Strange Ways in Southwest Florida

The weatherman calls for a chilly day in south Florida. The highs will only reach about 75 degrees.

The dog hunts for frogs near the pool, then cries when she finds the frog.

The gardener is also the pool man.

Alligators bathe in the neighborhood lake.

There is a panther sunning itself on the golf course, and the golfers don't seem to mind.

It's a strange way in southwest Florida.

Things to do in Florida (when it rains)

With Florida becoming a more traveled-to destination on my itinerary list, I'm faced with the challenge of finding new things to do in Florida. Obviously, the beach is nearby and there is always a pool in someones backyard, but what happens when it rains? Here are list of things to do in Florida when it rains:

1. Go to the beach. Yes, the beach. There are plenty of beach-front restaurants with indoor seating. Grab a window table and watch the storm roll in while you sip a tasty drink or enjoy a fish sandwich.
2. Head to the outlet mall -- any of them. There are hundreds of strip malls in Florida -- find one you like and start shopping.
3. If you're visiting Florida during hurricane season check with the local Red Cross and see if they need any items for displaced families. Get a list and then get shopping! You'll feed your need to shop and also something nice for others.
4. Rent a good movie and pop open a bottle of wine. It doesn't matter if you're not outside, it matters that you're not in the office.
5. Grab your camera (and an umbrella) and head outside. It might be raining, but it's the perfect opportunity to take pictures of a tempered waterfront. (Watch out for lightening.)

Bring on the Cristal

I never liked Florida. Until this weekend. This weekend was the first time I enjoyed Florida, and I credit that in part to the bottle of Cristal we popped to christen the parents new home. 

There was birthday cake, a bottle of Malbec and Phoebe the dog all around the table as the champagne flowed. 

If you're heading to Florida in the near future, here are some travel tips to keep you kicking around the state:

• Don't go during July, August, or September. It's too hot, even for the Floridians.
  
• Don't go during July, August, or September. It's hurricane season, and no matter what part of the state you're visiting, you're going to feel the effects of one or more hurricanes.
• Take a moment to watch a sunset. The Florida sunsets are pink and purple and they are simply beautiful. 

p.s. If you do happen to vacation in Florida during hurricane season, and you're not affected by the hurricane, head to your local Red Cross and find out who was affected and what they need. Many Red Cross stations are set up in the areas that aren't affected by natural disasters so they rely on the people in those areas for support. Everyday items like shampoo, diapers, toothpaste and shaving razors are necessities that some people are living without.