This year I am doing something radical – I am taking a plethora of vacation days. In addition to the surprisingly high number of days I carried over from last year that needed to be used before July 1 or I would lost them (heaven forbid!), I made plans to take regular time off over the summer and throughout the rest of the year. (Having a lot of vacation days is one of the advantages of spending many years working for the same company.)
So, as of about thirty minutes ago, I am once again on vacation and this time it’s a staycation.
Gerry and I are looking forward with great anticipation to a visit from our son, daughter-in-love, and grandson tomorrow. What fun it will be to step back into the grandma role again! We have all sorts of fun things planned for the next few days that all involve our sweet three-year-old grandson.
In addition to family time, I’m looking forward to getting back into my kitchen, my garden, and out onto my patio. The weatherman is finally cooperating and is forecasting warm sunny days over the next week. I couldn’t be happier!
I had an email from my editor earlier this week and she will be sending my manuscript back to me this weekend; I am looking forward to starting on revisions next week too.
Perhaps most of all I am looking forward to the return of me. The me who allows herself to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life, because despite how often I tell myself I should do it all the time, I don’t seem to be able to do it when I’m on the hamster wheel every day.
So, let the lazy, hazy, sunny, warm, slow, days of summer begin. Let the vacation begin.
I’m ready!

Linda,
I think staycations are the best. You make it all sound so inviting. Hav e a wonderful, relaxing time with your family (and yourself 🙂 Kathy
Your posting today sounds so Buddhist in that you are embracing living in the present, the moment. And the lovely flower in your photo will help keep you there. Enjoy your staycation, Linda. I bet you and your grandson will become even better buddies.
Those staycations can be the most invigorating! No packing, unpacking, gas stations, airports, or cranky tourists to contend with. Just enjoy! I’m going to do the same next year…this summer has been a wash out f0r us, but I’m planning the long weekend thing next summer. I may try and get a few in this fall too. Have fun!
I am happy to see that I am not the only fan of staycations!
@Kathy I hope you are able to enjoy your own staycations very soon.
@Dee What an interesting observation!
@Kathleen Enjoy your weekend!
Oh, enjoy your time with family. I like those kinds of vacations, too. Blessings**
Linda, I love your writing…how exciting about your manuscript! Many blessings to you and your family 🙂
Sounds like the perfect vacation. I often tell my husband that we spend so much time working on our home, making it a nice place to be. My favorite thing is to be able to take time to enjoy it! Have fun!