Jane
But it’s heaven.
Here’s my schedule: I wake up with the sunrise in the morning and go out and sit on the deck, watching the ocean, maybe sipping a cup of decaf coffee. A little bit later, after the family wakes up, I have some breakfast, lovingly prepared by someone other than myself (beach vacations include freedom from cooking!). Then, I take a morning walk on the beach, stopping every now and then to pick up a shell or pat a passing dog. When I get back to the cottage, I might read a book for a while or do an acrostic puzzle from the book my husband gave me for Valentine’s Day. Then, what do you know, it’s time for lunch! One of the kids is on lunch duty, so I wait to eat what they prepare. Later in the day, I might sit on the deck for a little longer–or take another walk–depending on my energy.
Josie in the Water
Sometimes, I take a nap in the afternoon, listening to the sounds of the waves breaking on the beach and the seagulls flying around, calling to each other. I’m often hungry here–something about the ocean air! So I have to be careful about not eating, eating, eating, every spare minute. I’ve been good so far.
Double Rainbow at the Beach
Later in the afternoon, I read my book again–or write–or have another walk. It’s difficult sometimes to choose! There are no phones ringing. No emails to be answered, since I don’t look at them. No places to go or people to see.
Then, before you know it, it’s time for dinner, once again prepared by someone else, followed by a board game with everyone or, perhaps, a rented movie on the t.v., with popcorn. Then, time to go out on the deck and look at the stars before climbing into bed.
There are ways to spend lots of money down here. We could go go-carting or eat at fancy seafood restaurants or take a ferry over to Ocracoke Island for the day. But why bother? We’ve got the ocean out our front door, carrying away months and months of stress each morning and lulling us to sleep each night. Oh, and did I mention the moon over the ocean at night?
I recommend it to all women over 50!
