April 17, 2004

Saturday morning; we arrived in the middle of the night. Delayed flight; we, Geeg, Julie, a 4 month old Miles, Sara, and I were dragging, but holding it together. Aunt Fran, having arrived Friday, was there to greet us. Right to bed for all of us.

Many of our "life changing" moments initially go unnoticed. It takes a while for us to recognize their significance.
Not this one - I knew right away.


On Saturday morning, April 17, 2004, I first stepped foot on the beach of Indian Rocks.

Heaven, I'm in heaven. Reminded me of Magen's Bay; a beach we visited in St. Thomas. Warm, clean sand, just the slightest break of waves at the shore.







Early retirement had been a goal for several years, but no real plans had been formalized.
Now, my wheels were turning, my brain waves spinning.
This is where I wanted to enjoy my twilight years, except I wanted to enjoy them pre-twilight.


We enjoyed a spectacular vacation, made possible by the location and the company.
Geeg and I took some time to seek out a Real Estate Agent and check out some available properties. Expensive, but affordable.
We left with a plan. We were going to come back in July and check out the possibilities.

Now, this is where it got tricky. Three months to fester, ruminate, and talk ourselves out of any dreams we dared to dream.

But return we did. Got to tell you; Geeg and Pop are not generally people of action. We are usually chicken poop when it comes to action.


This time, we acted.
We've never looked back.
And we are living happily ever after.




So, as I head towards "home-north" this weekend for a short visit; one highlighted by daughter Sara's wedding, grandson Miles's Little League game, grandson Landon's soccer game, and a visit from daughter Amy and her new beau, I have no fear of the tedious drive becoming too boring. I'll simply reflect, count my blessings, and bask in the embarrassment of riches that is my life.