t that hot, with a gentle breeze brushing our faces.


 We decided to go the Stephen C. Foster Museum hisorical place and see the desk where Stephen C. Foster finished writing the song, "Old Folks at Home." He actually never saw the Suwannee River, but he needed a two-syllable word, so a friend told him to use the Suwannee River.

Bell Tower

            We then listened to a concert of bells playing some of Stephen Foster's songs. It was actually quite lovely. 

            Also we went to a gift shop with one-of-a-kind things inside, like baskets, purses, children’s toys, jewelry, Leather works, and a few blacksmith stuff. Grace exclaimed that the purses were exquisite, Amy admired the artwork of the many workers, and I ought a beautiful woodwork with wolves. Personally, I like wolves, so it fit me. Grace bought a pink purse with a gold chain. Priscilla decided that she didn’t need any more hats so she didn’t buy anymore. I couldn’t believe that some many things were handmade, though, many of the workers there were experienced and stuff, so I guess, they could make such lovely things.

We are heading for home now, We have said goodbye to Amy and Priscilla, and they promised Grace that they would ship her six purses to her. The things I bought weren’t many so I just packed them into my bag. I can’t wait till I am home again!

Sincerely yours,

Mikayla

Day 43 - Florida

Day 43

November, 23

Dear Miss Smith,
       I just wanted you to know what we have been doing. As Priscilla said in her last letter, they did forget about us for the time being. Mikayla and I were very worried but were so relived when we saw them coming.
      This morning we were at the Forest Capital Museum. There was so much to see.


    The museum is a structure made from Cypress and Pine wood with high beamed ceilings that are topped with a glass dome. I know I wouldn't want to be under that when it is storming outside for fear it could break.
     We saw the old Smokehouse and the Cracker House from the 1970's.

 Amy and Priscilla spent time looking around while Mikayla and I read the signs about each site. Mikayla and I loved the map that was carved with each out the counties on it. I think Priscilla was intrigued by the map and hope there was a picture of it.
    We also visited the gift shop where I found another purse. This time it had the Forest Capital Museum logo on it. I also found a pin for Priscilla's collection. Mikayla found some postcards to buy.

    After the museum, we headed to the Bok Tower Gardens. On the way we listened to Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore". Amy didn't seem to enjoy it as much as Mikayla and I did.

    When we reached the Bok Tower Gardens we listened to a Carillon Bell concert. That was so much fun. I really enjoyed it. Everyone else loved it too.

    It is almost Thanksgiving. This time in the gift shop I found some postcards. I will send a couple home to my family for Thanksgiving. Priscilla found a cute, small bag and bought it for me. I will use it to hold my sock knitting project I brought along with me.
    Miss Smith, we did have a very enjoyable day but I am tired so I will end this now.

With Love,

Grace Mae

Day 32 - Mississippi - Evening

Day 32

November 12

Gulfport, Mississippi

Dear Miss Smith,
    I don’t have much time to write as it is already late and we have a busy day tomorrow; I don’t want the girls to stay up too late. It would never do to have sleepy girls.
    We just got back from the Gulfport Symphony! [Note from Miss Smith: Click on the Symphony and have your speakers on to listen to a bit of the symphony itself!] Oh, Miss Smith! It was enchanting, exquisite, delightful, soothing, invigorating, refreshing, need I say more? It was with astonishment that I learned that neither Lydia or Natalie, nor Amy, had ever been to a symphony. That was something that could not be allowed to continue, so after supper we prepared.
    I insisted that we all must wear our best, for you know, Miss Smith, that attending a symphony is a gala occasion. Amy did the girls’ hair for them and they looked quite sweet. They even delighted me by agreeing to wear hats! Now, do have no worries, I beg of you. These hats were the small ones and in no way did they obstruct the view of those sitting behind us. Amy could not be persuaded to wear a hat of any kind, so at last we departed in style for the concert hall.

    Upon arriving and entering, all three of my companions fell into an awed silence, for the grandeur of the place, the essence of past concerts that seemed to linger in the air, and the notes of instruments tuning on the stage held them in its mighty symphony grasp, nor did it leave them through the entire concert.

Ivan Zenaty - Soloist

    The soloist, Ivan Zenaty, was marvelous and you could tell playing his violin was pure joy to him. The conductor did a brilliant job. We were treated to Debussy’s Afternoon of a Faun, David Ott’s Music for the Canvas and Aram Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto in D minor. I simply cannot describe the music, Miss Smith. I get shivers up and down my spine just recalling it.
    All the way home and even now, the conversation is the music. I don’t think these girls will ever forget their night at the symphony.
    Good Night, Miss Smith, I’ll write more soon.

~Priscilla

[Note from Miss Smith: Priscilla couldn't take any pictures for you, so please stop by the web site to see pictures.]