Monday, May 18, 2009

Vacation Time


"What's In The Net" by colescottphotos.com

I've been on vacation since 5/08 and it has done me a world of good. I left burned out and fried to a crisp. I had circles under my eyes and bags on my bags and was cranky beyond belief. I needed a rest. My husband and I found we were due for a nice tax return (surprise!) and we booked a trip to Florida and left 3 weeks later and returned yesterday and we are now tanned and rested and happy. We walked on the beach, rode bikes every day, ate excellent meals at our condo rental (which was exceptional I must say) swam in the ocean, swam in the pool, slept whenever we felt like it. Our sons met us and had an equally wonderful time. At 20 & 21 they no longer need to be entertained. They could venture out unchaperoned, stay out late, look for girls, bars, etc., go bike riding wherever they wanted, play tennis, go shopping, wrestle, hit the beach, hit the waves and leave Mom & Dad to themselves. The most interesting aspect of this was how much they did choose to be with us, enjoying family time. It was my desire to make this a family vacation away from the distractions of friends, relatives and obligations. We achieved it and everyone is the better for it. We feel this is the best vacation we have ever had and that is saying a lot!

12 comments:

Minka said...

Sounds great! I'm happy for you!

Nancy said...

Sounds like the perfect trip to me. I never had other people come on family vacations. Everyone ends up spending more time with the guests than each other. I'm so glad you're back and rested!

Baino said...

Good for you. It's lovely when kids decide that your company is as good if not better than any other they can find. Mine are 22 and 24 so certainly not 'obliged' to hang around their mum!

I'm heading off to Melbourne (not quite Florida) with my daughter who has frequent flyer points to burn and we're soooo looking forward to both catching up with friends and spending a few precious days together! Glad you're well rested and ready to take on whatever comes your way!

Brian Miller said...

welcome back! sounds like a great trip! we all need a vacation at times, not the fussy running kind but one where we can just be.

California Girl said...

Thanks to all of you. I'm rested and happy and you're right, the family ones, laying about, are great.

Looking forward to getting back to your writings as well.

Ed & Jeanne said...

Nice. I was in Florida a couple of weeks ago too...Miami Beach for me.

Spiritual Journey said...

Good for you! I'm also looking forward to a sunny vacation in Florida.

California Girl said...

Baino & SJ: have wonderful times on your trips!

VE: Love South Beach. My girlfriends used to live on Key Biscayne so we visited alot. They're in the Keys now so I don't go travel there except via the airport.

Hi Brian, Minka & LOL!

CocoDivaDog said...

Welcome back Callie Girl,
There's no place like home.

The Clever Pup said...

Hmm sounds wonderful.
We've got one kid at home who's at that age when he's too embarrased to travel with us but too young to leave on his own. sigh.

California Girl said...

Hi Auntie: Thank you for welcoming me back with Baumese.

Hey Clever: When our sons were younger, they were not so much embarrassed to travel with us as they just wanted to be entertained ALL THE DAMN TIME. That kind of killed the purpose of the vacation.

Susan said...

It DOES sound like the best vacation ever! So happy for you! I would love to do a family beach vacation, but that would involve 5 energetic and screechy grandkids. Not all that relaxing, I think! :)