A change of pace

The days here go differently than at home. I am not sure if it is the soothing sounds of the waves on the shore or the breezes off the Gulf but we live a day here so differently. I honestly don't think it has as much to do with being "on vacation" as it has to do with where we are.

The mornings on the beach come slowly to us. The twinkling lights of Sanibel Island and the causeway in the inky darkness evolve to a misty view of the pier here on Ft. Myers Beach with the sky lightening into shades of pink and baby blue. The beach combers, runners and walkers increase in number and the sea gulls begin their noisy search for food.

Our day spreads out before us with unlimited options: should we all float in the pool and catch up on each other, should we shop for a new swim suit, or walk down to Time's Square for breakfast or lunch or a cold beer? Read or walk the beach or just sit and watch the day unfold?

We often eat communally with the guys grilling and the women providing side dishes to share with the kids running underfoot. We have lots and lots of little kids now and they have provided our week with a new richness . They have been a joy from watching them learn the Temptations Two Step to the sheer delight they take in everything from finding a lizard to showing us their latest trick in the pool.

The composition of our group will be changing now. Kristen and Chris had to leave last night after supper as Chris had to go back to work. Jill and Kelly head out around noon today as Jill has a convention to attend and Jamie and her two cuties accompanied by Grandma will head out tomorrow. Our group, which peeked this week at 26 last Sunday when we had my sister, niece and nephew and my great niece, Kaela, join us will shrink.

And the evening here...the soft breezes blow, the sunsets take our breath away and we make new friends, catch up with those whom we see only here once a year and walk the beach again and again.

Til later...sunrise is tempting me away!