Our long-time readers will recall that we were all the way up in Nova Scotia this last summer-- far, far from the potential for hurricanes (according to our insurance carrier)-- and had to run from not one, but TWO, hurricanes. The first made landfall right in our vicinity in Princess Inlet, and the other then chased us as we headed to Maine where we hunkered down to await its passing. What bad luck!

So, we figured heading to Florida in December and January was a pretty safe bet. After much cooler temps for the last 11 months of cruising than we expected, it was time for warm water and testing the air conditioner. Our first day in St. Augustine fullfilled expectations: 80 degrees and sunny with 70 degrees at 11:00 PM that night. But, then we had to leave by car to go to Baltimore; and low and behold, they just had two feet of snow drop on them! We arrived just behind the snow plow and spent the first two hours at home shoveling our way into the house. At least Luca liked it. After a week of ice andlater slush, it was time to return to the warmth of Florida where we had now made reservations in St. Augustine for two more weeks.

And what a two weeks that has been! The coldest weather on record! Snow in Orlando; the ICW actually iced over near herefrom bank to bank; fish dying, iguanas falling out of trees... And, during this time, first Renee and now I have caught a stomach virus (deadly... I felt like falling out of a tree), and then chest colds (and mine just won't let go of me).

Doesn't thissound like fun??

Of course, it was still fun. We had the parents and brother of Renee's friend Alyson pull up next to us for a couple of days. And, we have had a chance to visit with our former sponsored-midshipman, now LT(jg) Michael Modeer AND his lovely and affible wife, Hannah, and their pretty and very quiet (during the day) new daughter, Vivian--AND Michael's fantastic parents, Vic and Sherri (watched Navy cream Sherri's alma mater, Mizzou, with them). You can see pictures of St. Augustine and thetrip to Baltimore at http://picasaweb.google.com/mcurreri .

Well, all good things must end. Tomorrow we head for the Keys. And, guess what? Unless our arrival jinks the deal for them, the weather there is supposed to be just fine.