Rose phoned to see if I would interview our friend Florence for the community newsletter “spotlight on.” A couple of months ago I did one on our neighbor Georgia and it was well appreciated. So, I seem to have gotten myself a job title whether I wanted it or not. Ha ha. Isn’t that how it goes in life? So I’m off to interview Florence and get her storyline.
This is our national treasure, Florence. Here’s her story:
It wasn’t easy to pin Florence Adams down to an interview appointment as she is always moving, much like namesake Hurricane Florence visiting Mississippi shores today!
Florence’s life began in Jacksonville making her a Florida native. By her first birthday Flo was living across the country in California’s San Fernando Valley. She loved the California lifestyle and grew complacent about seeing movie stars around L.A. Florence’s uncle owned a driving range which attracted some famous people. Florence was a regular there when she met Ronald Reagan (and his wife), Robert Taylor, Barbara Stanwyck and many others! Florence attended high school with Jane Russell‘s brother! It was the most interesting and exciting time of her life. After her father‘s retirement, the family moved to Apalachicola, Florida, a sleepy seaside town. At first, the 17-year-old Florence was homesick for her California friends. The move was extreme as Florence left a school of 300 classmates to a school of 18! Small town living wasn’t all bad as the teens had more freedom than California living had allowed. It was in Apalachicola that Florence met her (first) husband Henry Griswald. Henry, a handsome Navy-man, was hitchhiking from Tallahassee to Apalachicola. A car full of teens, which included Florence, pulled over to talk with him. It was she who gave up her seat for Henry ... then sat on his knee! The very next day handsome Henry came courting at Florence’s home. They later married and had 4 children. (Florence has 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.) After Henry left the Navy, he worked in the health department for the government. Unfortunately, he died in his early 40s.
About seven years later, Florence met her second husband Don Adams. Since he enjoyed fishing and boating, Florence’s brother, a realtor, suggested the Harbor Shores neighborhood. At that time, there were only a handful of homes in the neighborhood. Lucy Hawkins and Georgia Borho became good friends of theirs. Don enjoyed fishing and boating and they made a comfortable home in the area. Florence remembers summer evenings jumping off the boat into Lake Eustis for a swim. Sadly, Don passed on in 2010.
Florence lives life to the fullest enjoying ballroom dancing with her friend John, dining out, listening to big band music, playing cards and reading murder mystery novels. (Dean Koontz is a favorite!) Her constant companion now is a white poodle, Max. It’s Max who tells Florence when it’s time for bed! He sits at the foot of the chair and stares at her!
Florence must have been a beautiful baby, ‘cause just look at her now! She maintains herself and a lovely home with help from her lovely daughter-in-law Ann.
When you see Florence, please tell her you enjoyed reading her life story. She is a warm and friendly lady.
Florence’s life began in Jacksonville making her a Florida native. By her first birthday Flo was living across the country in California’s San Fernando Valley. She loved the California lifestyle and grew complacent about seeing movie stars around L.A. Florence’s uncle owned a driving range which attracted some famous people. Florence was a regular there when she met Ronald Reagan (and his wife), Robert Taylor, Barbara Stanwyck and many others! Florence attended high school with Jane Russell‘s brother! It was the most interesting and exciting time of her life. After her father‘s retirement, the family moved to Apalachicola, Florida, a sleepy seaside town. At first, the 17-year-old Florence was homesick for her California friends. The move was extreme as Florence left a school of 300 classmates to a school of 18! Small town living wasn’t all bad as the teens had more freedom than California living had allowed. It was in Apalachicola that Florence met her (first) husband Henry Griswald. Henry, a handsome Navy-man, was hitchhiking from Tallahassee to Apalachicola. A car full of teens, which included Florence, pulled over to talk with him. It was she who gave up her seat for Henry ... then sat on his knee! The very next day handsome Henry came courting at Florence’s home. They later married and had 4 children. (Florence has 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.) After Henry left the Navy, he worked in the health department for the government. Unfortunately, he died in his early 40s.
About seven years later, Florence met her second husband Don Adams. Since he enjoyed fishing and boating, Florence’s brother, a realtor, suggested the Harbor Shores neighborhood. At that time, there were only a handful of homes in the neighborhood. Lucy Hawkins and Georgia Borho became good friends of theirs. Don enjoyed fishing and boating and they made a comfortable home in the area. Florence remembers summer evenings jumping off the boat into Lake Eustis for a swim. Sadly, Don passed on in 2010.
Florence lives life to the fullest enjoying ballroom dancing with her friend John, dining out, listening to big band music, playing cards and reading murder mystery novels. (Dean Koontz is a favorite!) Her constant companion now is a white poodle, Max. It’s Max who tells Florence when it’s time for bed! He sits at the foot of the chair and stares at her!
Florence must have been a beautiful baby, ‘cause just look at her now! She maintains herself and a lovely home with help from her lovely daughter-in-law Ann.
When you see Florence, please tell her you enjoyed reading her life story. She is a warm and friendly lady.
So ... afterward, Mark and I picked up Rose & Jim and we went to Oakwood Smokehouse for their rib special. It was delicious and we had a very good time. After dinner we went back to Rose & Jim‘s to have a look at their new artwork and see the finished baby quilt that Rose has been working on for her son and daughter-in-law. The new granddaughter is expected in November. So we act away and sold a few of the worlds problems, discussed religion and the Ancient Aliens and by then it was time to come home. 👽
Sue and Wayne were out to dinner tonight at the cottage, they went to 901 in Keewatin. Apparently they have had a heavy rain there which will help to douse the forest fires.
Randy & Dawn were invited to join us tonight, but Randy had a tough therapy session this afternoon. Hopefully he will be back to his ol’ self soon! ❤️
When we got home, the dogs had their piece of garlic toast from Oakwood’s and gobbled it up. Now they are happy to watch TV with us. It’s a good night with “Deadliest Catch” and “Below Deck.” Ta Ta til the morrow.
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