18

I was just here; wasn't I?

Here's something sweet: happiness is waking up in the middle of night, surrounded by those you love: Steve, Dean, D. Sergei, Jane...Cole likes to sleep on the floor beside the bed, so he was nearby. More syrupy sweetness: happiness is waking up hours before the alarm clock, feeling fully rested of course, and having an extended morning with Steve.

On Saturday we did drive around Lake Okeechobee. A descriptive from the local paper:

It is Palm Beach County's other "coast," a body of water so vast (730 square miles) that it's no surprise the Native American Hitchiti tribe gave it the name of "Okeechobee," meaning "big water." It sustains us, of course, providing the liquid "fuel" for the all-important wetland that is the Everglades. It's also home to some of the tastiest freshwater fish (bass, crappie) you're ever likely to catch. True, it's been the scene for South Florida's greatest tragedy, the hurricane of 1928 that claimed thousands of lives. And true, it's now protected by a dike that obscures much of it from view. But to find the spots where it can be seen - the Pahokee Marina is among our favorites - is to realize the gem of the Glades is an ocean unto itself. [source]

A small little dream is born: we'd love to rent a cottage somewhere around the rim to spend our weekends, as it is just that perfect distance to feel like you're getting away from the hustle and bustle and grind of so. Florida. But more than the perfect distance, it is gorgeous! We are dreaming of our own lake retreat...but a brief search this morning has turned up little...we'll keep on looking.