Glimpses of the Southern Florida (Miami & The Keys)

While South Florida may not my earth home, it is the land of my birth and every time I set foot on the tropical soil I feel comfortable and relaxed. It is a home away from home.

During my recent short but rejuvenating stay, my camera was never far from reach so I could capture some of that which makes Southern Florida the special it is.

3rd & 1st Years~Together

We are four weeks into our school year. This year, Amara is a 3rd year and Havana a 1st. In Montessori, the kids are in mixed age classrooms, which means now that Havana is a 1st year the girls are together.

Initially, I was concerned. I have been long aware that Amara needs her own separate space but so far with the size of the class and each having their own buddy (1st years have a 3rd year buddy) and friends, they have been able to be in the same room without much interaction. It's working out great so far.

The thing that stands out the most so far is that school has started. This impermanent life is passing by so quickly. The girls are already knee deep into learning cursive (Amara) and adding (Havana). Amara has started running club, with the newly formed Girls on the Run chapter at our school. Havana will hopefully start doing yoga soon with an after school enrichment class.

The social aspect of school is just as exciting. Both girls are thrilled to be with their friends, both old and new, and not a school day passes without pleas for a playdate. Besides consistent pleas for hanging out with their pals, I have to be armed with snacks for my "I'm starving" girls. They are often silent the ride home as they eat and decompress from their full day. And at night they fall asleep spent from their full day of learning, community and fun.

Line up on the first day

Amara and her buddies, including BFF Aniyah, so excited to be back together again.

90 & Going Strong

Grandma arriving at her birthday party in a 1920's model car.

Grandma Ruth turned 90 and we had a lovely time celebrating with her in her hometown of Cordele, GA.  For me personally, it was quite touching being able to be present with the family that I didn't know until young adulthood. And, I got to meet Uncle's, Aunts and cousins for the first time. Family is a big deal for Grandma Ruth and her birthday was a time for her family to celebrate this remarkable woman.

While working on this blog I was thinking how one would describe my grandmother, who at 90 is not showing many signs of slowing down.

Strong
Woman of Faith
A Survivor
Loyal
Strong Willed
Curious
Dedicated
Sharp
Caring
Remarkable
Giving
Loving

R-L, My sister Kim, Granma, me, Cousin Jay, Cousin Dennis and his significant other Diana

Grandma and her goddaughter Sally 

R-L Bro-in-law Timmy, Kim, Dennis and Diana behind them, Uncle Wayne on the phone, Me, Aunt Shirlene next to me, her husband Ferdinand behind her, their daughter/cousin Minett, Cousin Dawn and Cousin Jerry

Uncle Wayne and Uncle Dennis 

Some of our family history. 

El Palacio de los Jugos (again!)

A trip to Miami is not complete without a stop to the juice place. On my list; tostones, papaya/mango juice and tropical fruit salad for later on. My sister opted for a Cuban sandwich.When I told the girls I went there they cried out at the same time, "I'm jealous." There really is no place to enjoy fresh, delicious food and drink like El Palacio. 

Country Roads & Southern Homes

On my recent solo sojourn to Georgia for my Grandma's 90th birthday, I planned to go a day early so I could visit with a dear friend who lives  more toward the Eastern part of the state. So when it was time for me to head to central southern Georgia, my gps took me about two hours on back roads until I hit Macon where I caught I-75 for the last hour. Before I hit the interstate, I found myself drying for miles and miles, not seeing another car or person. Only rolling grass, old homes and the occasional cow or goat. I loved it.   I felt as if I really got a feel for Georgia, a state that might be large in terms of square miles but is really a small, hometown kind of place.

It was raining the entire three hours (which this girl from California, the land of the three year drought, savored) so I couldn't stop and take proper photos. I did manage to get a few of the homes and buildings from the car. This is a peak at some of what I saw.

Uvas Canyon

Recently, we spent the night at Aunt Paula's house were we got to also visit with some of the other the Coughlin Clan. We were excited to see Don's family but after a night of me not sleeping well and getting up at 4 a.m., the girls feeling exhausted from the first week of school and still adjusting back to California time; well to be quite honest the girls and I were a bit grumpy. Aunt Paula had the best rx for us all; a hike to see some waterfalls. So off we went to Uvas Canyon.

Uvas Canyon, which I had never heard about, is nestled amongst lush forest (ah, trees!) on the Eastern side of the Santa Cruz mountains. Since we were in the mists of an unusual heat wave and a four year drought, the trees and the water were the perfect refugee from the heat and being out in nature helped soothe our moods. It was a perfect way to get back to baseline and to remember what was really important; being with loved ones and having a good time and giving thanks for the wonders of this blessed earth.

Not sure what Amara was thinking but I don't think the grump was out quite yet at this point!

Aunt Paula and Ed.

Silly Papa!