If I never saw another beach in my life I wouldn’t shed a tear! My parents lived in Venice, FL. Ten minutes from the beach. If I was there two or three weeks I would designate one day as Florida day; I would go to beach for a bit then hang around at the country club pool (mostly for the whirlpool) and that was it. Of course when my boys were younger we had to spend more time in the sand. Now that I’m on my own I don’t have to be bothered.

We tend to go to the beach less often during the winter because all the snowbirds are here in droves. Don't get me wrong, I love 'em. They come down from the north in the cold months and bring lots of money, which our local economy depends on. We have to endure very heavy traffic during the winter but, as locals, we know routes and times to use that minimize that problem. I purposely live 7 miles from the beach, so I'm spared most of the craziness of that scene. Even so, every now and then, we go there to immerse ourselves in humanity, seafood, and the fresh air.

Oh, sure, rub it in. Regards from snowy country, NY

It's been a while since I was down there, but there's a really great meditation garden to relax in.