38 day countdown

I found the first craft fair that I will participate in here in Florida. The 3rd Annual Panhandle PhunFest! I have been in the sewing room all day, thank goodness for a little rainy weather. Cutting, sewing and ironing describes the activties for today. With only 38 days until the festival I have to get busy and make as many of my eco friendly items as I possibly can. This festival supports a good cause, the Fisher House on Eglin Air Force Base. It is a place where family members can stay when they have a loved one recovering in the hospital.
If you are in the area on September 26th go to Navarre, and stop by the Phunfest! Looks like they will have a ton of craft vendors, and some good music. I hope to see you there!

Settling In

Wow! What a lot of boxes. We had about 5 people come over and pick up boxes and packing paper. I think we are finally rid of all of it. I have not unpacked my quilting fabric, and it sits in 6 big boxes in the back room that we are using as staging as we rearrange all of our furniture. The craft room is going to have to wait until ONE we make some shelves, and TWO when M goes back to work.

Our days now are filled with swimming and organizing and throwing away a ton of junk. One of the most important lessons we have learned from this move is SPEND MORE THAN ONE DAY PREPARING FOR THE MOVE. Even though someone came in and packed our stuff and moved it 13 hours south, we still had a lot of junk. So we have dropped off items at the Goodwill for 5 days straight, I think they know us by name now.

The good news is that Nilla is really having a nice time swimming in the pool, and of course taking naps on the plants. I guess it is more comfortable than the dirt. I don't blame her.

We are going to the beach in the morning then we have to prepare for family coming in for the weekend. Busy, busy.

Water Sports

Instead of organizing and packing up to move, I have been looking for Kayaks online. The house we are moving to is just a block from a small boat launch on to the Choctawhatchee Bay. We wanted something fun to do on the water and I think kayaks are the boats for us. We don't like engine noise when enjoying the water, but we don't have the funds for a sailboat. And since we first met while kayaking in the Florida Keys, we thought our own kayaks would be perfect.
I don't know much about kayaks. The Internet has been very helpful there. We found some that look like they might fit the bill. Have you heard of a recycled kayak? Ocean Kayak makes one that is environmentally friendly from 100% post-industrial plastic. How cool.
I would get the Venus 10 since it only weighs 34 pounds, which means I could carry it by myself. That is a determining factor in our purchase. I can't wait to get down there to have some fun in the sun.
If anyone has any info or stories about your own kayaking adventures I would love to hear them!

Golf-The Sport for All Ages

One of the best things about golf is that you can play at any age, from young to old. Whether you enjoy golf for the fun of being outside with friends, or for the fierce competition, you can play this sport forever. If you tire of walking try using the golf cart, if your game is slumping a few extra lessons might help you beat your partner next time.

I am moving to Florida and there are a ton of places to play. One of the nearby areas has wonderful courses to check out. Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations can be just what the doctor ordered! In Florida golfing is just another excuse to ditch work early for a little fun in the sun. I can see it now, the bright blue sky the deep green of the golf course grass, what is not to love.

For those of you that will be visiting us once we move to Florida there are a variety of Myrtle Beach golf packages available. Some of the courses near by are well know, and have hosted the PGA tour in past years. Golf Packages in Myrtle beach are everywhere, you can just pick the courses that appeal to you and book them online. Dust off those clubs, shine your shoes and get your sunscreen, it is time to play golf.

A new shoreline to discover

Once we move and settle in we will start exploring our new environment. As we did when we moved to Chicago. We explored the city, and we explored the top have of our great country from Illinois to Wyoming and back. We are always looking for an excuse to travel around. As I was exploring google maps, I saw that Myrtle Beach is less than an hour from where we will be living in Florida. Myrtle Beach Resorts litter the shore line, and I can't wait to check them out. Where there is warm weather, sunshine, and water, that is where you will find me. After 10 Chicago winters, I am ready, I am ready to go where it is warm. At the Myrtle Beach resort you can book sailing charters for days sails. The waters look so blue, and I can almost imagine the wind in my hair, hoisting the mail sail and setting sail for Bird Island.

As you can imagine Myrtle Beach hotels range in size from large to small. There is something for every one's budget. Indulge in a vacation to escape from the Midwest winter. I hear it is nice in Florida in March!

Back at home

We are back from our long haul down south. The drive was a nightmare, but at least the dog was well behaved.
The beaches of the panhandle of Florida are magnificent. The sand as white as snow and so very soft on the feet. We were able to watch the sunset in Fort Walton Beach. It was beautiful and I wanted to share some photos.
Spring break was just starting, so the beaches were still empty as we strolled in the warm evening air.

Just that short weekend back in Florida is going to make the next 3 months seem like an eternity. I can't wait to be 10 minutes from the beach, and have wonderful weather year round!

Packing our Bags

We are heading to Florida for a weekend filled with house looking! We got a few days off to check out our new town. It will be a long drive for us, and the dog, but it will be fun. We will be leaving behind some chilly weather, but our destination promises 70 degrees and sunny. Notes from the road will follow throughout the weekend, maybe even a picture or two. My goal is to walk on the beach, even if it is only for a few minutes! I am bringing my new flip flops for sure!

Airboat anyone?

They may be loud, and a little unsightly, but they are a load of fun. If you ever get a chance to take a ride on an airboat...do it. Mims is a little town near Titusville on the east coast of Florida, that is where my sister found this great airboat ride at Loughmans Lake Lodge. When we got there we booked our ride, and went down to the loading zone, and hopped on the airboat. Just as we put on our big headphones, which are necessary to muffle the sound of the boat, the boat captain fired up the engine and off we went. It moved with ease over the grasses on the edge of the lake. We were skimming over waters in the St. John River for almost 2 hours. When it was over we wanted to go again. Despite the noise we were able to glide close enough to the alligators for a good look, and we also saw all sorts of birds. The weather was perfect no clouds, and temperature was about 80 degrees. With the wind from the boat it was almost chilly!The tour guide was wonderful as well, he knew his way around, and where the alligators would be. It is fun for kids and adults, so give it a try next time you are in Florida, it is a wonderful nature show you will not soon forget!