By Janet Stoica

Yes, I know it’s only May, but I think as one grows into their wiser persona, they begin to realize how much easier any other season is than ol’ man winter. No shoveling, no salting, no slipping and falling, you get the idea.  This is the entire reason so many over the age of 55 hit the warmth and cheerfulness of the Sunshine State. What are those seasonal tourists called? Snowbirds?  They should really be called traitors!  LOL!  Such babies, such weaklings, such carpetbaggers!  Actually, they are smarties who can afford to jump ship here in the northern climes and temporarily relocate to a nice pleasant environment.  Hey, your arthritis isn’t too bothersome now in that 75 degree tropical zone is it?  Although with the southern states’ hurricane season appearing to settle in sooner and longer maybe that arthritis isn’t being shaken off so easily. The “Urban Dictionary” defines snowbirds as any northerner who migrates to a southern state, namely Florida, during the winter months. They are recognizable by their poor driving habits, pale skin, and funny accents. I guess I could easily fit those descriptions.

I have a few friends who take the fast track to Florida for the winter. There is one in particular who is fortunate enough to stay in a relative’s condo paying a monthly rate that I consider to be a most wonderful bargain. That three-month hiatus would be a welcome respite for me but I think I would be very lonely the first couple of seasons until I was able to befriend the local snowbirds. This friend does have several other acquaintances in the area so is not at a loss for socializing. I am jealous of the situation but have family obligations here in New England so the Florida option is not in the cards for me currently. I have been happily invited to visit but have not taken advantage of such a wonderful opportunity as of yet but I do have a very strong feeling that my opportunity will be happening in the next year.

A three-month vacation seems too long but at least a 7-10 day adventure.  Having relatives in two other Florida locations, Cape Coral and Tampa, who would enjoy my visit as well, would be a fun treat.  Now, would I sit poolside for a few days? Of course I would!  That’s the whole point, right? Get some vitamin D which I know I am sorely lacking.

When I was in my 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, I was most certainly a beach devotee here in New England. I knew the best beaches to enjoy in Rhode Island and also at Cape Cod. I would rent large summer homes for a two-week period and invite my entire extended family for the vacation. It was great fun, fond memories, and the absolute best of times. These vacations were like no other enjoyment one could partake of. My family was great fun. We’d enjoy the beach on sunny days, visit attractions on days when the beach had tired us out, and indulge in barbecues and cocktails that brought us all into a tighter bond. These days, however, the Long Island Sound beaches are a rare visit and the ride to them seems longer than I remember. I’ve not been a frequent visitor for the past several years. Actually, that snowbird escapade is sounding sweeter and sweeter!