Fabulous Florida

Well folks, I don't quite know how to say this except to just come right out say it. It is absolutely gorgeous here. I always thought Fort Lauderdale beach was nice, however, it really doesn't hold a candle to the beaches of Destin and Fort Walton.

I got in late last night and wasn't able to see much until this afternoon. JB got off around 12:30, and we went on a little tour and had lunch at the Crab Trap right on Destin beach. It's an open restaurant with the water right next to you. And man is the water of the gulf BLUE! The food was delicious and the scenery and open air felt wonderful. We then came back, got our suits, and laid on the white sands and cooled off in the water. I haven't been in beach water in years!

The base is also wonderful. There are beaches all over the place and pools as well. I have only see a tiny portion of the base, but it is very secure and women are out jogging at night. When you have to go through security clearance to get in, it does instill some confidence in your safety -- and safety was something I never felt while growing up in Fort Lauderdale.

We stopped at Publix to get some healthy snacks for me (since I have to eat meals between meals right now). I love Publix. I miss Publix.

Right now we are hanging out in our hotel room. Hotel rooms on base are less than $35 a night! We got one booked for my parents for tonight and are now anxiously awaiting their arrival in about two hours. After they get here, we'll go out to dinner the four of us.

Honestly, I know everyone is wondering whether visiting here has changed our mind about our first choice. I have to say that while our minds aren't changed, we are definitely floundering in our decision-making abilities. Honestly, I have laid the advantages and disadvantages of both out for you on previous blogs and nothing has changed. We would like to stay at Mayo for numerous reasons. We would like to leave Mayo for numerous reasons. Ultimately, the big thing that JB didn't realize was how many more procedures he would get to do on base. Because there aren't all these specialists, he actually IS the specialist and has already gotten to do procedures that he would only refer patients to get at Mayo. Like today. He did a whole morning of colonoscopies. (I know. I agree! But John tells me this is a GOOD thing. Go figure.)

Currently, however, getting to be so hands-on is the kind of "straw" that could end up breaking great Mayo's back. I guess the main thing to say is that while we thought we were pretty "for-sure" about wanting to try to stay in Rochester, we have realized that with the increased money we would make, continuing to use Mayo's infertility services (if need be) would not be an issue. I would just have to fly back to Rochester occasionally. Unfortunately, the military's only IVF center is in San Antonio. There is a huge wait, and they currently don't do frozen embryos. That is not even an option for us. We would stay with Mayo for sure.

However, he still has three weeks to go, and then about two more weeks to make his decision so just be praying for us. If you have advice, feel free to share. We are open to opinions, even if they are biased.

Also, I am taking pictures but we have dial-up internet. I may need to wait until we get some wireless before I try to load them. But just trust me on this folks. It's awesome here!

Oh and give it up Minnesotans. This has only confirmed that the words "it's so humid" should not be allowed to be uttered outside the borders of the Sunshine State! :)