What a shock!  From the warm 75 degrees of Orlando to the cold of east central Indiana - all in one day!

Yes, today was travel day.  And most of you know if you come here often and read what we write here, that “re-entry” is very difficult for me.  It’s the change of pace, although the pace in sunny Florida was hectic to say the least.  But it was great to spend time with Willy, Karen and Charmaine, as well as with Sylvia and some of her family. 

Now I love to drive.  I’ve always loved the lure of the open road with it’s unexpected detours and roadside treasures hidden away on back country roads.  But driving in Orlando and surrounds is an exercise in strength, courage and patience.  There never seems to be a time when the roads are not clogged with cars moving too slowly.  It took me nearly 2 hours to go from Kissimmee to Longwood (the back way).

Speaking of driving - it seems that’s all I did.  Since I was the designated rental car driver, I was delivery girl and official ‘taxi’ driver.  Yesterday we drove to Lake Placid, 2 hours south of Orlando so Harold could visit a brother who winters in Florida.  I have to share this with you although it’s not profound or particularly informational.  You almost had to be there to really appreciate the sheer terror this accomplished driver felt as cycles roared around me at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour.

It was about 11:00 a.m. on a quiet Sunday morning and we had just ventured onto I-4 (that treacherous interstate that runs from north of Orlando to Tampa).  Now I hate I-4!  I stay off it if at all possible.  But we only had to drive it for less than 5 miles - so what could be so scary about that?

Suddenly from behind me I heard the roar of great engines.  I glanced in the rearview mirror and for as far as my eyes could see, the 4-lane highway was covered with motorcycles.  They were speeding toward the traffic with great vengeance.  Before I could attempt to move into the far right lane, they swooped upon us.  Swishing in and out of the heavy traffic.  Apparently I was not far enough into the right lane, so several of these beasts roared between me and the car next to me as if to say “move over lady”.

There were at least 500 of them!  Loud, noisy and roaring up the highway at breakneck speed.  I was terrified as they wove in and around the traffic (looked like a swarm of bees). 

I was so frightened that I lost my cool.  I yelled at one of them who cut me off and I must confess - what I yelled was not nice and definitely not ladylike!

As if that wasn’t enough, one of these monsters decided to show-off.  Right in front of a big black suburban in the lane next to me, and several cars ahead - a daredevil cyclist did a ‘wheely’ down the highway with the suburban dutifully in tow.

I thought I’d faint!

I can’t tell you how relieved I was to see our exit 1/2 mile ahead.  As I drove onto the ramp, I thought I might have to check my pulse and blood pressure.

Is that a sign of advancing years?  Being concerned for the safety of the other cars (with people in them) on the road!  Trying to also be equally concerned for the safety of the cyclists.  Or is it just that the more chronologically mature we become, the less our personal ‘daredevil’ tends to show up.

The rest of the drive to Lake Placid was uneventful and the return trip up I-4 held no such excitement.  I must admit, traveling on one of the world’s busiest highways amidst 500 cycles is excitement I can do without.

So much for the wilds of central Florida.  I love the city and the warmth in the middle of winter - but home is always a great place to come ‘home’ to.

Tomorrow, it will be back to business as usual, playing catch up and getting on with the goals and objectives we’ve set for ourselves.  I promise to keep my nose to the stone without much digression and hopefully add a little richness, enthusiasm and empowerment as we go.

Have an awesome evening with much love and rich blessings.