The Retired Life

Last Monday my parents, Scarlett and I flew to Naples just before the cold weather hit the midwest. Despite it being a direct flight and the 3:1 adult to child ratio, I was exhausted.  Scarlett was a party that did not stop. She decided to skip both of her naps. It was a 3 person job to channel her enthusiasm for life on a plane.

Arriving at Heritage Bay was wonderful! I can see why so many retired people winter in Florida. Actually, I'm beginning to wonder why everyone doesn't live in Florida. The weather is warm (or at least mild this week) which brings people out to be active and social. Scarlett has been enjoying lots of walks and pool time. She loves to yell "nigh night" to all the people laying out. She has a good heart wishing them a nice rest, but she actually just wakes them up.

In December I started my dream job of being a stay at home mom. In Florida I'm not a SAHM, I'm truly retired. Everyday my dad makes coffee with Scarlett and pumpkin waffles. My mom has done all my laundry and cooking. My parents love playing with Scarlett, so I have tons of time to relax. I've been able to talk with Ben almost everyday using Tango. He seems to be enjoying Vietnam.  My mom and I went to Big Eyes at a luxury theater. Tickets are only $6 on Tuesdays, so we're going to make it a weekly tradition. (Even paradise needs some structure.) I managed to call into my committee meeting last week for my Bible study and have already enjoyed completing my first book: Orphan Train. I could get use to retirement!

Home :)

 

Looking for alligators. Haven't seen any so far. There is enough action on the golf course to keep Scarlett entertained.

Bringing a feminine touch to the sandbox- carrying a pail like a purse. 

Lobster quesadillas on the boardwalk and a stroll on the white sand beach afterwards.

Thursday evening my good friend Heather came to visit. We had a great time catching up, enjoying the weather and seafood.

My ginger loving ginger :)

Heather discovered a cucumber ginger martini when we were out for seafood at Roy's. Pretty sure we could have ordered anything on the menu and amazed, but I love how elated she was over the ginger stir stick that came with her martini. After our dinner on the we went next door to Alto for wine and live jazz. Such a fun evening on the bayfront!

At my mom's suggestion, we went to the Ritz Carlton for lunch. We had a seamless encounter with valet parking because of Heather's quick googling skills. It was as we were driving in that I realized I had never been the driver when using valet parking and needed to brush up on my etiquette. We enjoyed Lobster quesadillas on the boardwalk and a stroll on the white sand beach afterwards

A Florida snowball

Heather and I stopped at a coffee shop while we were out shopping and figured we should have a little snow while we are in Florida. Needless to say, snowballs don't last long here. Delicious!