'The lesson, if you please,' she says, and lets him lead her to a console.

The lesson, he said: "Get more involved with the community.

Not a bad lesson, for any gardener - especially one interested in native plants, aficionados say.

As a lesson for history and a study in the human spirit, say a number of the families, such scrutiny is invaluable.

"The lessons," she said, when asked what she drew from her experience.

"A small lesson for you in the difference between wives and other women," she said lightly.

The way those differences are settled, or not hold lessons not just for Miami but the entire country, prominent members of both groups say.

She learned that lesson a few years ago, she said, fighting to keep a homeless shelter open.

The lesson was, don't say nothin and get it over with quick.

His lesson in life is don't say you can't.