beached

Well here I sit, once again hopped up on black coffee. Noon on a Monday. Trying to start my day, finally, I am stuck on this stool at my counter dreaming of my lovely oceanside vacation. A week spent at the beach is healing to the soul and this past week was no exception. I was able(for a short time at least) to be lulled by the Atlantic's roar as it crashed onto the beach, cicadas buzzing in the background while gulls screeched above. Daytime brought blue skies, soaring temps, and sand so hot you felt the bottoms of your feet burning. Evening brought cool, cool ocean breezes and a few storms that had me wondering if the ominous billowing cloud was really just that or some alien ship hovering. Halfway into our week the most beautiful pinky orange full moon appeared to light the beach while falling stars slipped silently into the water. The nicest thing about a beach vacation is my ability to sleep like the dead. Barely able to keep my eyes open past ten o'clock I would slide under the covers, open my giant beach read, and promptly fall asleep. My husband the night wanderer would slip in ninja-like to close my book, remove my glasses, and turn off the light. Upon waking I would notice these items stacked neatly on the nightstand with no cognizant memory of how they got there. Friends and family added a new twist on an old theme this year. "Unkin" Rob drove up from the gulf coast only to be surprised by his best friend driving down from Virginia Beach. Cocktails flowed the minute we had the key to the cottage in hand. An off color remark to a pregnant bride about a shot gun wedding really set the stage for our entertainment. Our friend's comment now permanently burned into our beach memories. My son, not to be overlooked,  relished the attention from mom, dad, and visitors. Proudly showing off his new police kit, we were all put under arrest numerous times. Watching him scream with delight while my husband raced down the beach towing him on a boogie board made my heart fill with joy. The literary gem Walter the Farting Dog would end my son's days with sweet dreams of gas-bloated canines. One rainy day brought out the puzzles and ice cream. On the heels of our friend's departure brought the arrival of my mother-in-law. Filling her cup with vodka and ice and settling into a beach chair had her sighing with contentment. My dear dear "Unkin " Rob left us on Thursday which left me in a funk for most of the day. I have never been ok with my friends moving away, so growing accustomed to their presence in my day to day. Trying all day not to cry left me bawling like a baby by dinner. Such is life. After leaving grammy on the miniscule airport tarmac we wrapped up the week with just our little family. Wave diving, boogie boarding, and a shrimp dinner rounded out our last day. Kissing my husband under the full moon later that night left me feeling grateful and blessed for our crazy life. Goodnight moon, good-bye beach and Happy One Year Anniversary to my little blog. Good afternoon world.