TRIP TO MIAMI BEACH -- SUMMER 2011

The discussion of what to do for summer vacation began early in the spring with several ideas being bandied around. We could return to our favorite vacation spot, Cape San Blas, Florida, for a week's visit. Another thought was to re-visit a place on the Panhandle that we frequented for many years with children and grandchildren: Perdido Key, FL But the one we ended up selecting was a trip to Miami Beach that coincided with a statistics meeting that the genius would attend. That was one memorable vacation we will never forget!

The first decision involved transportation. We ruled out the 24 hour drive (one-way) pretty quickly -- too time consuming and not much fun. Then came the choice on which airlines to fly -- we both like Southwest, but they only fly into Fort Lauderdale, which meant a 45 minute ride to Miami Beach. But American only had an Eagle flight to Miami, and even though the genius was ok with that, I wasn't -- I'd heard too much about how those little planes bounce around. So we decided to go for Fort Lauderdale (and how could we miss with a name like that?).

With that decision out of the way, we moved on to where we would stay. The convention listed 12 hotels, one of which was the Fontainebleau. I had heard much about that one and so researched it on line. It had recently undergone a one billion dollar renovation and although it was a little more than the others, we decided to go for it. So we were all set.

We worked feverishly to get all our chores done before we left. The genius worked for weeks moving out of his office at school, which he would no longer need next year due to his lighter work load. He also did some much needed yard work. I, on the other hand, had much more important tasks like getting my nails done and my hair colored and styled.

But the big day of departure finally came. Rufus was picked up by Jim IV and carted out to his house. The genius and I took off from Nashville and arrived in Fort Lauderdale about 9:30 p.m. We were able to get a car (much nicer than a cab) to the hotel for a pretty decent price, so the situation was looking good. And when we got to the hotel, because of the late hour and hotel overbooking, we were given a one bedroom suite!! with living/dining room!! and a full modern kitchen!! and best of all, 2 beautiful full baths decked out in marble!!!

This vacation was looking better and better!!!

to be con'd.