We got back from Florida, what, 3 weeks ago? God, I am an undependable blogger. But I bet you guys have all been pinning shit on Pinterest and didn't even notice. (WTF, btw? ANOTHER internet trend that I have to keep up with? NOOOOOOOO!)
Here is my Florida report, with special love to my favorite Florida Cracker:
I don't like South Florida. First, the traffic is ridiculous. Second, if you travel 2 blocks inland from the cute beach area it's all just an unattractive sprawl. You could be in any overbuilt, underplanned metropolitan area. Still, we had fun visiting our friend Reggie and staying in his cool, mid-century condo, overlooking the beach. Life is rough, right?
Sunset on the beach in Ft Lauderdale.
We spent a day at Shark Valley in Everglades National Park. We rented bikes and rode a 15 mile loop, which took forever because I kept gasping appreciatively and stopping to take pictures, most of which sucked, but that won't stop me from putting them up here.
Hanging out, catching some rays.
I am in love with the Everglades. I had no idea it would be so beautiful, so ethereal. I pictured a dark swamp, not acres upon acres of graceful, swaying grass, with flocks of birds rising up and circling in a blue sky above us.
But it made me sad to see the Everglades and fall in love with it and to read about the fragility of the environment and the devastating effect of development at its fringes (particularly the demands for water from South Florida). Its future existence is by no means assured. What an incalculable loss that will be.
And then I got all indignant every time we passed houses with lawns or a golf course. XERISCAPE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PEOPLE.
I am doing the Everglades and the native Floridians a favor and NOT retiring to Florida to play golf. You're welcome!
It's a little hard to see the baby alligators in the grass with their momma. She was HUGE, by the way. I was unable to get a better shot because I was very busy maintaining a respectful distance.
This was up on a lookout tower thing-y. It doesn't do the scenery justice. My hand is strategically placed on Josh's tshirt to hide the sweaty blotches.
There is other news to tell you about, wonderful news, but I will save that for tomorrow, or a month from now. Whichever.
I laughed at your title.
I don't much care for Florida, either, except in the late and early months of the year....without all that humidity. The Keys are wonderful, tho, and we camped on the beach there one week many many moons ago when our kids were very small and with mom and dad in the next tent over. Don't ask how that went! :)
Alligators bark! I did not know that until one night sitting out by the lake at my parents' home. Creeped me out and then I wondered why I hadn't known that.
Glad you had a good time and looking forward to your forthcoming news.....
Posted by: Belle | February 05, 2012 at 12:28 PM
Me neither! I don't like big bugs or alligators or hurricanes. I'll stay in Washington where we have the occasional snow or ice hell and are at risk for a massive earthquake. :) Glad you have good news to share--don't tease!! P.S. I'm the world's worst Pinterester.
Posted by: Margaret | February 05, 2012 at 01:34 PM
WHAT?!
Cliffhanger?
Sheesh.
Posted by: blackbird | February 05, 2012 at 01:59 PM
Sooooo happy to hear from you.
Great and uplifting post.
Hugs, Margaret
Posted by: Margaret | February 05, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Even I would be sad if nature goes away. No idea why but the truth. I am glad you left the elderly diner before they sold you a time share. xxxx bee
Posted by: the bee | February 05, 2012 at 02:39 PM
My dear DH wants SO BADLY to move/retire to Florida and there is no way in hell I am doing that. First, the only bearable months are November thru March after that the 90/90 rules goes into effect (temp and % of humidity). I don't mind the Gulf coast during these months, but on the beach, not driving up and down 75 from malltown to malltown. They do have a great flea market but, other than that, and except for the nice family members that currently live there, it's not the place for me. My kids are here in CO. The oldest is 25 and no grandkids on the horizon yet, but when there are some (I still have hope!) I will not be thousands of miles away from them. And, I love it here, the end.
Posted by: Pam L | February 05, 2012 at 03:33 PM
Hi Mary! Good to hear wonderful news is coming!
Posted by: Laura | February 05, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Aw, baby alligators! And is there a baby-grandchild-to-be? ("Baby" is what my mind goes to immediately when I hear "wonderful news.) Or is it going to be a double wedding?
Posted by: Swistle | February 05, 2012 at 04:06 PM
I love that you love the glades and that you survived south Florida.
Your photos do NOT suck by the way.
WTH is pinterest?
Posted by: FC | February 05, 2012 at 07:30 PM
I haven't been to Florida in decades. Except the Miami airport. Anyway, I couldn't live there--too hot, too humid. Plus the large, lizard-type creatures. And big snakes.
So, "wonderful" news. Hmmmm. Thinking you guys are going to be grandparents?
Don't leave us hanging, now!
Posted by: Anne | February 05, 2012 at 10:18 PM
No! God! They're not even married yet. Although, I hear that babies CAN be conceived out of wedlock. But no.
Posted by: miz s | February 05, 2012 at 10:23 PM
AS far as I'm concerned that's a much better photo than I would have got of the baby alligators. My respectful distance seems to be about 3,000 miles away.
I'm proud to be doing my part for the environment by not playing golf and forgetting to water my yard during the 3 sorry months of the year I'd actually need to remember to do that here.
Posted by: Maggie | February 06, 2012 at 11:11 AM
YAY! Good damn news ... about time you had some.
The mommy alligator looks a tiny bit as if she is eyeing her offspring as a delicious and tasty snack. Or, on this day of playdates, am I just projecting?
Posted by: liz michalski | February 06, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Speaking of babies... sort of. My MOM told me that some other old aunt told her - first babies come whenever they want. Other babies take 9 months. In reference to somebody counting months from wedding to birth, apparently.
Posted by: Gretchen | February 06, 2012 at 04:59 PM
What a wise and funny old aunt Gretchen has! That's a great perspective that has nothing to do with either of your daughters I hear.
Posted by: Pam L | February 06, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Pinterest isn't a trend, it's the Next Big Thing in social networking. At least that's what the Internet says, so it must be true.
Posted by: Evangeline | February 07, 2012 at 08:34 AM
1. I am glad you have left that diner. I was beginning to worry.
2. South Florida feels apocalyptical to me. But I'm glad to hear the Everglades are nice. Sad, too, of course.
Posted by: Readersguide | February 07, 2012 at 12:44 PM
The suspense be killing me. :|
Posted by: Livi | February 08, 2012 at 09:26 AM