Six months have passed since I sold my house of 3 years in Margate and left South Florida, my home of 7 years. I'd been missing my wonderful neighbors who'd become a big part of my life, especially Matt and Joe who'd visit most every day after school and on the weekends. I also got to visit with John and to meet his new love, Katie, happy to see that life has taken a wonderful turn for the better for him. I also hung out with Tim and Stephanie who sold their house and are eying new states to possibly call home.

St. Augustine was only five hours north, so I couldn't resist a road trip to visit Jamie for a few days. It was too short a visit, so she accompanied me back down to Florida for the last few days before I headed out to the west coast. I didn't have time to visit everyone I'd have liked to, but I was happy to see everyone that I did. It was nice to be back, and very nice to be warm again.

New Owners

While visiting my old neighborhood, I was fortunate enough to find the new owners of my old house standing outside watering their plants. We visited for quite a while and I was overjoyed to learn that they continue to love their new home. They were a little hesitant to take me inside, but only because they were afraid that I'd not approve of their drastic remodeling which was still a work in progress.

Remodeling

I was very impressed by the projects that they'd undertaken, doing the very things that I'd have done myself had I the time and skills when I had owned the house. They'd removed much of the wall, cabinets and sink between the kitchen and the living room giving the place a much larger feeling. They also opened the wall between the kitchen and the laundry room to expand the kitchen. And finally they'd completely removed the wall between the tiny bathroom and the dining room with the intention of installing a much larger bathtub. After these projects, Louis told me he planned to close in the screen room and the carport, adding two new rooms to the house.

Joseph

Joe played on the computer during my visit, and had to be dragged away when we finally decided to go to a movie.

Swimming

After the movie, Matt, Jamie and I went to the beach for a while. Matt and I relived our old tradition of swimming out to the floats 100 yards off the shore, fighting winds and big waves and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Matt has decided he wants to join the Coast Guard, so he's been working hard to improve his swimming and to get into good shape.

After dinner we met up with Tim and Stephanie for a fine meal at Fort Lauderdale's premiere Vegan restaurant, Sublime. After the meal Matt entertained us all by trying to teach us how to make a dove call with our hands, something he can do with ease. We all failed miserably.

John and Katie

It was great to catch up with John, meet his new love, Katie, and to see that his life has taken a wonderful turn for the better of l