Powered by Blogger.

There's No Place Like Home

 
I love this beautiful view -- only half a mile from home. 

When I retired a little over three years ago the first thing many people said to me was that now I could really travel. I definitely had travel in mind, but at that time I was still recovering from neurosurgery and hadn't been on a plane in over a year. I had two short flights scheduled, but world travel wasn't at the top of my retirement list. I was diligent about exercise and healthy eating and I was able to plan trips to places I'd always hoped to visit. In the last few years I've added Ireland, Iceland, Japan, South Korea and Peru to my far flung travel list. I was wary two summers ago when I set off for Ireland, but happily it worked out well and I've kept planning trips.

I've kept planning trips a little too well and this summer I've been away almost every other week. The fabulous wedding weekend has long been on my calendar -- and I wouldn't have missed it -- but going to Wellness Weekend was a spur of the moment decision, made not very long before the event. Honestly, I think I've overdone being away. I missed being home. I like being home, even when it's hot and New York in August can be too hot and just a little smelly. I get out of routine when I'm away too often and it takes me days to get back to eating healthy, going to the gym and returning my library books on time.

I've happily been home this week. I returned my library books, decluttered papers and organized my book shelves. I've gotten back into healthier eating and the refrigerator is neatly cleaned out, and yes, I'm back to a longer blog post.   

There's been lots of Olympic viewing -- including getting the schedule and scores on these new kiosks on Broadway.


Last weekend was spent visiting at Breezy Point in Queens. It felt a million miles from Manhattan, but in reality it was just an hour and a half. Enjoyed a great visit with my work colleagues past, two cookouts and this fabulous day at the beach.  It wasn't too hot and the water was delightful.
 

 
I loved the bright colored beach umbrellas and the kite circling in the sky.

There was one amazing experience last week and I will be featuring it in a Pink Saturday (on Sunday) post tomorrow.
 
Tomorrow is planned as a quiet day -- Weight Watchers, the gym, blogging, more book organizing, and yes, packing. I'm off for my last adventure of the summer to visit my dear friend K and my goddaughter.  There's no place like home, but being with Jess and K is where the heart is and I will be home.
 
I hope you're enjoying the weekend and keeping cool. Prayers for everyone in the Baton Rouge area. As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 


9 comments

Jane Housewright said...

I'm going to assume you're air conditioned in your place in the city. Still able to enjoy all that your town has to offer but able to find relief relatively quickly. I visited NYC in August once and the asphalt was so hot it was soft!!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

More and more I'm enjoying being home. Travel is nice but ...there is no place like home.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

You have been a busy lady. I enjoy going away also, but the packing and unpacking can get old and I miss sleeping in my own bed.

Theresa said...

Beautiful pics:). I have enjoyed following you along your trips and being at home in your gorgeous city. Have a blessed day dear friend. Hugs

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It really is wonderful to be able to travel but it does make you appreciate home too. Enjoy your week and the fun of this next trip to be with family! Hugs, Diane

Terra said...

You have been a busy traveling bee since your retirement. I like the photo of the beach umbrellas and sand and sky.

Mevely317 said...

Wow. Re-reading all your excursions is pretty darn amazing, Carol. Have you, by any chance, considered working to facilitate groups' travel? I think your perspective would be well received.

I'm happy to have seen some wonderful places; but (unfortunately) I'm now too leery of international travel. Sad, that I've allowed the terrorists to shake my foundation.

TARYTERRE said...

Breezy Point in Queens looks like just the place to get lost on a sunny afternoon. Glad you are home. ENJOY!

Pondside said...

Travel is wonderful but you are right and there is really no place like home! A day on a beach close to home is right up there on my list of 'good things'!