Things I'll Miss About Living In Florida

7. The weather, obviously. 
Summer's always been my favorite season.  I've been enjoying it non-stop for the past eleven years.  And now that it's finally nice enough to turn off the air conditioner and open the windows, I'm moving to Michigan.  Just in time for winter.  Bah!


6. The beach. 

Elliot at Large

I rarely go anymore, but when we first lived here, we made a point of going to the beach often.  I recall my first Thanksgiving as a southerner, digging my toes into the sand and playing in the temperate surf.  Sadly, life took over and the beach became just another thing I didn't make time for.  I took my son today for the first, and probably last, time.





5. The flora. 
Exotic species are everywhere.  From swaying palm trees to colorful bougainvillea to citrus groves, sea grape and gumbo limbo trees.  I have a fruit haven in my backyard where I grow bananas, pineapples, oranges and the Peruvian apple cactus fruit, which grew back there for years before I even realized it was a fruit.



4. The fauna. 

Roseate Spoonbill - Everglades National Park

Alligators, crocodiles, panthers, armadillos, golden orb weaver spiders, Burmese pythons, iguanas, parrots ant lions, scorpions, lizards, geckos and every species of tropical fish, just to name a few.  I once found a ferret in my front yard.  Admittedly it was someone's pet, but it was a much more enjoyable find than the pygmy rattlesnake on the front porch.







3.  My next-door neighbor, Howard.

Howard's Dining Room

Where else will I find such blog fodder.  I'm compiling a list of Howard's greatest hits, which ought to include his handing out raisins for Halloween this year.  Why, you ask?  Tune in later.  Actually, he's been helpful when necessary.  Still goofy, but a decent friend.





2. La Bamba's Mexican Restaurant.
Mexican food made by real Mexicans.  If you find yourself near Ft. Lauderdale, eat here.  It is that good.




1. My writing friends - The Inkbloods.

The Inkbloods

I've made other friends over the years.  Some have moved on, some have passed on.  When I joined the library critique group so long ago, I hoped it would improve my writing.   I had no idea it would come with friendships lasting far beyond Tuesday nights.  I will miss them most of all.