First Trip Back to Florida
13 February 2011 | Wesley Chapel, FL
Our trip to the Curacao airport on Christmas Eve was an interesting adventure. We did not realize the entire island got off work around noon. The streets were packed with cars, all of them clogging the streets going somewhere. We did make it to the airport in plenty of time and had a nice flight back to Florida. The weather when we left Curacao was warm and somewhat rainy.
We landed in the chaos and confusion of Miami International with thousands of others arriving for the Christmas holiday. After stepping out of the airport, we had to immediately don whatever cold weather attire we could find and turn on heaters. Our wardrobe for the last year has been shorts, tank tops and flip flops. On a dressy day we may find ourselves in a pair of jeans and a shirt with a collar. My sister picked us up at the airport and we spent several days with my Mother, Sister and Niece in Ft Lauderdale. It was nice to be with them for Christmas.
On the first night back in Wesley Chapel the thermometer plunged to below freezing. We had the heater humming and electric blankets plugged in to warm the freezing sheets. A few weeks later we got the $300+ power bill. We enjoyed visiting family and friends while we have been home. We have been able to attend our local church, Idlewild Baptist Church, every Sunday and catch up with our church family.
The doctor appointments kept us busy for the first few weeks. We are glad to have everything checked out and have a clean bill of health for the next year or so.
I think Steve was ready to head back to North Star after a few weeks of being back in the fast paced lifestyle on land. The cold temperatures did not help. If it is below 60, outside activities are not going to happen.
The kids have been busy with friends and school. Michael started college classes a few weeks ago and is settling in to the routine. He also found a job at Hollister, a clothing store for young people. He has only worked a week or so but enjoys the job.
We will be heading back to North Star soon to start some boat projects and get the boat back in the water. We are looking forward to being on the move again and enjoying the cruising lifestyle.