A handful of Democratic women woke up this morning excited about our trip to see the President of the United States, Barack Obama.  Shortly thereafter, we were disappointed to read the headline in our local newspaper. Although he was passing near to the sleepy town of Arcadia, in the Heartland of Central Florida, President Obama's address would be delivered to a select group of attendees admitted by invitation only.

Hundreds of people were unhappy to learn that they could not hear the President speak after his tour of the newly opened DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, currently the largest solar energy facility in the country.

In spite of this, many fans of the President chose to wait near the highway to watch the President's motorcade as well as catch a glimpse of the President.

Since we had planned to beat the crowd, we arrived with over an hour to spare.  We tried to flirt with the policemen and SS agent at the entrance to the road in effort to gain admittance. As sweet as we are, our best efforts did not win entrance for the four us....sigh.

In result, historic downtown Arcadia beckoned us to breakfast. The restaurant is located on Main St. in a nearly century old building nestled among antique shops and other remnants of Old Florida including the train station.

Realtors taking a break from dealing with the Housing Sector -- we still smile from time to time! ;)

Our waiter put up with us -- American Cheese Omelets or Poached Eggs with Corned Beef Hash, Grits and Publix Wheat Toast  $4.25. 

Bill for Four  $26.10 plus tip.

 Ambience -- priceless!

After breakfast we headed back to park a ways past the right wingers, who outnumbered the good guys by about three to two. Always the optimistic, I held that supporters were present  3 to 2, but the group's  eyeball concensus was that we needed to spread ourselves out in a longer line to make the President feel better about our turnout.

Unfortunately, the local right-wing didn't disappoint, turning up with home-made signs, lots of flags (though no Confederate ones) and patriotic garb. Two favorite protestors are included shown below.  (The second sign made us snort):

President Obama's supporters were a lively happy crew. We had a great time for 20 minutes mingling while waiting for the motorcade:

First Prize -- Best Obama Gear

Dozens of police came from several surrounding counties, blocking off all  side roads with cars and motorcycles. They asked us to stay off the highway making photo ops a hard won fight, but all of our finest were courteous and pleasant -- kudos!!

 Note Cool House with Metal Roof in Background -- Cracker Style!

Finally, the helicopters began to fly overhead -- five in all were counted.  Next came the motorcade with one black armoured truck. 

I figured the President was heavily guarded at all times, not just because it is deer hunting season. After all who knows what could be hiding up in those trees...I always like to think well of people in spite of what they call my beloved President. Some of their words and thoughts are not nice or true...

I am the only one who thought that the President landed directly at the solar plant in this helicopter which flew out ahead of the motorcade:

 I hope I am right as I want President Obama to always be safe.

There are more people than one might believe in Central Florida that love our President. It warms my heart to see them: