We're back!

      We returned from a great time in St. Pete's Beach, Florida, today.  After 2 other attempts to go on vacation this year we finally succeeded!  As you may recall from previous posts, the first trip was cancelled due to an ice storm, and the second was cancelled due to flooding in our basement.  We managed to get to St. Pete's Beach on Wednesday with no problems, but Wednesday night and Thursday the worst storms they had had in years pelted the area with winds up to 70 miles/hour and rain coming down at a rate of 2-3 inches per hour!  The palm trees were bent almost parallel to the ground in the wind!   It really gave me an understanding of what it must be like in a hurricane!  I think the local paper said 9 tornados touched down in the area, but the damage was much less extensive than you would imagine. 

      We are beginning to wonder what it is with our vacations and weather!  The weather began to clear late Thursday evening, so our daughter and her family were able to fly in Thursday night arriving after only about 1/2 hour delay from the storms.  The weather turned beautiful for the rest of the trip.  It was in the 80's and sunny everyday till today when it was raining again as we were leaving.

      We had lots of fun in the sun.  Our 3 and 5 year old grandsons moved a ton of sand with their shovels.  I think the beach is a perfect place for family vacations--especially with little children.  There is so much to keep all of us occupied.

       I must say that for me, parasailing was the highlight of the trip!  Country Guy and I decided we needed to do something special to commemorate our 45th anniversary.  Here's our picture.  I know it is a little difficult to recognize us so you'll just have to take my word that this really is us.  We do have a video if you're interested, though.  :o)  (Of course we had to buy the video!  When will we ever get to do this again?)  I only wish I had taken my camera up with me.  The view was absolutely spectacular! 

   It's good to be home, though.  I'm ready to get serious about cleaning up the gardens, and moving and dividing plants.  Are you as eager as I am for spring?  It has been a long winter!  It seems our time in the sun just made me that much more ready to get outside.