The Early Years

Hello Steemit,
My name is Elaine Larimer and I am a Florida resident. Started life in Miami at Victoria Hospital, long gone now. I have always been a visual person but smells and sounds are always linked to the visuals. One Christmas Santa brought me a camera! I have never been the same sense.

Coral Gables with its coral walls and arch’s marking its entrance, palms galore and sea grape trees. (As a child I thought fairies painted the sea grape leaves!) Canals with fish and frogs to collect for our father’s fish tanks.

Some memories of Miami are the smells of Holsum’s Bakery making bread. The Christmas tree lot in the old warehouse with all the archways to run around in and finally finding the perfect tree and oh that wonderful pine aroma!

I remember going fishing with the Dooley Kids Fishing Club. The Coral Castle was a wondrous place to explore! The Parrot Jungle, The Serpentarium, and Monkey Jungle. All great places! The Parades welcoming the holiday seasons where you could eat fresh cut pomegranates.
(photo credit Charles Larimer)

In my opinion I grew up in paradise. My more intense memories began in The Keys. Any fans of Key West of the 1950’s? Artesian wells on Big Pine Key, with Midnight Sailfin Mollies and Swordtail Mollies. Crocodile nests were a real find!

Bowling over the Hardware Shop! Exploring the grotto at St Mary’s By The Sea Church. Walking from school past the Hemingway and Truman houses to the old linked frame houses that made up the library. After school heading to the Sun and Sand Club for a swim and maybe dinner. Saturdays spent on Captain Tony’s or Captain Tommie’s Charter Fishing Boats with dad.

Sundays and summers basking at the beach with mom and our grandmother “Da”. Then some time digging at Rest Beach where the 1910 fire damaged homes where pushed into the sea. Porcelain doll heads, clay marbles, sea glass, ink wells and old medicine bottles were our treasures.

(photo credit Charles Larimer)

Cooking on the grill meant fresh fish, lobster, and steaks. Cuban sandwiches from Sloppy Joe’s when they used real Cuban bread with the crunchy bead down the middle.

Okay I’ll pause here because the next chapter changes scenery big time! The barefoot wild child has a bit of culture shock.

Till next time
A little Haiku for you too.

The World opens up.
Memories more permanent.
The camera lens!

(photo credit Jean Larimer)