Sunny with a Chance of Clouds

It’s time for company at our house; ’tis the season here in Florida. Fellow Floridians told me we’d have visitors, and I love it! It’s great to finally be sharing this place with old friends after being here this past year. I now know my way around town, and feel a sense of “home” finally.

I’m washing bed linens a lot.

Last month, we had our first guests of the “season” – they were staying with family in the area but hanging at our place a couple of days too. Then a few weeks later, we had the same thing with another couple – friends we’ve had for 26+ years. The day they left, we met a couple for dinner and sunset and they stayed overnight. Arriving the next night, we had friends who stayed with us for four nights, then 36 hours later another family has arrived for this week.

So in between guests, it’s been wash the linens and dust and vacuum and get some groceries in, and then be ready to relax and enjoy the time with friends again.

My husband’s family comes to visit later this week, which will also mean hurry and clean so we can relax and play. It’s all good.

And lots of fun! Nice to finally be welcoming old friends into my new home, and sharing the vacation place of Florida with them. Beach time, sunsets, pool, palm trees, warm breezes, sitting on the lanai. Relaxing with good friends.

It reminds me of the importance of old friendships. And I marvel at how easy it is to maintain these relationships – with social media and texting and messaging and photo sharing. It’s not hard to stay in touch in this modern-day. Even a good old-fashioned phone call (on a new-fashioned smart phone) – I have a “coffee” date with a few friends over a phone call once in a while. It’s great to schedule a talk-time.

I have two friends who do a fantastic job of sending notes to tell me that they are thinking of me. I don’t mean texts – I mean snail mail. And I thrill every time I open the mailbox and see their handwriting. There’s something so special about a hand written note! They are inspiring me to do the same – I will answer them with my own stationery. And I will send more personal notes – to remind those I love with a hard copy.

As soon as I make the beds again.