Earth Bound

liasHere on the Northeast coast the humidity level is dropping as fast as the overnight temperature. But before the memory of summer fades away, I will savor those vacation days of August, when nothing stopped our early morning swims or twilight strolls around the lake.

Perhaps even more importantly than those delicious moments was the gathering of extended family, from our Grand Matriarch calling for peace in the world to our sweet teen on the edge of high school, and all the rest of us in-between with Big Birthdays looming, careers starting or retirement celebrated, all of us facing change. But here, with the backdrop of a grand hotel, we stopped for a brief interlude, and took the time to laugh at ourselves and with each other.

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Touching Heaven

On Top of the World! On the highest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield, one can see New York to the west, north is Canada, to the east New Hampshire, and on the clearest days you can spy Massachusetts. We took in the spectacular views after our windy climb up! 1 Continue reading →

Chillaxin’

August is the month to find shade, preferably by water, and let your eyes drift over the shoreline… You know, do glassnothing but give yourself a break from the phone, laptop and iPad, from your To-do-List or job demands or your next DIY project… And yes, shelve that self-help book too. This precious month chillax with no plan at all for a day, a week, perhaps if you’re lucky, the whole month!

Following this well-needed advice we took one day off the calendar to visit a favorite state park where at most we swim once between buoys and walk a bit in the sand. Arriving late afternoon when most are packing up we bring a Dinner Picnic. This timing might seem odd, but at day’s end beaches are so quiet you can hear the lapping water and watch the timid ducks…Extend your stay until early evening and you will have a glorious sunset all your own!

In the spirit of chillazin’ I offer no more words… Instead photos to inspire you to find cool water and slanting sunshine and time to allow your own relaxed smile to return… Nothing else… Nine Cent Girl is taking a vacation!!!

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