Winter in Florida?

Winter in Florida is an oxymoron, but to go by the evidence in the stores, it be lies that fact. Sure this morning was in the 40's and a bit chilly during the first part of my run.  But by the first mile I was shedding both my jacket and gloves.  And during the day it warms up to 70's.  Now that is not "winter".  Montana's weather of below zero on a bad day and high 40's on a good day is winter.  Minnesota, with several feet of snow for months on end, now that is winter.

The problem is that in Florida the stores have the idea that it is winter here.  You ask for outdoor games and activities to buy and they say, "We put them all away for the winter."  What, people don't go outdoors in 70 degree weather?  Grand kids come here this time of year and, of course all grandparents are looking for games to occupy the little darlings outdoors as much as possible.  But, I guess venders don't relate to this situation like the retired residents here do. So far, I haven't been able to convince them that this is not "winter" as we northerners know it from years of previously living in the real thing.

I had great news from one of my daughters yesterday.  Back ground: she had not been able to work at her former job, due to the painful stress on her back from the tasks she was required to perform. She has been going to school to complete a degree, providing a less physically demanding career, but she also needs to work.  Other avenues for help had closed for her and she was very discouraged, to say the least. This kept her awake at night with worry so she resorted to praying most of the night for an answer.  When she woke up in the morning she had a message that the local YWCA wanted to hire her as their manager. How awesome is that?  So you may ask,"Do I believe in the power of prayer?" Yes, I do.  All we need to do is ask and have the faith that God will indeed provide.  Maybe not what we necessarily ask for, but He does know our needs. Anyway, I have said a return prayer of thanks.  We always need to say thank you and count our blessings.  There are a lot more than we realize.