Hard to believe that three weeks ago, I was walking barefoot in Florida. It was a whirlwind trip, just about 5,000 miles in two weeks. I’ve probably got a few more grey hairs from driving in rush hour traffic (in the dark) through Atlanta, Georgia, but it was well worth it, just to be able to be outside in shorts and sleeveless shirt and walk barefoot on the beach.

The Big Beast at Vicksburg,

Grand nephew and great-grand nephew loving the beach,


and pictures to remind me of a wonderful, peaceful time,

The downside was that it was a heatwave down there, and rainy and cloudy the whole time. If we can do this again next winter, my nephew Scott would prefer to go to Arizona. That would be fine with me, we could head down to Texas to the coast so I could get my beach fix and then head to the desert. It certainly makes for a nice break in the winter. Last weekend was horribly cold, and this weekend is going to be even worse. These pictures give an idea of how wicked that northwest wind can get in the wintertime. Those icicles under the eves are at an almost 90° angle.

Statistically, we are past the worst of the winter, the days are noticeably getting longer, and (again, statistically) the days will be getting warmer. Spring is on the way!!