Sweet home - Tampa?

Yes, we're back at Bay Bayou in Tampa after our little sojourn in Key West. I can't believe how right it felt to get back "home" after a week away. Which got me thinking about the whole concept of home.

Before we set out, one of my concerns was whether I would miss that feeling of "damn, it's good to be home" while we're on the road. It's the feeling you get upon returning home after a long trip, or even a long day/night out. No matter how great a time you had on vacation, or at whatever event you've been to, there is still something so comforting about getting back home to your own familiar place, especially when you're really tired and in need of some down time. Well, we left our home behind here at Bay Bayou last week while we scooted off to Key West for a week. Of course we had a great time in Key West as we always do. In fact, this year it was especially great being back with all our hometown friends that we miss, even though it's only been a few weeks since we left Chicago. But after 6 days - and anyone who's been to Meeting of the Minds knows that means 6 days of non-stop - I was ready to get home. It was about a 7 hour drive from KW back to Tampa (we make a lot of stops) and when we finally pulled up, yes, there it was - that "so good to be home" feeling. So the answer is that the scenery changes, but we're always home in our little place.

We got back on Sunday evening. Monday was unpacking, laundry and vegging. Yesterday we did some beach time at Indian Rocks Beach near Clearwater - and I have to insert my mandatory beach pic here:

Later, we drove south to St. Pete's Beach. We had drinks at Rumrunners and learned that Lightning Jack (from Trop Rock Junkies) is playing there on Saturday, so we'll probably go back. St. Pete's is our kind of beach - white sand, palm trees and a few funky little beach bars scattered alongside. I have to thank Kristin for the heads up about this great place.

We spent some time at the pool today - I'm up to 12 laps, thank you kindly for the applause. Hey, I'm working on my endurance. Tonight we're going up to Whisky Joe's for a gathering with the Tampa PHC. We met some of them in KW, including Patty from the south side of Chicago (!) who actually went to Fenger High School, as Bill did. It was awesome to talk to someone who remembered the same old neighborhood haunts that we did. So we're looking forward to meeting up again tonight.