Its been raining for a couple of days. That's fine. It gave me a couple of days to catch up on paperwork. Now I can feel the warmth peeking through the clouds, telling me to go to the beach. This is not as easy as it sounds. Its spring break. In Panama City Beach spring break lasts six weeks. I don't know how the locals do it. But the locals love it. This is a time to make their money.

We went to Walmart and saw young college men with baskets full of chips, Ramon noodles, and lots and lots of beer. We dared to drive down Front Beach Road (the main strip) one afternoon. Kids stumbling across the road, drink in hand. Cars full of screaming girls. So many 150 scooters which you don't have to have a license to drive. And they don't wear helmets here. It scared me that this is our future. Then I remembered my youth and forgave them.

I did find a small spot at the far end of the beach. Tomorrow its going to be sunny and 80 degrees. I plan to spend our last day here at the beach sitting in my chair, journeling, and listening to the water.

Nastame

On the beach, sort of

We're back in Panama City Beach. We stopped here on our way back from Disney World while we were waiting for the snow to melt in Nashville. We found an RV Park on Back Beach road that is quiet. Yes, it's spring break here, but the campground is away from the beach. I'm looking at one of the small lakes and enjoying the breeze through my open window. It's supposed to rain today, but that's ok, its 70 degrees. I plan to spend the day writing, reading, or maybe catching up on some paperwork. We spent yesterday running errands, so we both need a day to rest. Yes, life goes on, even on the road. I needed new glasses to replace the ones I lost at Disney. We bought some groceries. We went to a boat store to look for stuff for the houseboat. And of course, we went to Buddy's Seafood Market to buy fresh shrimp for dinner. I think I keep coming back here for the seafood.

Maybe I'll get out today and take some pictures around the campground before it rains. I know I'm going to the beach Monday or Tuesday when it quits raining. I'll go early in the morning while the spring breakers are asleep. Who knows, maybe I'll find a few laying around on the beach that never made it to their rooms. That could be some interesting pictures.

Houseboat

We've been home for a few weeks, can't even remember how long now, trying to leave again. Steve has had a desire for a houseboat. He spent hours on the computer looking, studying, hoping to come across the right one. But it had to be on, or moveable to, Dale Hollow Lake. So, this past Sunday we drove up there once again, looking at houseboats. You would be amazed at some of the junk people are trying to sell. Then we walked up to Barefoot and Topless. From a distance I saw her and thought "Is this it? Could it be so beautiful?" Its sleek like a cruiser, now square like a houseboat. Then we boarded her. We were instantly taken in by her, trying not to show our enthusiams to the boat realtor. As we stepped inside we knew this was the one. She is 32', actually smaller than the motorhome inside. But there are several stories of living. The bridge, the galley (I'm learning the terms), a bedroom under the bridge, a party deck (yes it's really called this) with a bimini top is above the galley, then a sun deck is a short climb from the party deck. Steve made an offer, then counters were involved, and now Captain Steve is the owner of a new houseboat.

The name, he wants an original name. Barefoot and topless is cute, but its someone else's name. It's a boat thing. We've been tossing around ideas. He has decided on "The other woman". I thought that was appropriate because if he's not with me he will be with the other woman. It will take a couple of weeks to finalize the details, test drive the boat, and exchange money, but we are planning an "open boat" or "boat warming" in early June. We want to wait until the weather warms up.

Speaking of warm weather, its suppose to sleet here and be cold, so we're leaving this afternoon for Panama City Beach. We stayed there on the way back from Orlando on this last trip and found a great campground that doesn't allow spring breakers. It's that time of year. We'll stay there until the weather warms up.

Try to keep warm and I'll think of you while I eat oysters and shrimp.

Diana

Haiku

Disneyworld was fun.
Imagination galore.
My feet are hurting.