If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would realize a dream of waterfront living and that I would retire comfortably and happily at the young age of 62, I would not have believed it.  A multitude of life changes, both intended and otherwise, have led me to my cherishing every blessing cast my way.  There are those who believe the word retirement connotes a formidable change, a path to the end of life, a symbol of aging and the consequences, real and imagined, of such.  That I prefer to label my end of 45 years of working for a living as being re-freshed fuels my optimism for a gloriously relaxing and successful retirement.

"Salt life", originally a sticker for vehicles to identify a surfer, bodyboarder or general beach bum whose life centered around the ocean or related beach going activities has become a common phrase for those of us fortunate enough to live on the water and be a part of the wonders that part of nature affords us. 

My husband of 12 years and I share a paradise in what is called the Nature Coast, a 7 county area located from the panhandle of Florida to the South boundary of Pasco County, situated on the Gulf of Mexico.  Our community, aptly named Leisure Beach, boasts man made canals bordering each street (isle) with a 10 minute boat ride to the Gulf.  It is not uncommon for us to simply sit out on our dock that extends over the canal, enjoying a meal, a drink, each other's company as well as the frequent sightings of a family of dolphins, manatees, ducks and yes, the occasional shark and even gator that may find its way via the marsh that lines the south end of our neighborhood. 

Residing in a waterfront community offers an experience that does not compare to any other.  Though a good majority of our neighbors are "part-timers" (snow birds, many call such residents), the underlying vibe of everyone we've met is one of a never ending vacation, while many continue to be actively working.  That I am going to "re-fresh" in such a beautiful paradise where we can jump in our boat in a minute's warning, heading out to our "back yard" island beach, grab a fishing pole and relax on our dock, cool off in the pool day or night, is truly a dream come true.

With the suggestion and persistent encouragement of a lifelong and published author friend, I begin my new journey with you, sharing the calming moments as my husband and I spend a day filming dolphins following alongside our lazy spontaneous boat ride, the excitement of snagging a redfish or snook from our backyard dock, my experimenting with a recipe for such, collecting delicate shells from the nearby sand bar or simply relaxing as we take joy in the quiet nights with a constant refreshing gulf breeze, all of which define our "salt life" paradise.