Panera, my preferred breakfast place in Gainesville, is hopping. Yes, another Gators game is tomorrow. In my somewhat limited experience in Gainesville, Friday is the day that the crowds, motor homes, and ultra-fans arrive. Even Panera gets into the act:

I just heard a Panera customer yell, “Whoo! Game day tomorrow!” The last time I was here, a week and a half ago, I left the day after a game. When I said goodbye to the desk clerk, I noted that it seemed awfully quiet and that the night of the game had seemed quiet. He replied with a solemn look that the Gators had lost by one point to Old Miss – or is it Ole Miss? Let’s hope that tomorrow’s game is more successful. But I will be flying home at that point.

We’ve had some very stormy weather the past two days. Yesterday, while we were in the midst of a dress rehearsal where there is a tornado onstage, there was an actual tornado watch outside the theatre. Today is humid and I am longing for the crisp, Fall weather of New York state.

Today I went to Obama headquarters just off campus to buy some t-shirts and buttons. It wasn’t until I got back to the hotel room that I realized that there’s a tiny Gator in the logo and the fine print says gatorsforObama! I guess I’m an honorary Gator! Well, that’s okay by me. By the way, while driving around today I saw a lot more of the campus. It is really huge and quite lovely.

More later. I hope your weekend is a happy one.

I’m far away from Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I’ve traveled from the Northeast to the Southeast. Yes, I’m back in Gainesville. It is sunny and beautiful, but I miss the brilliant fall colors of the Hudson Valley. Yesterday’s flight (Jet Blue) was on time. I love Jet Blue because they have a direct flight from my little airport to Orlando. And they have leg room; which, for a tall gal, makes the journey much more comfortable. I drove from Orlando to Gainesville (about 2 hours) on I-75, which was more like a game of Roller Derby. People driving like maniacs, truckers driving semis like they were little race cars…insane. At one point, I was so boxed in by crazed truckers that I missed my exit. I was mad. It had already been a long day and I had to drive 10 miles out of my way, turn around, and try again. I finally arrived, checked in, and made my way to the theatre. They were behind on their schedule which is not surprising during a tech week. This is a big, big production. I said hello to everyone and watched a bit of the rehearsal with the orchestra and cast. Happily, I got to come home early and crash.