We are off to Florida!

No, not for the winter, but for a much needed visit with our girls.

One of the highlights of this visit is seeing our ballerina, Camille, in her final performance in The Nutcracker with the Northwest Florida Ballet Company. Starting as a mouse in 3rd grade she has performed many different roles (including Clara); she will conclude this 9 year run as Snow Princess and Reed Flute. Next season she plans to be dancing in a college program or company.

Another highlight will be the celebration of our college student, Alison’s birthday. Looking forward to hearing how her course work is progressing following the disruption of Hurricane Florence.

And, last but not least, is the anticipation of spending time with Holly. Now that she no longer is needed to chauffeur maybe we will have more time with her; on the other hand she is very much involved with the ballet so probably not as much time as we would like.

The past month has kept us busy getting the house and garden ready for winter. Remember the termite fiasco just before we left for our Fall Adventure?

The garden shed is sporting a brand new floor! (Thanks, Captain.)

The greenhouse is full of geraniums and succulents 

 as well as jugs of water (in case any garden fairies should appear while we are away this winter with a desire to give the plants a drink. Hint, hint.)

The Crepe Myrtle trees that were over 2 stories high are now topped to about 1 story.

Most of the leaves have been raked or mulched; the rest will get done if we have a sunny day before we leave for the winter.

Speaking of winter, it appears to have arrived. Our plan was to leave for Florida on Thursday, but the forecast for Wednesday night and Thursday promised 2-4 inches of snow and/or winter mix of ice and rain. So we loaded up The Wanderer and left Wednesday morning. We didn’t totally escape the snow as we had a little sampling on Tuesday morning (see photo above.)

On Thursday as we gather around the table with our family, we have so much for which to give thanks. Having the opportunity to spend time with many of you, our extended family and friends (we often forget which is which) is at the top of the list. We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

BTW, we will return home for a few weeks before we head west for the winter.

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