Christmas/New Year's Week...a blast!

**Donna** · 01-03-2006, 02:25 PM

Our recent visit to South Walton was our best yet. Last night, we jetted home to the 100-year flood, under a tornado warning in Ft. Walton and it couldn't detract from the warm and relaxing time we had while there. In addition to holiday celebrations with the family, we met many of our virtual pals from the Board. That was great! Mermaid and Merman, Paula, the Funns, Sunshine, and others. Dread Clampitt at 331 was a fun evening and we loved the bonfires. I got a kick out of RS's bonfire on New Year's Eve, where I was introduced to the wife of one of the guys and it was a distant relative that I haven't seen in many a moon! I think it blew her husband away. The fireworks on NY Eve were awesome, although we missed the Red Bar party in favor of a quiet dinner at home with a couple of friends. We are real sissies about NY Eve. We also had our County Commissioner, Cindy Meadows over for dinner one night and were so impressed with her. We need to keep this lady in office fighting for us and for our area.

The weather was wonderful, even the white fog that I love so in winter. And we enjoyed seeing my hometown "git lit." Although we view some of the inevitable changes sadly (last night at Shades, for example), we also welcome new friends and the challenge of meeting change with progressive planning and involvement. The State Park presence, for example, has literally saved Grayton Beach's character and ecosystems.

Thanks to all of you who were so gracious to invite us to local parties and activities, and especially to those of you that came by to visit or who we shared a meal with while there. We look forward to the next time and hope you're there when we are.

SJ, you MUST get well because everyone missed you SO much! Happy New Year, everyone!

**Mermaid** · 01-03-2006, 03:18 PM

Hello Donna! It was such a pleasure meeting you last week. I wish we could have stopped by again on New Year's Eve but somehow time ran short for us. There will definitely be another occasion to visit with you and your husband!

I am very much in agreement about this holiday week at the beach being the best. I loved meeting all the SoWal friends in the flesh--don't you think everyone was just as wonderful if not more, "live?" Merman and I really felt the sense of community that this message board engenders when we met everyone (thanks Kurt

).

And I thank you for posting about the fabulous lights around the lake in DeFuniak Springs. Those Christmas lights were nothing short of breathtaking and well worth the stop. We plan to make it one of our Christmas beach traditions from now on.

To everyone reading: you must try a holiday week at the beach! There's so much to do, whether it's bicycling or hiking or shopping or playing tennis...you will never miss not swimming in the water, honestly. There are plenty of people around and the atsmosphere is festive and the weather's great and you'll return home happy campers like us.

**Paula** · 01-03-2006, 03:32 PM

I, too, had a wonderful time meeting the "virtual' friends in person between Christmas and New Years in SoWal. And thanks to Kimmifunn and friends who invited the SoWal message board group to the bonfire. It was such a kind gesture and good fun (even though we only stayed a little while). I don't know if we'll make it to SoWal every Christmas-New Year (it would get my vote but we have other family/friends to visit as well...), but we'd sure like to see our new SoWal friends whenever we do get there.

I thought of you, Donna, when I watched the flooding in Napa Valley as well. Hope all is well with your home, family, and friends in California.

**kurt** · 01-03-2006, 03:33 PM

Thanks for the wonderful bottle of wine that no one outside of the valley can get but Donna!

**Teresa** · 01-03-2006, 05:39 PM

Donna:

thanks so much for the vino - we truly enjoyed it! great meeting you and everyone at 331. let's do it again!

happy new year!

**TooFarTampa** · 01-03-2006, 07:36 PM

Jealous, jealous, jealous. That's me.

Wish I was there, glad you had a great time!!

Filing all this info away for next time ...

**Miss Kitty** · 01-04-2006, 04:31 AM

Originally Posted by TooFarTampa

Jealous, jealous, jealous. That's me.

Wish I was there, glad you had a great time!!

Filing all this info away for next time ...

Don't be jealous...get even and go next year!!!

**TooFarTampa** · 01-04-2006, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by Sueshore

Don't be jealous...get even and go next year!!!

I don't mean jealous in a bad way. Longing is more like it!! I'm so glad to read the chronicles of other people's funn. Can't wait to get up there again. It's only been 2 months but I miss SoWal!!

**Miss Kitty** · 01-04-2006, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by TooFarTampa

I don't mean jealous in a bad way. Longing is more like it!! I'm so glad to read the chronicles of other people's funn. Can't wait to get up there again. It's only been 2 months but I miss SoWal!!

I know what you mean, jellybean!! But, I am serious about planning a trip for the end of this year! I loved being in SoWal at New Year's even without meeting all the funn people...I can only imagine what a perk that will be!!!