Life is Different Here

It really is.

About two years ago now, we decided that would be our last winter in Indiana.  We've owned property in Fort Myers, going on about 12 years now.  And we were always renting during the winter season to Snow Birds (as they are called down in SW Florida).  Those people who escape winter's worst months to warmer climates.

Some might remember, we were facing Bob's upcoming spinal surgery to remove the tumor that was destroying his gait and his calf and left him, as he says, "a half-assed man".

So last year we actually did it.  We were delayed to January 4th and we bugged out of Indy as Chuck Lofton was predicting blizzard like conditions.  We scooted on down to Valdosta, stopping for the night, carried my orchids into the hotel because even that far south was experiencing colder than normal temps.

As we made our way to the Florida state line that next morning, we noticed the sun shining bright and the temps increasing rapidly.  About an hour into our morning drive, we rolled down the windows and breathed a big sigh of relief.

It took a bit of adjustment.  The coach home we have owned since 2007 is in a great community.  We had not yet met many people other than a few of our neighbors.  January last year was pretty cold, even in SW Florida.  So the windows were kept closed and we didn't venture out to the pool or the beach.

Then February came and with it brought outdoor temps. 

And then we got to know nearly all of our neighbors. 

That's when life changed. 

I have always lived what some people think is the country.  It's not actually, but people who live in communities where the houses are packed together believe it is.   We own about an acre and a half.  Across the street, they have the pleasure of mowing about 5 acres.  So we wave to our neighbors and maybe once every two weeks go out to dinner with friends.  It's nice, we enjoy it.  But that is about all of the socializing we do.

And then we became Snow Birds. 

Even with the slow start last year, by February and March, we would be sitting at home and up would walk one of our neighbors asking if we would like to come over for dinner, or go out to a restaurant.  It was such a change from our routine in Indiana. 

And we loved it.  We had planned to stay until the end of March, but delayed our return to mid-April.  Our first morning back in Indiana came with snow whipping around our house.  I did not feel welcomed.

We were able to leave in late December this winter.  When we got here, many of our buddies we had made last season were still up north for Christmas.  It didn't take long to settle in our "retired" feeling routine.

For those few who read here and at my brother's place, you already know he is spending the winter down here as well.  For years, while I was working, he and Bob would come down for 2 to 3 weeks in January before our renters would arrive.  When he arrived last year, we went to visit my mother's cousin (who calls me "once removed" but calls my sister his cousin, how does that work?).  He was volunteering at a state park in exchange for parking his RV free of charge for the winter.  That led Mark to his nomadic lifestyle he is now thrilled to be living.

For these 15 or so weeks out of the year, it feels absolutely free.  Gone are the early alarm clocks buzzing us awake at 5 o'dark.  Gone are the pain in the ass bosses who delight in making everyone miserable.  It feels like we are finally enjoying what we have worked so very hard for.

It will always remind me that Bob is now knocking on the door of 67.  Which draws me back to my father's retirement back in 1991 when Bob and I were first married.  He retired in June at the age of 59.  In August he was diagnosed with liver cancer and by the end of January, just a few dozen days past his Christmas birthday, he passed away as we held his hands and feet.  How very little time he had to enjoy his freedom. 

Wait.  This was meant to be a feel-good post

But life is short.   And we need to make sure we live each day as if it will be our last.  And we fail at that so often.

But right now, life is just so good.  It was warm today in the later afternoon.  Next thing I know, Bob had talked with Mark and they had their fishing poles and bought their fresh water fishing license and were heading to the park located directly behind our complex.  I joined them for a little while, but when the fishing looked like it was going to be a series of Mark catching stick fish, I walked back to our coach home.

Then Bob sent me this picture.  

We are still trying to figure out what kind of fish it was. 

I figure if they are going to be catching that big of fish practically in our own backyard, I need to buy a filet knife.  Nothing better than fresh caught fish.

I haven't bought my fishing license yet.  But believe me, I would rather fish than anything else down here.  Especially deep sea fishing. 

But that's another license and another story for another day.