Monday Morning Thoughts on a Girl's Trip October 13, 2025

      The last two days have been incredibly relaxing (if I ignore the bumper to bumper traffic on the main tourist strips of the north Florida Gulf coast). We've had tranquil views, dips in the water, and walks on Sandy beaches so white it looks like the stuff found in Michael's for crafting! The best is time with friends. One, our host, has been pretty much running on fumes with her job, her parents health needs, her MIL, and adult children. My other friend is coming off the adrenaline and chaos leading up to her daughters August wedding, in the process of building a cabin,  and now, faced with budget cuts on her school special education budget, and staffing shifts and larger classroom sizes. I'm just here listening and supporting and laughing, and being with them. 

     My friend's condo ownership is complex with other family owning other units and a mix of personal use and vacation rentals to cover the overhead. I couldn't or wouldn't want to manage it all. Hers is beautifully decorated with a breezy, beachy, vibe that makes you feel vacation from the first step in the door. 

     And here's my morning view, an undeserving treat for my eyes, ears, and nose as I take in the early morning with a perfect cup of coffee. Have a kind Monday.



Comments

  1. ElleOctober 13, 2025 at 10:16 AM

    Joy, Relax, Refill. Much deserved Sam :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anne in the kitchenOctober 13, 2025 at 11:09 AM

    Not sure which beach you are one but Northwest Florida is a fabulous place. I am lucky enough that I can be there via car in about 4 hours. TheHub and I are trying to get down there sometime next week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:42 AM

      Traffic was somewhat better weekdays but I bet a lot of your drive is traffic. So close to drive. Fun!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousOctober 13, 2025 at 11:23 AM

    The traffic is probably the main reason we sold our Emerald Coast place.
    -Meg B.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne in the kitchenOctober 14, 2025 at 1:32 AM

      We had 2 condos there and sold both. Our trip next week is to Cape San Blas just to avoid so much traffic and people

      Delete
    2. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:43 AM

      I will need to look at options if this is ever a realistic possibility.

      Delete
  4. VixOctober 13, 2025 at 12:13 PM

    Time with friends and that view, well worth the traffic headaches! x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Practical ParsimonyOctober 13, 2025 at 5:50 PM

    Like Anne, we can be at the coast soon, but not as soon as Anne. Which beach is that? It does look relaxing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:43 AM

      Panama City Beach. It was relaxing.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousOctober 17, 2025 at 10:04 AM

      We were almost halfway between Panama City and Pensacola, in Santa Rosa Beach. At the time it was a hidden gem. By the time we sold we didn’t recognize it anymore.
      -Meg B.

      Delete
  6. TreadersOctober 14, 2025 at 3:40 AM

    What a wonderful break for you all. Enjoy!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:44 AM

      I was very fortunate to bey friends guest..

      Delete
  7. AprilOctober 14, 2025 at 6:35 AM

    I am smiling to read this, Sam. Savor it all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:44 AM

      It was a perfect trip. Everything went so well
      .

      Delete
  8. LoriOctober 14, 2025 at 8:26 AM

    The crowds and traffic are the two main reasons we left SW Florida.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:45 AM

      I can't imagine locals trying to live and work in that much traffic every day.

      Delete
  9. AnonymousOctober 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM

    Looks absolutely gorgeous! Enjoy the time with friends & relaxing. - Hawaii Planner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:45 AM

      Thank you! It was so relaxing but also fun.

      Delete
  10. BelindaOctober 14, 2025 at 2:50 PM

    Oh, what a wonderful and relaxing time for you, Sam. I hope you soak up all the goodness! 💕

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:46 AM

      I definitely soaked up sun. I have a better tan than I had all summer.

      Delete
  11. jjOctober 15, 2025 at 9:12 AM

    Just love this for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMOctober 17, 2025 at 7:46 AM

      Thank you! My friend was so kind to host.

      Delete
  12. SharonOctober 15, 2025 at 6:19 PM

    Have a wonderful time!

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousOctober 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM

    I do day trips to Pensacola or Gulf Shores sometimes,
    but I have a better time if I spend at least one night. Enjoy! Cindy in the South

    ReplyDelete

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