Florida or Bust: We made it! and we have a future Condo

 Melbourne Florida

Feb. 25- March 1st 2022

Our purpose of travel to Florida, specifically Melbourne is and has been to visit our son Ben. He has been in the area now for 6 years. Over the last several years we have made a trip to come down during his Birthday month. This year was no different. Mark and I had a room at a hotel on the beach. This along with a visit with our son is always the best. BUT first, we had to stop once we made it to Florida, at the newest known and apparently the BEST convenient store ever. Buc ee's. 

I had heard of this place from friends as well as from youtube videos. Texas born Buc-ees, is known as having the nicest restrooms and some pretty delish food items made fresh right before your eyes. 

It was like walking into a mall, it was so large. This place has absolutely everything you could want or need. And yes, the bathrooms are heavenly especially if you have visited multiple rest stops as you traveled along the road. To make it even better Buc ees had some of the yummiest foods. I partook in a chicken sandwich and the signature Beaver Nuggets. Although not necessarily a destination, I highly recommend that anyone make a stop on your travels. I was certainly impressed. 

We got to the hotel and were able to enjoy some time by the beach before heading out for dinner at The Chart House.

This place has become a tradition to go to for a nice meal. It is always delish. I had the chicken, potatoes and mixed veggies. 

We all had to celebrate Ben's Birthday with the Lava Cake for dessert. 

Enjoying the sunset off the balcony, and a little music by the beachside bar.

I'm loving the sunsets around here. 

The following day, I made my way out to the beach where we enjoyed several hours just soaking up the sun. 

While we were in town later that day, we took a drive by our future home. Since Mark will be retiring soon and we plan to make Florida our primary residence, we have been planning on taking steps to find a place. Originally we had talked about the gulf coast, we had also discussed buying a place, and even renting a place near Tampa. However, it was decided that perhaps it makes more sense to move in with my mother in law as she is thinking of moving to Florida and we will not be living in Florida as Mark and I travel for his Locum position in the future. Orlando was mentioned and eventually she found a place in Melbourne. We drove by to catch a look at the place as it is being built. We can move in in October, but we will not officially move ourselves until some time next year. It is all very exciting.  I am anticipating the day when I will not have to deal with my own pool or take care of my summer patio furniture. Easy living, I suppose. I hope.....I have been going through the 20+ years of stuff here at the house in preparation of complete downsize. That process has been difficult. 

So far our time in Florida has been great. We also go to the races and take a trip to the Space Coast's Cape Canaveral National Seashore. TTFN