Vacation

Yes, it has been forever since our last post. That's not to say our lives have been boring, just not necessarily photo-worthy. We did however spent a glorious week in Florida. It's amazing how much fun you can have just hanging out with your spouse - it's something we don't get a chance to do nearly enough. Aren't we cute?

We spent the week in Marco Island, but flew in and out of Miami because the flights were better. As a result, we got to drive across the state. It was nothing like I was expecting. We had been joking about having seen a Publix every 2 miles, and all of sudden, there was nothing. No warning. No signs. Nothing to indicate that you had left reality and would be in the middle of nowhere for the next two hours.

Obviously, being from Illinois, I am used to seeing signs to watch for deer. In my life, I had never seen a sign for a panther crossing, especially right next to the sign for camping / picnic areas. There is something wrong about telling you to look out for panthers but to please take out some food and relax for a while. There is also a picture of the post office below - impressive.
To appreciate this last picture, you have to know my step-dad. We are in the middle of nowhere, with the panthers and the mini-post office, and what do we see but a Marathon station. If you squint, you can see the sign. As I took this from a moving vehicle, I have to say I'm impressed that I captured the sign between the trees.