We might not have leaves changing color here on the Emerald Coast, but we definitely have Autumn Colors of our own.

This simple photo was not re-touched or accented in any way, and was in fact taken on my little iPhone!

I love taking photographs here on the Coast.  The Island offers all kinds of beautiful views, and I have enjoyed so many different ones this year.  It is nearly December, and I won't be able to return to my beautiful Paradise until March, and I will miss all the beauty that is here.

The wind on the water, the sea birds and dolphins and rays and the waves and sand have provided me with so much beauty since I purchased the condo in May.  The variety is endless.  I will be leaving for China in just over a week, and am sure I will find some beautiful views and unusual things to photograph there, but I also believe I will never tire of taking pictures here on the Island.

While I intend to take many pictures over the next few months, I also would like to take a photography course before I return to the Island in May.  You see, I believe that an artist not only creates beautiful things, but also sees beauty through eyes that force him/her to want to share their vision with everyone else.

This simple little picture has me so captivated with all its shading and color that I think I will have it reproduced on canvas.  I can't wait to see China and Thailand and find treasures in the beauty of the landscapes and people there. 

I finished the first week of my Ease Into 5K today, but I am going to repeat the first week before moving on.  The case of whooping cough I had this summer has made stamina a bit more difficult for me.  I am hoping that by backtracking a week, I can help to build back into a greater amount of lung capacity and strength.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I am feeling really terrific now since I have lost 23 pounds.  I got myself outfitted today with a good pair of running shoes and an outfit to go with them.  My bright yellow top makes me very visible, and I have just discovered the wonders of a sports bra!  I wish I had tried one of those a long time ago...really keeps things in place! 

Tomorrow is Sunday and I will be leaving here on Wednesday, so I am trying to squeeze all I can into my last few days here.  Tuesday night we will be attending a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert in Pensacola. I fell in love with the group over 30 years ago, and am glad they are still producing such magnificent music!  We will be going to dinner at a Restaurant in Pensacola called Jaco's which has excellent reviews.  I will, of course be watching very closely what I eat...don't want to blow the diet now!  So, dinner and a great concert will end my season here on the Gulf Coast, but I will be back in the Spring, ready for another beautiful time on the beautiful Island I call home.

GOD BLESS - Peace, Love and Joy

Fall Cleaning? Yessirree!

Once again I awoke to a beautiful morning here on Okaloosa Island.  I didn't have time to enjoy it for long however, because I have a ton of chores to do while I am here this week!

It is "Deep Clean" time at the condo.  Once a year the Management company requires that the owner either pay them for a deep clean or do it themselves.  I opted to do it myself.

The funny thing about the "deep clean" thing is that I do most of these things every time I clean the unit before I leave.  Cleaning under the burner pans on the stove, cleaning the oven and wiping out drawers are standard operating procedure for me.  One thing I really don't tolerate is a dirty kitchen or bathroom. Thus, you could probably eat off the floors in my kitchen most of the time!  I also take off the mattress covers and wash them. All of these "deep clean" things are pretty much done.

Today I started by bleaching the bathrooms floor to ceiling, then proceeding to bleach every tile floor in my unit.  Next came the mop and glow to make it all sparkle.  The cabinets have been wiped down, the drawers cleaned and organized. Entry rugs cleaned.  The carpet cleaners will be in at 9 AM on Saturday to handle that, but everything else has been dusted, scrubbed, inspected and approved as immaculate.

I ran out a little while ago and bought a brand new lime green recliner.  My guests coming in on Monday had asked if I had one, as the hubby (like mine) sleeps only a little while in the bed at night, then is up and into a recliner for the rest of the night or early morning.  Well, since I needed to get one for my sweetheart anyway, I went recliner hunting.  I needed to get one which would match the lovely tropical colors which I already have in the sofa and loveseat, so the hunt became interesting. 

I checked on line, of course, to see what might be available out there and at what price.  I wanted something of good quality, but not exorbitantly expensive.  I wanted something that would wear well and look good for a while.  My sofa and loveseat are microfiber and seem to be wearing well and easy to clean, so I knew that would be an option. 

I didn't have a lot of luck at the usual spots, so I found a furniture outlet in Fort Walton Beach which looked promising.  Apparently they deal a lot with condo owners like me, and so they cater to what we need.  I finally settled on a lovely microfiber lime green recliner which will fit perfectly in the space I have allotted in the living room.  One problem however, I am driving a Chrysler 200, and no way was that recliner (even taken apart) was going to fit in my car.  I was trying to avoid the additional $40 charge for delivery, since I had already paid $475 for the recliner....oh well...that didn't happen! LOL

The recliner has been delivered, and is sitting in the window next to the Gulf with a beautiful view!  It may be a little "greener" than it looked in the store, LOL, but it does have that tropical look!

My "inspection" has just been scheduled for 11 AM on Friday, so I am just about ready to relax for a while.  Just a few more little touch up items to take care of and I can relax and enjoy Okaloosa. 

I had lunch today at Mulhollows and managed to stay on my diet by ordering a Cobb salad and dressing it only with lemon juice and a little oil.  When it first arrived, it had one of those luscious rolls they make there on the side...I had Tracy remove it quickly, before I had a chance to gobble it up!  I also declined my delicious free chocolate chip cookie! Boy, am I being good!

The red flag is up today and the surf is roaring this afternoon, so not a great day for swimming, but a great day for watching! I love the sea life here.  The dolphins and sea birds.  Today there was a little girl walking down the beach with a little red bucket full of bread crumbs dropping them along as she went merrily down the beach.  Following her, quite peacefully considering their usual behaviour, were about fifty seagulls! As she walked along this virtual parade of birds just followed her down the shore happily picking up the crumbs she dropped as she strolled along.  It was so cute, and so completely innocent.  What a joy to watch.  I never tire of watching what goes on here, whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall.  Each season has it's own joys.  Each day the Gulf has it's own mood. 

Well, I need to run out to Michael's this afternoon to pick up a few things, so I had better wrap this up for now and finish my chores.  Have a wonderful

Well, another thing to cross off my "Bucket List".  Kevin, his sister Jackie and I went deepwater fishing in the Gulf yesterday!  We checked out the boats and decided to go out on the American Spirit out of Destin's famous Harbor Walk! 

We woke to a cloudy day with threats of rain all day! However, we chose to proceed.  We stopped along the way to pick up some Dramamine (I have never been seasick, but the seas here have been rough lately, and I was worried about Kevin and Jackie).  After our little pit stop to fortify us against possible seasickness, we made our way to the dock to board the American Spirit.

The American Spirit does have a small galley aboard, and the owner's wife will cook you up breakfast if you like, and later lunch.  The only thing about that is, the smell of bacon in the morning might not be the best for those who are prone to seasickness!  NOW HEAR THIS ....  if you have never been out to sea before TAKE DRAMAMINE one half hour before your depart!  Seasickness is not fun!  I get so upset with people when they blame the Captain or the boat for their miserable experience because THEY failed to prepare adequately! 

As we headed out the inlet, I knew we were going to have a rather "bouncy" day out there.  It was gray and there were storms all around.  As you can see, it wasn't long before the rain hit!  We did have periods of no rain and then it would return.

Our Captain did a great job of locating three great fishing spots for us.  At each stop we would (25 of us) bait our lines and drop them to the bottom and immediately wind them up 5 to 10 turns and wait for the fish to start hitting...which they did!!!

We had an absolute ball!  Each line bore two hooks which we baited with pieces of squid or mackeral before dropping them overboard.

The fish caught included beautiful Red Snapper (which were out of season and had to be thrown back) Trigger Fish (which were also out of season) Vermillion Snapper (we caught a lot of these) White Snapper (caught a lot of these too!) Yag Grouper, Brown Snapper, and some others I have never seen or heard of before!

We had a hard time convincing Jackie that she had to throw that big Red Snapper she caught back into the Gulf!  I swear, if she could have found a way to smuggle him ashore she would have!  The crew members aboard were so attentive and responsive to every need, whether it was a tangled line, helping to bait a hook or removing the fish from the line (which they had the proper tools for). 

Everyone aboard caught quite a few fish and had a wonderful time in spite of the rather inclement weather!  We actually stood out on the decks in POURING rain at times and ignored it because we were having so much fun pulling fish aboard.  One little boy (and it was his first time out too) caught an enormous Brown Snapper!  Everyone aboard was envious of that one!

We boarded at 8 AM and returned to the docks at 2 PM...we really would have been happy to stay out a few more hours because we were having so much fun "catching" fish!

Yep, not just fishing, really catching.  Just a few of those fish people caught are hanging behind Kevin and Jackie after we came ashore dripping, sopping soaking wet!

That's Kevin holding our catch!  The great deck hands filleted our catch for us and we walked away with about 10 pounds of great filets.  I would really have liked to have a few of them whole, but for some weird and unknown reason the guys are not allowed to "scale" fish at the dock!  I really don't have anywhere at the condo where I could have scaled fish without them ending up all over the place, so I settled for the filets as I watched them throw away all that useable fish.

We made a quick pit stop at the Publix on the way home (I sent Kevin in since Jackie and I looked like drowned rats!) to pick up some Zatarain's fish breading, stuff to make hushpuppies and a few other little goodies. 

We all hit the hot showers when we got home to warm up and rinse off!  What a fun day.

Next thing I did was to gather up all I needed in the kitchen to have our fish fry with the fish that were fresh from the Gulf!  So, as you can see we "pigged out" on fish, fries and hushpuppies - did add some salad for a little "healthy" fare, before finishing out the evening with some Rocky Road ice cream!

Okay, okay, I know that was a lot of calories and I am supposed to be losing more weight, but it was the only meal I had all day.  I had only had a piece of toast with Laughing Cow Cheese before going out and by the time we ate it was about 5 PM!  Hunger got the best of me!!

The cost for the lovely, fun and exciting day of fishing aboard the American Spirit was $65.00 per person, and that included the license, bait and tackle.  You just had to show up with your little body and be ready to fish!

One more tip!  When I got dressed that morning, I didn't realize that it was going to pour all day and I wore WHITE pants....Mistake!  When they get wet....welllllll
Fortunately I had worn a bathing suit under them!  Yike!  Next time I will wear some jean shorts! Also, make sure to wear some shoes which will have good tread on deck...even when it isn't raining, those decks get wet from spray, fish being brought aboard, and bait!

One thing I can promise you though, is that if you like to fish at all, you MUST do this.  It is a total BLAST!!!

A Place of Peace and Relaxation

I love everything about Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island just in case I haven't said that before.  The gorgeous Emerald green, crystal clear water, the dolphins, the sugar sand, the breezes off the gulf that cool my balcony.  I love the starry nights and the sunny days.  But, even more, I love the PEOPLE I have met here.

People who are fortunate enough to live here seem to have a peaceful, laid back attitude toward life.  It is quite a change from anywhere I have lived in the past.  Even though across the Bay there is the fast-paced tourist town of Destin, Fort Walton seems to maintain a more balanced and quiet lifestyle just right for you if you are looking to enjoy a really relaxing vacation or escape from reality!

Chef Dan and Tracy from Mulhollows Bistro are two of the people we have met and are excited to know.  They have a great little Bistro at 215 hwy 98 (Miracle Strip Parkway) and it's eclectic casual atmosphere is inviting enough, but the food is off the charts delicious.  If you are in town you must, must, must try them.  Lunch or Dinner they always have specials....be sure to ask about them. Their corn/crab chowder....well, it's a dreamy concoction!

If you need a Realtor, Call Mary Ann Miller of ReMax Southern Realty...she is efficient, professional, fun and a ball of energy!  She knows her business and will find you the best property at the best price!

One of our new neighbors in the Island Echos condominiums has a wonderful, friendly little Yorkie (I call her Porkie Yorkie - she is extremely chubby!!) and we are sharing stories about being new owners.  We meet each other on occasion at the dog walking area....even that is appointed nicely here.

Tomorrow we will head home again, and my heart will remain here in Okaloosa...here on the Island of paradise with the beautiful sunrises and sunsets...I will be back soon.  I can not stay away long!

Closer To Heaven When You're By the Sea

It doesn't seem to matter if the weather is sunny, rainy, stormy or cold, everything seems better when you are by the sea.

The beautiful emerald green coast with it's white sugar sand beaches can make me feel better even when I am sick.  It's like a magical tonic.  I have never been a person who put any stock in astrology, but my sign is Pices, and sometimes I do feel like I must be part fish!  Every time I set my eyes on that emerald green water I feel like a new person.

This morning as my hubby and I and my little dog Buddy sat on the balcony watching the people truck their stuff down to the shore we all felt that kind of peace.  Even the dog seems happy to be here.  He sits on the balcony peeking between the railings, and watches the sea birds and people go by.  He seems most interested in the sea birds.  I think he would like to catch one!

Early in the morning, the fish school off shore and the dolphins follow closely, circling and feeding on the smaller creatures as they make their way down the coastline.

This afternoon we will go out for lunch at a local Bistro, Mulhollows, to feast on some gourmet food prepared by Chef Dan.  I have to go back to reality tomorrow for a little while, but I will carry some of the peace I have garnered here with me.  Then, hopefully, I will return next month for a refill!  I plan to spend a lot of time down here this Fall, after the "busy" rental season is over. 

Renting seasonal property has been a whole new experience, and one I was not entirely prepared for.  I think that perhaps I will manage the unit myself next year by hiring my own cleaning staff and maintenance people.  The company managing for me has been disappointing to say the least.  Perhaps I expect too much.  But, I will stick out this year and move on when my contract is up.  It is all a learning experience.

Well, I'm off to the showers so I can get ready for a fabulous lunch with my sweetheart! 
See you at the beach!

Back In Town! Okaloosa That Is!

Yep, I am back on the Island again.  That beautiful, 2 1/2 mile treasure called Okaloosa Island on the Emerald Coast of Florida. 

Had a pleasant five and a half hour drive from Macon today in great weather and arrived to gorgeous weather here on the Island.  What a lovely evening we had  watching people play on the beach, frolic in the crystal green water and search for ghost crabs after dark.

There is just no other place like it in the world!  We had a lovely and delicious lunch at Mulhollows Bistro 215 in Fort Walton Beach on our arrival.  Their food is just superb and the atmosphere and service wonderful.  We just love to visit there often and will be back there again before we leave for Macon on Tuesday.

There is a peace that settles on me every time I come home to Okaloosa.  I hate having to leave and can hardly wait for the day when I can finally retire full time to this beautiful and peaceful haven.  But, for now I am going to enjoy my time here and soak up all the glorious sun, surf and sand that I can before returning to Georgia.  Ah Okaloosa, land of my dreams!

News From Paradise

If  it seems I have been a bit lax in posting lately, it is because of the frenzy I have been in to get the condo ready for my first tourists/renters. 

We (my daughter Melanie, her two daughters and two of their friends) arrived here on Thursday...a full day ahead of what I had actually planned.  Thank goodness, because the tenant who moved out after having rented for the last nine months left me an unholy mess!  I guess he decided since he was leaving he would have a gigantic party, and leave the mess for me to clean up!  YUK!!

Anyway, after cleaning, scrubbing and desanitizing, the Management Company sent over a person to inventory the items in the unit before the first renter arrives.  Well, I had a ton of dishes, silverware, etc here and thought I was doing pretty well.  However,as it turns out they have their own idea of what you need to have.  Not 8 matching dishes or sets of silverware....but TWELVE.  Not eight glasses...but TWELVE and they all have to CO-ORDINATE or match!  Yikes.  Do you have any idea how hard it is to find sets of twelve or even to find two sets of eight sometimes?  So off to K-Mart, WalMart, Ross, Dollar Tree and God only knows how many other stores to find all of that.  I had already been to the store and bought all new pots and pans and a Keurig coffee maker and tons of other stuff.  Then, because of the condition of all the pillows, and bedclothes I loaded up on new pillows, waterproof pillow covers, waterproof mattress covers, blankets....well, you get the picture. 

Nest we began to make sure everything was in perfect order.  First discovery was that there was a leak under the kitchen sink.  The tenant had totally ignored it and I thought the boards under the sink might have to be replaced.  Fortunately, there was no real damage other than CRUD and it was discovered that there was a leak in the disposal.  Sooooooo off I go AGAIN to Lowes to get a new disposal.  Fixed. Ironing board and iron had to be placed on a rack...geesh.  Fire Extinguisher hadn't been re-tagged for several years...another contact.  Anyway, you get the picture...I have been busier than a one armed paper hanger.

We have managed to squeeze a little fun in the week though, and the kids have had an absolute ball!
As usual the water and the temperature here have been fabulous.  This is truly paradise on earth.  Granma (that's me by the way) got in on a little tubing in the ocean...the kids tried to drown me!

But we had a great time in the crystal clear water that day. 

Yesterday, however, Melanie learned a lesson on her own!  Never put a kid in a boat until you are absolutely SURE they know how to paddle.  They all decided to go to the Bridge at Destin yesterday and paddle over to Crab Island...short paddle, mostly shallow water.  However, Melanie had not counted on the fact that although the kids though they knew how to paddle, not a single one did!!!
Long story short, they got out in the middle of the Channel area, and were going around and around in circles as the tide began to carry them out to sea!  YIKES!!!  Melanie is yelling directions to them in their boats (two in each boat) and they continue to go in circles.  Finally in desperation, she and another gentleman had to swim out and swim the boats back ashore!  Whew!  They won't try that one again!!!

Granpa took the kids "ghost crabbing" along the shore the other night.  The moon was full and they took their lanterns and granpas headlamp and headed for the beach.  It wasn't very long before I saw them heading back across the beach toward the condo.  Success!  TWO tiny ghost crabs. Last night the kids walked down to the beach an reluctantly returned the little creatures to their "families" along the shore.  They will surely become captured again by some other children enjoying all the fun at the beach.  Sometimes there are so many flashlights and lanterns along the shore it looks like stars.  Memories that will last for a lifetime.

Well, the Master Bedroom is completely re=decorated.  The unit is completely equipped with everything you can imagine.  The place is clean!  The view is fabulous!  We are ready for the arrival of our first paying renter on June 7th.  We will be leaving here late Wednesday, but I will be back at least once a month to keep a close watch on the place.  After all, this is my HOME now and I can't wait until I can live full time in Okaloosa...

One more note.  Always, always spread a little joy wherever you are.  Yesterday on yet another trip to the local WalMart....I don't want to tell you how many times I have been there....I was picking up some games and videos to leave in the unit.  People here for the most part are so pleasant and happy, but the checker at the WalMart yesterday seemed particularly grumpy.  I felt a bit sorry for her.  When I went to grab my first bag off the little roundabout thingy I said, "I hate these things, I always leave something behind!" 

She suddenly looked up and said, "I hate everything about this place!"  Oh, my gosh, I thought this woman hates her job.  I said back, "But, you live in Paradise, you need to be happy.  It's time for another job!"  She smiled then and explained that she was born here.  We began to talk and I told her about my horrific job setting two stores for Hobby Lobby.  It was supposed to be fun.  It turned out to be anyting but!  Anyway, by the time Melanie and I got done talking to her she was laughing, and told us we had made her day.  If only someone else had beat us to it!  So, just a reminder, no matter what is going on with you, always smile and always try to spread a little joy in the world around you.  Life is short and we need to make the most of it!  I know, easy to say from Paradise, but really is it all that hard to be pleasant? 

Well, I still have some things I must get done before leaving here tomorrow.  We are meeting with our Realtor who sold us the unit for dinner and a celebration tonight and I am looking forward to that.  So, I must run for now, but I will be in touch with more news from Paradise very soon!!!

God Bless - Peace, Love and Joy!

Vacation On The Gulf Coast!

If you haven't been to the Gulf Coast yet and walked on the snow white sugar sand, or viewed the crystal clear emerald green water, you have missed a truly remarkable experience!  My favorite location, of course, is Okaloosa Island.  This morning on Hoda and Kathy Lee they were talking about the "paddle boarding" sport you see here.  You can have such a neat experience paddling along the coast as you witness dolphins, rays, beautiful fish and more on your "walk on water" experience.

Our new condo is on the fourth floor of Island Echos and I am so anxious to go down and visit June 1st!  We are taking the girls and a friend and they are just as excited as I am.  There is just nothing like it.

If you would like to share this experience, we are currently allowing rentals on our Unit.  I am going down to add some extra goodies to truly make our unit the one you want to come back to time after time!  Just go to VRBO and look up 419785..that's me and I will give you a discount if you mention that you found this out on the Okaloosa Girl Blog!  We have limited availability for June and July is starting to book up quickly. 

With a fabulous view like this, who could resist?  If you are into excitement, however, Destin in a five minute drive over the bridge (don't forget to check out Crab Island!) to the wonderful world of tourists and mini golf, go karts, outlet shopping and everything you could want!  But come back to the peaceful, gorgeous sugar sand and dolphins playing off the shore in front of your balcony and have a nice fresh seafood dinner while enjoying the sounds of the surf!

See you at the shore!

God Bless, Peace, Love and Joy!

Emerald Dreams

                                                                

                                                                                

As I sat upon the sugar sand facing the emerald waters crashing upon the shore, I felt as if I were in another world, far, far away from the troublesome news I had heard on the television that morning.  I inhaled deeply, drawing in the warm, salty air from the spray drifting across the shore filling my lungs with its refreshing aroma.

            “You okay honey?” My husband had been watching me as I shed my sandals and crossed the powdery, white sand to sit quietly on the shore and wipe a tear from my cheek.

            “I am actually wonderful,” I replied.  “I become a different person when I am here.  You know that.  Here I am not a sixty-five-year-old grandmother, but an Okaloosa Girl.”

            “Yep,” he chuckled.  “I can see it in your eyes.”

I first saw the Emerald Coast two years ago when my husband was assigned temporary duty there to repair some C-130’s.  He is an aircraft mechanic at Robins Air Logistics Center, and we have been in Middle Georgia for sixteen years now.  The closest “ocean” is about three hours from here at Tybee Island.  I have been there several times.  It is nice, but it is not Okaloosa.

I can’t tell you exactly what it is about Okaloosa that captured my spirit, but since the first time I topped the bridge on the Choctawhatchee Bay and spied that emerald green water, I was captivated.  We spent a month there, and before we left, I had a tag on the front of my car that read “Okaloosa Girl.”   When I returned home, my daughter asked why I had not had “Okaloosa Lady” or “Okaloosa Woman” instead of “Okaloosa Girl.”  It was then I told her that it was because when I was there I felt like a girl, carefree and happy and full of life.

I have always loved the water, having grown up on a small creek, the Mattawoman, which emptied into the Potomac River.  We spent many hours fishing, swimming and skiing on that water.  I was sixteen years old before I saw the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City, Maryland.  Much like when I crossed the bridge to Okaloosa, I was captivated by its size and beauty.  I knew then and there that I was meant to be near this great body of water.

I am a Pisces, and although I don’t really follow Astrological predictions, I do think there must be something to the fact that my sign is a fish.  I feel like I belong in the water.  I am happiest when I am near it or in it or on it.  I can go to the shore and lay all the problems of day-to-day life at the edge of the sea and walk away feeling refreshed and clean. 

The ocean has always made me think about the Creator.  It is always there.  It hides tremendous power under the surface that can go from mirror flat to raging heights in a matter of minutes.  There is so much mystery beneath the surface.  I am at peace at the edge of the shore as the waves pound relentlessly against the sand.

My dream of living out the rest of my days looking at the beautiful waters with the dolphins playing offshore, is about to become a reality.  It is only because of the generosity of Lucy, a dear friend who left me the money for a sizeable down payment, that we will actually be able to retire here.  I knew this particular condo was meant to be mine when I stepped out on the balcony at one o’clock in the afternoon on the day we looked at it for the first time.  Usually you only see the dolphins close to the shore early in the morning when they are feeding.  This day, the water was in a calm state, nearly glassy and of course emerald green.  Just as I stepped out onto the balcony an entire pod of dolphins, at least a dozen, came swimming by to play directly in front of the balcony.  It was an amazing site, with baby dolphins and their parents jumping and splashing only a few yards off the sand.  It was an affirmation for me that I had made the right choice.  This was to be my new home.

This is Okaloosa Island, at Ft. Walton Beach.  It is a two and one half mile sugary white sand peninsula sticking out into the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  It is quiet, peaceful and full of life.  There are not only the dolphins I love, but, soaring pelicans floating along just inches off the water in search of breakfast, occasionally rising and then diving rapidly into the water to claim their prize.  There are tiny ghost crabs that only come out after dark, their shells a ghostly white that helps them hide in the powdery sand.  Gobs of giggling children with flashlights “hunt” them for capture and squeal loudly over their tiny treasures when they finally succeed.  Sometimes there are so many flashlights on the shore it seems as if the stars have fallen from the sky to light the edge of the surf.  Then there are all those lovely sea birds that fish each morning along the shore, squealing and squawking their pleasure at the new day.  Schools of thousands of small fish swarm close to shore each morning their splashing sounds audible from my balcony.

I am retired.  My sweetheart still has about seven years before he can retire. In the meantime, when we don’t have it rented, we will be slipping away to this paradise we will eventually call home to renew our spirits and fill our lungs with its sweetness. 

Longing For Okaloosa

Woke up to a beautiful morning here in Middle Georgia today, however, the day has progressed into severe thunderstorms now and the clouds have closed in.

It is supposed to be beautiful here again tomorrow, but in spite of that my heart is still longing for Okaloosa Island.  We are still waiting for the final word on the closing for the condo at Island Echos.  I can't stop thinking about the last time we were there and the dolphins playing in the surf in front of the balcony.  I love hearing the sound of the surf relentlessly pounding at the shore.  I love the sound of the sea birds as they soar and dive as they hunt for breakfast.  My heart is in Okaloosa.

I have spoken with the Realtor and the Mortgage Broker there in the last two days and they were both sharing just how much they love living there also.  There isn't a favorite time of day there....I love them all.  The mornings, the mid day, the fabulous sunsets....this is where I am meant to be.  I also find myself excited about my artwork once I have moved to Okaloosa.  Dr. Meow and the Bad Girls Gallery is on my list.  They have classes in every kind of art project from bead making to sewing to painting...I can't wait to share time with these other artists. 

In the mean time, I am preparing to have my first garage sale here in Middle Georgia as I prepare to "downsize."  You just don't realize how much you accumulate, and I am definitely NOT at hoarder!
The house is nearly ready to put on the market and I am hoping it won't take a really long time to sell.  We can be patient, however, as we don't have to rush and we will be renting the condo during the busy season to generate extra income. 

I had forgotten how much trouble it is to get together all the information necessary for an underwriter when you are obtaining a loan.  They want everything but your first born child, and we are putting down more than half of the cost of the condo!  Good grief.  But, as of now everything seems to be on track and I am wishing away the next few weeks so that I can head for the Island and the ocean breezes.

The condo was a dream I have had for a long time, and people never let go of your dreams!  Nothing is impossible if you reach for your dreams.

God Bless - Peace Love and Joy

Calculated Risks

I have always been a risk taker of sorts.  Not one of those who jumps out of airplanes or off the sides of mountains.  But I do have a private pilot's license and have sailed the Abaco's for weeks at a time with a friend on a 37 ft catamaran.  I have also never been afraid to try something new, career wise or craft wise or just for fun.

If you never try something, if you always quit before actually trying, how will you know if you can succeed or not?  I don't take foolish risks.  I do take calculated ones however.

I am getting ready to do just that once again.  I have dreamed for quite some time now about living out my retirement years looking at that beautiful scene you see here.  It is at Okaloosa Island, Florida.  I am heading there this weekend to look at condos for investment/retirement purposes.  I have explored thoroughly the available condos and their values.  I have also done my research on renting, management companies and investment reserves.  So, like I said, although I am about to take on a bit of a risk, it is a calculated one.

I am going forward with this risk taking adventure to fulfill another of my bucket list items.  I want to live on the gulf/ocean and paint.  I want to sew and craft and do all those wonderful creative things that just don't come as easily to me here in Macon as they do when I am breathing that salty sweet air of Okaloosa.  I am investing my retirement money in this risk.  I am hoping that with a little luck and some good business management, I will have this condo completely paid for in five years.

Oh, there are risks in any real estate investment, but there are risks in any investment nowadays.  After reviewing many other options, I feel strongly that this is a good risk.  I know the return won't make me a millionaire or anything, but it will provide me with a place to spend my retirement years.  A place where I can watch the dolphins play in the emerald green water, the pelicans float past my window on the updrafts and the weather play upon the ever changing waters of the Gulf.  I intend for the next five years to rent the condo during the peak Summer and Snow Bird seasons, and enjoy it myself whenever it please in between.  The rental income should, with any luck at all, not only pay the payments on the condo, but should also allow me to have it completely paid for by the time we retire.  Then we can both do our crafting and art work beside the Gulf.

Have you taken any risks lately?  Have you ever?  Isn't it about time?  C'mon now, don't be afraid to step out there and take a chance or two.  It could be the most rewarding thing you have ever done! 

I'll send you pictures of my new place when we get settled....I can't wait to embark on this new and exciting adventure.

Why I Write - For Amy

This is a picture taken this past summer at Okaloosa Island, Florida.  It is my very favorite place in the world!  Somehow, when I cross the bridge across the bay and view the huge expanse of the gloriously emerald green Gulf, I know I have arrived at the place that feels like "home" to me.  I don't live there yet, but plan to in the future.  In fact, I am going shopping for condos next month with a long term plan toward retirement in Okaloosa.  But, that is not why I am writing this particular blog.

I received a comment on my "Before I Wake" blog this morning which touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.  You see I love to write, but not just for the sake of writing.  I want to reach inside and touch your heart.  I want you to think, to love and to search for answers.  I want you to KNOW that others feel the same way you do.  We all have needs, hurts, desires, loves and dreams.  When something I have written brings joy, comfort, peace or any type of stirring within another individual, I have succeeded in my quest. 

When I look out across the beautiful Emerald Green Gulf, I witness a mystery.  I feel closer to God when I am on the ocean/gulf than anywhere on earth.  You see, it has such beauty and power and mystery.  We see only the very surface of that Gulf.  There is so much beneath it that moves and lives and thrives.  There is such power in the tides and waves which beat against the shore in an endless, pounding and relentless way.  Stones are ground into sand and buildings washed into the sea by the power of that tremendous force.  My God is an AWESOME God!  The Gulf and the ocean can be so flat, mirror-like and calm at times, and then in an instant they seas can rise and become fearsome and violent!  Our God has that kind of power, strength and mystery.  The kind of mystery I see in the ocean/Gulf. 

The Coming Storm.

 And, by the way dear Amy, Okaloosa Island is a perfect spot for a solo getaway.  It is peaceful, beautiful and yet close to anything you might want such as restaurants and shopping.  But, my favorite thing about Okaloosa Island is that quality of peace and connection which seems difficult to get in our everyday world.  Go there and enjoy the peace...God Bless!

Black Friday!

While thousands of others were out shopping on this "Black Friday", this was the view I was enjoying.  We took the girls and went to Harbor Walk where they had their faces painted, met with Santa Claus and just enjoyed a gorgeous Florida afternoon.

We will be going home tomorrow after breakfast, and once again a piece of my heart will remain in this blissful paradise.  The people here seem to have a different kind of lifestyle.  It is much more laid back and peaceful.  It must have something to do with the salt air!

The wildlife here is beautiful and the Gulf has a different mood every day.  Santa Claus bought me an early Christmas present today.  It is an incredible hand blown glass pendant which contains a tiny jellyfish within a solid droplet of blue glass.  It is made by a woman vet who calls herself "Dr. Meow."  Dr. Meow does beautiful hand formed Murano glass jewelry which is based on the beautiful wildlife and gulf.  It is absolutely fantastic!

Kevin and Aaron watched the LSU/Arkansas game at Poppy's while us girls did the Santa/face painting thing.  We all had such a wonderful time today ... our last day here at the Gulf Coast.

We came home and put together our low country boil consisting of stone crab claws, shrimp, tiny potatoes, andouille sausage and corn...it was great!  We had pieces of six different flavors of Tortuga Rum Cakes which Charles had sent me earlier...now we are all fat and happy!

Tomorrow we will be going to Big City American Bistro for their Brunch before we leave town.  Their weekend buffets are out of this world.  They have a patio which is pet friendly, so if the weather is nice Buddy will be able to enjoy the time too.  He has been the best little dog alive on this whole trip.  Honestly, he is as close to perfect as any dog could be.  Quiet, he never barks or whines, crate and house trained and never chews on anything...just a sweet, loving little puppy.

I will probably shed some tears as we leave here tomorrow.  It is my hope that at some time in the not to distant future this will be my permanent home...it feels like home already.  So for now, I the Okaloosa Girl will head back to Middle Georgia and my responsibilities there, but my heart will remain in Okaloosa!

I am so Thankful for the time we have shared here as a family.  This will be our yearly Thanksgiving trip from now on.

A Habitat For Humanity Thanksgiving!

Morning was beautiful here on Okaloosa Island today.  We were up in time to see the sun rise over the Emerald Coast and it was amazing!  I love the early morning here.  All the wildlife is stirring and there are diving dolphins, feeding rays, so many varieties of sea birds...just lovely.

We had a light breakfast this morning of fresh breads and fruit salad before heading down to the beach with the girls for a little while.  It was only 50 degrees and they were playing in the Gulf!  Kids just don't feel the cold when they are having a good time. 

At 11 we left for Harbor Docks and our Thanksgiving Dinner.  Every year the owner of the Harbor Docks Restaurant in Destin opens his restaurant and allows a FREE Thanksgiving Dinner to be served.  Donations are accepted and given to Habitat For Humanity.  There were 200 Habitat For Humanity Volunteers involved in today's benefit.  They were not only from this area, but came from out of town also.  In fact, the people who waited on us were from Cartersville, Georgia.    There were men, women and boys and girls giving their time on Thanksgiving Day to serve others to benefit Habitat.  Wow!  I was really impressed.  What a wonderful spirit of giving...you could just feel it.

Our dinner consisted of turkey breast, cornbread dressing, smashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and cranberry sauce.  We even had pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert and everything was delicious!  AND, we didn't have to wash dishes!

We will definitely be participating again next year in this event.  We may even come as volunteers to serve.  It began at 11 AM and is running until 7 PM and it was extremely well attended.  This Community does seem to support charitable events on a regular basis.  Sigh...I love the Okaloosa Island/Destin area.

This evening a pelican who had gotten wrapped up in some fishing line came ashore here in front of the condo.  A large crowd of people gathered round him and a couple of good samaritans got the line off him.  He was frightened and even after they had freed him, he did not fly away.  A policeman came to investigate and hopefully he will be taken to the Gulfarium where they can nurse him back to health. It was good to see people showing concern for the wildlife here.  

It has been an absolutely beautiful day all day.  We sat on the beach and watched the girls play in the water for hours.  The sun was warm and the water was crystal clear....so clear it looks like glass. 
I am so at home here.  The peace that washes over me when I sit here and look at the gulf and smell the sea air is like nothing else I know.

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We are so thankful for family and friends, for health and home.  I am even very thankful for my little Buddy the Boston Terrier.  He came with us on this trip, and has been the most well behaved little doggie you ever saw!  He is amazing. 

I am going to enjoy the day here again tomorrow.  We will be heading home on Saturday, but the memories will stay with us forever.

Way Down South In The Land of Cotton

We left home at 7:30 this morning heading for Okaloosa Island, Florida for our annual Thanksgiving getaway.  As we began the drive through South Georgia and on into Alabama, we passed field after field of cotton ripe for harvest, being harvested, and in HUGE compressed bales waiting to be loaded onto trucks to be sent to the local gin.

I couldn't help but think of how simple the process is now in comparison to the hand picking which used to be done by slaves and sharecroppers.  If you have never touched the spiky pod which holds the bloom of cotton, you can't imagine how sharp those points are.  I can visualize the bloodied hands of those who had to pick the soft cotton from the prickly pod.  It must have taken hundreds of people hundreds of hours to pick it and their backs had to ache as their hands became bloodied.  I can imagine that many of those bloodied hands even became infected.

How different things are now.  The fields are harvested by huge machinery and the cotton in dumped into the back of the equipment where it is compressed into huge bales which are then covered with plastic before being loaded onto trucks to go to the gin.  The machines are certainly faster, but not necessarily more efficient, as you see a lot of the cotton left behind by the harvesters.  Surely those who picked it by hand, and were paid by the pound if they were paid at all, didn't leave behind as much as the harvesters.  There is a lot of waste with the cotton that is left behind...but the time consumed in harvesting is certainly much less...so I guess it all balances out.

It was not difficult to picture how important this crop was to early Southerners and how much has changed since the days when cotton was first grown as a cash crop in this Country.  Now most of the cotton grown here is shipped elsewhere to be turned into clothing, towels and other items.  Most of the mills which dotted the South have moved overseas and left empty hulks of buildings behind and thousands of lost jobs. 

Our Country was built on the backs of hardworking farmers and laborers who helped create and maintain the growing cotton.  Times have certainly changed, and we have lost something in the process.  We need to grow more jobs in this Country and soon.  We need to start small businesses and revitalize the American Dream before it is lost forever.  It is going to take ALL of us to do this.  We can not count on Congress or the Senate or any Committee to do this...we must all take part in the process.

This year I encourage you to shop locally.  Buy products made by local companies, give gifts of a hairstyle from the local beauty salon, oil changes or tires from a local garage, groceries from your local store...and on and on.  Let's all start working toward rebuilding the American we grew up with so that our children and grandchildren can share in the American Dream.

Happy Thanksgiving ...

Okaloosa Tomorrow

We are leaving for Okaloosa Island at eight tomorrow morning.  I am anxious to see the beautiful sugar sand and the emerald water.  We are leaving Lucy here with a sitter, as things with her have deteriorated.  At first I felt quite guilty about leaving her behind, but I have discovered that when you are a full time caregiver, you do need to take a break once in a while, and this is mine.

I am so excited because Melanie, Aaron and Liv and Ashlyn will be joining us.  The children are excited about going too.  We plan to have lots of fun while we are there.  The girls would like to see Arthur's Christmas, so we will be taking one afternoon to do that.  I love to hear them giggle, and all too soon they will be grown and those little giggles will be gone.

We are planning a very alternative Thanksgiving again this year.  This will be the third year we have not celebrated Thanksgiving in the "traditional" sense of the word.  We are returning to Okaloosa for the second time and we will be having a Low Country Boil using some of that fantastic, fresh Gulf shrimp.
Oh, I bought a turkey but I won't be having it until December. 

We are taking my little Buddy with us this year as we finally located a "pet friendly" condo where we can feel comfortable having him.  The girls are excited about him coming along, they just love him and he is such fun!  One of the things that I am thankful for is the time I have to spend with my wonderful grandchildren.  I have been blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren and I am so thankful that everyone is healthy and that we have jobs.  There are so many people in this country right now who are suffering from the woes of the sad economy. 

We all need to say thank you for all the blessings we have had in this Country, and now we need to all pray to work together and return this Country to the greatness it once knew.  We must learn to SHARE with others.  Not just money, but time.  We have become selfish and self-centered.  We have forgotten the days of "barn raising" and helping your neighbor.  Let's all pray that this season will restore some of the kindness and generosity in the hearts of the American people.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Four Days and Counting! Okaloosa Here We Come!

We are leaving for Okaloosa Island on Tuesday morning.  I don't know who is more excited, me or the grandkids!  We are making this an annual trip at Thanksgiving to my favorite place.  I feel like a different person every time I cross the bridge to the Island.

 

I am going to be adding Liv's handprints this year to our family Thanksgiving Tablecloth.  Every member of the family has added their handprints to this heirloom project.  Liv was too young when we first made it, and so there are her little footprints instead!  Too cute, and such a sweet memory.  The grandchildren are growing up entirely too fast and I want to hang on to all the precious memories I can.

All those little "turkeys" are the kids and grandkids handprints surrounded by colorful "leaves".  This is actually a fairly simple project, and such a treasure. 

Lucy is not going to be able to go with us this year after all, but I have made arrangements for someone to stay here with her, and have even ordered a Thanksgiving meal that will just have to be warmed and served.  I wish she were able to go, but with all the recent problems, it just isn't going to be possible.

I am satisfied and happy though that it doesn't seem to bother her, and she is pleased about the lady who is staying with her while we are gone.  That is quite a relief for me, as I have worried about this for quite some time now.

Now I can actually relax and look forward to the trip and the preparations for it.  We are going to do a Low Country Boil this year instead of the traditional turkey and fixings.  Somehow that seems to be so much more appropriate when we will be feasting while looking out over the emerald green waters of the Gulf, and the shrimp there is fantastic!

We will probably take the girls to see "Arthur Christmas" as it looks like a fun movie...and gives Granpa and me and excuse to see yet another "kids movie"!  We have such fun taking the girls.

I am hoping all of you have a great Holiday wherever you spend it and whomever you spent it with.  Make memories.  

Here is a wonderful and simple recipe we have every year instead of the usual "canned" cranberry sauce.  The adults and kids love it!

CRANBERRY ORANGE RELISH

1 Naval Orange cut into small pieces

1 Bag fresh cranberries

1 Cup granulated sugar (you can actually use artificial sweetener and it is still great)

(Optional - 1/2 cup pecans)

Place Orange pieces, cranberries and sugar into blender or food processor and pulse until all are well mixed and coarsely chopped.  Add pecans and chop (or you may just add chopped pecans).

This keeps really well, and goes with pork as  well as chicken and turkey.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!

A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving

Cute cupcakes aren't they?

Over the past three years, my hubby and I have opted for alternative Thanksgiving celebrations. For many years I was the typical Mom, preparing a huge feast of Turkey, ham, sweet potato pudding, corn pudding, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the wonderful fixings that go with that particular feast. But, after one particularly difficult Thanksgiving, I decided that it was time for a change!

The first year our alternative Thanksgiving was a trip to the Imperial Fez, a Moroccan Restaurant in Atlanta. My husband's birthday falls during Thanksgiving week, and when I asked him what he would like to do, he wanted to go and see the belly dancers! Well, we went to the Fez with my son and a friend and had a marvelously wonderful time. We ate, laughed and were entertained by the dancers. It was a wonderfully different and fun time.

The belly dancers were exciting and the food was different but wonderful.

Last year we opted to spend Thanksgiving on Okaloosa Island, Florida. We walkedthe beach and had marvelous seafood for dinner! It was simple and beautiful and we had a wonderful time.

So began a new Thanksgiving tradition...Okaloosa Island and seafood. We are planning to be there for a few days this year and have a Low Country Boil for our non-traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. We will walk on the beach, and watch the dolphins play and be very thankful for our family, our health and the many blessings we share.

We will still share our family Christmas Traditions at home in Georgia, but my sweetheart and I have begun a new tradition for Thanksgiving, and we are thoroughly enjoying the change of routine.

So if you are tired of the same Thanksgiving Dinner, maybe it is time to make a change. Go to a restaurant, go out of town, have fish instead of turkey...shake it up! Have Fun!

A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING RECIPE

Corn Pudding

* 3 cups frozen whole-kernel corn kernels, thawed and divided
* 1 cup half n half
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
* Dash of freshly ground nutmeg
* 2 large eggs
* 3 tablespoons stone-ground cornmeal
* Cooking spray
* 2 TBSP sugar
* 4 TBSP butter, melted

Preparation

* 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
* 2. Combine 1 cup corn, and 1/2 cup half-and-half in a blender; process until smooth. Combine remaining 1/2 cup half n half, salt, pepper, nutmeg, butter and eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pureed corn mixture, remaining 2 cups corn, and cornmeal.
* 3. Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Note: You can substitute store-bought frozen corn in this custardy baked side dish. When it's done, the edges should be a little crusty and the center still slightly soft. If time is an issue, make the dish ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat before serving.

Youth and The Young At Heart

I remember hearing many times that "youth is wasted on the young." I don't know if that is necessarily true, but I do feel sometimes that we rush through our youth trying to get to the next "goal", not taking time to enjoy the small milestones and accomplishments.

Some of you may wonder why the name "Okaloosa Girl" or exactly what an Okaloosa is.
Okaloosa Island is a small strip of powder white sand along the beautiful emerald green waters of the Florida Gulf Coast. It is the place I go when I want to feel like a girl again.

My hubby had a tag made for me this Summer while we were on Okaloosa Island. It is a large ocean wave with "Okaloosa Girl" written across it. My daughter took one look at it and said, "Mom, you are not a girl! Why not Okaloosa Woman?"
I laughed and said, "Because when I am in Okaloosa, I feel like a girl!"

It's true. When I go stand by that beautiful emerald green water on that powder white sand, something magical happens to me. My husband noticed it the very first time we visited there. I take a few breaths of that salt air, and it is like my spirit is whisked back to the very first time I saw the Ocean and smelled the salt air. I was sixteen years old the first time I saw it.

My Aunt had invited my sister and I to join her at her vacation home in Ocean City, Maryland. I can vividly remember coming up over the rise of the bridge across the Bay and seeing the ocean spread in front of me. It was an amazing feeling! Suddenly I knew that this "ocean" would always be where I would feel most at home.

I had grown up on the banks of the Potomac River in Maryland and had always spent a lot of time on the water, but this....this magnificent ocean, was something like I had never experienced. I was instantly invigorated.

I was lucky enough to live in Ocean City for 15 years after I was married. I came to know the many moods of the ocean, and loved each and every one of them. The ocean always drew me to God...it was so like Him. It is so deep, so mysterious, so much is hidden below the surface. It can be smooth and calm one minute and raging the next minute, and you never know when it will change. It is always there!

Like I said, I have always loved the ocean but something truly magical happened the first time I crossed the bridge to Okaloosa Island. Suddenly I was transported back...back to being a girl again. Thus the name "Okaloosa Girl." When I am there on the Island, I am suddenly years younger. My creative side comes out again and I begin to paint and write and "live." My husband loves the "Okaloosa Girl." She rides wave runners and goes crabbing like a little girl. She laughs more.

Someday, we will retire to Okaloosa Island. I look forward to those days with great anticipation. I will never grow older there, just better. Some might tell me it is unwise to move to the ocean when you are growing "older" and might need a little help at times. But I have a feeling that there, on that beautiful island, I won't actually grow older, but better.

RECIPE OF THE DAY

Here's a nice light meal that will make you feel like you are at the beach even in the middle of Winter!

You may use a hot dog roll or a flour tortilla for this "roll".

1 Small Lemon
1/4 cup mayonnaise (may use light mayo if you like)
2 TBSP chopped green onion tops
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
3/4 pound chopped cooked shrimp (get your grocer to steam them for you
at the store, and save time!)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
4 white/wheat hot dog buns (or tortillas)
4 Boston lettuce leaves

1. Grate 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind from lemon.
Squeeze lemon to measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of juice. Combine lemon rind
juice, Old Bay, mayo and green onions in large bowl. Add shrimp and celery,and
toss gently.
2. Top each bun with 1 lettuce leaf. Spoon shrimp mixture evenly onto lettuce
leaves...Serve immediately. By the way they have GREAT SHRIMP on the Gulf Coast!

Yield 4 Servings....Calories 220