Time to go home - we've run out of toothpaste!

Somewhere along this journey, Greg and I talked about how we'd decide when it would be time to head home. I said our gauge would be when we'd run out of toothpaste. My answer baffled Greg. My theory was that we left home each having a new tube of toothpaste, plus we had one travel-sized one. When they ran out, we'd go home. I was just being silly.

Sun, sand, swim, eat, sleep & repeat!

I didn't post for three days, which is the longest gap I've had on this adventure, other than when we were on the cruise. So, why the gap? Well, we slipped into a comfortable routine that didn't warrant a blog. 

Always lots of families having fun at this beach

Kids and signs say the darndest things!

We enjoyed a nice drive today, without the help of a GPS or Tripadvisor. Greg hugged the streets bordering the inland waters and we found lots of spots to take in the views. At one stop we saw lots of fish jumping high out of the water, at times maybe 10 jumping at once. Very cool.

Greg, happy to be visiting yet another air museum

Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Florida

Today we visited the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. We've passed by it a few times and seen lots of people there, so today we checked it out. Even with fewer spring-break students in town, and it being a weekday, there were still lots of people around. It was a good people-watching place.

Destin harbour

Time ... one of the benefits of retirement

We initially booked our condo for one week, which would mean we'd be leaving this coming Wednesday morning. Greg had suggested that perhaps it would be wise to stay longer, but I said I preferred to go home.

A reminder of the reason we came here

Some things are just full of wind

Another walk at the beach yesterday, just enjoying the beautiful colours of nature.

Some of life's simple pleasures

I'd like to introduce you to the two most recent members of our flock: Katy on the left and Walt on the right. They're sitting on one of the chairs on our balcony. Katy was adopted in Katy, Texas, and Walt is from here in Fort Walton, Florida.

The Emerald Coast, Florida

As a follow up to my March 29th post, about our visit with friends from our previous winter spent in Costa Rica, here's our friend's blog of our time together. At the very least, click on the link to see the lovely photos she took of us. Thanks, Sharon!

Travelling the bridge between Fort Walton and Destin.
Yes, that's white sand on the right!

Bye, bye, Louisiana

Yesterday, in my Tabasco story, I couldn't remember how many countries they shipped to from the United States. Greg remembered that it's 160; thanks Greg.

I also forgot to tell you that we were each given four free sample bottles on the tour. Check out our big collection, sitting next to our car key. Aren't they adorable!

Anyone for some Tabasco sauce?

Today Greg and I played tourists and went to Avery Island, Louisiana, about an hour west of New Orleans. Avery Island is the home of the original Tabasco sauce, a sauce used in many households around the world. A few months ago I saw a program about its production, and so we thought we'd pay a visit.

Even though its sold to many countries (can't remember how many), with labels in 22 different languages, every bottle is prepared and shipped from this one location. That fascinated me.

Travelling the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana

We had a great day today, spending time with friends. A year ago, when we spent the winter in Costa Rica, we befriended a couple who lived across the street from us. For about two months, almost every day we spent some time together, getting to know each other and sharing wine, food, walks, outings, and stories. We sincerely hoped that we'd see them again, and today that happened.

Sharon and Bill, Costa Rica, 2014

Our final day in Texas

We left Houston, Texas today with the intention of going to Galveston Island, along the Gulf coast. Greg was looking forward to a few laid-back days at the beach. However, what we didn't know was that this past week was spring break for schools in Texas. Add to that congestion from lots of ladies (and some pink Cadillacs) at a Mary Kay cosmetics conference there. Now add a cruise terminal with two ships loading and unloading passengers. Although the island has miles of beachfront, there were lots of people everywhere.

The mainland skyline, with its many oil refineries