Sunday, February 3, 2013

My Golden Life

When we were deciding where to live when we retired, we traveled to a few of the Southern states to visit some areas we thought we would like.

I love the sunshine.

I’m so glad we retired in Florida!

And there’s nothing more beautiful than a sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean.

IPFrameNewSmyrna

These photos are straight out of the camera.

I didn’t even crop them!

I love New Smyrna Beach and it’s only a couple of hours away!

I’m joining Sunlit Sunday

and Beautiful Sunday,

Sunny Simple Sunday,

Gratitude Sunday,

Mosaic Monday,

and a new one,

Sundays in my City!

Don’t forget to email your address to me so that I can send you a postcard or note from Florida. Read more about it HERE !

67 comments:

DVArtist said...

I will agree with you that the dawning over the Atlantic is beautiful.
Nicole/Beadwright

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Beautiful photos - who wouldn't want to see that? Happy Sunday! xo

Anonymous said...

wow beautiful!

Stacey said...

I can't even imagine how wonderful it must be to have those views on a regular basis. You have the best of both worlds with Florida and North Carolina.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Gorgeous. We feel the same way about our Lake MI shorelines, but we certainly don't have the warmth that goes with your beautiful beaches.

cucki said...

so beautiful..love them x

Susan said...

In the Pacific Northwest we can't compete with those tropical sunsets, but I think every state has a beauty to be proud of. I'm just jealous you have the warm sun right now:-)

ImagiMeri said...

My goodness you've been busy lately, going on trips, writing letters, and helping out at the thrift store....how sweet are you! I think your letter writing expedition is going to be so much fun. I hope you receive lots and lots of interesting stuff. Have a great week pretty lady.

Hugs,
Meri

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh Diane these photos are just gorgeous!!

RURAL said...

Please send some sun .... we sure could use it.

And you made a wise choice, why live in the cold if you don't have to.

Jen

Pondside said...

You're living the dream! Sunshine and surf - so beautiful.

Suzan said...

Ahhh - New Smyrna is a very nice place!! Far enough away from the crazyness of Daytona Beach. I was born in central Fla. and raised in St. Augustine! Mom is still there and we visit a lot! We lived litterly on the sea wall near the Oldest House and learned to drive a boat long before driving a car! Living on the ocean is wonderful and magical!

Unknown said...

Those beautiful pictures make me a little warmer just looking at them-have a good weekend.

Vee said...

Oh gorgeous! I've got so many preconceived ideas about your fair state. I hope that none of them are true. ;D

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I wrote to you, Vee! Maybe I need to describe living here better. Most of my neighbors describe it as Paradise! Sweet hugs and thanks for all of the sweet comments. I'm getting a nice little list to send cards and letters, too! Thanks!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Stunning photos Diane, the colours of a breaking dawn over the ocean are one of Mother Nature's greatest achievements.
I spent many happy Februarys at new Smyrna Beach as our family visited my grandparents at their winter home there. The old Spanish mission was a favourite place to visit just up the street some. We even rented at NSB until we discovered the gulf side. Can't beat NSB for long early morning walks though.
Judith

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I must say whenever I'm in Florida the sunsets are magnificent! I love the ocean, it restores my soul.

hugs, Linda

Ruth Kelly said...

Fantastic photos. I've not been to Florida yet but maybe someday in the future.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Oh my what a gorgeous sunrise! The coloring is fabulous! I'd love to be down there right now! I went to Floriday at the end of March in the 90's with the kids. It felt marvelous to enjoy the 70+ degree weather and the beautiful plant life! I could taste the salt on my mouth as we got near the ocean!

joanne said...

fabulous shots...I hope to retire south soon too....probably a bit south of you, in Melbourne..

ellen b said...

Ahh...glorious!

Leovi said...

Beautiful light and color, delicious pictures, a very poetic sky.

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful sunrise captures. I would love to move to Florida when I retire. Beautiful mosaic, have a happy week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

So pretty -- The sun here in Florida is just amazing! We are so fortunate.

Chatty Crone said...

Beautiful gold!

carol l mckenna said...

Oh ~ looks so inviting with these gorgeous photos ~

especially since it snowed in MA today ~ wintry!

Carol of: (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Anonymous said...

These are stunning! We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place. I spent the day in Cedar Key and took over 597 photos!!!

Life Images by Jill said...

It certainly looks like you chose your retirement home wisely. Your images of sunrise over the Atlantic are so beautiful. We live not far from the Indian Ocean - sunsets are something wonderous to behold. I think it is that sunrise-sunset thing over water that is so special.
Have a wonderful week.

Donna said...

Beautiful sunrise!

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Lovely sunset. I can see why you love it so. Valerie

Diane Writes said...

It was definitely a great choice name mate. The beaches, parks and the serene atmosphere are very ideal for retirees and even anyone who seeks a life away from the noise of the city.

Hope you are having a Beautiful Sunday! Thank you for forever linking up :)

Diane Writes said...

It was definitely a great choice name mate. The beaches, parks and the serene atmosphere are very ideal for retirees and even anyone who seeks a life away from the noise of the city.

Hope you are having a Beautiful Sunday! Thank you for forever linking up :)

Introverted Art said...

Just stunning. I think we are retiring in Florida as well :)

Lovable Derek said...

Great photos.
Smyrna Beach looks lovely. I'm only a couple of hours away from it too, by space shuttle.

Shane Pollard said...

I've heard Florida is wonderful - the sunrise certainly is!
you chose a special place to retire indeed!
Shane ♥

Country Crow said...

Wow! Wonderful pictures! You live in a very beautiful place! :)

podso said...

One of my favorite things is a picnic breakfast on the beach as the sun rises. You've captured the rise beautifully.

Love, Live and Garden! said...

Wow! Gorgeous how the sun and the clouds are playing around each other!

cynthia lee designs said...

Beautiful photos of the sun!!
My best friend loves living in Florida too.
hugs,
Cindy

Perfectly Printed said...

What lovely pictures!!!

chris

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

We love Florida!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a beautiful sunrise. What a great way to start the day.

Vores have said...

Beautiful collage showing. Wish you a good day / good new week :) Hanne Bente www.hbt.finus.dk

Marina@Picnic at Marina said...

Hi Diane, I was watching some travel program yesterday and heard something funny: when you are 60 living in Florida is a law! I wouldn't wait until 60 though, I love Florida. My husband doesn't want to consider FL at this time: insurance for him would be very high. I try to talk him to go to Alabama, but for now he's got his license in WA and we are going there for a few interviews.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

We go back and forth about retiring to Florida too... I think it's going to depend on where our children settle.

Lynn said...

Beautiful photos!

JG said...

Gorgeous photos of the sunrise, Diane! We could use a little of your FL sunshine here in MA. :)
~Judy

BunnyKissd said...

Beautiful!

Lorrie said...

Gorgeous sunrise photos, Diane. What a wonderful world!

Anonymous said...

Those are beautiful pictures, so I can see why you like living in Florida. I told you about my brother's vacation last week. While he was there, he kept calling our Mom in hopes of convincing her to want to move and also saying he wants to eventually settle down in Florida when he retires because he likes the weather. I'm glad you are so happy where you are! Have a great week my friend.

Unknown said...

Beautiful views, and lovely weather...sounds heavenly to me.

Have a beautiful Monday, love your photographs today.

Karen

Anonymous said...

Your snaps are just beautiful and I'm os glad you're happy with your choice to live for retirement!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Florida is a beautiful state! I ahve a few friends who retired there and they also love it.

We love our new area althrough it is quite different from where you are, Diane! The grandkids being here make it very special! ;)

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous place to retire. We might just have to take our trailer down there once the hubby retires. Not to long now...

Your photos are beautiful.

Hugs~

joyh82 said...

What program do you use to make these mosaics? Very pretty. I would love a trip to FL! Oh and the puppies were beagles. :)

Unknown said...

Diane, what beautiful breath taking photos. I love Florida too and miss it so much. Maybe one of these days, lord willing and the creek don't rise! Have a beautiful week. Hugs,

My Little Home and Garden said...

What a gorgeous way to wake up in the morning. You sound thrilled with your choice of Florida. I can see why!

DearHelenHartman said...

So gorgeous!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Diane,
You truly retired in a gorgeous place. How wonderful to take in each day with such beauty. We feel this way about Texas, although we are not retired yet. But one day soon I hope.
Thank you for stopping by and your kind comment and well wishes. I am doing a bit better, been very sick with typeA flu and now pleurisy. I have to rest and give it time but I am not good at that at all.LOL
Have a wonderful week my friend.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Unknown said...

Hi, i just wanted to say thank you so very much for stopping by and leaving such warm and lovely comment's. Its lovely to find a new blog to read. Wow beautiful photo's i love a sunset and a sunrise there is something very special about both. Best wishes, dee x

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Gorgeous!!!! Really Gorgeous. My husby was born in Florida, and we lived in Florida for nearly 2 years, and it was for us nice to visit, but we would so very much miss the seasons in changing from full Spring bloom, to stark Winter whites. When we had to make a decision whether to move, or stay, we stayed. That certainly looks inviting though;')~

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Gorgeous! I think you made a good choice. Sunshine is important. It really does make you happy too.
Karen

Cranberry Morning said...

Those photos are fantastic, Diane!

Introverted Art said...

oh I love your arm chair so much!!!! Just beautiful!

Lady Linda said...

I've never seen the Atlantic Ocean! I live in the Pacific NW, so I get to see the Pacific often.
Great photos.
Linda

sandy said...

Beautiful sunrise! I LOVE Florida and the sunsets and sunrises. We go to Panama City Beach every year and sometimes to Naples where my sister lives! We catch the sun setting in the West over the ocean.
sandy :)

Claudya Martinez said...

Simply stunning. The photos need no editing.