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I walked out of my girlfriend’s condo this morning into a bright cloudless day. Three workmen were standing around outside Gwendolyn’s place, talking about some job they had to do at another apartment somewhere. “Hi,” I said to them, “beautiful day, isn’t it?” I was surprised how friendly they were in reply. “Yeah, sure is! A great day!” one of them said and the others agreed. It really was a great day, cool and refreshing. Cool enough that I remembered to go back for the sport jacket I’d worn over to Gwendolyn’s that night. Then I hopped into my convertible, put on a baseball cap and lowered the automobile top. The sun was fairly high in the sky. It felt intense and warming.
I already knew, before leaving her parking lot, that I would take the long, slow drive home along A1A. My car’s temperature gauge said the air was 63 degrees as I headed out onto the road from Lighthouse Point, south on Federal Highway until I could catch a street east to the ocean. It was brisk as I drove, but not cold. The wind was crisp and dry and fresh.
On the way, I stopped at a little shop and bought one plain doughnut for breakfast. I sat on a wall and gobbled down about three bites, then set the rest of the doughnut on the bag, but the breeze caught it and dumped the whole thing into a flower bed. Oh well. I chuckled, threw it out and then I continued south in my car. By now the air temp was 66 degrees and climbing. When I came to the Fort Lauderdale beach, I parked just to breathe in the lovely morning for a while. Several freighters were anchored offshore and the sea was beautiful, a glimmering patchwork of aquas and blues behind the white sparkle of the breaking waves. One large coconut palm sat directly across from my car, a swaying leafy green swatch against the sea. I knew I had to get home but I lingered a bit longer. People were moving up and down the sidewalks on both sides of A1A, walking and running and riding bikes. They were dressed in everything from heavy sweaters and sweat pants to gym shorts and tank tops. To some, this was a rare taste of bracing wintry air. To others, this was a summer day. And to me? To me, it was a great day, just like the man had told me. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I already knew, before leaving her parking lot, that I would take the long, slow drive home along A1A. My car’s temperature gauge said the air was 63 degrees as I headed out onto the road from Lighthouse Point, south on Federal Highway until I could catch a street east to the ocean. It was brisk as I drove, but not cold. The wind was crisp and dry and fresh.
On the way, I stopped at a little shop and bought one plain doughnut for breakfast. I sat on a wall and gobbled down about three bites, then set the rest of the doughnut on the bag, but the breeze caught it and dumped the whole thing into a flower bed. Oh well. I chuckled, threw it out and then I continued south in my car. By now the air temp was 66 degrees and climbing. When I came to the Fort Lauderdale beach, I parked just to breathe in the lovely morning for a while. Several freighters were anchored offshore and the sea was beautiful, a glimmering patchwork of aquas and blues behind the white sparkle of the breaking waves. One large coconut palm sat directly across from my car, a swaying leafy green swatch against the sea. I knew I had to get home but I lingered a bit longer. People were moving up and down the sidewalks on both sides of A1A, walking and running and riding bikes. They were dressed in everything from heavy sweaters and sweat pants to gym shorts and tank tops. To some, this was a rare taste of bracing wintry air. To others, this was a summer day. And to me? To me, it was a great day, just like the man had told me. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 12:21 PM
I am living in Sacramento, CA, but am planning to move to S. Fl. (Ft. Lauderdale, Miami). I was looking at the statistical data when I ran across your post. Thanx for the vivid description of your shopping experience. I am planning a trip to Ft. Laud. this summer, but would like get get an idea of what life is like there. Please continue posting.
Thanx,
Raymond
Hi Raymond
It's nice to hear from you! Thanks for the comment! I think you're wise to check things out in person before moving anywhere. Ask lots of questions, talk to lots of people, look at areas where you might want to live. As for me, I genuinely enjoy living here. It takes time to make a circle of friends because this is such a transient area. But in terms of lifestyle, weather, things to do -- I think it's great! Let me know if you decide to move here and I can offer some other tips!
Have fun!
Bob
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