As always, my trip to Florida earlier this month was great fun. I stayed with my sister and our mutual best friend Cindy, attended Dad’s birthday party and unlike 2022 when I chauffeured Dad around, managed to spend time with some of my other friends. Here’s my departure —
Then, a couple of hours later, I saw the water.
It was colder than expected so I didn’t spend as much time in the early morning outside as I usually do. But I did get this cool shot.
I took a walk down to the Books a Million (about three miles) and along the way saw a sign store with this lovely wall.
Thursday, Cindy and I hit the beach and looked at the waves. A lot more pigeons out than usual.
Saturday I went home. And Durham is home now, fond though my memories of Ft. Walton Beach are. But I look forward to visiting again in 2024.
#SFWApro.
I love this backpack. It’s got more cubic space than much more expensive offerings. I had toiletries, clothes, a couple of books, my tea mug and I came back with extra books and two pounds of apples.
I’ll post more photos from the trip soon.
The mirror closet door often swung so that I’d see it when I came in, creating a weird optical illusion.
There were pirates, of course—
And more pirates.
And general silliness.
Traffic was miserable both ways and we kept wondering why one law firm had a half-dozen billboards, one after the other, in just a few miles. But there’s always the Gaffney peach.
Best birthday I’ve had in a while.
I spent last weekend at ConGregate, a Winston-Salem con, and had a great time. I was on eight or nine panels, chatted with a lot of NC writers I know and discovered an excellent coffee/tea shop across the street (really good loose leaf tea). The hotel restaurant was reasonably priced. I also picked up some good used books at a sale table (two Philip K. Dick, one Andre Norton) though that kept me from buying anything new from my friends.
Needless to say, I was a total wreck Tuesday, unfit for work; besides sleeping I think I might have done some blogging, but not much else. We tried making an appointment for Trixie but had to settle for Wednesday. Tuesday night passed without problems and I slept like a log. So soundly I woke up late which left me off-balance the rest of the day. I know it’s a weakness but I really need a couple of hours before the dogs join me downstairs if I’m to get my head in the game.
It’s a fun show (review in the next couple of weeks).
I feel justified.
During the trip I got to spend time with Tracy, our mutual best friend Cindy and her sister Deborah, and meet their dog, Raven Marie. Raven was initially suspicious about a stranger in the house, but she soon warmed up. She showed this by licking me at every opportunity.
It’s pretty on the waterfront.
Mostly, anyway.
I also took some photos of things like this, because I do that.
#SFWApro.
And at 5pm, Superheroes as Vigilantes. Needless to say, the two comics/superhero related ones are going to be fun.
And we visited the Destin docks.
I also visited my old teacher 
It was a great trip and I haven’t lost the sense of relaxation yet.
So Monday the 8th I flew down to Fort Walton Beach for Dad’s 90th birthday. During the Atlanta stop, TYG texted me there was a hurricane on the way, providing irony #1: I no longer lived where hurricanes were a constant occurrence, but I’d made a conscious choice that put me in the part of one.
