in the POD - 2018 ahead

Our favorite "campground" on Pine Island

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Ahhhh.... the sun is just breaking thru the coastal fog and the temp will be heading up to 73 today. 

Welcome to Pine Island! 

The cry of ospreys overhead and the continual jabbering of the ibis rooting for bugs on the ground is currently drowning out the late morning quietude - but I'll take it. I am surrounded by lush, green beauty brimming with life. Exactly what is needed right now.

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We managed to finish packing up early Wednesday morning in 5 degree weather in order to get out of the New England freeze. We had not winterized the POD this year - the weather had been so mild and knowing that we would be heading south right after Xmas - so it was kind of imperative to get it out of harm's way. The cold weather road the eastern seaboard and the layer of ice on our runner boards did not fully melt until well into Georgia!!  But here we are - parked in the yard at Kim and Claudia's home, with our own water and electric hook up (installed for us!) on the edge of the property overlooking the canal. 

Tim has already prepped dinner for the 4 of us - osso bucco is braising away, and smells amazing. He is now busy working on a few POD projects and readying us for the 3 month adventure ahead. Me? I went for a walk, had a leisurely breakfast, and now I sit here.... breathing in.....breathing out.

(I will make the polenta tonight to serve the osso bucco on.)

"Camp" Larson/Rossi

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I am trying to look ahead to 2018 and the new adventures that await us, but there are strong ties that wish its imminent arrival to wait. 

My last aunt will most likely not see this new year. She is right now on her own, final journey and I wish her peace and good speed. Tim and I will fly home a to be with her family and pay our respects to her and that entire generation of family that is no longer with us. 

Luckily, memories are forever.

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