I have often referred, somewhat playfully, as our condo here in
Indian Rocks Beach being "home." It is, afterall, the only property
we own, and we have separate bathrooms here!
Still, 'home' is probably better defined by where family is.
Therefore, I respectfully request that my three pearls move to
within a 50 mile radius of IRB. Your family and friends are welcome
as well; I don't want to be unreasonable.
You'd like it here. The vastness of the ocean continues to impress,
especially during the quiet solitude of a morning walk. As I approach
the wooden walkway; the intoxicating swoosh of the gentle tide is
incredibly soothing. The horizon, the ocean; so freakin'………….big.
I maintain some sort of warped satisfaction in the knowledge that, if
I had a boat, or could swim really well,, or walk on water, I could
journey to Texas! I don't want to, but I could.
Occasional dolphin sighting continue to fascinate us. They are
generous with their water ballet, and they never dart in front of you
when you're driving. You like shells? There are a few down here.
For those of you who have kids, or will have kids, can you think of a
better playgound than the Gulf of Mexico? I could make an argument
that it might be consider selfish of you not to move here; putting your
comfort with status quo ahead of the joy of your born and unborn
children. But, perhaps I'm being a little heavy handed; inconsistent
with my unwittingly understated nature. I suggest you follow
your hearts.
Let me entice you one last time. You are probably familiar with my
soon to be famous "shells in a cigar holder cylinder." You are
probably concerned about making a living down here, so I offer you a
free of charge franchise selling my shell creations. Normally, I would
expect a 60% portion of all sales, but, if you secure Pinellas County
residency by year end 2009, I will reduce my portion to 55%!
This is a one time offer that will not be duplicated………. until 2010.
My projections suggest that these franchises will allow at least two
of you to have a roof on your head before Obama's 8 year reign as
emperor ends. (I'm told sleeping othe beach is an acceptable
alternative to home ownership, and the tax savings easily offset the
discomfort caused by occasional hurricanes and wild dogs. You
also get first shot a turtle eggs; and IRB delicacy.)
Okay, I've made my case, but the decisions are yours completely.
Disregard, if you can, the facts that we brought you into this world,
nurtured you. Loved you; still love you.
Provided you with a college education. One of you, I forget which one,
graduated from Yale.
But, as I said before with little real feeling or conviction, I suggest you
follow your hearts. Our original plan isn't bad; snowbirds…………..
Actually, the original plan is damned good! You can move down here if
you want to, but I may have to rescind my franchise offer; too
lucrative.
Follow your hearts, your dreams.
Some say home is where the heart is. I say it's where you can go outside without your skin breaking out into heat rash. You may have given me life, Jimi Pop, but you failed to pass along your magnificent sun-tolerant Mediterranean skin, effectively ruling out my move to Florida. And ain't no poetry about dolphin ballet gonnna change that.
ReplyDeleteBut remember...there's always a room here for you and Mom on Smith Ave. Unless, of course, Amy or Mary have taken up residence.
Unfortunately, home is where your mortgage is and until this puppy is paid off, we're staying in New Milford. By the way, the house is falling apart. The garage door fell off today. Smashed down. Not on any of your children or grandchildren. So we're safe. But you do have one ornery son-in-law!
ReplyDeleteAnd my home is where my cleaning woman is.
ReplyDelete- A
Yale, Class of 1997
Thanks for the quick, if not positive, response, from my pearls.
ReplyDelete(I seem to have hit a nerve.)
Sara - Have you discussed your proposal with John? I suspect any thought of us moving in with you would generate an immediate display of a "for sale" sign on your lawn.
Julie - Let the buyer beware! How does a garage door smash down? Maybe it was because of all of those hooks Kirk installed, weakening the walls.
Amy - We need a house cleaner here in IRB. However, with your Phd, I guess you would want to be called, and be paid as, a "Director of Home Disinfectant Analysis."
BTW, in my separate bathroom, I apply the "no rush to flush" rule.
Where did you get the snappy convertible.
ReplyDeleteSnappy converible was a rental; photo is from the archives. We are still driving our modest CRV.
ReplyDeleteAudi is for sale; we continue to try to simplify.
Sharon said...
ReplyDeletehow much for the Audi???
oops!! I'm new at this, sorry!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Sharon; I'll be expecting frequent responses from you in the future.
ReplyDeleteI sent you Audi data on separate e-mail.
Considering our efforts to simplify, I also have numerous pieces of baseball memorabilia for sale if you're interested.
Also a couple of suits; 42 short.
What, Sharon? All it takes is someone to mention an Audi and you'll post? I don't think I've ever gotten a comment from you on my blog!
ReplyDeleteOh how I laughed and laughed about this blog. JimBo you write really well; certainly your offspring got that talent from you :)
ReplyDeleteAs you know I follow my heart and dreams; everyone thinks I am crazy but my life is good. But I like you would love my family and friends around me. We can't have everything, although I like to think I can.
Love Indian Rocks Beach.. my favorite place to live I really should have stayed there, but I didn't have income; now your franchise sounds good. I will consider.
Love, Mema