Tuesday, December 31, 2002


According to the calendar another year is ending and a New Year is on the horizon. I am sitting here at the Seaside Grille at Pass-A-Grill Beach. It is not yet eight in the morning. I am waiting for my good friend and former boss and colleague, David Hallal and his lady Jan to arrive. We are going to walk along the beach together. I thought they would have been here and by this time we would have walked. It is nice to know that instead of the normal rushing around that is typical of David’s mornings; they are taking it easy and moving at a more relaxed pace.

I don’t mind waiting because I enjoy sitting here watching the waves splash against the shore and it is fun to watch the people beginning their day enjoying breakfast here.

One table has 6 ladies – probably in their late seventies or eighties – all wearing Happy New Year Hats. They have even decorated their table with streamers. I am sure it must be nearing midnight someplace in the world (smile).

It is 64 degrees here this morning. Some people are shivering with their coffee cups held tightly in their hands to keep them warm. Some are bundled up as though it were a winter day in Chicago (these are the Florida natives, for them it is a winter chill). Some are dressed like me, shorts and a wind breaker. Whatever their clothing most everyone is wearing a smile or happy look. It is hard to be at the beach first thing in the morning and not feel good about the possibilities life offers.

My little cell phone just rang. David and Jan are on their way. I hope they have a fantastic day and enjoy the rest of their vacation here in paradise. I am the luckiest of all….this beautiful scenery, the beach and Gulf, 64 degree mornings the end of December – this is my backyard.