Livin' in Paradise

It's been raining ALL day here in "sunny Florida". I have to say, we've definately needed it. Our grass is greener, the garden is fruitful and it's been nice not having to hand-water the porch plants this week. Those that live in Florida know that this is our rainy season. It'll rain almost every day in the late afternoons (with the exception of today where it's raining all day) for a little bit and then go away after dinner time. It makes planning trips and outings a little difficult, but we really need the rain. It's funny because when Rob and I went to Mexico last summer (ahh, that was incredible!!!), they had the same tropical climate that we have and the weather was so predictable, just like back home. Funny.

This weekend, we headed out to a beach just 5 minutes from our house and were reminded of how fortunate we are to live where we do. We always think of other tropical get-aways as being paradise, when on Saturday, we realized that we do live in paradise, we just take advantage of it because we've lived here almost all of our lives. I was born and raised here with the exception of spening 1 1/2 years in Illinois for college and Rob was born in Maryland, spent time in Africa as a boy and then moved here when he was very young. Anyways, back to the beach...the water was crystal clear, the ocean water temperature was just right, the white sand was soft and sand-castle ready, the breeze was incredible and the sounds of the beach just put us at ease (boaters, the birds, waves, kids playing, etc.). Avonlea and I even ventured over to one of the local fishing docks and watched all the people fishing (we love to fish, but forgot our poles/bait). We saw someone pull up a huge Sheep's Head as well as a few other small Whiting. It's funny to watch fishermen who have their usual spot. They all know each other and if they don't, they sure act as though they do. They're all there for the same reason, to relax on their Saturday, catch some fish and exist without a care in the world, just for a little bit. I remember when Rob and I were dating and first married. We loved to go fishing. It's a little more challenging now with two, young kids, but we make it work. We just don't go as often. Lincoln's birthday is coming up and we're planning on buying his first fishing pole. Avonlea already has one. Should make for some good times. =)

*If you've never been to Florida, you must come pay us a visit. There's lots to do, plenty of sun to soak up and endless ways to relax and get away from it all!