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Thank you for visiting. Please feel free to comment on any of my blogs. Much of my discussion is political in nature - civil discussion only please! Enjoy!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Conclusion


"I'm so hungry, I could each a sandwich from a gas station!" ~ Clark W. Griswold

As vacations tend to do, this one passed much too quickly. As I sit looking out at the lake, Naples and the Edgewood seem so far away. But we sure had a great time!

We left Naples in a downpour just after 7:00 Friday morning. Aside from a brief traffic jam for construction near Tampa, the drive was completely uneventful and we arrived at DeLisa’s aunt’s home in Lumberton, MS at about 7:30 Friday night. We enjoyed a nice visit and a good night sleep. Lanelle prepared a delicious quiche and some cinnamon rolls for breakfast and we were back on the road at 10:30. One stop in Ruston, LA for gas and Sonic was all we needed and we arrived at the lake house at 5PM – a bit road weary but happy to be home. DeLisa and Olivia took the van and headed to Keller; Keith and I stayed at the lake so I could mow. Mowing completed, Keith and I are ready to head home as well.

Although short, this vacation allowed me what I needed – a break from my daily routine to relax and unwind. I find myself this morning ready for “normal” – my church, my home, and my workplace. I will approach each with renewed energy as I replay the soothing waves and the beautiful sunsets in my mind’s soundtrack.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Day Six

"And those harbor lights, Aw they're coming into view; We bid our farewell much too soon. So drink it up, this one's for you. Honey, it's been a lovely cruise." ~ Jimmy Buffett


I'm pleased that the weather forecasters in southwest Florida sometimes miss their mark as severely as their counterparts in North Texas. We awoke this morning to heavy gray clouds and rain - not an auspicious start to our final day on the beach. Having reserved our prime sunbathing spot, we prayed that the rain would stop and the clouds would break. So strongly did I believe our prayers would be answered, that when the beach concierge asked us if we still wanted him to set up our spot ("weather forecast is for 60% chance of rain, Mr. Strege," he said), I said "Of course!" We're going to catch some rays. And, thankfully, the day transformed into a clear, sunny, perfect day on the beach.


The day concluded with a dip in the pool, followed by one last sunset and a nice dinner on the hotel restaurant's veranda overlooking the pools and out to the darkened Gulf beyond. Upon returning to our suite, DeLisa gathered most of our clothes into bags for the trip home and we called "lights out" by 10:30. Tomorrow we embark on a 12-hour drive to southeastern Mississippi to visit DeLisa's aunt and plan to arrive at our lake house by late Saturday afternoon.


I'm a bit down about having to leave in the morning. Truth is, I needed this break and I would love to have a day or two more. I sometimes think that we Americans place too much emphasis on work, sometimes to the detriment of our families, our health, and our personal well-being. Hearing more than one European visitor talk about their 10-day stay here as a subset of their longer holiday in the US gets me to thinking that perhaps this aspect of American life offers room for improvement. 


The Edgewood exceeded all expectations, and I look forward to writing a 5-star review on Yelp. We are already discussing a possible return visit next year, but flying the friendly skies rather than driving which will allow us an additional day or two to enjoy this beautiful place in this wonderful part of our country. Fantastic: this gives us something to look forward to!



Thursday, July 12, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Day Five

"While the big crowd down the rivers are gettin' drunk on sea grape wine; I'm gettin' high watchin' eagles fly havin' myself a time. Wet my whistle every now and then with a sip of cool Gatorade; Watch the sun go down and let the world go 'round down in the Everglades." ~ Willie Nelson


Exhilarating! That is what came to mind as the airboat captain opened up the throttle and sped down a sawgrass trail to begin our tour through Florida's Everglades. I was both surprised and impressed at the maneuverability of the craft. Carrying 9 passengers (ourselves and a family of 5 from Germany) we were off to explore this swampy wonderland. After a short ride through the grassy trails we entered a mangrove forest. The water trails twisted and turned among the mangrove trees as we craned our necks in search of wildlife. The trees themselves are beautiful, exposed roots digging deep for the saltwater they need to live and waxy green leaves reaching towards the sun. Our captain stops the boat and tells us that the waters of the Everglades are brackish - usually salty enough to sustain the mangroves but not so salty that the alligators cannot live there as well. As if on cue, we see a large male gator floating in the water. The captain allows the boat to drift right up to him for some amazing photo opportunities. Once the gator tires of our company he slips beneath the water and swims several feet away. Captain then describes the other wildlife that can be seen in the Everglades: bobcats, deer & raccoons during dry season; gators, fish and snakes during wet season. "If a snake were to jump into this boat," he asks, "how would you know if it was poisonous?" We didn't know. "You know it's poisonous if the captain jumps into the water!" This guy is cool. After an hour-long ride we returned to the dock where we each got the chance to hold a baby alligator. I served as photographer; I don't do reptiles.


We were back at the Edgewater by 2:30 and opted to spend the remainder of the afternoon poolside. Having finished my first book, we stopped at Walgreens where I purchased a copy of John Grisham's "The Litigator". De'Lisa and Olivia ventured out to Barnes & Noble as Walgreens' selection was quite limited. Alternating between our chairs in the shade and the coolness of the water we wiled away the afternoon - my large Five Guys soda cup now contains a homemade wine spritzer.


Tonight offers yet another beautiful sunset, viewed this time from one of the Adirondack chairs near the beach. We talked briefly with a couple from Norway - they've been here five days and have four more to go before continuing on to Miami before heading home. "You don't get the long holidays like we do, do you?" my cigar-smoking new friend asked. "No, we don't," I said, taking a sad draw of my Bacarrat. If there is one thing Europeans got right it's their vacation schedules.


We have one more day at the Edgewater before hitting the road for home. As we head back to the suite we stop and reserve a beachfront spot for tomorrow. This is quickly becoming a favorite place.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Day Four

"Pale invaders and tan crusaders are worshipping the sun; On the corner of walk and don't walk somewhere on U.S. 1" ~ Jimmy Buffett "Floridays"


Settling into a lifestyle of Rest & Relaxation has fortunately been very easy for De'Lisa and me. The kids, not so much. They want to "go somewhere" and "do something", they said as De'Lisa and I  lay by the pool, eyes half open. I tell them we have gone somewhere and we are doing something - but I also remember being that age so tomorrow we shall "go somewhere" and "do something."


But for today, we shall relax outdoors, alternating between the pool and the beach as the kids nurture their sunburn (minor, but sunburn nonetheless) in our suite. Rain showers were more plentiful today, and we even had a flash of lightning that launched a tsunami of people up the pool steps as we exited the water. Fortunately it was just a passing storm. It provided a nice, cooling breeze as we relaxed in the shade of our large pool umbrella.


I finished "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly and highly recommend it. Other than that I enjoyed watching the people: families with children of all ages, older couples, all enjoying the amenities that the Edgewood has to offer. I also notice many different languages being spoken - mostly Spanish and French.


We all wanted to get away for a bit, so for dinner we ventured to a local pizzeria called "Cosmos". Keith ordered a large white pizza and managed to eat half of it. De'Lisa enjoyed chicken Marsalis, Olivia tried a delicious pumpkin ravioli, and I opted for spaghetti with tomato sauce and homemade meatballs. Family owned with everything homemade, we enjoyed stellar service and a fantastic dinner with enough leftovers to cover lunch tomorrow.


We arrived back at the hotel in plenty of time to enjoy the evening sunset. This time, clouds obstructed the direct view, but the colors playing in the clouds as the sun settled into the horizon were beautiful to behold. Accompanied by a glass of cabernet and a Baccarat cigar, it was perfect.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Day Three

"Mother Mother Ocean, I have heard you call; I've wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall; You've seen it all, You've seen it all." ~ Jimmy Buffett

Those who know me well know I love the ocean. I've loved the ocean for as long as I can remember. De'Lisa shares that love, and we found ourselves today dreaming out loud about someday living in a place where our view in the distance was the straight line of the horizon as the ocean meets the sky. I don't think I could ever tire of that view.

Today we enjoyed a reserved spot on the beach, including two lounge chairs, a double beach bed, and umbrellas for shade. It was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine, warm temperatures and just enough breeze to keep it from being overly hot. The water was calm and we spent a good bit of time bobbing in the gentle waves, tossing a nerf football, and watching the people.

I don't read enough, and one of my goals this week is to read at least one book. I got half way through Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Lincoln" on the beach today. Written as a novel, it chronicles the end of the civil war and Booth's plot to assassinate the president. So far I have enjoyed it.

The evening thunderstorms rolled through at about 6:30. Having been spared the worst of it yesterday, we were on center stage today with several simultaneous flashes of lightening and claps of thunder accompanied by a downpour that pulled a window shade over our balcony view. Thankfully, the clouds cleared in time for us to watch another glorious sunset from our balcony. We then watched Emily send Sean home on "The Bachelorette" before retiring for the evening.

This was truly a relaxing day, and exactly what the doctor ordered. Tomorrow we plan to lounge by the pool and decide on an offsite activity for Wednesday. Oh, and who knows -- we just might be rearranging our retirement plans...

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Day Two

Ooooh. Ooooh, I know that smell. Roy, could you imagine if you had driven all the way to Florida and it was closed? ~ Clark W. Griswold


Fortunately, Florida is not closed. In fact, it is as beautiful as ever and we are thrilled to have arrived at our final destination. We are in Naples, famous for its white sand beaches, clear blue water, and stunning sunsets. We were a bit concerned tonight, as a line of thunderstorms moved westward over the Gulf as sunset approached. But as 8:23 PM approached we were not disappointed, for the storm clouds offered some dazzling special effects as the sun set right on schedule.


Our lodging for the week is the Waldorf Astoria Edgewater Hotel. Situated on the beach, it offers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico and its nightly sunset light show. Due to my Hilton Honors status we were upgraded to a beautiful penthouse suite - a very pleasant surprise after a very long drive. The kids have their own room with two queen beds, we have a living room and a full kitchen, a master bedroom with a king bed and a private balcony accessible from both bedrooms as well as the main living area. They may have to drag me out of here in chains.


We opted for dinner at The Coast, the hotel's very fine restaurant. We're all tired and ready for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is a beach day - we've already reserved our front row seats with the hotel beach concierge.


And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. ~ Genesis 1:9-10

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Our Florida Beach Adventure - Day One

"Russ, please don't eat the Truckster." ~ Clark W. Griswold


Backing the van out of the lake house driveway at 5:05 AM, the driveway behind me seemed unusually dark. Upon exiting the van to open the gate (which had blown closed during the overnight storm) I discovered that our tail lights were not functioning. Back up the driveway we went. We checked all of our lights, and found that we had no tail lights, license plate lights or front parking lights, however we did have headlights, daytime running lights, backup lights and brake lights. I checked the fuse box, hoping for an easy fix. Fuses checked out OK. I figured they would since many of these lighting systems, working and nonworking, share a circuit. At this point,  I had reached my level of mechanical expertise. We can't drive the van this way; it is unsafe and it is illegal. So...we unloaded the van and packed up the trusty ole Crown Vic and departed on our journey an hour later than planned.


Crown Vic is my car. A 2003 model in police car white with tan leather interior, it rides like a dream and has been reliable as any car could be - a nice, big American car with a powerful V8 under the hood. As we departed the lake house, the odometer showed just over 164,000 miles. Quite impressive!


For us, no vacation is really a vacation without at least one breakfast at Cracker Barrel. This was accomplished in Shreveport, and after filling the gas tank we headed southeast in Interstate 49. The kids promptly went to sleep, I surfed classic country radio stations - as one would fade away another would take its place - and four hours later we stopped for restroom, lunch and refuel in Hampton, LA. Lunch was sandwiches fixed out of the cooler, chips for the kids, grape tomatoes for De'Lisa and me, and bottled water. We were making great time. Crown Vic got just over 25 miles per gallon with AC running between Shreveport and Hampton (just over 300 miles). We're cruising Interstate 10 towards Mobile in Alabama when everything comes to a stop. Thinking there must be an accident (after all, it's a Saturday afternoon for Pete's sake!) I launch into my usual litany about idiot drivers causing havoc for the rest of us. Then we realized the freeway was narrowing so we could go through the Mobile tunnel. So this is normal!? One hour later we emerged from the other side and made a bee line to Florida.


After fueling the car at WalMart and the kids at Sonic, we embarked on our final leg of the day. I was happy to see exit 203 finally come into view. Although Mapquest didn't know where our hotel is located, our iPhones helped us find it and we pulled into the Hilton Garden Inn parking lot just after 9PM.


So here we sit; tired, but most importantly - safe and sound. Tomorrow's drive to Naples is much shorter - only about 6 1/2 hours. God willing, we'll have our fannies planted on the beach by late tomorrow afternoon. As for now, it's time for some serious shuteye.



Monday, July 2, 2012

Accountability: Something We Can All Agree Upon


Since the Supreme Court announced it’s ruling on Obamacare last week, I have run the gamut of emotions ranging from extreme anger to intense motivation. At first I was livid – livid that the Court, and Chief Justice John Roberts in particular, would find the law Constitutional. Like many others I was hopeful that the law would be rejected in its entirety and certain that at least the individual mandate would be discarded. But, as we all now know, that was not to be.

My initial reaction was quick and largely uninformed. I called Chief Justice Roberts a “Constitutional Poser” on twitter, stating that he fooled us all during his confirmation process. I felt he had abandoned the Constitution, possibly giving in to political pressure imposed by the president and/or certain members of Congress. But as I’ve read articles and blogs written by people much smarter than me, I’ve come to realize that my initial reaction was misguided, as were my statements about the Chief Justice. I’ve also come to the conclusion that the Affordable Care Act is not about health care; it is a scheme for redistribution of wealth shrouded in a cloak of benefits. Obamacare is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, and We the People were deceived.

I remember the frustration I felt when the bill was introduced in Congress. There was a tight deadline by which the vote must take place; a deadline that would in no way permit legislators and their aids to read, interpret, and fully understand the proposed law. Nancy Pelosi admitted that when she told us we had to pass the bill to see what is in the bill. This was clearly by design, and at the time I was incensed: Since when does the United States, the greatest democracy in the world, conduct its legislative business in this manner? Bills are to be publicly debated and fully vetted before voting. President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and their minions were bound and determined to avoid public debate. Why? What was in the bill they did not want us to see? As we now know, the focal point of this legislation was a massive tax increase that would hit Americans at many income levels. Public debate would have exposed this fact and effectively killed any chance of the bill’s passage. The President and the Speaker knew that, and I suspect that every legislator that voted to pass this bill knew that. They knowingly deceived the American people they’re supposed to represent, and for that they must be held accountable.

No matter where we stand politically, none of us should tolerate or support the behavior of President Obama or Congress with regards to this legislation. This is not a dictatorship. This is a democracy and We the People must hold our elected leaders accountable for their actions. We have the power to exercise accountability in the voting booth. The president must be defeated in November. Every legislator that voted for Obamacare must be defeated in November or in the next election cycle during which they must run for reelection. They must be replaced with leaders who will honor and uphold the Constitution. We must insist on the full repeal of Obamacare and engage in a national discussion about the delivery of health care. What are the root problems and what are the best means within the boundaries of our Constitution to address those problems? We all have our opinions, but I don’t believe anybody really knows. Rather than electing leaders that stifle this process, let us elect leaders that will work together to uncover the truth, thereby leading us to the best possible solution for all Americans. I intend to actively work to achieve these goals come November. I encourage each of my fellow Americans to do the same.