they're back...

and we are too. but only (we think?) for a few short more weeks!

we arrived back in Pensacola yesterday evening. it was a beautiful drive in, right at sunset...the sky was that soft, washed out powdery blue with the wisps of pale pink and lavender mixed in. lovely, truly lovely. until we hit the traffic on the beach. yipes! the masses of tourist have descended. attacked. overwhelmed. whatever term you wish to use - they're here, and my peace and quiet (and beautiful empty beach) are gone. the umbrellas and wooden loungers are out in full force, and it won't be long until they're also covered with people. people!! oh well - guess that just means it's time for us to join the masses and go play too!

so that's what we did. after a re-stocking run to the grocery store, warren and i spent almost 3 hours today between the beach and the swimming pool (the indoor pool, mind you...the water is still pretty chilly in the outdoor pool!), building all sorts of sand contraptions and racing away from some likewise chilly ocean water. it still seems odd to be lathering on SPF30 in February, but i have to admit i kind of like the summery smell of sunscreen and chlorine! unfortunately i neglected to bring my camera, so no fun shots...but maybe i'll pack a real bag next time instead of just grabbing a towel and the sand toys.

i must say, it was a bit different driving in this time. i've had return trips from Tupelo that were sad, oddly happy, ambivalent...you name it. but this time was almost bittersweet? my thoughts are now running to the "enjoy it while it lasts" frame of mind, instead of the "divert myself with activities until i can get where i want to be". gasp. could i actually be admitting there are things i like about life down here??

guess we all have to grow up sometime. it's still not home, and i'm still ready to BE home, but now that there is an end in sight, i'm going to let go and enjoy myself. who knows - maybe i'll even have a tan by the time i return!

okay. go ahead and laugh. i know...

freckles don't count.