Time to Shop

There are two reasons why I desperately need to shop. First, and most important, my mother’s birthday is in two weeks. I actually enjoy shopping for my mom. She’s like me—she likes fun, interesting gifts. This gives me several shopping options in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: stores with unique gifts, custom designed jewelry, antiques and fine art. I’m sure to find something she’ll love (and doesn’t already have).

The second reason I need to shop is I’m anxiously awaiting spring. In my mind I’m already past winter, and I feel like if I start shopping for some new spring/summer outfits, the warm weather might arrive a little faster. Several shops and boutiques with much-needed beach clothing and swimwear are calling my name!

Chilly Day Activities

Winter in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach beats winter anywhere else in this country, in my opinion (and I’m sure visiting snowbirds will agree). Not only is the temperature much more tolerable than further north, but there is so much to do than just lie on the beach and swim in the Gulf—because comparatively “warm” as it may be, swimming outdoors in 50- and 60-degree temperatures just isn’t that comfortable.

And the area does get its cold snaps. If you happen to be visiting during one of these chilly days, I recommend the activities listed under Rainy Day Fun on OrangeBeachToday.com. Whether it’s a rainy day or a too-cold-to-go-outside day, there are lots of indoor sites to see. Check out the area’s rich history at one of the many museums, or explore a little science at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. If you have kids—or just feel like a kid—you might visit the arcade at Adventure Island, or Shrimpy’s Mini Golf & Arcade.

Don’t let the weather get you down! If you just don’t feel like going anywhere, there’s always the indoor pools, saunas, fitness rooms, racquetball courts, and other amenities at the Brett/Robinson condos.

Golf Lessons

One member of our upcoming guys’ golf trip is complaining that he’s not up to par (no pun intended) with his golf game lately. I would like to be able to reassure him…but after playing a round with him this past weekend, I have to admit he’s right. In his defense, though, he couldn’t play for several weeks due to an injury.

He thinks it’s going to ruin the big group trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this spring (maybe for him—not for me). But his little issue gave me an excellent idea: we should all take golf lessons while we’re down there.

A couple of the courses we play tout PGA professionals as part of their features; Kiva Dunes even offers golf clinics. And in my opinion, you can always benefit from some instruction—especially from a PGA professional.

Pick a Month, Any Month

Financially, this is a difficult time of year for me: car taxes are due, my home warranty is up for renewal, and then of course the dreaded income tax has to be dealt with (I always end up owing something). Meanwhile, I’m also trying to plan my vacations. And yes, they are a priority.

Fortunately, I’ve caught a break concerning vacation financing, thanks to Brett/Robinson’s latest deal. If you book a condo for stays during certain arrival and departure times in March, April, May, June, July, or August, you get an additional 20% discount. The deal involves a four-night minimum stay, and you have to book by 11 p.m. on January 28th. That gives me about a week and a half to decide which months I want to pick. I see discounted spring and summer vacations in my future!

More information about this deal is available on the Brett/Robinson website.

Funny Money

What would you do if you came across a briefcase full of money? Would you spend it? Turn it over to the authorities? Maybe both? I like to think I would turn it in; I have way too much of a guilty conscience to go spending someone else’s money.

No, I’m not asking for advice—the only money I’ve found lately is a ten dollar bill that had been hiding in my winter coat pocket since last year. South Baldwin Community Theater is putting on a production of “Funny Money,” based on the book by Ray Cooney. The storyline is just as I’ve stated: the main character mistakenly picks up the wrong suitcase, which contains a million pounds in banknotes. According to the description of the play, “he has to deal with the changes it brings.” Sounds very intriguing.

Funny Money is playing next month. I won’t be there to see it, but I think I’ll check out what other plays will be showing when I’m there this spring. OrangeBeachToday.com is a good place to look for both plays and other events in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Looks like there will be a lot to do this spring!