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12/29/2014

Just Checkin' In

Good evening. We're just back from having a nice drive in heavy fog, after going to a delicious Mexican dinner. Then we stopped at a house that has magnificent Christmas decorations that must have been professionally done, and probably took a month or longer to put up. There's a sign out front that advises to tune to a local radio station, which is playing Christmas music. As the music plays (and especially if it's a tune with a boogey beat) - the lights display and change & it's a wonder to watch. We visited this place last year too, as it's close to where our kids live.

Yesterday was sunny & think the temp hit 80. I had my coffee out on the patio, reading & watching the boat traffic.  Thought I'd share a  few pictures of what we see from the patio, as I don't have any cards to share.

- Bird Sanctuary with a boat wake

- Where I had my coffee and read. Had to wear my sunglasses it was so bright outside. Got rather hot as well.

- What is on one side of the kids' place. This belongs 2 doors down from them. Glad we don't have to fuel it up.

Construction next door. The pink house is 2 doors down. The neighbors next door bought an old Florida beach house, just to get the property. They had the house torn down, and are building a house that will have parking underneath the main floor. The codes now will not allow a house to have the main floor on ground level (which is a good idea to my mind!). However the kids had remodeled their house before this code was enacted, so in case of high tides during a hurricane, guess what's likely to happen here?????
 
 
Looking the opposite direction about 3 doors down. And many of these people are not at home just now. What a big waste in my opinion. Oh well. No, our kids don't have a boat. And we HOPE they don't try to get one. It won't be one of these, fer sure. They are of the 'old Florida', but lots of immigrants to the State have bought in this area, torn down the beach houses. Built up some big ones, so that the natives are struggling to be able to live in the area. The property of an older places is worth more than the house that sets on it. A bit sad really.



I hope that all my lovely readers had a wonderful & blessed Christmas day, and were able to spend it in good health and with their loved ones. Expect we shall be traveling back to South Carolina on New Year's Day - according to my chauffeur. I'd prefer to go a day before or after, but since he's the driver, I will get in, keep my mouth shut and go to sleep! The trip goes a lot better that way and nobody gets too aggravated. I tend to be a white-knuckle passenger! Lots of crazies on our interstates.

Thanks for joining me. In case the sunshine is making anyone feel envious, we'll be returning to winter weather at home! So don't feel too bad about it! Come again soon, and hope to have some cards when we get back in port. In the meantime, Happy New Year and be safe with whatever you're doing. Big Hugs & God Bless.


30 comments:

  1. Oh my, what gorgeous pictures, Mary!! If I had that view, I don't think I would ever be able to leave!! I hope you had a wonderful, relaxing holiday with your family!! And I hope your hubby is doing much better, too. Happy, happy new year my friend!! I hope 2015 is filled with much love, happiness and many, many blessings!! Hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  2. Oh, Mary, you are so funny describing your riding with your hubby. My hubby and I are the same way! I read while we drive. When not reading, I sleep :). How great that you enjoyed the sun. Your kids certainly have a lovely home with nice views. The construction can be a drag,

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  3. Thank you for sharing your photos.
    Have a very happy new year and a safe trip home.

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  4. Fabulous pics Mary, how wonderful to live by the water! Looks like you're having a lovely time. Best wishes for a Happy New Year :) Cathy x

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  5. Wonderful pics, Mary. Drive safely over the New Year period. xx

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  6. Hello Mary, love all your wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing them.
    The first one reminded me of the view we had from our Florida Villa earlier this year .... happy memories.
    Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
    Wishing you and yours have A Happy, Healthly & Prosperous New Year. Hope 2015 brings you all you wish for.

    Patricia x

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  7. I do enjoy your posts Mary, they always make me smile and what great pics too!!
    Winter really has arrived in the UK now, after really mild temperatures we are now well below freezing. According to the weathermen it's going to warm up again soon though!! xx

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  8. Mary, wonderful sea view to look at and see it change every day. So sad that in comers buy these homes, knock them down build a new one then don't live there all year. Yes it's the hard working locals that miss out. It's like that in so many places here in the UK. We will just hope that your daughter doesn't have any bad storms to ruin their beautiful home. You two have a safe trip home. Thank you for sharing your photos. Hazel x

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  9. Such fab pictures! I may be somewhat jealous of their location, lol.
    Hope you had a fantastic Christmas, and travel safe when you head gome! x

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  10. Lovely photos Mary and yes, I do envy you the sunshine but perhaps not the heat! We have snow here but sadly, very little sun... Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year, hope 2015 is a great one for you and yours! Hugs, Anne xx

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  11. I'd love those temps here. We have -1 at the moment. Very heavy frost turning everything white.

    Safe journey home.

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  12. Fabulous photos Mary! And safe journey back home.

    Happy New Year when it arrives!

    Hugs

    Di xx

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  13. Looks all so wonderful Mary, enjoy and a happy new year to you my lovely blogging friend.xx

    {The Journey is the Start – my personal blog}

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  14. Great photos, Mary! No wonder it took so long to get to Citrus Park. Looks like they are on the gulf? Perhaps in Pinellas County? Will strive to answer your email today. I'm so backed up! May you and your hubby enjoy a new year with good health, and lots of love, Mary! hugs, de

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  15. Fabulous photo's Mary I did chuckle at your comment about hubby driving LOL. It's really freezing now in the UK I just want to hibernate! have a safe journey and lots of huggles Sue xxxxx

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  16. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing. 80 degrees!!! Slightly cooler here - the temperature is struggling to get above freezing during the day and much colder at night. Have a safe journey home and sending best wishes for 2015. xx

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  17. Lovely weather and lovely views to go with it Mary, and so glad you have had a good time with the family. We have only stirred out once since Christmas although we are off out to friends tomorrow evening and also New Year's Day, so I hate to say it but in a way we will be pleased to get back to our normal routines. x

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  18. The bright sunshine looks lovely! It's cold and rainy here today. Sun will come out tomorrow. Didn't Annie sing that? Enjoy!

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  19. Glad you are having good weather Mary and lovely views from the house.
    I had a little giggle when you said "boat" as the owners will probably be quite proud of it.
    Now if you are interested google
    Vava ii

    This is the "boat" my Son-in-Law is Captain of.
    Enjoy you last couple of days with your Family, safe journey home and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

    Kath x

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  20. Hi Mary, fabulous photos..you did make me laugh..

    Wishing you and yours have A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year. 2015
    Pam...

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  21. Beautiful pics Mary!!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!

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  22. Beautiful pictures Momma Mary! I wish it was 80 degrees here. lol When we left NY this morning it was only 10 degrees and we hit many snow squalls on the way home, glad they were only squalls. DS is supposed to get almost a foot of snow tonight into tomorrow and more to come on Friday and Saturday. Glad we got out of Dodge before that snow came! I sure hope DD & SIL doesn't have any flooding since they are right at the water level!! I think that was a good code to put in place if you ask me. I'm not happy about you guys coming home on NY's day, please be careful on the road, might be a lot of hung over people on the road. Hugs, Brenda

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  23. What a wonderful spot Mary! Safe travels, and may 2015 be a year that brings you many joys.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  24. wonderful place to share Mary - happy, safe times and every blessing on your 2015!
    Shaz in Oz.x

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  25. What a lovely post, so informative and so true about the houses coming down to make way for new, it's happening on most coastal houses here too. Great photos too.

    Good for you to have a break in the heat to make winter shorter. Hope you have a good and safe journey home.

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  26. I am here to wish you an excellent new year 2015, love those pics and the doggies with their santa's clothes are adorable!!! thanks for all your support through the 2014, I look forward for new things to share ...best wishes
    and warm hugs from the USA
    bibiana

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  27. Looks wonderful! What a blessing to get to live there or stay there. Hugz

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  28. How fun to have coffee in the sun in the winter! Loved seeing your pictures, Mary! I'm the same as you if we're driving in bad weather. Have to keep my eyes closed & at least pretend I'm asleep--LOL!

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