Never Say Never

Finally, it stopped raining...Experts told us it would stop one day. They just didn't tell us which day.

In keeping with my new love of the outdoors a crazy thought popped into my head. No, I am not planning a camping trip. To me, 'roughing it' means no room service. Jamie deRoy hits a truthful chord when she sings her parody song "Jews Don't Camp."

I'm seriously considering renting a small furnished place in...in...in...F L O R I D A... next January and February. I'm stuttering because I've never been a fan of Florida and Jimmy wanted to spend a chunk of the winter there. He hated the cold. I hate the hot. This was our standoff.


In my fumbling defense, that last February, '06 when we were there for five days I did say, "Ya know, at this time of the year, no hurricanes, not so sticky...not so bad." I was beginning to
break. I WAS!


Today's plan? My dog, Tony and I will hit the road right after the New Year. We'll drive down. We'll drive down? Not to be picky, I'll be doing all the driving.

Why the about face? When I got Tony last August I said to my next door neighbor, Fred..."I love walking a dog!" He said, "Wait until it's eleven degrees out."

Admittedly, in February, it was less pleasant. But we're New Yorkers, Tony and I. And, that means it's exhilarating to sniff bare bushes and lift our leg on the frozen pavement. Ice that stuck to our fur is a fun surprise that we simply recycle to our water dish.

Not to lean on a cliche, but you can't beat the change of seasons and layers are far more forgiving
than tank tops. Give us a puppy cut when the temperature drops and we're grateful. We have Spring to look forward to. After all, if you haven't fought the war you can't appreciate the peace. Too dramatic? Maybe...

On the other paw, (oh, no, she didn't...) where was Spring this year? It's May 21st. Is May the new March? After spending month after frigid month shivering with Tony in the backyard watching his stream practically freeze in mid-air I had this snow-bird revelation.

Recently, I discovered a hint of green scattered on the hard, cold lawn. I stared in disbelief. Tony gave me his "What's this?" expression, the one he puts on when I introduce a new treat. As the days passed more color appeared as the twigs sprouted leaves. Soon small purple flowers joined in and Tony and I found ourselves prancing around 'a garden.' Who knew it was under there all this time?

If we spend a few months in Florida next year I can see my buddy Blondie more and my cousins Marion and Marcel and Sharon and Eli and their kids and Puff and David and Skylar can visit with Jax and Doug will come and other friends will fly down.

But, how do I explain this to Jimmy?