Rotonda, Florida January 2012

Ever since we retired we've suffered through what seemed to be endless, extremely cold winters.  Last January, when we received over 8 inches of snow, we agreed we would not do this again in 2012!  So several months ago we began discussing and researching where we wanted to go.  Two requirements:  the dog must go and it had to be warm!   Having not spent much time in southern Florida, we were reluctant to commit to an entire month in one location.   We went through all the "What Ifs"...what if the place we rent turns out to be a dump, what if we really want to be back at home after a week or so, what if we are bored to death, or even worse, what if the bed isn't as comfortable as our own.  You know you've arrived into your golden years when no bed sleeps as good as your own. 

So after much research, we decided to split our month and stay first in Rotonda, Florida (located between Sarasota and Ft. Myers on the western coast) for 10 days and then spend the last two weeks in Marathon (Key Colony Bay), in the middle of the Florida Keys. 

During the entire planning phase, I thought what could be better than to spend an entire month with the ones that I love the most (Richard and Lucy (our unbelievably spoiled dog)).  That worked out really well until about a week before we were scheduled to leave, Richard's mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Ironically, we faced a very similar situation two years ago when a week before we were leaving the country for 28 days, my younger brother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer!   On both occasions, our desire to take a vacation was doused by the harsh realities of life.   But, after much prayer and discussion, we continued with our plans two years ago, and we were able to spend the next 18 months enjoying him and helping with his care.  This time, we postponed the trip for a couple of days until we knew for sure that this too would be a marathon instead of a sprint.  Richard's brother and sister were willing and able to be there for her and as her treatments begin, we've been flooded with friends that have offered to help as well.  So, in a few weeks, we will return, refreshed and ready to do what we can.  Oh, I might also mention that she would have kicked our backsides if we'd cancelled!