Changes in Latitude

 

 Although this past winter was incredibly easy, with record low snowfall, it seemed interminable in other ways. Prior to my surgery Joe and I promised ourselves that once I was recovered we were going to go somewhere relaxing, where we could just sit, read books and de-stress. In reality, it doesn't work that way, a trip doesn't magically erase a difficult situation, nor does it make everything ok. It does, however, give you something to anticipate, look forward to, and is a wonderful escape from the realities of everyday life.

As a rule, when we travel, we like to do a lot of walking, sightseeing and soak in as much of the area as possible. While stimulating, trips like that can be exhausting. It felt odd to go somewhere and just relax, we both struggled with not cramming our days full of adventures other than picking a place to dine and taking a morning walk along the beach with our coffees.

The beaches were gorgeous; unlike New England's coastline, the beaches were white-sanded and stretched on for miles, circling the entire circumference of the island. No harbors, inlets or bays, just one continuous, shell-covered beach. The shells were spectacular: pinks, peaches, glistening white, conch shells (very difficult to find a good one that wasn't inhabited) and even a starfish.

The water was warm enough for swimming, feeling like bath water compared to our icy north Atlantic. Our first day on the beach we saw several people pointing to a spot in the water near the shore. A fin! To our shock and amazement people started swimming towards it- even running from the beach into the water! After a second we realized it was a dolphin- up north when someone sees a fin there is a mass exodus from the waves and plenty of screaming, for it's a shark. 

 We were fortunate enough to be able to see a snowy egret, a little blue heron, which we were told would most likely be extinct by the end of our generation, pelicans, as well as ospreys.  An experienced birder pointed out a little screech owl in the bushes, which we were lucky to see. 

 

 The sunsets were spectacular. We dined at a spot called the Sunset Grille one evening, which was delicious.  After the meal we were able to walk across the street and watch the sun sink below the line of the horizon.

No, a vacation can't erase experiences we view as negative, but it can provide a welcome diversion and some unforgettable sights. How very lucky we are to have so many beautiful places in the world. 

Long Weekend Getaway

You know you've planned a trip of the perfect length when you are sad to leave but happy to be home. At least that's how I know. It was a melancholy feeling when I said goodbye to my friend Sue, the palm trees and warm weather of Phoenix, but the familiar lights of the skyline and the first inhalation of cold, crisp air in Boston felt good. Granted, it IS late February 40-ish air and not the frigid, deep-freeze air of January.... Nonetheless, it felt good to be home, despite the dirty gray piles of snow, drab skies and impending snowstorm of the next day.

While in Arizona I usually like to take a hike in the Sonoran Desert, but unfortunately the tail end of a cold and some shortness of breath prevented it this year. We had to console ourselves with shopping and lunch out at Lon's, a lovely outdoor restaurant surrounded by colorful gardens. We visited the Cave Creek Olive company, where olives are grown and pressed; you can tour the facility and sample the various oils they sell. I selected a chili olive oil and an EVOO for dipping, both were yummy when I sampled them.

It's a huge treat to be able to wake up in the morning

and walk 20 feet out back tothe grapefruit tree, pick one of the dozens of dangling fruit and then eat it-- without sugar! No matter how sweet and juicy a store-bought grapefruit is at home, it can't compare the the freshness of these citrons. Last year I greedily stuffed as many as I could into my suitcase, only to have to pay extra because it was so heavy. Epic fail!

The best part of the trip was spending time with my best friend, something I never tire of, even after 25 years. We never run out of things to say to each other or laugh at. It was fun to be able to bond with Oscar, her dog of 2 1/2 years. He's such a sweetie. Going away is great, but in the words of John Denver (cringe!) "Hey, it's good to be back home again".

Hey, It's Good

To be back home again.

After a wonderfully relaxing few days in Maine with my parents and brother we are back home again. Each year around my mom's birthday we all gather, it's become a fun tradition.

The cabin is very rustic, with 2 outhouses -though there is indoor plumbing and electricity now. No TV. No internet. No neighbors. Life slows down and we all take the time to read, talk and relax without the interference of the outside world. Meals are a bit slower because there's nowhere to rush off to afterwords.

Picking blueberries from the surrounding fields is a favorite activity, as well as baking blueberry muffins, pies and pancakes. The crop varies from year to year - last year was very sparse as the fields had been mowed, and this year was only slightly better. Hopefully next year we'll have a bumper crop and I'll be able to make some blueberry jam.

Occasionally, if we're awake early enough, we'll be lucky and see a deer or possibly a moose. This year I saw a female deer at the edge of the field, but by the time I had gone inside to get the camera she was gone.

The night sky is especially beautiful and on a clear night the stars are so bright. No light pollution here.

As relaxing and restful as it is at the cabin, it's always good to return home to Gomer, Gracie and Millie, our little house, gardens and neighborhood. Nothing like some time away to make us appreciate what we have and take for granted every day.