In the Old Testament book of Exodus the people of Israel experienced what initially seemed like impossible circumstances.

I won't describe the entire account of Israel's deliverance from their bondage in Egypt. Anyone that has a Bible can read it for themselves.

But one particularly trying circumstance has stood out to me and has encouraged me these last few days.

At the beginning of their journey into the desert on their way to the promised land...

In 2009 :
Lo : 41 °
Hi : 61 °
Rainfall : 2.38 “ Rain Fell during the 12 - 8 p.m. hours & T – Storms Occured during the 4 p.m. hour

In 2008 :
Lo : 26 °
Hi : 53 ° Normal
Rainfall : 0.00 ”

In 2007 :
Lo : 56 °
Hi : 73 °** Record Hottest
Rainfall : 0.11 “

In 2006 :
Lo : 10 °** Record Coldest
Hi : 31 °** Record Coolest
Rainfall : 0.00...

The home building industry is struggling, but one sector is booming: green homes.

The number of homes winning the government's Energy Star designation since the program began in 1995 has crossed the 1 million mark. Despite an overall housing slump, 75,000 have been added so far this year for a total of 1,024,200.
Last year, Energy Star homes accounted for nearly 17% of all single-family homes built, up from 12% in 2007.
The Energy Star label means a house is at least 20%...

[SIZE=3]Sales of new single-family homes rose 6.2% in October[/SIZE]
to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 430,000 units, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department on Nov. 25. The median sales price of new homes sold in the month was $212,000; the average sales price was $261,100. Meanwhile, the number of unsold new homes on the market stood...

Most of the keys in the area are pretty neat and everyone has a different feel.

In my opinion, Siesta Key has the youngest vibe. Probably due to the handful of bars and several restaurants in the village that seem to draw the younger crowd. Most of the bands that play out at the Siesta bars seemed to be geared more for the younger crowd as well.

Longboat always had more of an old money feel to me. There really is no downtown area on Longboat either, unless you consider...