DESTINsgiving

 

Sunday, November 17 - We had some "hired help" today to do some outdoor fall cleanup including raking the mountain of leaves that always pile up on our flat back roof (terrible design!).  My co-worker and our friend, Apurva, a grad student over at Cumberland, helped out today in exchange for some much-needed money for the upcoming holidays.  He's been a real help here not only today, but with pet-sitting as well when we travel.  Thanks, A.P.!! 

Thursday, November 28 - Happy Thanksgiving from the beach AGAIN!!  I flew down to Destin, Florida, today to join Ashlee who's been there this entire week for another holiday in the white sands. Today happened to be the best beach day based on the forecast for the weekend, so we plopped down on the beach at Destiny by the Sea and enjoyed watching a very skilled kite-surfer do his thing among the surging waves and stiff breeze. 

Afterwards, we had another nice Thanksgiving meal from Cracker Barrel with all the fixings that was delish.  

After dinner, we all loaded up and went to see the new Christmas action/comedy flick, Red One, at the AMC Theaters at Destin Commons.  It was very enjoyable and maybe a bit better than we thought it might be going in.  

Friday, November 29 - Black Friday ended in gold out on the beaches of Destin at sunset today.  It was just a bit too chilly outside to enjoy the beach otherwise today.    

Saturday, November 30 - Sun's out!  Toes out!!  It was still a bit cool temperature-wise, but the sunnier weather today made it tolerable for a little more beach and surf time.   

Tonight, we went to see Wicked (Part 1) in IMAX at the Destin Commons AMC Theaters and it was spectacular.  It could seriously win best picture and will definitely take home some hardware for set design, costumes, etc.   

Sunday, November 31 - We packed up and said goodbye to another sweet rental house in Destiny by the Sea (we've stayed in the one just to the right of this one also) this morning and made the drive back from Destin without much issue.  We did stop briefly to check out the large Christmas market in Cullman, Alabama, and it looks great.  We may just double back here in a few weeks to really experience it when we have more time.  

This was as close as Sunny got to the beach unfortunately.   It's a county-wide ordinance here in Destin that no dogs are allowed on the beach (even though we saw several).  Nonetheless, she had a fun time hanging out at the swanky house and walking around the posh gated community of Destiny by the Sea.  

We got home to some extra FRIGID temperatures (even for the start of December), but everyone was fine (thanks again, A.P.) and glad to see us (and to get the gas fireplace going!!).