In all the years that I have returned home from Florida after spending the winter there, the weather has always felt refreshingly brisk. I can remember stepping out of the airport, seeing the bare branches of the trees, the brown grass, sometimes overcast skies and sometimes sunshine, but it always felt good.
My plane was delayed an hour, the airport was jam-packed with travelers, lots of security people doing their thing. It seemed to me with all the people there it would be difficult to apprehend anyone trying to commit some type of crime. All travelers have to take off their shoes, even little old ladies in wheelchairs!
Finally I got settled in my seat and the usual announcements came over the loudspeaker. This time they were made by a charming steward with a FRENCH accent!! If he said anything important I missed it!!
Surprise, surprise - when I was served a cold beverage I got a whole can. In the past I remember being given a small glass with ice cubes and the stewardess poured the drink from the can, that way you don't get a whole can.
I always enjoy getting settled in my seat on the plane - I know that when I get home there will be lots to do - just finding my way around the house after being away for four months - where are the bowls, knives, light switches and how about the TV channels - the channel numbers and the times of some shows are different.
My car will be delivered in a day or two and when it comes I really get busy putting things away. I had a good laugh with one of my friends recently when we talked about how we pack. I am a very organized person and when I first start packing I put all my shoes in one bag, all my tops in one bag, etc. etc. When it comes down to the wire and I have to find a place for something I just tuck it in here and there, that happens to her too.
Going back and forth to Florida is a minor transition, it's not like losing a loved one, losing a job or some major change in ones life but it still is a change in routine and life-style. It's easier to stay put but in the long run, it's worth the effort.