The new millennium is upon us. The year 2001 is not quite what our old comic books and Sci-Fi movies lead us to believe that it would be. But, our technology has given us far more than we would have imagined at the time, even if we don't have rocket powered cars and wristwatch telephones, yet. Hopefully our technology will benefit us here at home in Palm Beach County with a way to vote in an election that would not force the voters to play pin the tail on the donkey, or the elephant in this case, and devise a system that would bring us into the 21st century. I know with government this is a very difficult task. Afterall, to do this, it may require some effort and common sense. Anyway, enough of that. We are doing fine here, all is well. The kids are growing faster than we can keep up with them. Melanie is in middle school now, and is doing very well. She is also in her third year as a member of the Stetson University Junior Choir in Deland, FL. She really enjoy's it, and if all goes according to plan; the choir will be going to Italy next year to perform. They have a great program at Stetson, and all levels of the choir are pretty impressive. She will be starting violin or viola lessons soon - she hasn't decided which one yet. I would expect that she will do well at either one. With all that she is into, she is so much like me at her age it's really getting scary. She even wants to be an oceanographer. That's exactly what I wanted to be at her age, but I never told her that. Fortunately, she is maintaining a far better grade average than I did at that time. This is putting her on the right track if she does eventually decide to persue this, and living in Florida is a big plus. Andy is also doing well. He turned four in February and is currently enrolled in a montessori program. He is going to the same school that Melanie went to at his age and he seems to like it very much. They have an excellent program there for the kids. They did wonders for Melanie when she was there. The program was perfect for her, having ADHD. She was kicked out of two other schools previously that couldn't handle her, or more realistically didn't want to. She took to it right away and there was never any serious problems after that. Andy has also fit in well there. Although being the absolute opposite of Melanie; he is very reserved, cautious, and a little timid. He also has exceptionally good manners for his age; and like Melanie, is a sponge for information. We are pretty proud of them both. Beth and I are are doing well also. We just recently went out west to Montana and Wyoming for our anniversary and our honeymoon that we put off until we both finished school. It was worth the wait. As you can see by the pictures on the vacation pictures page, it's a pretty amazing place. Back home here in Loxahatchee, all is well. We enjoy living out here away from the madness of West Palm Beach. I like being able to see the stars at night without the city lights drowning them out. The wild life around us is abundant. Reptiles and amphibians are the rulers here, especially at night. Although I don't think that we worry about them as much as we do the mosquito's. THEY ARE BRUTAL! A short walk after dusk during the summer could mean serious blood loss. We have every insect known and unknown to man here. They get very big out here in the country and they multiply quickly. We have had the most mild hurricane season that I can remember in the eleven years that I have been down here. I can only guess that next year will make up for it. Beth wants to move north, but I am very reluctant to do so. Although, some day I know that I will. For now I still enjoy living here. For all of you that may be wondering - if you can deal with all of the insects, snakes, gators, 6 month hurricane season, high humidity, tornados, some of the worst lightning in the country, flash flooding, and let's not forget the snowbirds which are probably worse than any of the previous, then this is the place for you. I must say that we still have the most beautiful beaches in the country, great venues to see concerts and theater, weather that can't be beat, and for the single guys the women are second to none. A lot of big companies are starting to move down here and are bringing many of their people with them. Native South Floridians are at this point done with; so many Northerners, specifically New Yorkers, coming in and disrupting the way of life here that the Floridians are leaving to get away from it. I have to agree with them and this will also eventually drive me away from here as well. For now, I wouldn't want to live any place else. Especially now during winter as I sit out here on our back patio it's about 85 degrees, sunny, and as usual - we have a nice breeze passing through. I can't help but think it must be pretty cold up north about now.
I think I'll go for a swim.