F is for Florida - A to Z Challenge

Several members of my family, including my parents, moved from Berks County, Pennsylvania to central Florida about 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve visited them at least a couple of times a year. Here are a few observations I’ve made about my parents’ new home:

1. It’s not called a neighborhood for old people. It’s a “retirement community for active seniors.” And don’t get it wrong! Here’s another thing you better not get wrong: When Bingo is held there Tuesday evenings, don’t ever shout “Bingo” by mistake. Don’t even joke around about it. And be quiet while they’re calling those numbers. Bingo is a blood sport down there!

2. In those retirement communities, everyone owns a golf cart, whether they golf or not. It’s how they get from their houses to the Bingo game, the on-campus restaurant, or the pool. During the holidays, everyone decorates their carts and they even have a golf cart parade to celebrate the season. I need to get a pic of this later this year because you really do have to see it to fully appreciate how much fun it is!

3. They have some very cool animals down there. It’s not uncommon to find a gator or a sandhill crane in my parents’ backyard. They’ve also seen bald eagles, turtles, snakes, wild boar, and some kind of small wolf within the walls of their community. It’s what an episode of Wild Kingdom would have looked like if Marlin Perkins liked playing Bingo.

A couple of sandhill cranes (we named them Ken and Barbie) checking me out!

4. It’s hot in Florida virtually year-round. This may seem pretty obvious, but you wouldn’t know it from the residents. I wondered why the department stores carried as many coats and sweaters as the stores up north. This was answered for me the first Christmas I spent there. It was an amazing low- to mid-70s afternoon. I was headed for the pool (which is always heated to luke-warm bath temp) in my swimsuit, shorts, and sandals. The neighbor was walking her dog in a winter jacket, knit hat, scarf, and gloves. Both of us were fairly appalled by the other’s attire.

It's only been 3 months, and I feel the need to sunburn myself by the pool, drive around in the golf cart, eat dinner at 5pm, visit the flea market on the weekend, play Yahtzee in the afternoon, and play Bingo in the evening. I can't wait to go for another visit!

F can also be for Friday! So happy Friday everyone, and have a good weekend!