It was 35 years ago that we drove into Palm Springs for the first time, looking like some lost honeymooners . . . amongst a world of "old people" enjoying their retirement. This past week, although retirement is still somewhere in the future, we were the old people sitting by the pool and eating dinners out. Where has time gone? It's just funny to reminisce and wonder what happened to Wayne and Wanda or Bob and Loretta . . . who took us on like kids to look out for, so many years ago.
Who would have guessed how things would change in these three and a half decades? In the late seventies and into the eighties and even nineties, when we left on a vacation, we truly left everything. I remember in 1994 , not so long ago, when we went to Eastern Europe for a month and we thought it was quite impressive that we could send a fax home to my family.
Today, technology such as our iPhones and net book can be at our beck and call and make us appear like we are just next door. Our kids text random, short messages, emails come and go, calls come in assuming the boss is in his office, I access my documents and work if I feel like it . . . all while away from home.
I know, some would say this is not a vacation. But we've had a most relaxing time anyways. To sit at the pool for a few hours a day is not something I take for granted. Sleeping in, shopping, reading and some nice meals out, have given us some much needed time together. We do not usually read the same books, but this time we happened to do so and it was good to talk about what we read and to be challenged together. I have much to process still as I write.
But for now, the bags are mostly packed again and tomorrow is another day. I will smile at the rain as I fill up the fridge and plan for the week. Grandkids will be happy to come over again . . . a cookbook is starting to take shape . . . events need planning and Christmas is just around the corner. There's much to do and it will be tackled with renewed zest. I feel rested and happy about the reality of being home again.
12 comments:
It all sounds familiar! Palm Springs keeps calling us back as well...though we have only been going there for two decades. Enjoy your final hours in the sun...and then welcome back to 'real life'.
And I lived a short distance to Palm Springs during my 40 years in Southern California and only visited there twice. Once for a parade with my high school drill team (very hot parade) and once with my girlfriend and her mom. Both times before I was married. I'm glad you had a refreshing time and that you are looking forward to moving forward at home...
I's always fun to think about the good times one has had, and come back feeling refreshed looking forward to making new memories with your grands. Safe journeys.
sounds like a fun time away!!! looking forward to the new cookbook!
Glad you have had such a nice vacation!
It sounds perfectly right to me. I am glad you got away a bit but were still here. It is so nice not to feel disconnected...unless you want to be.
That sounds like a perfect break. I've heard so many nice things about Palm Springs, but haven't yet visited. Sunshine and reading beside a pool are tempting!
Travel certainly has changed. We can stay connected almost anywhere in the world.
Glad to hear you had such a nice break. My parents visit Palm Springs, but I've never been there. Reading, swimming, and eating out sound like wonderful ways to pass the days.
Nice... I am curious...what book did you read?
Sheila, I read Miraculous Movements . . . a book I may write some thoughts about yet . . . and a novel called the Lion of Babylon.
Glad you had a lovely get-away!
With 35 years of married life, you deserve to sit by the pool in Palm Springs. What a lovely way to share the then and now of it all, and oh, the hours it would take to share the inbetween years:) So good to take time away, and return refreshed.
Happy Anniversary!
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