On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Christmas day the weather was perfect. It was the kind of day that people like me who flee the summer heat say “if only Florida could be like this all year.” After exchanging gifts and enjoying our traditional Christmas breakfast of country ham, biscuits and eggs (no grits now that we are low carb-ers) we decided to drive out to the beach.
Christmas afternoon at the beach became a family tradition while we were raising a family. I worked in healthcare on second shift and chose to be off Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. That way I could spend most of the holiday with the family. Most years my husband, children and my parents would load up the van with surf rods and off they would go fishing and I would go to work.
We are blessed to live near the Canaveral National Seashore and pristine Playalinda beach.
It was good to see families outdoors and enjoying the beautiful day and we enjoyed watching them.
Dad often used multiple poles. 
Pretty sure they are tourist. .
My dad fished the beach several times during the week, finding the best spots. Since the water is constantly moving, the sands shift the deep troughs where the fish run. He would stand on the dunes and read the waves, He was a fish whisperer. We miss him.
The “beach road” has 13 crossovers to the dunes. It had been a long time since we drove the length of the road so we decided to explore. We found this sign to be humorous.
I have to tell you the parking lot for this crossover was the most crowded! I hope they has sunscreen.
One day when my dad was fishing near the nude section a man came walking up the beach toward him, clad only in a Palmetto branch front and back. Someone had taken the man’s clothes! I hope he had some extra in his car.
The Canaveral National Seashore adjoins the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. There are multiple dirt runs running through the area giving one an up close experience with nature without bugs or snakes! We usually come across gators sunning but I guess they were celebrating Christmas with their families : ). My daughter and I snapped pictures of birds as my husband slowly drove through the swampy terrain.
We decided to drive on to Haulover Canal to check out the Manatee viewing platform. When we arrived there was only one other person there. By the time we left the parking lot was filling up. We didn’t see any Manatees, hope they had better luck.
The canal got its name because it literally was a spot where first indians and then settlers would haul their canoes and boats from the ocean into Mosquito Lagoon. I bet you can’t guess where the lagoon got its name!
We drove alongside the Australian Pine tree lined canal where families parked to fish and barbecue. I only snapped one photo as I didn’t want to block the narrow road.
Our drive was accompanied by Christmas music playing softly on the car radio. It was a glorious day and I seemed to feel nature sing.
Some random photos.
Fishing platform at Eddy Creek. Notice the PVC rod holders. 
By mountain standards this is a big creek! 
PS This is the setting for my daughter’s novel, Undaunted, formerly titled Jessie.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
Old Things R New 
I’m glad you don’t have an ill effects from the diabetic attack. I can’t imagine making individual Beef Wellingtons. I bet they were good!
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A lovely post and wonderful photos. We shared the sun and clear blue sky with you for Christmas Day, but today we have persistent rain. I’ve been doing the wrong thing in eating so many chocolates, but my resistance to them is so low. However yesterday I had a mild diabetic attack and felt ill for an hour or so. Luckily it didn’t last and I cooked lunch okay. Today’s a bit of a rest as there’s not so much to do in the kitchen and for tomorrow I have already prepared some individual Beef Wellingtons that are sitting in the fridge waiting for me.
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The weather looks much better on the east coast, than the west coast of Florida. So pleased for you 🌞🌊
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It was a beautiful day then the rain moved in for the weekend, but at least it was simply misty.
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Oh, I loved this and I was right there with you. We had a great Christmas too and I have already written it up in my journal, I think since I liked yours so much I’ll give the folks another Fl. Christmas to think about.
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A grand idea. Florida Christmas is definitely different and fun.
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