Currently finishing up long weekend in Deerfield Beach with adult daughter - she from DC, me from Boston. Flew in early Friday AM and was pleased that Embassy Suites Deerfied Beach could grant my request for early check in. Perfect hotel for us - real 2-room suite has 2 full bathrooms and is much larger than her tiny DC apartment. Walked the beach a bit - although it has shrunk considerably from recent storms. Met my brother for dinner at a tiny place in Boca called Sushi Thai - a little storefront place that has been getting good reviews. Great food, although crowded atmosphere. Then off to FLL to pick up daughter at 9:30 PM. Who would have expected FLL to be traffic gridlock at that hour, even on a holiday weekend. Cell phone lot was overflowing onto access road. Daughter had the explanation from JetBlue pilot on PA system; her flight - and many others - forced to circle FLL for almost an hour. Obama had just landed in PBI and they had to clear airspace over south Florida, and this backed up flights. For security reasons they did not delay departures and did not warn anyone ahead of time.

Nice breakfast at hotel - far better than usual buffet-included breakfast. Sat by pool, walked on the beach, and decided to head to Sawgrass Recreation Center for airboat ride. Cold front was heading in, and so we saw little wildlife - and only one gator. Enjoyed some wine at free "managers reception" while spying on a wedding taking place at the hotel. Daughter was jealous that she had missed the Thai restaurant, so we actually went back - glad that we made reservations. My "I am not going to eat raw fish" brother loved the sushi and we had another good meal.

Sunday was even colder - like 45 degrees. But 6 inches of snow was getting dumped on Boston, so still better than that. Daughter actually wanted to revisit Lion Country Safari - a drive-thru wildlife zoo went of WPB - she is very into photography and figured she could get some animal shots. She did and we both enjoyed it. Then decided to walk thru Morikami Japanese Gardens - both have been before but love the place. Tranquil and a pleasant walk - but both wondered why people would bring little kids to such a place and let them play tag in Japanese gardens. We ended up here because our kayak trip was cancelled by the company - they said it was too cold and windy. We were prepared to go, but seems it will have to wait for another trip. My daughter promises to take me kayaking on the Potomac in the spring.

Dinner Sunday at local touristy place - Key Lime House. Have eaten there before and while food is average, nice seating on outside deck and almost always good local bands playing in bar. Too cold for deck and no band - but still had a pleasant dinner. Entertainment was watching people at next table freak over a tiny lizard running along the floor, no doubt seeking some warmth from the kerosene heat lamps.

Monday (today) hoping to catch a little sun. In south Florida it is easy to differentiate people who live here and tourists when it gets cooler by the way they dress. In 60 degree temps yesterday we were in capri length pants with a light jacket - locals were wearing parkas. Daughter returns via FLL this afternoon, and have just heard Obama also flies out of PBI this afternoon - so hoping airspace does not create more delays for her.