Around this time, one year ago, we were watching the path of Hurricane Katrina --wondering where it would hit! Of course now, this year, we know where it hit! Then in less than a month from Katrina's devastation, in mid September 2005, Texans were watching the path of another large mass -- the weather patterns in the Gulf of Mexico---with Hurricane Rita!!
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More times than I can count, we go to the beach, just minutes from our home, to walk along the shore. This is a terrific time to go 'cause there are no school kids (college or other) and during the week...workers are busy at their jobs; early in the morning before the heat of the day, and just few others 'crowding' me. I like solitude and quiet. So I can enjoy the sea! Listen to the waves breaking the shore, feel the warm sun on my shoulders...walk in the warm waters, hunt for shells, smell the salty air. Watching the gulls and pelicans fly overhead! It is one beautiful time for me.
Some 40 years ago, I had the chance to see the Atlantic ocean. Wasn't all that impressed with the gray green water. A few years later, I got to go to the Pacific coast and driving along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego California up!---I was young! And in a rented car. The first view ever of the ocean, I will never forget! It was sooooooooo unlike the Atlantic! Such a beautiful BLUE! I just couldn't believe the difference from one side of the coast to the other! Even the waves on the Pacific are whiter than the Atlantic! And oh so much warmer water!
After weeks on the west coast, I dreamed of one day living by the warm ocean waters in my September years of my life. When hubby retired, we debated. We've always lived by the majestic Rocky Mountains. But we wanted warmth year 'round. We looked and looked - for months for property on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. We debated whether we wanted to live in a big city like Houston or a small 'hole in the wall' town like Rockport Texas.
Our home near the Colorado foothills of the Front Range was on the market, and sold in nearly a week. We had to make a choice. Tho, we never found a home suitable for our needs in Texas. Yet, again we wanted warm climate! Both of us were 'up to here' with having to drive 6-7 months out of a year with icy roads in the winter. So, we flew to Arizona. Of course we have been to Arizona many times prior. And we both liked it. Had thought about retiring there with the rest of the 'old folks' in Sun City near Phoenix. When we flew into Phoenix it was so polluted that we rapidly changed our minds. We rented a car, drove to Tucson.
We contacted a realtor and bought a home before our return flight to Denver. It was just the area of town we liked. LOW in crime and easy access to shopping, etc. Within 60 days we were residents of Arizona. To be honest, the first 5 years living there were ideal. We loved the three 'seasons'. Hot, hotter, hottest! But soon got bored. Except for the monsoon season in July-August, there weren't even CLOUDS in the sky.
Always in the back of my mind wanting coastal living.
We never considered anywhere along the gulf, but Texas. Yet, have never experienced LIVING in hurricane alley either. When we did witness hurricanes it was always the 'worst' areas hit - with media coverage. Every time we vacationed during June and November, we could pack up and move on; get out of harm's way.
Well, we're here. Retirees in Texas. Just 10-15 minutes' drive from the Gulf! Able to hop in the car, drive anywhere along the coast and enjoy the most precious beauty, besides my still beloved Rocky Mountains, on earth!! Ocean. The calming, serenity, captivation is still indescribable to me!!
I may be crazy. We had mandantory evacuation last year with Hurricane Rita. It was that close!---but turned upwards and hit Houston, Texas instead. Our son ended up having to evacuate from his city!!! Staying with us when we heard the Corpus evacuation had been lifted. Scary as it was; leaving your home and moving to higher ground is an experience that one doesn't understand 'til you live it -- you don't know when upon returning, if you'll have a home when you come back.
I HEART living by the water! I HEART Texas. So far, this area's been good for the two of us.
If you're ever here, come by and see me sometime!!
(This is me yesterday morning, walking the shores and just doing 'my thing'!!)
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO PERISHED nearly 1 year ago today (short one week today....Katrina hitting LA. and MISS. COASTAL AREAS on August 29th, 2005) -- Hurricane Katrina victims!! May you always be remembered. And to the survivors - my heart goes out to you.
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LATEST TROPICAL DEPRESSION OFF AFRICA -
(for larger view, go here.)
Melli * J. Andrew Lockhart * Carmen * Unknown * Meira{FB} * * PJ * * Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess * LibertyBelle *
10 Comments:
I certainly DO understand your love for the Texas coast! Krysti and I sure loved it while we were there! (the only MINORLY disappointing part being the waves are not as big in the Gulf as they are out in the ocean -- but everything else was perfect!!!) I would absolutely LOVE to be where you are in the "September days" of my life! I don't think MY hubby will EVER move from here though... *sigh*
I wish there was a beach near here. Not for the weather, though. :)
Having lived near the Atlantic for most of my life, I understand the "yuck" factor of seeing it. :) The Pacific is much better. I've never been to the Gulf, but I do want to go!
FROM Wystful 1: Come on down Carmen!!!
I enjoyed this morning's post immensely, Wystful1! Like you, we debated about moving to a coastal town (Jacksonville), however, the new house will be about 30 miles inland. Guess that doesn't protect you much though when a hurricane's a comin'.
Having always lived in Pittsburgh and always longing to live near the water, we figured we'd take our chances. You only live once! LOL.. I've seen both coasts and I have to admit the beaches in California are pretty spectacular. We think Florida will be a pretty good second choice...never been to Texas but hoping I will one of these days. You make it sound real purdy..
Take care,
Carol
The Atlantic looks great at Myrtle beach. I love the gulf more. Brighter blues hues.
Sad that things still are such a mess after Katrina. Who with all the money we all sent thought it'd still be this way now.
Aren't you the one who told me about hello.com? I signed up and can't get it to work. Can you email me??
Mysteriouslady01@comcast.net
I would be so terrified living where they have hurricanes!! I live in Illinois, we have tornado's here. We're right in the way, but I haven't had anything major happen. 7th grade was the last bad one that took part of our town. Very scary!!!
We really were never worried about living here (Galveston)until Rita was headed our way.
The evacuation was very stressful and something we will never forget.
Still, I can't imagine living anywhere but on the Gulf Coast.
Great post W1, and here's to an uneventful September.
*clink*
Wonderful post! :o) The Pacific is always beautiful! :o) Thank you so much for stopping by & for your wonderful comments! Oh yes, you'll be able to say that! I'll still be blogging as well! :o)
Nice to see what you look like Wystful 1. I don't believe that I have ever seen a picture of you yet!! We live about 45 minutes from the ocean here and since my hubby is not much into it I do not get to go as much as I would lOVE to go. I guess I need to just learn to go alone but that is NOT a lot of fun....
I am glad that you have found a place that you both are happy...that is what counts the most. Those ole' hurricanes are very scary...
I've lived close to water my whole life. I don't know what I'd do without the big blue.
First I lived by the Pacific, now I live on the bay - either way, it's wonderful, calming, and soothing!
Good blog Hon
L
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