Before heading to the Ft. Lauderdale airport, we had the wonderful chance to spend time with dear friends, Gale and Glenn, at their gorgeous home in Coconut Grove.

Gale and Glenn are the “poster couple” for a fun-packed and rewarding retirement lifestyle. It’s no surprise that they have a steady stream of house guests, because they “go the distance” to make their friends feel welcome. We were greeted with warm hugs and once settled in our lovely guest quarters, enjoyed a scrumptious lunch, out on the patio.

…our lovely hostess, Gale, sitting down, probably for the first time all day. This is a woman with an energy level most would covet.

Coconut Grove, located just south of Miami, is truly a wonderful community, of just 200+/- homes, first developed in the 1920’s. It’s like being transported to an oasis, filled with palm and coconut trees, peacock’s and canopied, tree covered streets. Best of all, in January, we walked around in shorts and T-shirts, in 80° temperatures.

Our gracious hosts gave us that complete tour of Coconut Grove, including the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, the nearby marina, church and historical homesites. Pure heaven!

The Biltmore…

The neighborhood…

…and The Kampong, a botanical garden and home, dating back to 1916.

Back at home, we returned to head out to a very cool, ethnic restaurant, followed by a creative dance presentation in the Miami arts district. This is not your daddy’s Miami! Loved it!
I snapped a quick picture if Glenn, the next morning, before he headed off for tennis. What a life!

What a treat it was to enjoy such warm hospitality and see a part of Florida that we just fell in love with. Thanks, Gale and Glenn!

Even though it’s raining and cold, it’s still great to be home!

Until we meet again, happy travels!