Happy 40th to Me--Day 4 + Bonus

How frustrating! I posted about our last day and it didn't publish. Here I try again...

Day 4 was great! Jon was trying to find a rare bird that likes to hide, so I camped out by the ocean at Long Key State Park. It was morning with a breeze, but it still felt good. No beach--just weeds. I ended up with a bad rash on my leg. I'm not sure if I sat in something or if the salt water irritated my dry skin or what. I'm just praying that I'm not allergic to the sun, and, or water! There were some guys trying to get a wind sail going and that was fun to watch, as were the pelicans diving for fish.

We drive further down the Keys, to just over halfway, to Sombrero Beach and had lunch, walked in the ocean, and relaxed. That was the prettiest beach that I saw in the Keys. I read a review on it before we went and a guy said he was there and saw a wooden boat full of Cuban immigrants land there once. Nothing that exciting happened to us. There were a lot of Portuguese man-o-war at this beach, but oh, the soft, white sand!

The Keys are amazing! Bridges connect them. Some are only wide enough for a two lane road, a walking path on either side, and a line of trees. Others are maybe a mile or two wide.

We had to leave mid afternoon to make our flight back in Miami. On the way back, I once again noticed the signs along the highway--crocodile crossing. How funny is that?! Is the crocodile going to climb or jump over the fence, walk across the road, crawl over the barrier, and then get over the fence on the other side?

We got to the airport with just enough time to spare and waited, and waited, and waited. Then the flight was deemed to have mechanical issues and they decided to bring in another aircraft, which meant we were going to miss our connection in Atlanta. There were a lot of others in the same boat. We thought it would be easier to get a flight home from Atlanta, so we boarded the new plane, but then the airline called back and told us to get off--we'd get home 4 hours earlier if we stayed in Miami and left the next morning with a layover in LA. It was too late for our luggage--it was on its way. The airline paid for a meal and a hotel night. It was a long day of travel to get home, but we made it!  And our luggage beat us home.

This was the best birthday present ever! Such a fun, relaxing time... I loved it!

Happy 40th to Me--Day 3

Day 3 was very relaxed. We went to a church service and it felt a little bit like home. We then drove to Key Largo and stopped at Harry Harris beach. Apparently, the beaches in the keys are mostly rock and the sand is imported in. It was still pretty. We're staying in a hotel tonight, so we lounged around the pool for awhile and watched some of the super bowl. Last day is tomorrow! We miss the kids, but aren't ready to go home yet.

Happy 40th to Me--Day 2

I forgot to tell about the pets yesterday. The house we're renting has 3 dogs on the property that are friendly and cute. This is a very pet oriented place, especially dogs. Restaurants have bowls of water for the dogs outside of them; there's a large pet supermarket full of supplies! When we first got to Hollywood yesterday, we saw an older couple walking their dogs. Each one was pushing a baby stroller and a dog was sitting in each one! I thought walking your dog meant they actually walked. :)

Jon hasn't been feeling too well, so we really took it easy today. I read a lot this morning and then we went to the beach for a few hours. We rode the trolley there, which was fun. We ate lunch on the beach and right as I was ready to eat a carrot, a gull swooped from behind me and is wings hit me in the head. Talk about brave! No, it didn't get my carrot.

We drove to Miami and walked along the northern part of South Beach this evening.

It's been so nice and relaxing! It was quite windy today, but a beach is a beach.

Happy 40th to Me --Day 1

Three days ago, I got a huge birthday surprise! Jon and the kids gave me a trip to Florida! The beach is one of my favorite places to be. I get so cold and down, with the January blahs, cold temps, and gray/brown days. This year was especially hard with the thought of turning 40 looming over my head. This trip was the perfect gift! I've always wanted to go somewhere warm for my birthday--it's a dream come true!

We flew out just after midnight on my birthday, January 30th, and took a red eye to Atlanta. We then caught a fight to Miami. Miami. Eek! Palm trees, sunshine, blue skies, warmth, the ocean. We're staying just north of Miami, in Hollywood, for 2 days and then we'll go to Key Largo for a day and a half, before heading home.

Guess where I spent all morning? Yup, the beach! I was practically rolling in the sand, I was so happy to be here! Unfortunately, Jon got sick a week ago and still isn't completely better. He's such a trooper! He went and napped in the car while I soaked up the sun. We explored around Holland Park this afternoon and just took it easy.

I love being here! Thanks family and friends, for making this possible!