I just got back from one night in Stone Harbor, NJ with two girlfriends. One of them has a house there so we just went for a one night get-away and boy did we have a boomer woman time!

ate lunch on the deck
hit the beach where we talked, walked and dozed
took an outdoor shower
walked through town and shopped
went out to dinner in Avalon
rode bikes
ate pancakes at the local pancake house
relaxed on the deck
laughed our way home in the car

Feeling very blessed by friendship.

Anyone else love the beach?

Yes yes yes, and did I say YES! I've always been drawn to water and sun and the fresh smell of the ocean. Those girlfriend getaways are great.

My grandparents had a large 2 story beach house on the beach in Indiana when I was growing up. I spent as much time there as possible, smelling the clean air off lake Michigan, eating picnic lunches, oh and lots of bike riding and time spent in the water. I envy you but am so happy for you as well. Another reeason I hate this hot/dry desert!

I miss the ocean. There is something so cleansing about breathing in the salt air and so soothing listening to the waves. But I also love the mountains. Being able to see those soaring peaks every day makes me happy.

The shore draws me..all terrains..stoney sandy and harbours.I am in an area where we are bordered by two river estuarys leading to the North Sea .If I walk a short distance to higher land I can see the water in the distance.
as I drive to town it appears and tells me if it is grey silver or blue..

I love the beach, too. I was raised in the midwest, so as a youngster the beach meant a lake or a river. When I visited the ocean for the first time, I fell in love. The smells, the sound of the waves, the pull and push of the sea - ah, yes, I love the beach.

Dotsie,
I love the beach! When we go RV'ing, WB & I, generally head for the beach, somewhere. I love Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine, Sarasota and The Keys. When in college, six girlfriends and I rented a cabin on the shores of Lake Erie.
Had a ball. And when my cousin was alive, she had a cabin near the Pa. stateline and hosted, what we called, staggettes. I love those female getaways! Sounds like you had a ball. Love it!

Vancouver sits by the ocean. I pass by different beaches when I bike nearly daily year round. We have beaches downtown. But water isn't for swimming.

Also beaches elsewhere along the waterfront route.

Yes, it is gorgeous since our summer weather is nearly rainless. (Yes, incredible.)

Because i'm out on the bike alot, I don't need to sunbathe on the beach. I just enjoy it for stops along the way...sometimes.

orchid,
Since you're posting again, I assume you're home from overseas?
Vacation is over for a while, now? How much time off do you
get every year? And did your significant other, go with you
to Germany?

Dennis and I are going to the north shore (Lake Superior) next week with one of my girlfriends. We will be staying in Grand Marais and spending time on the rocky shores. It will be all about relaxing, a bit of hiking and lots of laughter!

Anno,
That sounds wonderful. Have a fabulous time!

I like the part about "lots of laughter!"

Isn't that always one of the greatest parts of getting away? Actually, laughter is one of the greatest parts of life.

I am off for 4 days to the beach. See you later.

Can't wait to hear how the trip went. Maybe even see some pictures...

Are you enjoying your summer or what? And just think, the fun goes on forever. You don't have to go back to school!

Yes Anno..plenty to investigate.
I was at the Festival last weekend..a three day event nearby..It was even better than last year..highlight was seeing Rosanne Cash perform..her ancestors came from a mile from the venue..she was amazing.. the theme is ecology and there were lectures and exhibitions..authors holistic practicioners.
people bring children who seemed to thrive with all the attention to nature..I went twice and planned my route..
Next is my treat..the cottage by the shore..tomorrow..weather is set to be good..fingers crossed.with all the family..

and...a theatre visit a week wednesday...and the book festival soon after where the poet I respect and another is on my list..also a woman we met at the festival has a venue so will look her up..ladies..I am fully occupied.

a link if you are interested

www.bigtentfestival.co.uk

Mountain, your life sounds like it is filled with a wonderful mix of pleasures.

The mini-vacation was nice. One day Dennis wanted to sit by the shore and play with his DS while JoAnn and I went for a hike to artists point. We didn't get very far, but instead parked our bottoms on a few rocks while we watched a guy make rock sculptures reminiscent of stonehenge.

It was great getting out of the house, away from chores calling and away from the daily grind of retirement.

Next up, a cruise during the week that the teachers here go back to work. Then I will really feel retired.

Sounds wonderful Anno..and next week when others are returning will put a stamp on your life..your choice to live for another as well as yourself..
what I like is hearing about what other women are doing..one dear friend has become a Grandma..the pictures she sends daily are a joy..another is welcoming her son home from Oversea service today..he is a young man who has been in Peru helping others for a month and he is but 17..he awaits his exam results on Monday..his future is shining..his family missed him so much this first parting of their lives but yesterday they prepared for the party that will welcome him..he has been hungry homesick and much missed.but the joy today is evident..I took cards over and we are all so happy..other women I know are healing..one returning home an invalid..another has some hope of recover from serious cancer..and a special lady goes on holiday tomorrow the first alone having lost a husband..she is brave and coping but hurting..
my life is full...even when I dont go anywhere..

It's still three weeks away, Mountain. We need some recovery time!

Well, I am all packed and ready to go whenever you are Anno. I could stowe away in a gianormis suitcase...

Two weeks....

This is over indulgent, but as I am getting ready for one trip, I am already planning the next one. We will head to London for 2 weeks the last 2 weeks in September. We are having a difficult time to find a place to stay near my sisters. We can no longer stay with them because of Dennis' needs - no steps, bigger bathroom, etc. But we will find one we need.

We are thinking about going to Wales for 2 or 3 days, while we are there. It's the only part of the UK that Dennis and I have not visited. I wanted to go to Scotland to see MA, but another time. We will most likely see Poppie, Celtic and L. If the papal visit is complete, we hope to see Lola, too.

chatty, do you think you could fit in the suitcase with the medical equipment?

Anno and Dennis will be on the go, AGAIN! Wow...it's hard to keep up with you guys! Hope you can take lots of pictures of Poppie Celtic and Lola!

Anno, I'd give it the old college try that's for sure.

Since we are back at traveling so much, I thought I would add my old avatar to the side. Of course, I should add a wheel chair, a IV pole, a feeding pump........

I like that avatar. Gotta add one of those myself. Happy travels there Anno!

Wish I could find an avatar I like. That's a huge stumbling block!

Try photobucket. Type in one of your passions and see what you find. I think you just might find one that fits you.