On this date in 1988...

...my family set off on an adventure to a brave, new world---Florida! Justin was 15 months old as my spouse and I loaded up the truck (moving van!), and along with our business partner, Curt, and brother-in-law, John and his family (Mona and JR-age 18 months) drove to Florida. We stopped for the night at about the halfway point, I can't recall where. I  do remember driving through the mountains of TN enjoying the changing colors of fall. Wow!
   

When our caravan arrived in Orange Park, the moving van was lagging behind, as somehow it was going to squeeze in yet another household of furniture on the way south. We stayed a few days in a hotel not far from church, with Mona and I having to hit the strip mall across from the hotel to see if we could find some cooler clothes for the little boys, as we did not consider packing clothing for warm weather!! Who knew?? It is 79 here right now with the highs expected to be low 80's. I don't think this is unusual so you can imagine our little guys being uncomfortable in their WI October clothing!

              
We had a Realtor as our contact person here in OP plus Curt had a college friend who was a civil engineer living in town. These folks helped us get connected with suppliers and contractors, as well as secure lots upon which to build (a small detail!). A man we met at church was also able to help get us directed where we needed to go for stuff.

Church ladies at The Pasta Market

We almost immediately connected with our church, my spouse serving on the church council prior to our even being accepted as members. The same week that our household arrived, as we got situated in our temporary quarters in an apartment, we were visited by two folks from church, to welcome us to GS. Right off the bat we had company!

                              
Ricky and Jimmie sitting in my river room         Justin with his "Auntie Brenda" 

Many things have taken place in these 25 years, some good, some not so good. Among the best things is my church and church family, and the folks whom I loved in my business. Some of them are gone, shed from my life, while some remain and whose company I yet enjoy. 

A big plus about our moving was having my mom come down to stay with us several weeks or months each year, which really was a good situation for Justin and her. Mom's last long term stay was in 2007. They had their own adventures over the years, with Grandma K being a very good sport about it all. (picture Mom driving Santa's imaginary reindeer sleigh while pushing Justin in the stroller!)  That kid had/has the best imagination---oh my!

Over these 25 years both sides of our family have been able to come down here for visits, for vacations mostly. Once they came for a funeral.  Some of these folks would never have made such a trip if we had not moved to FL, not likely have gotten to DisneyWorld or the other theme parks, or seen the sights. A couple of my nieces and nephews have come without their parents over the years as well, with one even riding the rails (actually the Greyhound bus) with Grandma K, back in the day. Now THAT is an adventure!

I am on a first-name basis with the fellows at the moving company, though I haven't had to call Sabin since Justin moved into his condo on the Southside in 2007! I have lived in this condo since January of 2006, and have never lived anywhere this long before, save for my childhood home. It almost sounds like, gasp!, roots have been put down!

Happy silver anniversary to Justin and me! Florida is still wondering what hit 'em!