Monday Dog Blog: Heading Home

Trying Out Her Sleepypod

When this blog arrives in your mailbox or you see it on Facebook, it means we are packing up the car here at Sunset Beach and heading HOME! We will be stopping halfway to stay overnight with our dear friends, Joella and Larry.

She Seems Very Comfy!

Throughout the week we practiced using the Sleepypod with Tovah Rose. By the time we went to the beach for our last visit on Saturday, she had learned to curl up and go to sleep in it! I think she will be comfy and cozy for her trip home. And very safe. :)

(I did a lot of research on car carriers, and these are supposed to be the safest as well as a comfortable riding option for our little girl.)

My Cuties

The above photo is one of my new favorites. Tovah Rose and Gershwin are, of course, waiting for a treat. 

Spooning 

As Mom was helping me get a bath Saturday night, Gershwin was in his usual spot next to the bathtub. Tovah Rose joined him and snuggled right up to him, as if he was spooning her. We couldn't believe it! 

Blessings,

Emily

Pier StRoll

Marker on Pier

Because it is still off-season here, many places are still closed, which makes for an even more peaceful vacation! However, we discovered that the pier is now open and took a StRoll on it one afternoon for a change of scenery.

StRoll Along the Pier

As you can see, we had the whole pier to ourselves!

Ocean View from the Pier

Half of the island is developed, while the other half is maintained as a bird reserve, and has been left undeveloped.

Developed Half of Island

While we get ready to wrap up our time here, we have discovered that six weeks is just the right amount of time to be away. We are feeling ready to come home, but not feeling that we have been here too long. Just perfect.

Undeveloped Side of Island

Sunlit Water

Blessings,

Emily

Rainy Days

Dinner Out at Fibber McGees 

According to the year round residents of Sunset Beach, this has been an unusually cold, rainy and gray winter. We've had quite a few days that were not beach weather! 

We've so enjoyed watching movies together for the first time in a long time, starting Season 1 of Mad Men, listening to/reading books, doing a puzzle, splurging on People magazine (me), writing snail mail, blogging, and making a couple of outings to a local artist's shop, where we each treated ourselves to jewelry. 

We also a discovered a pub (recommended by a friend's relatives) that is only two minutes from us and serves food that is definitely not 'pub fare'. We've been able to go out for dinner twice--we can be there and back in an hour which is perfect for me. 

500 Piece Puzzle: Big Accomplishment!

The development has a little library filled with books and puzzles. I love puzzles, but it has been years since I could sit up long enough to work on one. Above is my big accomplishment! I was over the moon about being able to complete this puzzle.

I Had to Read People While on Vacation

Buying a People magazine was also essential while here. :)

I literally forgot what it meant to be on vacation until this trip. It's a good feeling and I'm so thankful we've gotten to enjoy all of the things that vacation is about--slowing down, unplugging, no to do lists, relaxing, a change of scenery, and fully being together. I'm going to miss our quiet, rainy afternoons together.

Blessings,

Emily

Bird Reserve StRoll

Some days we've headed to the beach just to sit and watch the ocean. Other days we've gone for StRolls. 

Bird Island Reserve

One end of the island, Bird Island Reserve, is a completely undeveloped area only accessible by foot, bike or, in my case, StRoll.

On the Walkway to the Reserve

This time of year is not prime for seeing a lot of birds, but it is perfect for experiencing the quiet beach.

Walkway to the Reserve

Tovah rides in my lap and Gershwin walks alongside the Rolls. I know he'd prefer to be riding in my lap! :)

Canal at Edge of Bird Island Reserve

Depending on the day, we choose which handicapped accessible entrance to the beach to visit. The Bird Island Reserve area has become one of our favorite spots.

Edge of Bird Island Reserve

View of the Bridge From the Island

Blessings,

Emily

Around and About: Turtles, Alligators and Ponds

Scenic Spot

Before we left for our trip, many people remarked: "A change of scenery is always good." I have to admit that a part of me reacted to the statement as a platitude. 

Sunning Alligator!

But, the change of scenery has been good. Really good.  

Over the next week, I'll be posting a bunch of photos from our different outings. Take a moment to take in the change of scenery and enjoy. 

Scenic Spot

In addition to the ocean, we really enjoy all of the marshes, ponds, wildlife, and the inter coastal waterway. 

We have places to go for drives and places to StRoll.

See the Alligator on the Far Right? He's Sunning! And an Egret in the Front!

We're always on the lookout for the resident alligators who hang out in the golf course ponds, and spend afternoons sunning. The golfers park their carts right next to these guys and they don't even move! There are also tons of turtles in this area. They also like to come out to catch some rays. Seeing alligators on a regular basis is certainly new to us!

Check Out All of the Sunbathing Turtles!

All of these photos are from areas around the development in which we are staying--and will be staying next year as well.

Blessings,

Emily

Monday Dog Blog: Sleep? Us?

She Seems to Approve of Her New Sleepypod

We are officially entering our last week here at the beach. We've gone on outings when we can, and stayed home and rested on other days.

A Moment of Quiet

After busy days barking at the golf carts, going for long walks around the neighborhood, meeting lots of new people, and enjoying the sand and surf, long naps are a must. The fresh ocean air seems to tire the puppies out just like it does us.

Sometimes it even takes an extra day to recoup from a big outing! :)

Whew, That was a LONG Walk--Even if I *did* Ride In Your Lap! :)

Tovah received her new carseat carrier in the mail this week (the harness was too big, but arrived to late before our trip down here to exchange it for the proper item). We've been practicing to make sure she will feel safe in it. After a long walk on the beach, she seemed to settle right in for a nap on the way home!

Happy Monday!

Blessings,

Emily

Like Old Times: Gary and Diane

Buddies: Gary and Tovah Rose

Last Thursday afternoon, we had one more visit: Gary and Diane. What a wonderful reunion! We had not seen them for over twenty years and regret how much time we allowed to pass since seeing them.

Even though so many years had passed since we saw one another, we all settled right into easy conversation. It felt just like old times.

A Great Couple: Diane and Gary

My parents first met Gary in 1971 when they moved to Raleigh, NC for Dad's job. Dad and Gary were in the same department. Diane came into the fold later, and she is wonderful!

Getting Our Fill of Hugs!

Gary introduced us to Emerald Isle, NC, where we spent summer vacations for my entire growing up. I have lots of memories of Gary's big warm hugs, his laughter, and his playfulness. He would take me in the ocean, throw me up in the air, and goof around a lot. :)

As soon as Gary arrived I said I needed one of his special hugs. And we made sure to get in lots of hugs during the visit.

A Happy Reunion

Mom had told Gary and Diane that I don't last very long, so exactly two hours after they arrived they readied to leave. I so appreciated their kindness and consideration. I loved being a part of this reunion, and we all can't wait to see each other again. SOON! Like, maybe this summer. And again next year when we are at the beach! None of this waiting 22 years again.

Thank you so much for making the trip to see us! 

Blessings,

Emily

Girl Time: Loralea Visits

Tovah Rose and Gershwin Ready for Loralea's Arrival

We took a little break from our solitude to welcome my awesome friend and roomie from Davidson, Loralea. 

As you can see, EVERYONE--even the puppies--was very eager for her arrival.

So Happy To Be At The Beach Together!

The weather had been cold, rainy, and super windy the three days prior to Loralea's arrival, but cleared up just in time for us to have a beach outing. Our last time together at the beach was senior year of college. 

Yay for Good Weather

Loralea took me for a long StRoll along the beach while we caught up. We even saw a whole bunch of porpoises very close up!

Another Gorgeous Day

Loralea is one of my very favorite people in the whole world and I adore her. 

She arrived on Saturday in time for lunch and left before I got up on Sunday (but popped in to give me a few more hugs and say "I love you" a few more times).  The two of us like to hug. A lot. :)

LOVE That We Can StRoll on This Beach

When we were together, we talked about how nice it is to be with someone who knew us in the more carefree days of life. We are so at ease with one another, have such a long history with each other, and know each other so well. Loralea says she'll be coming to visit when she is 80 and I'll still be leaving a People magazine on her bed to read. :) We are able to honor all aspects of each other and have continued to grow together, even through life's many changes. 

Loralea and Gershwin. I Am Wearing the Same Shirt as I Type This (A Gift From Her).

Davidson gave us such a special gift when they paired us as roommates. I love her more now than I ever have. 

Thanks so much for making the long trip here, Loralea!

I love you!

Blessings,

Emily

Solitude: Our Little Home At The Beach

Camellia Flowers Blooming Along Our Walkway

"Solitude is the only acceptable form of Selfishness."

--Anna Quindlen--

Welcome to Our Little Home at the Beach!

Typically, I'm a pretty extroverted person. Or maybe I'm more of an 'ambivert', as the Myers-Briggs suggested during my senior year of college. I tend to be energized by socializing, and seek out social engagement as much as I possibly can, even when I'm homebound. 

Such a Cute Little House!

Here at the beach, though, I've found myself craving solitude. 

While Out On a StRoll I Took This Photo of the Backside of the House and Golf Course

We've been here a month now and I'm still enjoying the quiet. 

I'm not lonely.

 I'm not missing lots of socializing.

View Out of My Bedroom and the Living Room

At home, I became increasingly tied to my iDevices, as most of us are--checking my phone immediately upon waking, texting friends late at night. I was also just very busy given my energy level--having appointments every day, working to plan our 20th High School Reunion, trying to engage in more social events to meet people, etc.

More of the View From the Back Porch

Here, I've been putting my phone in airplane mode at night so that I can't check it when I wake up to pee at night or when my alarm goes off! I'm turning off the ringer earlier so that I can listen to my audiobook uninterrupted. 

Kitchen and Living Area

I get that all of life can't be lived in vacation mode, but I do think certain practices cultivated during my time here are ones to keep upon returning to the daily grind at home. 

Living Area

Instead of emailing and texting, I've taken a moment to write a piece of snail mail if I want to reach out. 

Dining Room, Where I've Felt Well Enough to SIT UP for Lunch and Dinner EVERY DAY!

I feel a little guilty about being less available, less frequent about checking in on my friends, and being more 'me' focused. I've mentioned before that I feel guilty about even having the opportunity for this six weeks here at the beach.

Screened In Porch--Mostly It's Been Too Cold to Enjoy It!

When I woke up today, I was feeling a little blue--it's gray and dreary today, I didn't sleep well, and I'm not feeling very well. Even here at the beach I get sick and tired of being sick and tired!

I checked in on a friend's blog, where I read her statements of personal growth including:

Never Justify My Decisions to Anyone Else

My Bedroom (and the Puppies too!)

I'm a 'justifier'. Constantly. And it's exhausting. 

Mom's Bedroom

While here at the beach, I've been trying to stop justifying and simply appreciate this gift of six weeks of solitude. I heard Anna Quindlen's quote just as we were beginning our vacation here. Good timing, eh? 

Upon hearing it, I knew that this time of solitude here at the beach is to be fiercely guarded and protected.

And that is just what I have done.

Guest Bedroom

And what a wonderful place to seek solitude. 

I am posting some photos of our little home here at the beach that I took as well as photos from the VRBO website. 

The Street. Our House is On the Left.

We had no idea if the home we chose online would be as it was pictured, but it was! We love everything about the place we chose. It's just the right size, warmly and restfully decorated, clean, and very comfortable (yay for a super mattress!). Other than bringing in a rented recliner, which was an expensive but very worthwhile decision (I'm in it right now as I type this!), the house was exactly what we needed and wanted.

We Love it Here

We have loved our time here so much, that we have decided to come back next year for six weeks! We just missed out on booking this same place again, but found a condo in this development. Our hearts are with this place though, and we hope we'll be back. 2016 maybe? :)

Right now, in this moment, we have two more weeks of solitude here.

"And don't we all, with fierce hunger, crave a cave of solitude, a space of deep listening--full of quiet darkness and stars, until finally we hear a syllable of G-d echoing in the cave of our hearts?"

--Macrina Wiederkehr--

Blessings,

Emily