This vacation is just what the doctor ordered! We are a month - 3/21/05 - short of Bill's 2nd anniversary of his 3rd stroke. I never know which one to "count" since there were varying limitations resulting from the last two. It doesn't much matter, the changes post-stroke are still there.

We are staying in a love B & B right across from the water. I'll post some pics when we get home since I forgot the cable I need to post pictures. We had one glitch. Since it is an old facility the bathrooms aren't really handicap friendly. The first thing I looked at when we checked in was the bathroom and noticed the shower/tub immediately. First I was told there weren't any rooms with a hand-held shower and seat, but after I bathed our first morning here I knew the room we had would never work. I went to the office and voila another room much more suited to our needs was located. It is perfect for us - moral of the story, don't give up.

St Augustine is beautiful. A wheelchair can go anyplace you want it to go. The city is very European in feel. By looking at the map one can't really tell how close everything is. I was first concerned about the parking arrangement but the lot where we parked is less than a "regular" city block away. Space is at a premium though so the XL parking space is anything but XL!!

I've loved all the walking - of course I'm really sore today - funny since we got here Sunday and have walked all over since then. Maybe it's the sum of the days that's making the difference. It's ok - we are loving it.

Oh the seafood. I've not eaten beef since....I can't remember...last week sometime. We've had shrimp, crab, oysters (BILL), mahi mahi, tuna........boiled, broiled, blackened, fried..........get the idea??

I also love our GPS - if only I would look at the directions instead of looking at the map! In Savannah we had an interesting experience of going back north on 95 for several miles into S Carolina before I finally said this is it - time to turn around and approach the hotel from the north! Bill asks often how I know where to go - the old habit of having a map in hand is hard to break. It's got to be frustrating for him and this is where the cognitive skills deficite is apparent.

Today we have rain so it's going to be a quiet day - at least morning. By this afternoon I think it will be passed and we'll be out exploring again. This moring I found a bakery and also some jewelry and shoes..... Such fun - this is really the very first vacation Bill and I have ever had together. I'm glad most places are wheelchair accessible - the places that aren't just don't get our business. We've seen several other wheel-enabled folks here too. Our experience here has certainly boosted my confidence for vacationing.

BTW - we met Phyllis Tuesday at a wonderful restaurant. It was real tropical and we shared the dining room that was really outside under a roof, with some pigeons! Such fun.

All in all - anybody hesitating about taking that vacation - don't hesitate any longer. I've done a little more planning for this experience, but every bit of planning is being rewarded with fun and relaxation now.