Good Morning, dear readers. Grabbing a vacation during the last dog days of summer, I find myself sitting poolside as I blog. Technology and vacations blend nicely, allowing me take you along. Yesterday was a day to rest and recharge. Absolutely glorious.
Laughing on the phone with Miss Firecracker while poolside yesterday, I did ask her the all important question.
“What exactly am I resting and recovering from as a retiree?”
Not finding exactly the right answer, we both decided it is because it’s rest and recovery we need. Period. Widowhood is a brutal journey. Good enough answer for us.
The resort I’m staying at is like a trip to Tuscany. Attention is paid to every detail, with the hotel shining. Marble floors are spotless and gleaming. Soft, romantic music is playing when you enter your hotel room. So inviting. A huge soaking tub awaits those of us that love bubble baths. A television hangs on the bathroom wall in case you want to enjoy your favorite TV program while you soak. A walk in shower with two, not one, invigorating shower heads. Marble countertops. Marble floor. A Keurig machine for coffee. A frig to keep waters icy cold. Every little detail has been considered to make sure guests are comfy and cozy, even if the vacation is just a 2 day get-away from retirement.
An early check-in granted, I was sitting poolside by 12:30PM. Children did cannonballs into the deep end, while their parents soaked in the hot tub. The smoke here as been so thick you can taste it. A mask is actually needed in these conditions for more than Covid. Lake Tahoe, a most beautiful and pristine spot, is burning. Not wanting to know the heartbreaking news, I’m not sure if South Lake Tahoe has been evacuated. Please pray for our little mountain towns. Lake Tahoe is a dangerous place to be caught in a fire, with few escape routes available.
With sunshine darkening my fading tan, it was lovely to fall asleep for a little while on the lounge. Relaxation for one.
Avoiding sunburn, a real nap followed the poolside cat nap. A cool, dark room was the perfect setting.
At 5:00 PM, I ventured back to the pool, to find the wind whipping. Having chased many of the tourists away, I found a comfy pool out of the wind and got caught up with girlfriend chatter. Blessed. Just blessed. CC and I exchanged all the latest news, and there is plenty to be shared with you at a later date. With laughter and squeals of delight, we both agreed, life is wonderful. In 42 years, CC has been there for every delight and trauma. She’s been a best friend, roommate, confidante, partner in crime, and advisor. We’ve helped each other with our children since they were wee ones. Through it all, I’ve adored her.
Not wanting to dine in a restaurant in this coupled world, I hit the delicatessen and ordered a Prime Rib Dip with fries, and a scoop of Vanilla Gelato for desert. Enjoying dinner back in my room, I got caught up on the days news, and more beautiful music. Ending the night with a two hour conversation with a new friend and neighbor was perfect before it was time to dream of Vacation From Retirement — Day 2.
Not everyone can jet off to a resort these days. I’m truly lucky. Vacation is a state of mind. Find some wonderful Andrea Bocelli, pour a glass of red wine, dim the lights, and there you’ll be, vacationing in your very own mental resort. For me, today hold the SPA experience. I promise, I will divulge every single detail tomorrow. About the Spa Day, that is.
Arrivederci!