Edison Vs. the Hedge Funds

Sorry I have been so long between posts, but we just got through the Everglades, where Wi-Fi and phone signals are non-existent. Mangroves, ‘gators and critters galore, but no megabits.

On our way south we made a brief stop in Fort Myers to replenish our groceries and see the Edison Museum and Edison/Ford winter estates. Then a quick stop in Naples before entering the Everglades. And again, the constant theme of contrast which makes this trip so interesting.

Edison was a master of the physical sciences and shrewd businessman, but he was also a naturalist, avid camper, fisherman and garden designer (with his wife Mina). His winter home is one of the most attractive I have ever seen, all porches and windows and vistas out to the gardens and river. It is made of all local, natural materials and just oozes a cool and relaxing ambience. It is not a large home, by today’s standards, but comfortable and tasteful without austentation. The Ford house next door is basically a large farmhouse, cleverly designed to be open to the breezes wherever they come from.

Then we went down the coast, and around the corner to Naples and mile after mile of hedge fund austentation. Naples is so ritzy that you can’t even anchor, since I guess boats might spoil the view at cocktail hour. I tend to think they improve the view, but whatever.

Yes, it’s fun to look at the big palaces, but I just don’t think think plywood and reinforced concrete can compare to the Edison style. And these big barns must cost a fortune to keep cool versus porches, doors and windows.