sunshine kiss, wintry bliss
Friday, February 26th, 2010Spending a week in winterproof Florida; the so-called Sunshine State known for its immunity from major coldspells, sirens calling me to the beach anytime, right?
My recent vacation with my better half (here for a conference) began with two stormy days. Drove from Ft. Lauderdale thru the Upper and Middle Keys down to Key West. Fun stops, though–first to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo with walks among the mangroves. Wish I could get up the nerve to learn to dive, but that’s always worried me since I wear an insulin pump. I wonder how many other people taking insulin have managed to dive–how in the world do they manage their sugars and taking insulin? It’s on my to-do list but still a huge stretch for me to grapple with since i’m on short-acting insulin only!
Islamorada was our next stop; very picturesque despite the brewing storm clouds overhead. Then on to Marathon, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys. Lots of sitting led to many blood sugar level checks. Where was my anticipated sun?
Four hours later, we finally arrived in Key West. Grey water and dark angry skies. So much rain made us crave seeking cozy eating spots (yep; had to keep “juicing up” with insulin!) between our adventures to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory (where we captured some great photos indoors) and the mind-boggling above-ground historic cemetery (which was mysteriously beautiful with crumbling crypts, family plots, and gravestones awash with puddled water). So much for walks on the beach or swimming laps in the beautiful hotel pool! An hour before sunset, though, the storm clouds broke and rays of warm sunlight streaked through the sky, leaving us with the magic of a stunning sunset on our last day there.
The next morning, we retraced our route to Ft. Lauderdale, allowing for a few nature walks/bird search diversions and a stop for an inexpensive but oh-so-tasty (yep: high carb, too!) Cuban lunch. Delightful.
The last two days have been cool and rainy. I learned something today: native Floridians told me that they experience winter weather thru the end of March! I pride myself on learning something new every day, but I’ll ruefully admit that this wasn’t news I really wanted to understand or embrace!
Ha, ha: the last laugh (hopefully) isn’t on me, becuz with the sun finally out, I got to walk a few miles on Hollywood Beach Boardwalk today. Northern weathered sunbirds (retirees from colder climes) were out in force–sunning themselves to brilliant crimson hues. What a kick to see everyone, turned toward the sun like rows of egrets drying their feathers, warming their beleaguered cold-weary bodies. A soft kiss on their cheeks, and mine. So welcome! Winter, it seems, is definitely in the eyes of the beholder, and differently defined and appreciated.
