On Turning 60

So, I have some thoughts on turning 60.

 First, it’s not so bad!  60 is the new 40, right.  But, in all seriousness a few years ago, I was dreading leaving my fifties and 60 sounded like a really big number.  After moving to Florida and totally reinventing my lifestyle, I am in better shape than I have been in many years, my heath is good and life here is really like living in paradise everyday.  There is a lot to celebrate.

I wrote about my health journey after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes here, and how that was really the catalyst for me to make changes.  There are so many health issues associated with Diabetes and I was determined to overcome all those challenges.  Along the way, I reclaimed the active younger me who I had lost.  Who was that person that drank a can of Coke for breakfast ?! Walking and yoga, along with healthier eating will be what keeps me young and enjoying retirement with my husband.  We retired young and are determined enjoy every minute of it.

Age really is just a number and that is so evident here in Florida.  I tend to be one of the younger ones
around and I am so inspired by those who are twenty years older than me, but still active every day.  It’s all about keeping moving, keeping flexible and staying strong.  I recommend yoga to everyone
for that very reason.  At 60, I am stronger and more flexible than ever and am proud of those 2
(working on 3) minute planks.  And when I golf, my drives are longer than ever.

So, I’m looking at 60 as the beginning of a new chapter.  A chapter of life that I am excited about, without looking back and worrying about getter older.  It’s a cliche, but if you are as young as you feel, I am ready to live my life with energy and new experiences for as long as possible.  There is so much to look forward to.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Key West Birthday Weekend

This past Sunday was my 60th birthday and I have a lot to say about that, but will save it for another post.  This post is about all things Key West and if you have not been there, go.  If you think you have been to other parts of Florida and seen all Florida has to offer, a trip to Key West will change your mind.  The best way I can describe it is that it’s part coastal Florida and part New Orleans, with a real island vibe as well.  There is a lot to do, you will walk from one end to the other and there are no shortage of places to stop for a drink.  I made it my birthday mission to drink as many margaritas as possible :-)

Sunsets are big in Key West and my favorite spot was Sunset Pier.  It had live music and a great laid back atmosphere. We also took a sunset sail, rented a scooter to drive around the island and all the pretty neighborhoods, took the Conch Train tour, toured The Hemingway House and Truman’s Little White House, went to mass at a historical basilica and shopped, ate and drank our way up and down Duval Street.

We stayed in a bed and breakfast right on Duval Street and were in a great location.  It had a beautiful, lush courtyard with a pool, where breakfast was served in the morning.  It was a little loud at night, since you are right in the action, but it’s all part of the Key West experience.

My favorite restaurant for both the atmosphere and the food, was Blue Heaven for brunch.  It was recommended by many and it (and the Bloody Mary’s) didn’t disappoint.  If you like pancakes, get the ones with fresh pineapple.  And, the roosters running around are just part of the charm.

It’s a six hour drive for us and we stopped on Islamorada for lunch, so not a bad weekend trip.  We are already talking about the next time.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Summer in Florida

Summer in Florida is very different than the rest of the year.  It’s hotter than the surface of the sun (heat index 110 today lol) most days, but you get used to that pretty quickly.  The biggest difference is how quiet it is.  The snowbirds are gone and while I miss my friends, it is so nice to drive without traffic and go to the beaches and restaurants without the crowds.  We are enjoying spending time with the friends who are still here and also exploring the places we have been wanting to see.  I have a list that I hope to get through in the next few months.

Last Friday, we headed to Anna Maria Island, just north of Sarasota, for breakfast on the beach.  It was a beautiful morning, hot and sunny, but we found a table in the shade and mostly remarked on how lucky we are that on a whim, we can sit on the beach drinking coffee and eating eggs and toast.  Next on the list, there is a restaurant just south of us, that you reach by a water taxi, with possible dolphin sightings. Sounds fun, right?

Finally, after two summers, we have realized that the best Florida lifestyle requires a pool of our own and a bigger outdoor living space.  We have a beautiful resort style pool within walking distance, but think it would be perfection if we could simply walk out on the lanai and jump in our pool whenever the mood strikes.  There are permits to obtain, demolition to endure and probably months of construction ahead, but we are excited for it to happen.  The photo I’m sharing is taken at a model home and not exactly what we will have in terms of pool tile, but otherwise very close.

Happy Wednesday!