Younger Gramma: Rainy Weather

We have been experiencing problems with our Internet connection for the past few days. The hotel now tells us that a tower went down during the storm we had on Thur nite. We could definitely hear the wind blowing during the middle of the night. It is the first time I have been here where it actually rained any significant amount - a tropical storm kinda rain! I was happy I slept through most of it. Yesterday, however, it was raining on and off during the entire day. We sat on our deck (after wiping off the chairs) and the sun peeked out off and on - sun showers!

John went out to 'people watch' and I went out to shop for a few t-shirts for the kids. I did not make it an actual 'shopping' day- more of a 'window' shopping day. I was checking out any deals and just getting ideas. I know where I will go to purchase things now and what I should buy. We do not have a lot of room as we only brought one suitcase each and they were pretty full. I usually bring two so you can imagine how much space I have left - NOT!! Anyway, somehow I will 's q u e e z e' a few more things in there!

We ate at Chili's last night which is right across from our hotel. When we left for the restaurant it was overcast but ok. When we came out, it was raining. I notice a lot of people use umbrellas around here - usually for the sun - but I definitely can see a dual purpose for them here too!

This morning we walked the canal again and noticed the water was higher. They do have drain basins at a higher level which was catching the overflow. Lots of paper products blown into the water. It was obvious the wind was coming from the southwest as it was all blown against the north wall of the canal. I hope somebody is assigned to pick it out as it doesn't make a very 'pretty picture'! You can tell how man-made products can also be a 'curse' - plastic water bottles, pop bottles, pop cans, styrofoam plates, cups, plastic bags, napkins, paper products, a few tires, shopping cart and even some City worksigns! Of course these are usually not in the water but the storm wreaked havoc with the garbage cans I think. By tonite they will all be picked up along with the branches, and leaves.

We had lunch with Randy & Lorraine at the Shorebirds on Thur at noon. What a great view of the beach there. They were leaving at 5 pm and were not looking forward to the snow and cold. We spent the afternoon relaxing and walking around the streets - still checking out the International Marketplace and people watching to the last minute!!

Great food at the Shorebirds!

Today, even though it is overcast and 'spitting' occasionally, it is still lovely. We just like sitting on the deck outside and looking at the clouds roll by. Isn't that what holidays are all about?

Here's some pictures of what the rainstorm left us on Friday morning.