Back from the Beach!

I've just returned from another quick trip to the beach with some great girlfriends.

We only had one day of sunny weather, so not much time was spent on the beach. But, the rain made for some lovely rainbows at the end of the day!

And we saw beautiful sunsets from our balcony!

The best thing, of course, was the wonderful visit with dear friends!

Angels All Around!

I am back from my beach trip and we had a fabulous time with beautiful, sunny days! We ate some great seafood, drank sangria in the afternoon and enjoyed the sun and the company of good friends!

But, we had a very frightening experience on the way home. We were within a couple of hours of our hometown when suddenly the car in the next lane, obviously completely unaware of us, suddenly changed lanes, coming right over on top of us! I was driving my SUV with two of my friends as passengers. I had my cruise set to about 75 mph. When I hit the brakes and swerved to avoid a collision with the other vehicle, we started fishtailing all over the highway and onto the shoulder! I struggled to regain control, just missing a steel highway sign, and also avoiding the steep dropoff on the right shoulder which, had we gone down it, would certainly have resulted in the vehicle flipping. We finally ended up in a complete tailspin and came to a stop facing oncoming traffic! Amazingly, no one hit us and after the moment it took me to regain my wits, I moved the car into a turnaround in the median!

I can't express how shook up the three of us were! We then discovered that the extensive skidding had caused a flat tire.

So, here we were, three middle-aged, slightly sunburned and badly shaken ladies, in the middle of a four-lane state highway with a flat tire! Then the most lovely sight appeared like a mirage in the desert. A camo truck carrying four Army National Guard men and women came down the highway and right to a stop where we were. They were apparently on their way back to Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, MS. They got out, and after inquiring as to why we appeared to be facing in the wrong direction on the side of the highway, they made quick work of changing the tire! We could barely express our gratitude and relief!

What a weekend! I had a great trip, of course, but more importantly, I was visited by angels, in the air and on the ground! I'm glad to be safe at home!


photo by The National Guard

Rest and Relaxation!

Well, the day has finally arrived! I am leaving at noon for my annual girlfriend trip to the beach. I am hoping for lots of sunshine. The weather report is promising mostly beautiful, sunny days in the 70's and slightly cool nights.

I will try to remember to take some photos and post a recap when I come back after the weekend. I won't tell all, of course. We do have our motto: "What happens at the beach stays at the beach!" Nothing ever really happens, but it's still fun to have a motto!

Other than mixing mimosas in the morning and margaritas in the afternoon, we will be perfectly well-behaved ladies, as always.








<-----------But, if we happen to run into this guy.... all bets are off!

Beach Photo by Kamoteus (Fading Away)

Jack Sparrow Photo by matchity

A Little Work, A Little Play!

photo by mrbill



I've spent the weekend getting ready for a trip to the Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The company I work for hosts a meeting there every year at this time and it is always very enjoyable. The food is great and the accomodations are beautiful


I wish I enjoyed gambling more, but I really find it boring. I've tried hanging out in the casino to be sociable with the other meeting attendees, but the odor of smoke is overwhelming. I much prefer to wander around the shops within the Beau Rivage. They have some great gift shops and upscale clothing stores, along with several good restaurants and a yummy coffee shop! Between meetings, I like to grab a cup of coffee and a mini fruit tart or a brownie, then sit out on the veranda to soak up a little sushine and read a book. It doesn't exactly sound like a wild and crazy hard-partying casino visit, does it? But, just getting away and relaxing in a beautiful, sunny setting is just what I need to recharge my battery!


photo by Triin

Here's to the Ladies Who Love and Laugh Near the Sea!

I go on a "girls only" trip to the beach every year in early spring and I am already looking forward to it! No, that's not us in the photo, but don't they look like they are having fun? I have been taking my trip with the same group of six ladies for about 12 years. Some of them are friends I see all the time and some are friends I really only see when we go to the beach! But, for those few days each year, they are all my sisters and confidants. I can say anything to these ladies and they will understand.

We have been through so many life changes together and I feel they know me and love me no matter what. I look forward to it all through the year, but right about now, at the beginning of February, when I am tired of the cold in my bones, I really start to long for carefree days in the sun with my gal pals, just soaking up sun, sharing the ups and downs of life, and trying to wait until at least 3 pm to start cocktail hour!

And to think, those ladies above were probably doing the same things about 50 years ago. Let's hear it for girlfriends!