I am wearing a fleece Patagonia pullover with fuzzy socks wrapped in a blanket, under a duvet cover with a steaming pot of coffee, and i am still freezing.  writing this post has been difficult when i am constantly being bombarded daily by 5 degree weather in the good ole midwest tundra in what my people simply call, 'winter'.  after i have experienced January in Miami i am no longer loyal to the holly jolly, 'winter wonderland' that is Chicago.  I may be a native of chi city, but 75 degree weather with no humidity, the ocean, and a light breeze has swayed me to become a temporary Floridian.  Not really, but a break from the frost, freeze and no feeling in my toes was a blessing (not in disguise). 

This past week I was able to travel to Miami with my family to celebrate the union of my brother's high school best friend to his dear husband.  We could not have asked for a better weekend to rejoice, revel and rhumba.   we decided to extended our vacation so we could explore and experience the joys of the city.  we stumbled upon the Wynwood walls, a neighborhood of wall murals painted by various artists across the globe.  The Wynwood community consisted of restaurants, stores and galleries that any artist at heart would find astounding. (a bloggers dreamland)  after getting lost in the streets of wynwood, we attended the wedding at the University of Miami, where Matt and his Husband hosted a quaint, picturesque ceremony with their signature cocktail. (yes, we got to drink during the sermon!!)  We danced, ate, and mingled our way through New years Eve with family, friends and peers.  at night we all went to a rooftop to continue to socialize, drink and watch the plethora of fireworks going off around the perimeter of Miami. I have never seen so many fireworks in my life.  by the end of the night, the entire sky was filled with smoke and the air of bounteous possibilities.   2018 started with a headache, sleep filled eyes and water, but also a cuban sandwich and coffee con leche from cafe versailles, the best cuban restaurant in Miami (we ate there three times) The last day we were gifted with an 80 degree clear day that permitted us to go to crandon park beach.  I was one happy girl.  i recommend packing your bags, hitching up the trailer and burning some rubber and head south  to the vibrant city of Miami, especially during these negative degree days of our midwest winter.