We are having a great time here at the beach. I know I've written about this before, but things are a little different for us this year. We have been vacationing in the same place for the past 23 years. During that time, we have been fortunate enough to be able to stay for free in a multi-bazillion dollar resort. Back in the Spring, we found out the owner was selling and we wouldn't be able to do that anymore. In a way though, I guess I'm glad the end of the tradition was decided for us rather than us not being able to go due to a death (either my mother or the owner, a friend of my Dad's, who is not in the greatest of health). Going back to that part of SC on our dime isn't really an option as it is very expensive. I guess it'll be up to Philip to carry on the tradition, I was looking forward to meeting him and his family there someday.

So, we have had to begin a new tradition and it's kind of weird. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to be able to go on a vacation and it's even better since Florida is closer than South Carolina and we make the trip in one day, easier on the kids and my mother. However, we had been going to SC for so long, it was kind of like home. We knew the grocery stores, I have a video membership at the local place, we knew the people in the bookstore, we went to church there and even had met some friends we saw year after year. We have had to find new places to eat (thanks to a lot of you for your recommendations), which is not really that big of a deal unless you're my parents who are big into eating out. I do admit, however, that there were some fabulous restaurants there. Anyway, it's just a matter of getting a new rhythm, I suppose.

Our place is nice, the layout is much like what we were used to, so it's a good transition. Destin is in pretty good shape despite the recent hurricanes. There are a couple of restaurants closed for repairs, but that's seems to be about all. The beach, however, has some major erosion. It's like the Cliffs of Dover to get up and down and there's even a pretty good incline at the surf's edge. It's like going to the beach on the side of a hill. The stairs are still out (from the storm) at one end of our access and you have to pull yourself up the dunes on a bed of oyster shells and a yellow rope for a handrail. That makes for interesting times when you have your 73 year old father with you at the beach with a 107 degree heat index to boot. Even with the heat, the weather is great and Gulf is beautiful, there's just a bit of lingering debris. There are 2 pools and the Preschooler Formerly Known as Busy Baby has learned to swim! He can get about 15 feet and even breathes en route between strokes.

OK, time to start the sunscreen ritual.