ST. AUGUSTINE SOJOURN

Saturday, we beebopped in St. Augustine, going to several places including the Lightner Museum . From Victrolas to Victorian purses, from mummies (real!) to menorahs, we saw it all. Stuffed alligators, nickelodeon music machines, odd items, pretty things--you name it, the Lightner had it. Mr. Lightner purchased the former Alcazar Hotel, built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, and it now houses Lightner's unique collections of decorative arts and material culture on three floors.

My author's mind had a field day! Lots of idea starters!

Henry Flagler also built the Ponce De Leon Hotel across the street. Florida was a mecca for tourists at the turn of the century. The Ponce De Leon is now Flagler College.

After touring the Lightner, we drove over the Bridge of Lions from the mainland to Anastasia Island and ate at the stand-in-line-an-hour-or-more landmark cafe, O'Steens. Talk about shrimp-lovers' heaven? Oh, my. Golden fried butterflied shrimp with O'Steens' special sauce, served up with your choice of country casseroles including squash casserole, sweet potato casserole, and lots more. Not the normal side dishes for fried shrimp, but absolutely delectable. Worth the wait!

And while waiting, you browse in the mammoth next-door antiques shop. I nearly always buy something while waiting: a necklace, a book. Saturday, I bought a beautiful silver brooch. It was in a 50 percent off basket, and I snagged it for only three bucks!