Niceville

Not to be confused with the movie "Pleasantville," Niceville (Florida) is the name of the town where we're staying this week. And that just makes me want to add a smiley face or two to this blog post. :) :) 

My husband's time is required at Eglin Air Force Base for work this week...but while he's attending the EOD Commanders' Conference, I'll be doing my best to indulge in some of the sugary sand beaches on the Emerald Coast. And let me just say: I am literally thanking my lucky stars for this time in our marriage. There's no denying or sugar coating it - his job is very stressful right now but to have an entire, uncomplicated week together in sunny Florida is a very nice treat (and probably the only "vacation" we'll have together in these next 11 months). Our group did have a block of rooms reserved at a hotel property within very close proximity to the Emerald Coast Conference Center (and also right on the Beach in the Fort Walton Beach, FL area), but a last minute change of hotels now puts solidly in Niceville which is some 30 minutes from the Conference Center...and within very close proximity of Boggy Bayou. HA! It makes sense though, the room rates were much more affordable and it seems that, in light of the recent GSA spending debacle and Army budget cuts, our government agency is not taking any chances on appearances.

We plan to arrive a day early and depart a day later...so I've already researched local restaurants and points-of-interest. Perhaps a side-trip to Sandestin would be a good idea, too? And is it odd that I started mentally packing for this trip more than a 2 weeks ago? :)

Welcome to Niceville!