As we wrap up our time in New Hampshire and prepare to return to Florida we have a rather nontraditional route plotted out. First stop on this winding little road was the island of Sint Maarten. We were fortunate enough to be invited to join four of our very best friends for a week in paradise. It was lovely and relaxing and fun and delicious. We saw monkeys (not too many) and iguanas (way too many) and plenty of island kitties and puppers. We even spent a fun visit at a parrot sanctuary. We ate some incredible foods, from high end French cuisine to lolo cooked over a steel kettle drum. And we tried every cod fritter we found. We visited three different beaches, and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly at the resort pools. We also cooked in, listening to music, laughing, and just being playful. It is such a delight when you find people you love traveling with. This group of six was so beautifully well suited and really easy going. The early risers enjoyed sunrise coffee before heading to the gym. Those with some work or academic responsibilities could peel of when necessary. One evening we dreamed and schemed of opening an 80’s themed beach property, and let me tell you, the well lubricated brain trust at that workshop was crushing it! I’m certain we’d have VCs throwing money at us. But in the light of day, and by the light of a sizable fire at the literal property we were playfully dreaming about, our more risk adverse instincts took over and we collectively said: Nah. That fire and a tropical storm had us concerned we might have our flights interrupted, but alas, leave we did. Now we are at a cool, damp, orange and yellow and gray camp loading the cars and getting ready to hit the road. This time tomorrow we will be well on our way, making our way slowly to Tennessee where we will see family, friends, and favorite artists.