This is Florida

When my husband and (unborn at the time) child and I move to Florida more than sixteen years ago, we knew only that we needed to escape... mostly from traffic... but also to escape to a new adventure.  A new lifestyle.  We thought we would buy a boat and kick back in the Keys on weekends.  We would never wear closed toes shoes or long pants again.  Of course the reality is that even in Florida you have bills to pay, houses to clean, children to raise.  So the Keys have yet to happen and I found that wearing sandals can lead to Plantar Fasciitis.  At first I experienced a bit of homesickness that I never anticipated.  For the first seven years, I dreamed of ways to transfer my job back up north where the trees were green, the ground was hilly and you could swim in the lakes without fear of being taken down for a death roll by a big lizard.

Since then I have learned to appreciate Florida's unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife, quirky manmade attractions, and interesting history.  So this blog will be my ongoing tribute to the Florida I have grown to love. 

Lakeland

We live in Lakeland, in the middle of the state.  One of the things I love about Lakeland is how much the people here value the history of the town.  There are so many cool historic buildings and signs.  The town is not stuck in the past, but it does truly honor it.  

Only in Ybor

Lake Alfred

Miami

Out There Somewhere

Odd Sites