Whirlwind Trip to Florida

This past weekend, the husband and I drove to Florida (and back) in two days.  We left Friday after he got back from work, made it there Saturday, and left Sunday around noon.  I don’t really want to see the inside of my car again for a long time.

Although brief, it was well worth the visit.  We got to see a lot of family we rarely see:

• Husband’s parents (last year i think we saw them twice all year, this year we’ve seen then twice in two months)
• Husband’s brother (and his wife and son!  normally it’s a once every couple years thing, and now we got to see them twice this year – although once was in Saipan!)
• Husband’s grandparents and aunt (from Detroit – used to spend thanksgiving with them until plane tickets were outrageous)

Now, if his aunt would just post the picture of the four generations together, I could post it here

I did get to have a brief visit with my friends that live nearby… I went on a run with The Swimmer (to try and keep training while away from home)… i have to say, running by the ocean is MUCH prettier than running in my neighborhood… and she gets to do this whenever she wants!  Ok, so the heat sucks and you have to go running at 7am so you don’t die from heatstroke (yes, even in October), but still… it was a lovely run.  And the Columbian made us pancakes to celebrate!  The Swimmer MIGHT have me convinced to come run the half marathon with her in December… we’ll see.  I’m not making that drive again (at least not for awhile) so it will depend on if i can find a cheap flight or not.

Some tips and tricks when on a whirlwind trip to Florida:

• Don’t get eaten alive by mosquitos before checking into a hotel… you’ll itch all night
• The Days Inn at Titusville (near Kennedy Space Center) is probably one of the cleanest ‘cheapo’ hotels – far better than the Super 8 we stayed at in Port Wentworth (GA) the last time…
• Do get the add saver at the rest stops
• Don’t eat at Shoney’s – at least not on Seafood Buffet night (apparently that is Friday night)
• Don’t get gas at South of the Border… it’s at least 20 cents cheaper at the next exit
• Don’t go through Jaxonville when the football game is about to start
• Don’t try to take a picture of an armadillo sitting right in front of you with your cell phone – it just doesn’t work, and they’re pretty quick for a fat looking rolly polly animal