When we decided to make a change from Canadian living, we’d already had a taste of living in the tropical climate of Guatemala for a number of years. I knew how fantastic it was to be outside year round. In Canada there were two seasons for me–summer and waiting for summer. When we were deciding where to move, we could have stayed further north, but decided to try a milder climate. In South Florida we could be outside, walking, biking, picnicing, having campfires, hiking, year-round. We’ve been here for five years, and I don’t miss the non-summer seasons. The year-round flowers, warm breezes, the smell of the ocean that’s lapping the edge of your backyard, palm trees, tropical plants, make me feel a decadent happiness beyond what seems reasonable.
Here are some of the reasons, large and small, why I love year-round outdoor living.
We are constantly in this outdoor living space, and Paul’s version of a man cave. We drink morning coffee here, have late night conversations here, love, love, love this space.
Fishing off our dock.
Weekly family campfires.
Relaxing in or around the pool.
Pool parties with campfires.
Relaxing in the backyard by the ocean.
I walk out to the ocean every morning,
and every evening.
After a five year test run, we’ll be staying tropical.