The Good and the Bad of the Beach Vacation

Well, my vacation was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Why do I keep letting this happen? In a nutshell, more squabbling between me and my partner, but we did have a nice Saturday. Then all hell broke loose when he drank too much Saturday night. *sigh* Oddly, I felt relatively calm about it the next morning, but my emotions were more troubled than I realized. While visiting family, I had a minor meltdown at lunch--in public--because a cousin wouldn't shut up about politics! I'm on vacation, dammit, and I don't care! So, dear readers, you may see very little from me on politics for a while. I've had my fill.

Still, there were some good moments. The photo above shows the beach--we had it virtually to ourselves! And for the first time in years, I took an old inflatable raft and cavorted in the waves. I really should do this more often.

Next pic is taken from the house where we stayed and shows one of the canals that run between the houses. Breakfasts here on the deck were so peacefully quiet, with cool ocean breezes. I had several starlings roosting in a nearby birdhouse for company.

Some other fun moments:

• Found a delightfully charming Italian restaurant, with plastic ivy on the walls and Lucite chandeliers. I enjoyed my dinner of clams and mussells over pasta in a white wine sauce, with a great glass of sauvignon blanc. I nicknamed our hostess "Lola," and she was working the tight red dress and flashy gold high heels!
  
• Sushi at an outdoor music bar by the causeway, during a torrential summer downpour.
  
  
• Seeing the new JJ Abrams "Star Trek" movie! Even if you're not a Trekkie, you'll enjoy this. Go see it! And Anton Yelchin is just the cutest as "Chekov" (pictured).
• Met 2 old friends for lunch.
  
• A crazy yet capable waitress who kept repeating "Yeppers!"
  
• Drinks by the marina at sunset, and then strawberry shortcake from a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean.
• Listening to the latest CDs from Lady Gaga and Keith Urban.

Those were the good points, but there was plenty that made this one of my least favorite vacations. I mean, seriously, why take off time from work? I need to let all the emotions settle and then maybe I can post more details.

Anyway, it's good to be home.