Honeymoon Island - again. Well, today was a day that really makes you realize why people flock to Florida in the winter. It was mid 80's F and just gorgeous. We returned to Honeymoon Island that we last visited with the Taekemas. We ended up staying for over 5 hours. It was such a gorgeous day, we didn't want it to end. Yvonne made friends and played like crazy. We went shell hunting and found a whole ton of cool ones. This was our last day before we start heading to Destin, so it was a special blessing to have such a nice day.

Jim Wrote. It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit when you are on a beach getting baked and it is 85F. That will change when we get up to Destin on Wednesday and the 3 Canadian families get together. 6 adults and 7 kids. I got hockey sticks on board. Maybe we can get a ball hockey game going. How are the Florida Panthers doing? It is a very odd feeling when it is this warm and you read reports of the storms that have hit at home. I have been trying hard to feel bad for being here while the guys I used to work with are working there butts off in the worst conditions. It is not working though, I am thankful I am here. Yvonne and I built this sand castle today and had a great time doing so. The sand is perfect for it and you don't have to wet it.

Went for a long walk along the beach today and kids were playing in the sand, lots of people fishing and boating. I got down a way and there were about 8 or 9 dogs on the beach. Every entrance onto the beach has a sign in 4 inch high letters. NO PETS ON THE BEACH. The Ranger came a long and told everybody to get their dogs off the beach. This one idiot with the boxer who 5 min before had let his dog take a dump on the beach yelled at the Ranger. How come dogs aren't allowed on the beach? There is no cure for illiteracy and stupidity I guess. Hope i spelt illiteracky write. The biggest surprise of all is that I did not even get the urge to kill the stupid sob and didn't even make a wise ass remark. This retirement really mellows one out.

Any way it was too nice a day to get worked up about anything. To the guys I used to work with work safe and be well. I want to see you all there when I get home in March.