From Venice to Carrabelle, January 27, 2009

We find ourselves in transition once more.
On Monday, we made one last stop at Kent and Margie's

before we walked across the street to have dinner at Jim and Ellen's beautiful home.

Beth and Gary joined us,

as well as a very dear couple, Harold and Jeanne, to celebrate

Margie's birthday. It also was our 29th anniversary! These people are such fun. We had a wonderful time.


The next morning found us up at sunrise, ready to leave Venice Camp Retreat and travel seven hours up the coast from
Venice to
Carabelle, located on the panhandle of Florida, on "The Forgotten Coast."

Our drive was pretty uneventful, but we were able to amuse ourselves along the way.

Driving north on Highway 19 that afternoon, we stopped for gas in a small town. For the prior 25 miles we had noticed first a haze in the distance, then a road sign stating "Caution: Fog or smoke in area." By the time we arrived in this small town, it was definitely smoke. We could smell wood burning and our eyes burned. Paul inquired in the gas station as to what the cause of the smoke was and the young lady working there replied, "What smoke?"

As we laughed about that, we were reminded of our friend Nancy, who, teaching an introductory summer band lesson to an "incoming" sixth grade boy, noticed he was wearing a cape. Adolescence is an awkward stage of life and anyone who works with that age children knows they find extreme comfort in conformity and will go to great lengths to fit in with their peer group. Wearing a cape is a bold statement of individuality, especially at the first lesson of one's middle school career. Really, picture him:


So, at the end of the lesson, Nancy inquired about the cape. And the boy answered, "What cape?" Any person who thinks a school psychologist is a wasted educational expense has never worked in a school environment. We laughed for a long time driving up that highway remembering that story!!! Miss you, Nancy!!!

We arrived in the late afternoon at our next temporary home base, "Ho Hum RV Resort."

Our campsite is small, but the location couldn't be better.

The gulf is 50 feet from our camper door.


It is our goal to eat fresh seafood every day while we are here. So far, we have had great luck.
We will keep you posted!