SNOWBIRDS FLYING NORTH

"So long.  See you next year."

"Yeah.  You folks have a good trip.  Stay safe."

"Back atcha.  Take care of that heart.  Try to stay out of the hospital this year."

You hear those and other similar comments this time of year as you walk around the campground at Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort.  The snowbirds are packing up and moving out.  Several RV rigs leave the place every hour.  Other folks still at their campsite are coiling the water hose, rolling up the patio awning, and stowing chairs and other equipment that has been sitting out since they arrived in October, November, December or whenever.

It is time to watch the weather more carefully, looking over the shoulder of the TV weatherman to see what's going on "back up home."  In some cases returning snowbirds face snow.  Some will encounter rain on the way home, something that has been sadly lacking here in central Florida this year, and they will return to flooded streets, yards and farm fields.  Whatever the weather, it likely will not be a nice as what they are leaving behind, but the urge to return home is strong and they will leave regardless.

Some will stick around until the middle of April, while a few die-hards will remain in place until the first of May.  There are, of course, some full-time residents.  (They are secretly looking forward to having the streets, pools, shuffle board courts and golf course to themselves for a while.)  This comfortable winter-time small town of around 1,000 will become more like a ghost town in a few weeks.

Joyce and I also feel the magnetic pull of home and will join the exodus in another few days.  We are looking forward to meeting again with good friends, seeing familiar places, and returning to common routines.  Yard work actually looks inviting about this time of year.