FLORIDA, MY FLORIDA

FLORIDA, MY FLORIDA ..

I wrote this September of 2004. Hurricane Charley came through and with a direct hit, slammed our town as a Category 5.

But the beforehand memories are still amusing.

**

We moved to this haven of blue skies and fun -

Where you better be careful if you sit too long in the sun.

^

We planned our house carefully from ceiling to floor;

We watched it being built, from the walls to the door.

^

There's a canal in the back so hubby can fish.

Moving in quickly is our greatest wish.

^

But here's a tale you'll find hard to believe -

Honestly, friends, I do not deceive.

^

We daily enjoyed watching out home being built,

But renting beforehand, put my patience atilt!

^

Back then, we had rented a house near a lake.

We found it had alligators - for Heaven's sake!

^

Let me tell you a little about that small house

Where many small creatures stirred - yes even a mouse.

^

I know that for some, you might find this hard,

But imagine a bobcat strolling in your backyard.

^

Then there were panthers who strolled down the street,

Looking so bold and never discrete.

^

The snakes that resided in the thick woods nearby

Rattled their tails as they slithered on by.

^

One had to be careful how you opened the door,

Or you'd let in the racoons that could rip up your floor.

^

The lizards, though small, were too often seen

Running around on the porch's old screen.

^

We found out too soon and not be desire

Why the ants here are called by their first name : FIRE!

^

They're quick and they're many and without a doubt

It's not very easy putting their fire out.

^

That place was a rental and we could hardly wait

For the keys to our house and to walk through our gate!

^

Our house by the water, has no woods around -

Not much more than fish would be found.

^

When handed our keys, the first thing to do

Is to bid farewell, gladly to that neighborhood zoo.

^

Moving into our home was a delightful event;

I was sure this location was Heaven sent.

^

No creatures to rattle the windows or doors,

But in addition to lizards, we found frogs on the floors.

^

In the hot summer sun, to try to keep cool

The lizards and frogs, now jump in our pool.

^

I thought I escaped from that Florida zoo,

But I've found things in the canal that just will not do!

^

Besides the gators who swim in the dark,

We've also noticed a resident shark!

^

With the dolphins, manatees and so much more

I feel like I'm residing in living fish store.

^

But, it's still heaven with its graceful tall palms.

Where more often than not, the weather stays calm.

^

But wait just a minute, OMG, can we survive?

Here comes hurricane Charley - a category FIVE!