For several years we have had people ask us to visit them in Florida.  We finally decided to take them up on it.  

We flew out of TC on Monday, March 8 and landed in Fort Myers, FL in the afternoon.  We left TC in beautiful sunshine and 50 degrees.  We landed in driving rain and winds.  Oh well…the journey was on.

Monday…dinner and an overnight with Ed and Doris Loznak.  We’ve known Ed and Doris for years (Kim Lowder’s parent) and had a delightful time.

Tuesday…hung out with Mike and Dani staff and daughters Bailey and Ella.  We had lunch and dinner together, but the highlight was playing wiffle ball on the front lawn.  Ah…the simple joys of life.

Drove from Ft. Myers to Orland Tues. night and arrived at hotel at midnight…exhausted.

Wednesday was with Bonnie Kelly.  We attended a Tiger-Yankee spring training game (Tigers lost in the 9th on a two-run homer), then went out for a delightful Cuban dinner.  

Thursday: Had breakfast with our niece and a late lunch with Bay Pointers Ben and Maydean Felt.  Later that day drove through ridiculous rain and tornado warnings to Palm Beach.  At one point I thought Rose and I were going flying.  I told her no matter what happened I loved her and that when it was over be sure to “follow the yellow brick road.”  That did not comfort her.

Friday: Arrived at Dave and Jill Hall’s.  Had a great dinner with the Hall’s, Bob and Marilyn Andrews and Jack and Arlene Peplinski.  We celebrated Jill’s birthday, a number that will remain anonymous.

Saturday: spent the day totally chillin’ with Dave and Jillers.  This was our first day not running 100 mph.  Finished the day with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  Yum.

Sunday: attended a great church (Christ Fellowship) and thoroughly enjoyed the worship and solid teaching.  The facility was mind-blowing, especially the children’s ministry.  The facility said, in no uncertain terms, “Kids are a top priority here.”

In the afternoon we drove back to Fort Myers area across “Alligator Alley.”   Rose and I counted at least 20 Gators…and there were tons more to see if we pulled over and got out…which Rose was not interested in doing. 

Tomorrow is our last day, which I set aside to spend with my brother Kevin and his wife Debbie, and my sister Sharon, both who are within 30 min. of our hotel near the airport.  I’m looking forward to connecting with them.

Tuesday a.m. we head back to a community (Traverse City) and church (Bay Pointe) we love.  It’s been a great trip seeing friends in an unrushed, unplugged environment.  It was a great reminder to me of what I already know but sometimes forget: relationships matter.  If I’m too busy for that then I’m just plain too busy.