Farewell to Florida

We had a lovely reunion with Heather, my sis, and Katy, my niece.  They come every year to a very smart apartment on Sanibel harbour.

We met up for lunch at Doc Ford's waterside restaurant and the went back to see their place.

The weather has been a little unsettled this past week but we've swum most days.  Yesterday we drove to an area closer to the coast.  Rotunda is a " managed community" of 5,000 houses.  They have been built over a long time and are in many different styles and size of lots.  We had seen one on Airbnb which we fancied renting in the future and we found it easily.  It's much smarter than our current rental, has a pool and is on a small lake.   So, smarter, with the same facilities we like but also with lots of undeveloped land nearby and so, lots of wild life.  This includes turtles, bobcats, eagles, armadillos, racoons and- possible- Florida panthers!  We're hoping to have it for 6 weeks in winter 2017.

Now we're at Fort Myers airport awaiting a flight to Washington.  We were here in about an hour so it's very convenient.  An announcement has just been made:  "Morning folks.  My name is Frank.  Your plane is almost here.  We have plenty of empty seats so it will be a relaxing flight" !  Not quite Heathrow style- or even Bournemouth!

Later-  landed at Reagan airport.  As we taxied to the gate the chief stewardess said there were veterans on board and launched into a patriotic song.  Everyone ( except B) sang and / or clapped.  Now that's what you call a friendly airline!  (South West- cheap too.....and free soft drinks, many as you want)