Hi, I’m Vera K. Fischer. I was raised in the tranquil panhandle of Florida during the 1970s, a time when the Fort Walton Beach/Destin region was far from the bustling tourist destination it is known as today. My family’s roots in this area run deep, with my paternal grandmother, Vera, and her family being among the early settlers of what was then known as Walton’s Landing. It was here, amidst this serene backdrop, that I spent my formative years.
Grandmother Vera epitomized the essence of a Southern lady – she was resilient, graceful, and possessed an innate wisdom that came from a lifetime of experiences. She was also incredibly funny. Under her guidance, I learned the fundamentals that she believed every Southern young woman should master: proper table etiquette, the art of walking in high heels, fashion sensibilities, effective communication, the correct way to shake hands, and the importance of maintaining dignity in challenging times.
