'Goin' down to Florida to get a little sand in my shoes...'
This is a line from one of my favorite Johnny Cash songs, 'Orange Blossom Special.' Meeting and interviewing Cash in Phoenix before a concert was one of the highlights of my long career as a journalist and writer.
Nobody knows who wrote 'The Blossom' as Johnny refers to the song. One night before a concert, a man approached Cash backstage and shyly introduced himself as the author of 'Orange Blossom Special.'
The man's story intrigued Johnny and he spent some time with him. Then he conferred with his band and asked the man if he would mind performing the song before the audience that night. The stranger agreed. That night he sang 'Orange Blossom Special' in a way that was very different from the way other performers presented it. As Johnny told me later, 'After his performance, I was totally convinced he was telling me the truth and had indeed written 'Orange Blossom Special.'
With that as an introduction, I am announcing to my readers on this website that I am traveling down to Florida to get a little sand in my shoes.
Yep. After two years in the Valley of the Sun, I am leaving Arizona and its cactus-studded hills and valleys for the lush greenery and oceans of the Florida Panhandle.
It was my daughter's idea to leave. She is a native of Arizona having been born in Phoenix. She is an independent minded business woman who could do well anywhere, and she does love the ocean. We actually lived in the Naples area after my divorced and Rossana worked for a tennis club as an assistant.
Our departure date will be in March. We haven't picked the area yet, but it will probably be either in Naples or Ft. Lauderdale area. The Hard Rock Casino and the Indian-owned casinos provide plenty of poker action in those areas. And there are a number of cruise lines that provide gambling 'cruises to nowhere'. On those cruises, for a small amount of money, you can have an evening voyage of gambling and Las Vegas-style entertainment that lasts between six and eight hours, along with a luxurious buffet dinner.
I will continue writing this column, of course. Nothing could prevent me from doing that. So kindly stay in touch with me and keep those emails coming. They mean a lot.
pinkxxx
8 years ago
Ive been to both and myself would prefer Florida ;) Nice choice and hope you both settle in well and enjoy the fun in the sun . I agree with Jenna , I couldn't even imagine saying you spoke with Johnny Cash ....that would be a moment to remember forever .
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JennaROX
8 years ago
By the way, Geno, that Johnny Cash interview can't be overlooked, WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! I can only imagine how exciting that must have been. He is a legend. :)
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JennaROX
8 years ago
Jade, where are you? Georgia? South Carolina? I lived in Fort Lauderdale with my Grandma for a year, but lived in Charleston, Surfside & Goose Creek SC for several years as a child. I love the South & much of my personality ( the best parts) were developed there in the South. Geno, this sounds like a great adventure. You...
Jade, where are you? Georgia? South Carolina? I lived in Fort Lauderdale with my Grandma for a year, but lived in Charleston, Surfside & Goose Creek SC for several years as a child. I love the South & much of my personality ( the best parts) were developed there in the South. Geno, this sounds like a great adventure. You are gonna pack up & relocate to a beautiful oasis. The barometer will be the greatest adjustment. Phoenix is so dry & Naples is so wet, as you surely know. :) I love the fact that you have already mapped out your gambling resources in the area. Just a few more weeks & you will be reaping all the Welcome Rewards from the local casinos. :) I will be following along on your journey. Your stories always pull me in, I love to read your column on LCB. Sunshine State or BUST!
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jade
8 years ago
So, your leaving Arizona for the beaches of sunny Florida. I think it is a great idea. Warm sunny days, warm nights with a cool breeze from the ocean waves. Sand under your feet. Long lazy days just swinging in a hammock with a wide brim hat over your face. A little bit of paradise with the hustle bustle of business at...
So, your leaving Arizona for the beaches of sunny Florida. I think it is a great idea. Warm sunny days, warm nights with a cool breeze from the ocean waves. Sand under your feet. Long lazy days just swinging in a hammock with a wide brim hat over your face. A little bit of paradise with the hustle bustle of business at just about arms length, which is where you want to keep it, most of the time. Your getting real close to my neck of the woods. Only one state away. Looks like we're gonna be neighbors, sorta and on behalf of the South East and all the many LCB members that live here, welcome back......
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