We are visiting Mother Marriott, our second home, this retirement weekend with a splendid 14th floor view of the Atlantic Ocean. Or, turn my patio chair the other way for a bird’s eye view of the island. It’s actually the 13th floor but nobody would want to check-in to that number, especially on Friday the 13th. Fortunately, the day was filled with good luck and only a little bit of lightening. We had dinner at The Divebar in Jupiter known for it’s huge silo-like fish tanks. It was there that we celebrated a 41-year reunion of my wife and her Pi Phi sorority sister. In the process, we met her Greek boyfriend Photis and drank heavily. I enjoyed his company.

Needless to say, I was a bit hungover on this morning’s run but a stiff wind kept me cool and refreshed despite the 85-degree temperatures. It stormed all night and more rain is expected today, so this peaceful, dry moment watching the beach-walkers is rewarding. Yes, I’m enjoying nature here on Singer Island, but I like to watch it from a distance! This afternoon company is coming, another of my wife’s long lost friends, so it will be another long day of girl talk.

The waves are rolling in and the palm trees blowing in the gentle breeze. It’s great to have several island getaway properties so near to our home – even though our new home is also a tropical paradise. Before the year is over, we will have been to five Florida Vacation Club locations, plus 10-days in Tahoe. We’ll also spend another 40 “free” nights in Marriott hotels in 2021. That totals nearly two months in our second homes, a pretty good vacation investment this year. Thanks, Mother Marriott.