The well known verse from Ecclesiastes (3:2 – “To every thing there is a season….”) has been in my head the past few weeks as we have recently settled in Florida for our extended winter stay.  In the past few months, we have experienced the joy of being in North Carolina for the birth of our fifth granddaughter, Norah Danielle, in September; to the sorrow of losing Jim’s Mother, Mary Ann, in November.

A week after settling in at Siesta Bay in Ft. Myers on November 1^st, we found ourselves back in Michigan after a sudden decline in Mary Ann’s health and her death the following week. 

As a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will remain in our hearts forever.  I found myself thinking of her while making a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie; she made the best and she knew it was Jim’s favorite. So many cherished memories!

To back up a little, we left Michigan in late August, after spending time with Dan, Christie, Megan and Anna, as well as other family and friends before heading out for fall and winter.  Our two older granddaughters are growing up way to fast, and we sure enjoy our time with them. 

Always a little heart tug leaving Michigan, but with our next stop in Maryland it made it a little easier.  We visited Beth, Kevin and Gemma, staying at the familiar Cherry Hill RV Park near College Park. 

Lots of fun as Gemma was able to enjoy the children’s splash pad at Cherry Hill and we made a trip to the National Zoo in DC which had mostly outdoor exhibits open.

On to North Carolina in early September where we stayed until the end of October.  We were glad we could help Cheryl and Darren settle in with a newborn and soon-to-be three-year-old big sister Ellie. Having a baby during this COVID year had some unique challenges, but they handled it well.

We had a good time with Ellie, visiting playgrounds, checking out the pumpkin patch, and she enjoyed visits to the RV.

We stayed in a private park about 20 minutes from Cheryl – Matthews Campground.  Jordan Lake State Park is closer, but has a 14-day stay restriction.  We stayed at Matthews Campground 3 years ago when Ellie was born, so we were happy to go back.  A small park with full hook ups, it fit our needs very well.  We enjoyed morning visits from the deer that came for the acorns that dropped around our RV site.

Returning to Florida the weekend before Thanksgiving, it’s time to recover and regroup in our new spot at Siesta Bay.  Earlier this year, we agreed to a two-year commitment for our winter stay this winter and next. 

In exchange for this commitment, we were able to choose a RV site for a conversion upgrade.  Under the program we have access to the site for seven months (October – April). We don’t have to be there all that time, but it gives us peace of mind to know it’s ours for those months and provides some planning flexibility.

Prior to our arrival, they replaced the cement slab with brick pavers, allowing extra room for parking and patio area.  We are very pleased with the outcome and did some minor landscaping to put our own touch on our winter home.  After the two-year commitment, we have first pick of the site on a year-to-year basis.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how COVID has still been in the forefront of our lives and daily decisions.  From limiting gatherings for the funeral, to making the decision to board an airplane, to the noticeable fewer winter residence at Siesta Bay, COVID is always there, always having to access the risk factor in everything we do.  I am relieved to say that we and our immediate family have remained safe and healthy.

After a trip to Michigan for Christmas, we will return to Florida and see what the new year brings. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and the best for 2021!

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