I had a wonderful week. My BFF and I spent a few days at Virginia Beach to celebrate her birthday. It was my first getaway since my surgery and treatment started. It was chilly at the beach, but gorgeous clear blue skies most of the time. We both wore wide brimmed sun hats and sunscreen when outside. For those that follow my personal FB page, there were lots of pictures. I have always loved going to the beach off season.
I got lots of walking in most of the week and it felt pretty good - biggest step numbers in a while. Of course, it helps that most of the time I was on flat ground, which seems to make me feel like I can walk a lot longer. I reminded myself that I have to be able to walk back to the starting point. It was also nice to people watch and create stories in my head.
The worst part of any road trip most of the time is the traffic. It was not as bad as it could have been for that I'm grateful. Driving I-95N from Stafford to Woodbridge in VA seemed to be the worst. Luckily, we had the wherewithal to take a pit stop a few exits before the traffic started. Just packed some patience and we got through.
It was wonderful to get away and feel a bit normal so to speak. Perhaps shorter road trips are in order for a bit. There are still places close by that I have not explored. Being retired helps for midweek getaways vice weekends when everyone is traveling. Who knows where my next adventure will be.
This past week I read: "DAUGHTER OF SPIES" by Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop - a very well-written memoir of a daughter learning family secrets as she explores the history of her parents. "THREE DAYS TO LIVE" by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski; "WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST" by James Patterson and Bill Schweigart; and "THE HOUSEKEEPERS" by James Patterson and Julie Margaret Hogben - three fast-paced stories in one book.
I forgot to mention last week we bought a new sofa and loveseat after a few years of indecision. We talked about going out to look for a very long time and then (as we do) went out, tried several and purchased. Our main criteria was we did not want to wait forever for delivery. So we purchased a floor model and had it delivered the next day. So much firmer and supportive than our old one. Even took a nap on it the first day and it was quite comfy.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
April 2
Children’s Book Day
National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
Palm Sunday – date varies
Reconciliation Day
April 3
Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day – we know your decision
Find a Rainbow Day
Tweed Day
World Party Day
April 4
Hug a Newsman Day
School Librarian Day
Tell a Lie Day
Walk Around Things Day
World Rat Day
April 5
Deep Dish Pizza Day
Go for Broke Day
National Dandelion Day
National Walking Day – first Wednesday in the month
Passover begins at sundown – the date varies
Read a Road Map Day
April 6
California Poppy Day
National Tartan Day
New Beer’s Eve
Plan Your Epitaph Day – a little morbid if you ask me
Sorry Charlie Day
Teflon Day
April 7
Caramel Popcorn Day – Most likely created by a popcorn maker or an Ecard company.
Good Friday – date varies
International Beaver Day
National Beer Day
National Walk to Work Day – first Friday of the month
No Housework Day
World Health Day
April 8
All is Ours Day
Draw a Picture of a Bird Day
Zoo Lover’s Day
I am leaving it here for today and since it's just about 5 am...think I'll head back to bed. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” ― Pablo Neruda
“But it is a sort of April-weather life that we lead in this world. A little sunshine is generally the prelude to a storm.” — William Cowper