Downtime!  I decide to pick up a few groceries at the local market. As I pull in, I notice they have changed the sign. 

What is cooter anyway? I don’t want to miss something yummy.  I do a quick phone search and discover it is a turtle. I do not have cooter or any of those other things on my grocery list, but I go inside for boring zuchinni, bananas, and bread.

Later, I stop by the senior/community center for lunch and a game of dominoes. Unlike some senior centers, this one is beautiful. The people are full of life. Locals created a multi-purpose and beautiful space (photos are small; I need to make adjustments to my camera).

Beautiful senior center

Screened in front porch

Stage for musicians. Going to a shin dig tonight.

Lots of art hung by locals

Both of these stops remind me that I am in Old Florida. Local foods and architecture reminiscent of the old days set a laid back tone. As I drove through the Ordway-Swisher grounds the ancient oak trees reinforced that vibe.

A century of Spanish Moss accumulation. I cannot get the whole tree in the view finder

A massive, younger oak

Old Florida has been paved flat from Orlando, south. The north, north central area is not as developed (except for Jacksonville and the smaller Gainesville). In fact, many towns have been placed on historic registers. Old Florida signs announce you are entering a town that is thankfully stuck in time. The influx of retirees from more metropolitan areas brings a nice layer of contemporary culture, like the paintings in the senior center.