April 30th, 2013
The headquarters for Barrett-Jackson are in Scottsdale, Arizona. “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions” has a trade mark. In addition to their auctions in Scottsdale, they have annual auctions in Las Vegas, Reno, and Palm Beach, Florida. And that’s the one that I attended. Believe me, I only know how to drive a car, so I was really following my friends who had flown from Denver, Colorado, not only to visit me, but to attend the 11th Annual Palm Beach Auction. Even though they had plenty of snow in Colorado, they, actually, did not care they were in somewhat sunny South Florida…palm trees? Pleeease, sun, sand, sea? Maybe later…
If you are a bidder for this auction there are several procedures to follow, including letters from your bank acknowledging the fact that you do have available cash to purchase an automobile.
A Gala on Wednesday evening. The auction started in earnest on a Thursday and ended on Saturday…that’s where the high end cars could be found.
 Waiting for Saturday! The numbers are in for the Palm Beach auction: $21 million in gross sales, which were over the 2012 sales. Almost 55,000 car fans attended the event even though the weather was not cooperating. People did fly from all over. And, more than $1.8 million raised for charity.
I had to laugh, when I arrived on Friday, the parking was jammed packed. On that day I qualified as a senior citizen…what? Yes, at the Barrett-Auction in Palm Beach, if you were 55 you were a senior and admission was $8.
The South Florida Fairgrounds are located off Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The area is mostly agricultural; the Fairgrounds promote trade, entertainment, and historical heritage.
There are 10 acres designated as a historic park. It is called Yesteryear Village. This park transport visitors to a time when schools were located in one small building and houses did not have running water. People had goats, chickens and sheep in their backyards and life was, definitely, simple. There are tours available and you can call 561-790-5232 to get more info. Or, visit the website http://www.southfloridafair.com.
So, I followed the fans into the massive building.
The entrance had new cars and a store atmosphere.
Bidding goes all day long. Cars are brought into the main room with plenty of auctioneers on hand.
Visitors can go on the grounds and visit the individual tents. And, also visit other buildings housing gorgeous automobiles.
I told you already that on that Friday it was a little rainy, so it was a bit trying for those that had to handle the cars and get them in the line up.
Following are some of the cars that caught my eyes:
The BMW Isetta was built by BMW in 1955. It was an Italian designed micro car. In 1955, it was the world’s first mass produced car, with about 161,728 sold. It was one of the most successful and influential city cars in the world. It was also called the Bubble Car because of its shape.
The 1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible Light Blue. Only 2 cars with that color combination.
The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, 4 Door Custom Sedan.
The Morgan. Manufactured by the Morgan Motor Company. It is British. All cars are assembled by hand. Approximately a 2-year wait, with at times being a 10-year wait.
I, then, went into one of their showrooms. Climate controled and not wet. The 1969 Jaguar XKE Convertible was beautiful.
The DeSoto. This was a U.S. manufactured car. The DeSoto was a division of Chrysler from 1928 – 1961.
The interior of some of these cars also caught my attention, as well. Some had the same color inside and out.
The Dodge
The Town and Country Chrysler
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible will bring memories of the t.v. series Route 66! It had a black convertible top and the optional hardtop.
Another car that captured me completely because its features was the 1955 Nash Stateman Super. It had the original hide a bed seats and window air conditioner.
The 1963 Rambler American Custom, 2 Door Hardtop was a blend of Southern California and surf culture. The car came from the estate of Mike Marshall, who owned the car, and was a well known and respected local surfer, surfboard shaper and surf historian in Southern California. It came by way of the Surfing Heritage Foundation.
You could have spent hours looking and testing and eating….then it was back into the auction.
The crowd got excited as the bidding for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible got competitive.
All for charity…the winner was Rick Hendrick, the NASCAR team owner….$1,000,000.
The proceeds of this particular sale benefitted the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. The only hospital in Michigan dedicated exclusively to fighting cancer. It is among the nation’s best cancer centers, with more than 100 cancer treatments that no other hospital has. It is the only major cancer center in the U.S. named for a woman. More info? Please visit http://www.karmanos.org.
Besides the Corvette, 5 other vehicles were sold during the auction for charity, including a 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch Super Crew Pickup onced owned by former President George W. Bush. It sold for $350,000, with proceeds benefitting the National Guard Youth Foundation.
Around the same time next year, Barrett-Jackson will be back in Palm Beach. Check their website http://www.barrett-jackson.com for more info. Talk to you later.
Note: Some info. for my post was taken from the Barrett-Jackson’s press release.
September 26th, 2011
I almost forgot to tell you about my casual lunch at BruLe, which is a bistro and a wine house in the Pineapple Grove Art District of Delray Beach.
It was in July and Rosalyn and I had just returned from the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach, where an Exhibit called Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television was underway until 9/11/11. It was great.
The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel. 561-832-5196. Website? www.norton.org.
Another Exhibit was From A to Z: 26 Great Photographs from the Norton Collection is still going on until October 16th. That was great too.
Also, until October 9th is Striking Impressisons: European Prints from the Museum Collection.
And, The Art of War in East Asia will be on exhibit until November 13th.
It was hot and we were hungry. I had not had lunch at BruLe, so, why not? The address is 200 NE 2nd Ave. Right at City Walk in Delray. The tel. is 561- 274-2046. Website? www.brulebistro.com.
In the above mentioned website you will be able to check their menus. They open for lunch and dinner.
They had a great selection of wines being that it is also a wine house.
We ordered 2 salads. Rosalyn ordered the Arugula Salad with candied pecans, green apple, bleu cheese and red onion and a house vinaigrette.
I ordered their Market Salad which had baby greens, assorted veggies and a white balsamic vinaigrette. Then, to finish it off I topped it with grilled chicken.
Both salads were delicious on such a hot day.
I think BruLe has a very diverse menu that will agree with most of its customers. Can’t wait to have dinner next time.
Order at the counter, take a seat and they will bring your order to your table.
Note: Carryout is available. But, if you would like delivery, then call The Delray Delivery Dudes at 561-900-7060. Visit their website, www.delraydeliverydudes.com. Their hours for delivery are: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
January 19th, 2010
On Monday, it was probably one of the prettiest days since we have been in Florida. Low humidity, crisp and perfect temperature.
I had to go towards West Palm Beach, which is about 25 minutes north of Delray Beach. Easy drive, especially on such a day.
I have to congratulate the City of West Palm. This city looks so nice and offers so much; water accessibility, museums, restaurants, shopping, the arts, and walking promenades. I took a drive through Flager Ave. and it really did look so pristine.
I then went towards Clematis Street which is one of the streets in West Palm where a lot of the restaurants are located and perfect for walking and window shopping as well.
I parked at the corner of Olive St. and Banyan. That’s when I met George. George works for United Parking System, right there on the corner and it was $5 to park. We immediately started a conversation. George has a wealth of information. He is retired and has been around the globe a few times. From this location he has an advantage point. He interacts with the people that park in this parking lot, whether they are driving a Ferrari or the not so expensive kind. He has a clear view of the intracoastal; he pointed out the magnificent sailboat anchored and informed me that the owner was from humble beginnings in South Africa and then diamonds were discovered in his property and the rest is history. The gentleman now rubs elbows with the wealthy but feels comfortable in his shorts and sandals at the same time.
Since I was looking for a place to eat, I decided that George probably would be a good source of information. And he was. He really is a foodie too. He pointed us to Reef Rd Rum Bar, right on Clematis. He also wanted a review.
George said that the best restaurant in the whole area, was one I could not go to. Maria from Trieste, Italy is a magnificent cook and a very classy lady. I will leave it at that. Thanks George because you made my day just by being so friendly.
We walked over to Reef Rd Rum Bar, 223 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel. 561-838-9099. Fax 561-838-9051.
This restaurant is owned by the Big Time Restaurant Group who owns several restaurants like City Oyster in Delray Beach, Grease, Rocco’s Tacos in West Palm, City Cellar in West Palm and New York and Big City Tavern in Ft. Lauderdale. The website is www.bigtimerestaurants.com and by visiting it you will be able to find out about each of the restaurants including menus, and other info. Each restaurant is different.
Reef Rd is very casual with a Tiki style decor. We sat outside because besides the beautiful day, there something about eating outdoors. Since it was a holiday Clematis Street was quiet but the lunch hour was comfortably crowded.
This restaurant specializes in Mojitos and has about 120 bottles of barrel aged and premium rums. Along with a relaxed atmosphere you have a menu that will cater to young and old; chowders, salads, fish, sandwiches, etc.
One of their services is Hook & Cook which means you catch it, bring it to the restaurant and they’ll cook it for you. Please call them up for more information.
Reef Rd has a frequent lunch card, which means that if you buy 5 lunches (1 stamp per visit) you will receive the 6th free.
I had a very good lunch. I ordered the Greek Salad with the Crispy Grouper on top. The salad was good but the grouper made it better. This fish was perfectly seasoned and the batter was just so light; the fish was moist and fresh. Loved it.
I have mentioned before that my husband has to eat gluten free. One of the features on the menu was Fish Tacos. We asked if the shell was made out of flour or corn. Unfortunately, it was flour, but Angie, our very competent and friendly waitress, instructed the kitchen to go across the street, to Rocco’s and get corn tortillas, which are allowed on a gluten free diet. Not soon after we saw someone run over and then back with a container of the shells. I thought that was so nice and thoughtful that even if I had not enjoyed my meal I would have had to say that I did because that gesture said it all. His fish tacos, blackened, were very good and came with salad and yellow rice with beans. He said their taste was close to the first ones he had in San Diego years ago.
So, after such an enjoyable lunch we walked back and reported to George who was happy to hear we liked it and what else do I have to say but see you later…
January 14th, 2010
One of the best things about living in a small beach community is that it does not matter if you go into a bookstore, bake shop, coffee shop or jewelry shop, everyone seems to engage you in conversation and there is no rush. It is refreshing. The downtown retail communities in all my beach towns seem to want you to know that you are welcomed.
Some years ago I stopped by a store in downtown Rehoboth called Fun to Fine Jewelry. I think I ended up buying some Christmas presents. That store is owned by Laurie and Vince Mullay. I talked to Vince and he told me a little bit about the shop and he also said that they had one in West Palm Beach, Florida.
After the Christmas Holidays I was walking past the store and still did not stop. Last week I did because what attracted me in their windows were different bead necklaces. I will tell you about them in a minute but first let me tell you about Fun to Fine Jewelry.
The name says it all. Their jewelry is fun and edgy. It is also affordable. They also have fine jewelry, so it is a good mix.
They are located at the First Street Station, 70 Rehoboth Ave., Ste. 106, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. is 302-227-3770. Website is www.funtofinejewelry.com and e-mail address is funtofinejewelry@verizon.net
Fun to Fine Jewelry’s South Florida location is: City Place, 460 S. Rosemary Ave., Ste. 176, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel. is 561-805-9998 and the e-mail address is funtofinejewelry@bellsouth.net.
On-line shopping, by visiting their above mentioned website is very easy. Every piece is very well displayed. The company started in 2000. If you shop in their Delaware store or if you are sending pieces to Delaware have in mind that there is no sales tax. Otherwise, there is free shipping on all orders and free gift wrapping.
What is the attraction of beads? Definitely they are nothing new since they have been used since the Middle Ages. At that time and until the 18th century the bead trade was immense. They are usually pierced for stringing and made from different materials like wood, shell, bone, seed, nut and metal. So many different shapes, as well. At this point in time beadwork varies with fashion and it is as popular as so many thousands of years ago.
The bead necklaces I saw on the Fun to Fine Jewelry window that attracted me so much were from a company called She Beads.
The company’s address is 1824 Johns Drive, Glenview, Ill 60025. The tel. is 888-920-1923. Fax number is 847-904-7182 and the website is www.sbstore.com.
She Beads are hand rolled clay beaded jewelry. They are not painted, even though they look like they are. They are made from polymer-based clay and every single one is rolled and strong by hand. The website shows how they are made.
The founder and owner is Sandy Rueve. I don’t know her but I do have one her necklaces. A love for perennial gardening inspired her to envision this one of a kind, signature She Beads Collection.
Years ago, this mother of 2, with 3 jobs was juggling everyday life. One of her jobs was working as an X-Ray technician for the Chicago Bulls. She started her “cottage” business and began to design and sell jewelry and accessories. Apparently, it caught Michael Jordan’s eye and she designed and handcrafted beads for him; She Beads was born. Again, her whole story is in her website.
You wonder, why I am writing about her if I have not personally met her? Well, I think it is enlightening to hear how people like her want to give back. Think about it, pretty much everything you hear is bad news; economy, personal problems, bankruptcy, murders, weather disasters, etc.; this is a good one. Read on…you will see.
She Beads has selected charities and The Charity Bead Collection was developed. It is not just about donating funds, but to become supporters for education, to create that awareness, and touch people with experiences that are similar.
In her Charity Bead Collection, these beads are special and represent each individual charitable cause.
In the past years, I have had several friends with breast cancer. One of She Beads selected charity is The Pink Ribbon Girls. Pink Ribbon Girls help young women diagnosed with breast cancers. Please visit www.pinkribbongirls.org for more information.
Another chairity is The Chicago Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA) and Sandy called it The Teal Ribbon Beads. This company support women, family and friends with ovarian cancer. Please visit www.ovariancanceralliance.com.
The Gold Ribbon Beads are for CureSearch, which is the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. Please visit www.curesearch.org, which is a combination of Children’s Oncology Group and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Red Dress Beads – Go Red for Women. These beads are created for the American Heart Association. Need I say more? We all have been touched with a family member that has developed heart disease. Please visit www.goredforwomen.org.
The Oneness Beads – For thousands of years beads have been used in many cultures. Oneness is a foundation that promotes racial unity through the arts. Please visit www.oneness.org.
She Beads is on Facebook and Twitter, so check this company out. In the meantime if you are in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, West Palm Beach, Florida, or on the web, you can visit Fun to Fine Jewelry; they have a good representation of the She Beads collection.
See you and have a good one….
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