Sunshine Reboot

A quick weekend trip to Florida was just what I needed to soak in the sun

Replace pigeons with pelicans

And just have some QT with these characters...

On our flight home last night, I mentioned to Stacy and Jason that it felt like we were coming back from a Hamptons trip. Quick journey, only two days away, but the refreshing feeling of really being away, and spending quality time with people you love. Saying goodbye also felt easier as I'll be headed back down for Easter to see everyone, and the route from New York to Florida is so much closer and more do-able than the long haul from California.

My brother in law Travis and his brother Colin run a sail making company, Mack Sails, and he's a really DIY type of guy in addition to being a great husband, father and sailor. I was amazed to see progress on the construction on my sister and Travis' house since Christmas, something that Travis is spearheading himself during off hours and weekends with the help of day laborers. A few years ago, they expanded their kitchen area and family room area, and now they are creating a sunny master suite with deck overlooking the water, and enclosed their patio for additional eating and entertaining space. The last time I lived in New York, Travis once told me that if I didn't watch it, I would lose the ability to do things for myself -- remarking on the 24/7-ness of NYC nature, everything can be delivered, everything can be 'done' for you, with a price of course, which fuels the sometimes out of balance sense of 'work' over anything else.

Things to keep in mind back in a new environment again, though having relocated for a different reason entirely than the first time around. Even though my sense of direction could use some improvement, my true north is firmly established.