The Unexpected Road Trip and all the Planned Vacations

As we were passing through Richmond on our way to Florida it occurred to me that August is the month for taking vacations. Capitol Hill becomes very quiet this time of year. Unfortunately our road trip was not planned. We are traveling to visit my parents - one of them is in the hospital and the other is alone. Both are in their 90's. Luckily things could be a lot worse and it is not an emergency. But it is a good time to visit just to calm me down. As we drive along I95, things have become so much easier with our digital devices. I hate airplanes and schedules. We haven't been on a trip this far from home for several years, but we did it routinely before moving to DC. On the way I'm checking Facebook and a lot of friends and family are also traveling and visiting a variety of places- from Hawaii and Pearl Harbor to an escape to San Francisco before the hurricanes; Niagara falls and Toronto; Beale Street; Great Lakes Circle tour and Chicago; kayaking in the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan; water skiing on a lake somewhere in Massachusetts; a cruise that leaves Baltimore passing under the bridge. Summer is a great time to reconnect and travel to familiar and unfamiliar places - even if it is unexpected. 

Crabby Bill's and Pass-A-Grille Beach

Another beautiful day after a scary 40 degree evening. We decided a drive for lunch somewhere on the beach was a good idea. So we returned to Crabby Bill's for a crab cake sandwich and fish and chips. The place could be described as a dump, but the view of the Gulf is wonderful. After lunch we took our usual ride to Pass A Grille beach. I can't tell you how many times I have driven and been driven to this place starting from the second grade. There is something magical about the water and the water birds that all seem so familiar. Then I think about hurricanes and inconvenience but that can't be any worse than a snowstorm or two. Still can't decide what we like except the warm weather for sure. Coming from New England, growing up in Florida, living thirty years in the Midwest, and now spending the last few on Capitol Hill sure gives you a feel for a variety of lifestyles. Unfortunately, my husband prefers an urban environment and I could do without it. 

 

St. Petersburg, Florida

I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. It's very different than Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee. We moved here when I was in first grade from Massachusetts. Right now I like the weather here the most given the miserable cold and ice so far this month. But it always seemed funny at Christmas time to see Santa and his reindeer on green grass. Today I celebrated a milestone birthday and the warmer climate feels better and better. Every time we visit we think about maybe moving around here. In fact there is a really great condo being built in the location, at the right size and price we are interested in. But when we checked in to it, they are all sold. Maybe it's just not the right time or maybe it never will be. But there is something about this place that I like. But as long as I'm working, we'll have to enjoy the visits.