Where In The World Is Sum1?

Week 2 in Fort Lauderdale

Locale: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Week of: 6/13/22

         I'm back in Fort Lauderdale this week, still having fun of course.  Right now, I'm scheduled to return in July for four more days, then December for a week.  We'll see  what the future holds, won't we?

         The first week was spent delivering a basic Networking Class.  This week was a more advanced Networking class that focused on the networking addresses and equipment used in our radio systems.  Like the class last week, there are a lot of hands-on opportunities, and the students spent most of it doing just that.  The students love it too, making it even better.  Monday, and part of Tuesday was 'Death By Powerpoint' as I like to call it.  After that. it was all hands on.  I emphasized to the students that everything we were doing was in the Powerpoint slideshow, but doing it was far better than reading slides.  Additionally, there's a lab guide to follow, and we did.  Actually, we went above and beyond the lab guide.

         Since I was here two weeks, I rented a car for the weekend and drove up to Clearwater/St. Petersburg,  My Father-In-Law lives there alone now after losing his wife in September.  I figured he would like some company, and I was correct.  He insisted on fixing me dinner Friday night, and took me to breakfast both Saturday and Sunday.  In return, I was able to do what I'd intended, take him to dinner Saturday night.  (See below about where we went).  It was a great weekend though.  He needed someone to talk to, someone with a common background (We served on the USS Theodore Roosevelt SSBN 600 together) that would understand the things he mentioned.  So I listened.  A lot.  It was a very good visit, and a must really.  After all, he's 87, no telling when or if I'll see him again.


Noteworthy Restaurants:


         Batch - New Southern Kitchen          https://www.batchsouthernkitchen.com/ftl/          I came here to try their Shrimp & Grits.  While they were very good, they don't compare to the dish in Charleston, SC, at Fleet Landing.  I'll come back here though, the meal was good, service was good, I had a nice time there!


         Tiki Tiki          https://letstikitiki.com/menu/          This place was 'found for me', it was recommended I come here.  I have to say it  was a good recommendation.  I tried the Ahi Tuna Nachos which were HUGE!  I couldn't finish them of course, but did add what Tuna that was left to my leftovers I took back with me.  My meal was their Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl.  Do you see a theme here?    As mentioned, I added the tuna from the Nacho's to the leftovers of this bowl, and had it for lunch the next day.  Wow! 

         Con Murphy          https://www.conmurphysfl.com/          Let's just say that although the food was pretty good, I probably won't return here.  The blackened Grouper on my sandwich looked a little like Tilapia.  I've sold enough fish in my life that I can identify some, Tilapia is easy to identify, and I don't really eat Tilapia, even  though it is a white fish with a mild flavor.  Plus, I don't want to pay Grouper prices and get Tilapia.  Now, Tilapia is not on their menu, but it would be easy to use any white fish in place of Grouper, and charge for Grouper.  Tilapia is MUCH less expensive than Grouper.  Am I being paranoid?  Maybe, I'd like to think I'm not.  After my experience in North Carolina years ago, I wouldn't be surprised if this was being done by far more than one restaurant.  Especially in today's world and times.  So, I won't be going back.

In Closing

         I  am home for three weeks now, teaching classes the first two weeks, then working on a course review with a curriculum developer the week of July 4th.  My next trip is to Kansas, the town of Salina, followed by a return to Fort Lauderdale again!  Til next time, be good to yourselves and those you love, and WRITE!



Jim Dorrell