Loving Las Olas.....Loving Fort Lauderdale.....Loving Life!

Today I had the privilege of attending the "Downtowner of the Year" luncheon honoring Patsy Mennuti, Executive Director of Riverwalk Trust. I have known Patsy for a short period of time compared to most, but I know what a dynamo she is and was thrilled that she received this well deserved recognition. Any person working for a non-profit organization knows the challenges and rewards of doing such. Patsy is the epitome of grace.

Today's luncheon reminded me of why I love living in Fort Lauderdale. It's only been nine years since I moved here and it totally felt like "home" within the first two years. We are blessed to have members of our community who are so passionate about our increasingly popular city and its increasing urban energy.

I enjoy going to events like the "Downtowner of the Year" and seeing the faces and smiles of people that I met very early after the move to Fort Lauderdale.

These "staples" in our community are like a good book or a favorite recipe. They are the people that you look to for a sense of comfort, a sense of home.

These things are important to me since I have no immediate family in the area. There are many however who I have come to know and love much like a family.

Over the past year Las Olas Boulevard has become my home away from home, and the Las Olas Boulevard Board of Directors and Las Olas Association members have become my extended family.

And so today, like yesterday and the day before that, I could not imagine loving my life anywhere else.