So Lazy!

Yes, here it is nine days since my last post and I haven't written a word! What is going on?  Contrast winter 2016 (first visit to SSI) vs. winter 2017 (returning snowbird).  I am just so much more relaxed!
This is our place now and I understand why so many, human and bird, choose to come here to congregate during the winter.

 Congregating Birds!











Congregating Humans!


Since my last blog we have enjoyed many unseasonably warm days on the beach here at SSI.  But one of the 70 plus days were carved out for Jekyll Island, which is just a few miles south of SSI.  It actually takes about 30 mnutes to get there since you have to take the Torras Causeway from St. Simons to the mainland and then the Fortson Parkway to Jekyll Island.  A beautiful drive over the expansive salt marsh is always a pleasure.

You can see why they call this area the Golden Isles!

We had such a fun day on Jekyll!  Perfect weather meant it was time to take the Mini-surrey out for a spin.  Now I have to confess that I have never ridden anything other than my tricycle as a child.  That's right, I do not know how to ride a bicycle.  In my imagination, I see myself sailing along on a bicycle, my hair flying and a smile on my face but sadly, in reality, none of that is true.  And so, welcome to the mini-surrey experience meant just for people like me.

Here we are, decked out with our best "ain't it a beautiful day to be on a mini-surrey" smiles on our faces.

What a hoot!  We laughed all the way!  Mostly because of my cautionary directives to Ron! " Whoa!" "  Lookout for the people!" " Slow down!" " Watch the curve!" " Take it easy!"

  Who ever thought that 5 miles an hour would feel so exciting!?!  I'm sure I'll do better the next time.  Ha, ha!  I'm going for something lighter and lower to the ground!  The recumbant! I think this cycle was made for me!  Stay tuned.

After our exciting "scare the old lady" ride, it was time to hit the beach.  We definitely wanted to head over to St. Andrews Beach to enjoy a picnic lunch and some quiet time just strolling along the beach and soaking in the sun.  We were all set up with our chairs under a couple of choice trees along the edge of the beach.  Ah! Solitude.  Breakout the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Wait!  What's that sitting on the back of my chair ready to ponce on my lunch?

That's right a damn squirrel! Cute huh?  Except he looked more like this to me, nature girl that I am.

Needless to say, I was up and out of my shady spot in a flash and found a nice spot on the beach to enjoy my lunch ALONE!

Okay Ron did join me on the sand.

We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon exploring the beach at low tide and just whiling away the afternoon.

Before I close today's blog I have to tell you how much we love the convenience of the parking garage to condo grocery cart.  Unload the trunk, load up the shopping cart, hop on the elevator and bingo all your groceries have been easily rolled into the lovely galley kitchen.  Love it!

Peace and love to all!

It's so easy to be back!

Yes, it has been ten days since we arrived on St. Simons Island and I have yet to blog about our trip.  Goes to show you that I am way too relaxed this time around.  Is there any such thing?  I don't think so!  So just to recap, here's a picture of why we left our home state of Pennsylvania on January 8th

Need I say more,  In fact, we delayed our departure by a day due to a snow storm heading up the Delmarva peninsula.  Our original plan was to head south to Norfolk, Virginia in order to avoid the dreaded Washington, D.C. area.  Well they got hit with 10 inches or so of snow so on to the alternate plan; head west to go south.  We headed to the PA Turnpike bound for Carlisle and the I 81 interchange stopping in Harrisonburg, VA the first night.  It was bitter cold when we left home and stayed that way until we hit Colombia SC where the temps finally were above freezing.  Traffic had been pleasantly light and smooth up to this point.  Once we got on 26 E out of Colombia things were a different matter.  We were delayed approximately 30 minutes due to an accident and then on I 95 in SC it was trucks flying all the way.  Once we were in Georgia, I 95 opens up to 3 lanes and conditions improved considerably.  We got to our condo at Beach Club on Ocean Blvd. around 2:30 on Tuesday afternoon.  A day late but none the less thankful for a safe trip.

We were so happy with our condo at the Beach Club.  It had all the amenities that our place on Oglethorpe did not have last year.  A king size very comfy bed in the master with a spacious master bath and a very nice guest room with it's own private bath.  The kitchen was well stocked with dishes cookware and gizmos.  All of this will make a difference when staying for two months.
Although we are on the top floor, unloading the car or should I say loading the condo was much easier.  Why you say?  How could that be since you were on the first floor last year.  Elevators and luggage carts make all the difference.  Ron and his back were very thankful.  In addition, when we grocery shop, we just bring it all up in the handy dandy shopping carts.  Loving it!

Here's a picture of where we are staying

 And of me looking very happy to be here!

We weren't here long before we headed to Iquanas for a yummy shrimp dinner.  They make the best shrimp and did I mention the free ice cream after dinner? Yes there was room for it! Yes, it was as good as I remembered.

We are so happy to be back in St. Simons and very thankful for the opportunity to miss most of winter once again.  We spend a great deal of time enjoying the beauty of nature.  Out and about is so good for us and I know we would not be as active back home during the winter.  I will post in a later entry some of the pictures that we've taken during out days on the beach.  Here's a selfie of one happy camper and chief picture taker, my sweet husband Ron.  Love him so much!  Peace and love to all!