It's been over a year since I last posted to this blog. Since then, I've done a lot of domestic wandering, with one fantastic trip to Costa Rica with John thrown in the mix. Now that I've relocated to Southern Florida from Southern Virginia, I thought it might be fun to resurrect this forum. I'm not exactly wandering far and wide these days, but I'm learning a lot about a state I've not visited since my childhood. It's a world away from SoVA!Earlier this week, the girls and I packed up in a 17' U-Haul truck with my Mazda Tribute in tow behind and set out on a two day journey to Palm City, FL. We landed in the seediest hotel in Jacksonville for an overnight (though this is the first time I've admitted that to anyone other than John for fear of long distance yelling). The last 4 hours into Martin County from Jacksonville were long. I didn't know it yet, but the stress of the trip was beginning to take hold in the form of infection for Ellie, and she was obviously not feeling well for this leg. I was glad to return the truck, as the "check engine" light had illuminated and I obviously was losing power.
With extremely efficient movers waiting for us, the U-Haul was unpacked in no time. I've spent the lion's share of this week unpacking, arranging furniture, hanging artwork and making the townhouse feel like home. We have ventured out a bit: mandatory trip to Publix, our new grocery of choice, where free cookies and crayons await the girls with each visit; Bathtub Beach, one of the best in the country that is only a ten minute drive from our house and where we only saw a handfull of people - a far cry from the beaches we're used to that are packed to the gills!; and several visits to our neighborhood pool, which is visible from our house. The girls have occupied themselves chasing lizards, which are as common as flies here. Several have met untimely ends as their movements are as erratic as the girls' and they succumb to a falling footstep.
The lifestyle is very gentle here and we're starting to feel at home. The neighbors all say hi, though with northern accents instead of southern. There are speed tables rather than speed bumps - a much kinder way of slowing traffic if you ask me! A short 5 mile run this morning revealed 2 parks within walking distance. The flora and fauna is still a mystery to me, with trees and birds that I have no label for...yet. The heat is constant and oppressive. I have yet to figure out how to turn off most of my ceiling fans...though I doubt I'll ever need to.
For those who have wondered which of the Florida professional football teams will earn our favor - Ellie saw a Dolphins shopping bag in Publix yesterday and remarked to the checker: why do you have this ugly Dolphin bag here? Elimination has begun!
