Our Thanksgiving tradition of going to the beach started in 1984. We had moved from Louisville to Birmingham in 1983. Nita's parents came to our home in '83 for Thanksgiving, it was a disaster, Nita and her mother did not work well in our kitchen, and I didn't pitch in enough to meet anyones satisfaction. It was decided that Thanksgiving need to be held in a neutral home and kitchen, so we suggested that we go to the beach in Destin Florida for the turkey day. It was a 
hit, a neutral kitchen, a neutral home, and nice weather on the beach. We haven't missed a year sense 1984, always Destin always a condo. This year we moved off the Destin strip to Watercolors, a planned community with family activities each day. We arrived this afternoon groceries were purchased and Aidan and I played on the beach, he likes being buried in the sand. Trent and his family will join us on Thursday, Watercolors is sponsoring a 5K in the the morning that Justin and I will run in. I'll keep you posted.
A 5K on the sand was too long and hard for me, and 8a.m. was to early for Justin, so I ran the 1 mile in 11 minutes, with a greeting from Aidan at the end, and I won a raffle to boot. Thanksgiving was a gathering of 13,including part of Ginger's family, with more then enough food and many good cooks.
The Watercolor community offered many family activities to participate in as well as miles of bike riding, kayaking, and canoing. We ate twice at the famous Red Bar in Grayton; great burger, shrimp Po-Boy and fish sandwich. Friday night they had a lighting of the Christmas Tree, need to add a visit from Santa for the kids. We will be moving our Thanksgiving trad
ition to this beautiful location next year.
After receiving your Christmas letter, I read this story about your dad, and at times felt a lump in my throat. I was so impressed with the story that I printed it and took it home for Charles to read (we don't have a computer at home yet) and after Charles read it, I passed it on to Judy and Joan. I've read most of your writings, but have a few more to read.
P.S. Charles wants to know what you think of the markets?
Posted by: Linda Plotner | January 22, 2008 at 02:19 PM