The Calm After the Storm

This post represents another installment in The Big Switcheroo series – tales from last spring’s epic journey from the northeast to the Florida Keys and back – involving family, friends and an extraordinary range of adventures.

We are so blessed; that’s all there is to it.  I have one older brother, and I love him to pieces – even though he tormented me when I was young.  Additionally, one of my cousins is, age-wise, right in the middle between my brother and me, and close enough at heart to be considered a bonus brother.  Unlike my actual brother, he has always been nothing but kind to me, and I love him to pieces, too.    Alan has three older siblings – two sisters and a brother – and Alan gets along fabulously with all of them.  The four of them are interesting blends of their parents’ personalities, and no two are alike.  Beyond the siblings, Alan and I lucked out in the in-law department, as well.  Our siblings’ spouses, as well as my cousin’s wife, are absolutely delightful people, and we all enjoy each other’s company.

So, when we checked out of Fort Wilderness after spending a week at Disney World with our daughter, son and son’s girlfriend, we were really excited about the next stop on our journey – a visit with Alan’s brother, Tom, and Tom’s wife, Joan, on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Tom and Alan

Tom is the only one of Alan’s siblings who doesn’t live near the others in the northeast.  He and Joan moved to Florida (a little more than 10 years ago, if I remember correctly) after deciding that the winters up north were Just.  Too.  Cold.  I must admit, I don’t disagree.   Fortunately, visitors are welcome at their home – and welcomed enthusiastically.  In fact, Tom set up an RV pad right next to their home which includes an electrical connection, and we were quite happy to take advantage of it.  (Yay!  Air conditioning!)   As the former owners of a gorgeous Class A coach, they know exactly what makes RVers happy.

Our excellent "campsite"

The interlude at “Tom & Joan’s Family Campground” couldn’t have been better.  The serenity of a few days with the “proprietors” was a perfect antidote to the week of near manic activity that came with a visit to Disney World and the additional chaos of living with our three guests in the travel trailer.  By way of explanation, although I used the word “chaos,” I was referring more to the struggle of figuring out meals, showers and the daily schedule than anything else.  All went well and, anyway, I firmly believe in the “a crowded camper is better than an empty castle” way of life.  Alan and I always enjoy our quiet camping time together, but we love it when the kids show up and we get to spend time with them, too.

Our visit with Tom and Joan was nothing more than a couple of days spent lounging around their home, followed by an afternoon they spent with us at Ortona Locks, an Army Corps of Engineers campground that was the next stop on our journey.  It was just what the doctor ordered.  After a week of go, go, go, it was such a pleasure to simply sit back and enjoy catching up.

Ah, peace and quiet . . .

“The boys” share similar interests, including boating and all types of construction projects, so they never lack for conversation.  Joan is one of the warmest and most caring people I’ve ever met, so we were treated like royalty throughout our visit.  Spending time with these two is always enjoyable and effortless.  We shared a couple of meals out, including one at a cheerful waterfront restaurant, but pretty much spent most of our time together doing nothing but chatting and chilling.  Good times, great family – what’s not to like?

Another happy family reunion ~ me, Alan, Joan and Tom

Tom & Joan’s Family Campground - an excellent place to recover from the hectic pace of Disney life, recharge our batteries and catch up with the brother and sister-in-law we love – and don’t see nearly often enough.  Many thanks to both of you for your heartwarming hospitality!