Kirsten Captures

… in Florida in the winter

It is 80 degrees outside. It is December 6th. And I am not happy about it.

I miss Maine. I miss the changing leaves, the chill in the air, the sudden blizzards that leave thick layers of ice to be carefully maneuvered and often slipped upon. I miss the seasons. I miss sweater weather. I miss being cold.

Florida is wonderful. It is mild and warm which allows you to be outside in the sunshine year-round. But the grass is always greener on the other side. I would be happier if maybe it was at least 70 degrees. Is that too much to ask for Santa?

But I withhold my seasonal distaste by taking advantage of the weather with long bike rides along the water and boating in the Gulf. Endorphins and Vitamin D! I also preserve that nice tan so elusive to Northerners (I know, I’ve been there).

I guess you could say I’m pretty lucky. I even have a wonderful guy in China who sends me flowers when I’m having a rough week. Lilies can solve many life problems. Except when the sickly sweet smell threatens to knock me over. But I take what I can get.

However, what I cannot complain about is being close to my family. Sometimes it sucks, sometimes it’s hard, but I know that we may never have this time together again. So despite the craziness, I am grateful for what I have. I have a job, I am with people who love me, I am safe and (very) warm.

This weekend I traveled with my parents and grandparents to Sun City to watch Morgan dance in the Nutcracker. This used to be a yearly tradition when both Morgan and Taylor  performed in a local Nutcracker production as kids. After at least 15 years of sitting through the same exact performance, I was honestly dreading this weekend.

But I was pleasantly surprised and warmed by the entire experience. This was even despite the fact that Sun City is a major retirement center and the entire auditorium was filled with more old people than I have seen in my entire life. I had my favorite old guy, my Grandpa Tibby, sitting next to me, talking smack about all the old people in the community.

I might have even had tears in my eyes during one the pas de duex’s. Morgan was spectacular as a Party Guest, Snowflake, Spanish Chocolate, and Flower. She was one of the few students asked to perform with this local dance company, which is a big deal! She fit right in and I was so proud.

So despite of everything I have been through this year, I am in a good place. I am in a green place. I am with my family, cheering each other on, and spreading the love.

I would not have it any other way. For now that is.