Hello, Welcome.

Those of you who are new to the site are probably unaware that this blog used to be titled The Power of Words on Paper and housed my responses to the days Daily Writing Prompts.

Those of you who are returning visitors may be well aware of the fact, and are now beginning to wonder, "Hey! What's going on here?"

The short answer is.. It's spring, May of 2014! The site has been up and running for a few years and is in need of a new direction and some sprucing up. Gone are the times when I sit at my computer and desperately attempt to scratch out something worth reading based on a topic pulled from a hat.

Now, I will only write about things that I experience and are of interest me. This new style should be much more enjoyable. I hope that my enthusiasm in this new venture shows in the stories and articles I write and post here.

Need a more in-depth answer? Alright, no problem. Here's the deal.

I've been disabled since I was roughly 20 years old. I have a deteriorative bone disease and Avascular Necrosis which makes walking very painful. The medications that were prescribed to treat the pain and inflammation made me sick and created a number of other medical issues which were less problematic but added to the difficulties I faced everyday.

Everyone was in agreement that replacement parts were necessary but because of my age, no physician would preform the surgery needed. I was just too young and the surgery could only be preformed two to three times in a person's lifetime. I had to wait.

I pushed it, went through rehab a number of times, cried, got depressed and lived with it. My bones broke down, pieces broke off and disintegrated. The remaining pieces eventually started to fuse together stopping the range of motion needed to remain ambulatory.

Then in November of 2013, just a few months after my 40th birthday, I was introduced to Dr. Michael Higgins of Hernando Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery. He met with me; after evaluating my situation agreed to preform the surgery necessary to get me out of bed and moving again.

It's been five months, I'm done with rehab and I'm taking advantage of this new life. I'm spending time doing things with my family that I could only watch before. I'm out in the community once again! I'm setting off metal detectors with my titanium enhanced body and could not be happier!

The new site Wandering Florida is a tribute to my new life and the man who gave it to me. My main focus will be West-Central Florida which is commonly referred to as The Nature Coast.  Counties that will be included are Pasco, Hernando and Citrus; with occasional trips to Levy, Marion, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Orange Counties.

What can you expect to see on the site? Town History, Businesses, Attractions, Odd Laws and Interesting Facts,  Local Lore, Birds, Fish and other Animals, Plants, Art, Beaches, Festivals and Local Events.   I'll be writing about all manner of things taking place here in my community and providing pictures when possible.

Although this new turn of events may limit my readership, it is the direction of my journey. I grew up in the Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee area and have lived here for almost 40 years.  I've seen a lot of change.. Some good, some bad, but all worth talking about.