Florida -"Heaven's Waiting Room"

Let me make it clear upfront.  I mean no disrespect to those who reside in the beautiful state of Florida year-round.  Nor those who have the good fortune of making their escape there in the winter months.   Retirees, enjoying three months of the year, free of weather woes...what could be nicer?

They're known as "snowbirds" and with good reason.  The population of Florida swells with those trying to flee the frigid temps of the North.  The economy of certain parts of the state depend on their spending.

We've been blessed to be a "mini-snowbirds" for two or three weeks the past several years.  We  really enjoy the sunshine and the warmth, replacing the grey skies and cold weather we'd have at home.  And that time in the Sunshine State sure makes our winters more tolerable.

But I've noticed a few features that are pretty unique to the area.

The traffic there is ridiculous, especially if it's in parts frequented by us old-timers.  Sometimes, it's downright comical.  Mixed in with the many big cars driven by the seniors, is an occasional grey haired gent in a hot looking convertible.  Enjoying this youthful toy,  he's going over the speed limit - in a race against the clock, perhaps?  But then, there's another snowbird, driving HIS sports car, as cautiously as those in in the big cars (and why are big cars favored by the old timers?  Wouldn't cars a wee bit smaller be easier to maneuver in all that traffic?)

Places that feature Early Bird dinner specials are packed!  Nothing wrong with saving a little coin!  How else do we think they can afford to winter in Florida?  They've probably been saving their whole lives!

Another interesting feature in Florida can be found in its crowded churches.  It seems the folks pray harder, sing louder and give more in the collection basket.  Nothing wrong with getting closer to the Lord, I guess, as we get older, no matter where we are.

There's a noticeable freedom on the beaches frequented by the snowbirds.  Not too many taut bodies...maybe tanner skin and more wrinkles than needed, but these folks are "living the dream"...walking the beaches, laying in the sun, storing up all that Vitamin D for the year.

I've gotta believe that those who reside in Florida enjoy better mental health than we do, in the north...just the sunshine would assure it.  But there are also many urgent care clinics, dialysis clinics, plastic surgeons, hearing aid places,  filling the shopping centers.  The advanced age of so many residents keeps them busy, I'm thinking.

Yep, Florida is beautiful in the winter...it's not heaven, but I'm pretty sure you can see it from there....or at least get a glance of "Heaven's Waiting Room".  And as a brief respite from the cold Ohio winters, I'll take it!