Hello friends, I hope all are well, especially in my hometown of Tucson where the Monsoons rains have began. Stay out of the flooded washes and roads! 

I'm just finishing up three days of painting my friends Yolie's home here in St Pete. I have gotten up early every day to beat the heat, but there's no relief from the heat and humidity in this area. And the locals say that the worse is yet to come! I can't imagine it any more miserable than this. Even in the shade, the air seems suffocating. I'm constantly guzzling water by the gallons trying to stay hydrated. I don't know how these folks put up with these conditions. It takes some getting used to I suppose.

I don't think I've ever seen so much grass and trees anywhere in the USA. A person can make a good living out here with just a mower and a gas can! And the yards are huge too! A riding mower seems better suited for the task. A desert rat like me is not used to all this green stuff everywhere. The beaches and waterfront resorts along with the bars and restaurants are really nice. The waters still seem to be a bit on the warm side, not very appealing in this heatwave, and not as clear and clean as the Pacific Ocean. Namely Hawaii, California and the Mexican coastline that I grew up visiting. Although here in Florida, the waters are a big improvement from the Gulf Coast areas I just visited last month. That water was ugh! Just saying.

I had a funny thing happened this morning at the nearby donut shop. The chain store will remain anonymous, but it does rhyme with pumpkin! I woke up early and it seemed very Florida to just slip into my flip-flops and jump in the truck to go and grab a cup of coffee and a couple donuts to start the day. As I stood in front of the counter deciding which baked delight to purchase, I felt something crawling on my bare toes! Not expecting anything like that inside the store, it scared the heck out of me as I frantically shook it off! It was a huge cocaracha, and I stomped it to death with my sandal! The young lady saw my reaction and wondered what was happening. I told her and showed her the crushed pest on the floor. She was quite embarrassed by the event. I stood there wondering weather to proceed with my purchase or not, as the manager scooped up the remains with a towel. I decided to buy a couple chocolate treats much to the relief of the staff. I suppose it's probably a common thing here in the swaplands of the south! I already have to put up with the ants and mosquitos!

Have a great holiday weekend and stay safe wherever you are! Thanks for your interest and support.

Juanjohn 

Hello friends, 

I hope all are having a good day! I'm so glad to be able write you from the comfort of a nice, comfortable and cozy home of my good friend from back home, in Tucson, Yolanda G. or as I call her #Yo-Ga!

She has been gracious enough to allow me into her home and in turn give me a rest from the campsite mosquitos, moldy cheap motels and truckstop parking lots that I've been sleeping in. This beautiful, caring lady has been a wonderful hostess and friend! Although I've been working on my gig across the bay, she has taken the time away from her busy work schedule to show me around the F.LA. Not to mention spending valuable money and energy treating me to meals and sightseeing tours. We even cut a rug in downtown Tampa last Saturday night and ended the evening with a pancake breakfast at the Village Inn. The Juanjohn and Yolie still have some dance moves left! I'm greatful for her generosity and unselfish hospitable nature along with her amazing company!

Although this state is still in the southern region, it reminds me a lot of California. Just with higher humidity and no mountains. It is to some extent different from the other southern states, despite the physical similarities. I do have to say the traffic is the worst I've seen so far. Rude, reckless and aggressive drivers abound in the part of the state. But places to see and eat are plentiful and varied. And for me, the tropical, ocean and beach lifestyle appeal to me tremendously! Having spent some time in Hawaii, I am always ready to hit the waves and water! 

So I'll spend the rest of the month here in St Petersburg through the 4th of July weekend while I help my friend paint her house. I'll depart for Savannah, GA. On the 5th. I'll check back in soon! Thank you for your support and encouragement. It's going to be hard leaving this place!

Be safe, Juanjohn