Saturday, July 23, 2011

roads less traveled

Our vacations used to be around water. Skiing behind the "ol' pontoon boat," swimming, hiking, visiting history and family reunions. I remember during those days sometimes yearning for a time when I could have a "sit on the porch and read a book" kind of vacation--total quiet and rest.
Those longed-for days are now here. And of course my heart has an ache for the sound of my children's shrieks as they jump 
off the boat house into the splashing water. And those days are now part of our history.
The Gardener and I just spent a few days in the "land of the noon day sun" in the SW corner of our state.
We did what we wanted -- read books, traveled back roads, antiqued, watched movies and took naps! 
All at a cabin graciously loaned to us by caring friends who have created such a cozy place!
We came back feeling so rested! 
We did have to stop on the way home at the place where there are so many wonderful memories of our family times. 
The mountains refresh us; restore our souls ... like a long drink of water on a hot day!

19 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about long-past vacations. We tried to cram a lot into summers taking the boys to view history, enjoy out door activities and then dropping them off to month-long camps in Tuxedo, N.C.. I miss that a lot. Now we can enjoy more leisure time activities. Lovely photos of a good time.

    Best,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Those are the kinda of vacations I dream of and usually what I do when we go to the States; but my kids hate them. They want to do exciting things all the time and for some reason don't think of their 10-day trip to Nepal as exciting! It's not every day you get to ride an elephant into the jungle, now is it? My 15 year old wants to go to music concerts and I don't really kno what the 12 year old wants to do. When I was growing up, we took a 2-week family vacation every somewhere, with usually lots of hiking involved. I might not have appreciated it so much then, but I certainly do now. My kids will one day appreciate all the places they've been. Right!!! ??? Sounds like you had a very nice getaway. Have a great weekend. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous11:20 AM

    I miss those loud, fun times with the kids too! But taking a nap and curling up to read is mighty fine! :)
    Glad you had a great time, Dotsie!
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is always nice to be able to sit and read, no matter the surroundings, but that sure looks like a little slice of heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my goodness! That looks soooooo much like "our" cabin. I'll e-mail you photos or make a post just for you when I get home!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The picture of the cabin you stayed at reminds me so much of the summer rentals we had back when the children were so young and days were filled with beaches and watermelon and boat rides. I did manage to squeeze in a little reading when the baby was down for a nap, but not much! Oh...the simple pleasures. It can be a little quiet now, but perfect for reflecting.

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, we've reached the age when this sort of vacation is just what is needed to rest and refresh us. It does sound marvelous. I'm glad you were blessed with a cozy and welcoming place to stay and large measures of serene enjoyment of life.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So glad you came back refreshed. It makes all the difference, doesn't it?

    Enjoy your weekend, sweet one, and thanks for your loving comment on my blog. :) As always.

    ReplyDelete
  9. That sounds like a lovely, relaxing vacation. I love the porch, table and chairs. Glad you had a break. Blessings, Pamela

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have had a couple of life changes in the last few years and it has not been easy but I think I have it right now.
    I somewhat have learned to slow down and live life in the moments
    one at a time. It is good.
    Smiles, Dottie

    ReplyDelete
  11. Podso,
    Your peaceful voice leaves me yearning for our Annual Trout Fiship Trip to Bennet Spring State Park. We travel there every Sept~Oct. Usually the trees are turning with morning and evening air cool and brisk, but the days are stilll warm. I spend considerable time listening to the Lord while I'm there. Like you, I come home refreshed, with a vision of what is ahead and confident knowing that He is in charge of all that happens in life, once again!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  12. We are having a quiet time this summer, making every weekend a little 'at home' holiday here by the ponds. I'd love to have our grandchildren roaring around too, but they won't be able to make it west this summer.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good for you! I'm so glad to hear that you took some days for fun and relaxation, it's so important to do that for yourself and your hubby.
    I do know what you mean by missing the sounds of your kids having fun. I miss my kids being little. I miss my kids! How I wish my country was smaller so I could be near them all.
    Hugs, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am in love with your friend's cabin. Looks like the perfect place to curl up with a good book or sip a hot cup of coffee just as the sun is peaking. ahhhh....

    I do hear you loud and clear about missing the sounds of those shrieks...

    I'm so glad you and The Gardener had some nice time relaxing together. blessings ~ tanna

    ReplyDelete
  15. Naps are a wonderful thing...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your vacation sounds wonderful. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I'm glad for the reminder to enjoy the shrieks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your vacation sounds divine!!!! How wonderful that your friends lent you such a magical place!!!!

    Please, if you get a chance, stop by and leave a comment to win my first giveaway!!! THANK YOU!!!

    Hugs,
    Lana In Italy

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's so nice thta you had a restful vacation.
    My husband and I used to go to a cabin like that in the Catskill Mountains, upstate NY, when we were first married. It was so peaceful and we could really unwind. Such sweet memories!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think you blog is one of my most favorite places. I come to relax. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

I enjoy the conversations that come with comments!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...