“Take the bucket,” I said. Ron rolled his eyes and headed towards the garage. Because of the diesel price, we decided to rent a cabin instead of taking the camper—something we’ve always wanted to do but never have. We seized the opportunity when it arose. Thanks to our dear neighbor Stephanie, who graciously said yes…

No joke, we spent April Fool’s day traveling to OBX for a weekend of relaxation. Friday afternoon, we arrived at check-in time. Thinking we would have chilly weather, how delightful to find we could sit in the sun and enjoy its rays. The emptiness of the campground surprised both of us. Typically, OBX Campground doesn’t…

Leaving a few minutes later than hoped, we pulled out of the storage unit at 8:21. a.m. heading south to Myrtle Beach, SC. Maps showed a back-up on the Monitor Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel, so we decided to take the James River Bridge. “Dutch rode his motorcycle over this once. It scared him; he stopped riding after…

Discovering on day two of our Florida vacation our showerheads were leaking set the tone for a wet week. Proof perfection doesn’t exist on earth. As wonderful as our week was, our thorn in the side was the leaking shower. Water rolled from the shower after dripping from the knobs, flooding the floor on my…

I woke early to watch the sunrise over the ocean. While Ron and the pups slept, I made a cup of coffee, gathered my phone and journal, then headed to the beach. Just as I was taking a picture of my bike, a truck pulled into the parking spot, illuminating it perfectly for the photo….

After a quick walk with the dogs, we piled in the truck at 7:18 a.m. headed to pick up the trailer. “Right on time, a little early.” Ron said at 7:52 a.m, climbing in beside me after hooking up the trailer. We began our slow rolls, heading for a new adventure, the early morning sun…

“Can we just go in and check out the golf course?” Ron asked the guard at the entrance gates. Both of us were nervous, afraid he would say no. With a smile on his face, he said, “Yeah. Fourth left, Championship way.” Looking at each other, smiles broke across our faces as we breathed a…

Listening to the rhythmic waves, hearing the chatter of those around us, smelling the crisp, salt air inspires me like nothing else. “Mommy, I hurt my foot,” a child playing at the water’s edge just yelled. Ron lays in the sun on his belly, finally able to finish a book he’s started months ago. Young…

“Nice. Someone left a half-smoked cigar.” Picking it up in disgust, I was about to throw it away. “Perfect, I don’t have to buy one. It’s the only thing I needed to get.” Ron said. “You’re not smoking this!” “No, for the Christmas card. Cousin Eddie has a cigar. I think he has it in…

Ron’s birthday falls during peak leaf season in Charlottesville, VA. Our drive here was beautiful. Thankfully we avoided the construction around Short Pump with a quick detour on Rte. 250. Joe and Leslie, unfortunately, did not, spending 40 minutes stuck in traffic. Firewood was a priority in the chilly afternoon breeze. Thankfully, the camp host…