A Priceless Ordinary Family Visit

My dear brother, Don, and I spent an ordinary day chatting, looking at family photos, eating sub sandwiches for lunch, driving around Port St. Lucie.  It was delightful to catch up on all our children's activities. Talking on the phone or Skyping is good but there's no substitute for visiting in person. 

My sister-in-law, Kathleen, had commitments and my traveling buddy, Peggy, also had things she wanted to do today.  That left Don and I the whole day together.  He lives at the edge of a lake in a gated community where everything is perfectly landscaped and weeds are forbidden to grow. 

Eating lunch on Don's screened-in back porch overlooking the lake was quiet and peaceful.  I asked Don if residents went swimming or boating in the lake. He chuckled and informed me, "No, they say that if there are no ducks on a lake there's an alligator in it." Shocking!  There were no ducks!  Don says that in Florida most of the lakes and waterways are connected by underground passages.  It is believed that alligators travel in these underground 'tubes.'  The lakes may be drained partially in expectation of hurricane flooding if a big storm is coming.  He said he expects Florida 'found this out the hard way.'

The Lake and Pine Trees

The four of us came together for a fun pizza and wine dinner at Kathleen and Don's house later.  We discovered many common interests.  Don was a career U.S. Navy man who met his wife, Kathleen, in London where he was stationed at the American Embassy.  Kathleen was a young woman from Ireland working in London.  They have been married for nearly 30 years.  Peggy was in the U.S. Air Force and also has traveled extensively.  Everyone had journeyed to Hawaii except me.  Don, Kathleen and I have enjoyed the culture of many European countries.  We all love the British TV series.  We could have chatted into the wee hours of the night but we have big plans for a trip north tomorrow.