The company that guided my kayak tour in Alaska had a t-shirt with the logo "The journey is the destination".  The saying has stuck with me over the years.  I guess you could say that it is a somewhat different version of "Take time to smell the roses".  Reaching heaven is an ultimate goal, and accepting Christ as our Saviour is the key to unlocking the gate, but I also believe that God desires for us to serve Him daily on this earth.  Accepting Him and serving Him (the journey) really is the destination.  Hopefully, our life journey is a mirror of this truth.

Our trip to Florida went smoothly.  As usual, Rudy was anxious to leave and ready to head out the door about 2 hours before the discussed time.  Bless his heart, he let me sleep a bit and then helped finish some last minute tasks.  I can't thank him enough for this.  I have to ask myself, "am I as willing to honor the things that mean a lot to him, but don't have a lot of meaning to me?"  Sometimes I think I do, and other times I really blow the opportunity to show him love in this way.

He couldn't wait to drive the "new" car!  It did not disappoint either of us - a nice ride and much better on the gas mileage.  He even managed to load the bikes and I packed around them.  Still seemed like a lot of stuff to unload!!

When we arrived around 11 pm,  it was raining and muggy.  The weather didn't lend itself to opening up and airing out the house.  The sheets even had a bit of a damp feel to them.  Add to that the lingering smell of bug spray we used in September, it wasn't real easy to relax and sleep.  Regardless, it was still exciting to be here!

Yesterday morning, Rudy headed to the clubhouse for coffee hour and I went to the grocery store and my favorite thrift store around the corner.  "Blessings" was having $3 bag day, so I was in my glory!  Rudy and I stopped again later after we went to lunch (a wonderful little restaurant - Curry Creek Cafe).  In the afternoon, the weather cleared off and we were able to takes the bikes for a spin about the park.  We visited with Dottie and Bill (Hillshimer) for awhile and then headed back to the house.  We were asleep before 8 pm!

This morning is a bit cooler - the house was 56 degrees!  We did break down and turn the heat on a bit.  Today is supposed to be in the low 60s and then 70s this week.  The sun is shining and we are looking forward to going to church, hearing the Word of God and meeting up with the many friends we have made.