Judy Grillo
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All Over the Place!

1/29/2018

8 Comments

 
I'm not sure what day it is, but I do know that January is passing by, and I'm still not feeling grounded in 2018. Yet, during the past few weeks, I've had an interesting agenda with dear friends and new acquaintances, have lived in three counties in South Florida, experienced four different sleeping arrangements, and sketched out my travel thoughts for the next few months.

After escaping the ice age, I spent a week at an AirBnb in Boca Raton with a few millennials who couldn't hold a conversation with a woman my age. But, it didn't matter much as I was less than a mile from the beach, it was warm, I had two bikes and two legs, and was busily enjoying revisiting Delray, along with a friend or two. 

From Boca, I returned to the beach hostel in Fort Lauderdale that I found four or more years ago. Yes, I headed south to stay warm as the weather has been up and down, but certainly not coat weather where I'm living. During my week in the "women's bunk room," I was the only person from the US of A, so it appears the weak dollar is attracting many Europeans and South Americans. While I enjoyed the company (including some familiar faces), my sweet little hostel (the only game in town) has become overpriced, and (as a result?) has lost its community feeling. There were far too many one-nighters passing through enroute to elsewhere. However, I did get to use my French (merci, Manuelle!), and really enjoyed visits with two local friends I now see annually. 

Next up, was an unexpected WorkAway experience! Four years ago (almost to the day), I spent a few days west of Lauderdale on a volunteer stint instructing and doing interior painting. Lo and behold, Brandee emailed to ask if I would return as her home continues to be an evolving project. So, I did, and enjoyed a private room & bath, catching up on our lives, and joining her "healthy chicks" group for some social time. The work? Interior painting! 
 
I've now been back in my tent along the St. Lucie River for a nearly 2-week stint. With that, life is starting to feel normal again as I wake with the sun and fall asleep to hooting owls. Many neighbors are in place for weeks so there's a pleasant feeling of community here, and I've been enjoying both the company and solo time by bike, foot, or with a good book. I'm feeling pretty relaxed right about now, in fact.   

So, you thought I was just soaking up the sun, didn't you? At week's end, I will move to my favorite town in Florida - Sebastian - where I'll be spending February in a variety of locations, and consciously beginning thoughts of 2018!  
8 Comments
sue tyler
1/30/2018 08:57:45 am

Sebastian is one of my favorites. They have a great bike group there, they ride every morning.
So, how is your speed doing? Are you up to 20 mph avg.?
We are getting more snow today and 40 mph wind gusts so no riding for me.
Hubster and I are celebrating our 30 year Anniversary today.
Let me know when you will be out west. I will be in Colo. July 4th-8th.
BTW, my kitchen needs painting...
Miss you! s

Reply
Judy
1/31/2018 04:05:23 pm

Sue:
Clueless on the Sebastian bike group! Are they part of the Vero Beach Club? Can't find them! Do tell! No progress on the speed ~ riding in South Florida is stop & go as well as ride with great caution! That said, I've never been at 20 mph avg so doubt that will happen! Will be working on it along A1A soon! Happy 30 years, OMG! Still haven't sat down with myself on travel past Gulf Shores on 3/27 for a week. Moving really slowly ...j.

Reply
Eileen
1/31/2018 02:53:50 pm

Judy: Laughed at you escaping ice age. This morning was 12 and yesterday we had a dusting of couple inches of snow. More of that to come on Thursday.

Was checking out property in Sebastian and amazed at how affordable it is. Right now any place that is over 50 degrees sounds heavenly, Great photos!

Reply
Judy
1/31/2018 04:08:05 pm

Eileen:
Indeed, I'm still watching the weather to the north and thankful to be here! Are you looking at rental in Sebastian? I'm anxious to get there on Friday and see if the town is remaining on an even keel! Feels like everyone from the US and Canada east of the Mississippi has had enough of winter already and are here! j.

Reply
Anne-Marie
2/3/2018 09:54:44 am

Did you strategically move that sign??!!!

Reply
Judy
2/3/2018 10:34:39 am

What sign? Though curious, the answer is "absolutely not!".

Reply
Anne-Marie
2/3/2018 01:53:52 pm

It appears to be an advertisement for Happy Camper Ground Coffee. Thanks for letting me know that Entenmann's makes a LEMON pie. What's more grounded than an earth-bound tent??!! Lovely skies over North Beach.

Reply
Judy
2/5/2018 09:37:54 am

Ohhhh. Eileen gave me that Happy Camper coffee for Xmas and I was sitting with a cup at my picnic table when the image was simply there! Those Entenmann's pies are SWEET, SWEET!




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