Rain Won't Ruin My Vacay

Vacation Day #1

Woke to cool temperature and rain.

Mood is relaxed.

No, I'm not at Martha's Vineyard, I just like the mug and I've adopted it for the week.

Rain doesn't ruin my vacation. I look at the fact that rain can be relaxing and enjoyable. The peace is rejuvenating. Yes, even in my noisy family, peace can be obtained.

My favorite part of vacation is preparing the morning meal with my honey. We have a lot of fun in the kitchen which usually creates moans, groans and complaints from our kids. Hubby took off his shirt because he didn't want bacon grease splatter ruin it. Yes, I know that's not a good idea; just goes to show our morning goofiness.

After breakfast, eldest son and his wife curled up with books for some quiet reading. 

A mated pair of loons floated across the middle of the lake. We had the opportunity to meet them closer when we visited the public boat launch. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. I'll try to get pix later.

Hubby, I, son #2 and his GF went on a mission to find beach towels. Oops... it's a little late in the season so we ended up with large bath towels to take boating this week. Anyways... 

When we arrived back to the cottage, they decided to brave the misting rain and take the kayaks out. 

After I write this post, I believe a bit of reading and a nap are in order.

How to handle a rainy day on your vacation?

Daily Dose Of Hugs

I was watching CBS News Sunday Morning today and was moved by an featured story. Did you know a hug releases oxytocin,  a chemical in our brain that makes us feel happy? How cool is that?

However, in today's world theres a down side. Due to Covid restrictions people are not getting their normal daily dose of hugs. Not having oxytocin released is affecting humans. After all it's part of our self care routine. Its ingrained in us. Simply watch small children when grouped together, they touch and hug each other. Pure joy!

Virus restrictions are causing people to become creative when they are hungry for hugs. Masks, gloves, and  lots of plastic sheeting are involved.

Get your mind out of the gutter...this a sweet post.

Today's assignment: give a hug.

Hug whoever you live with, whoever you trust, or simply cuddle with your pet.

Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. It's sometimes known as the "cuddle hormone" or the "love hormone," because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially.Jun 4, 2015

Oxytocin: Facts About the 'Cuddle Hormone' | Live Science

www.livescience.com › 42198-what-is-oxytocin

Housecleaning Before Vacay - Who Does That?

We are heading on vacation tomorrow so that means I'm cleaning the house today. My mom always hated coming home to a dirty house, so I must have inherited that trait from her. 

I don't go all Spring-Cleaning-Crazy, I just do the basics.

1. Vacuum. This is the most important and often the last thing I do. We have a dog, a cat and a guinea pig so hair and dander is abundant. When I enter the door a week after I left I don't want to be hit with an overwhelming smell of dog. 

2. Bathe the dog. If she doesn't go with us, I usually give Maggie a bath because she stays with Gram & Gramp. She's getting out of the spa treatment due to having it last week for the wedding. Gram & Gramp will be joining us theregore Maggie will have a pet sitter this week. I'm hoping all goes well since last time she had a sitter, she was a hellion.

Don't let her 13 year old face fool you. She's a lab. "Nuff said.

3. Clean the bathrooms. Guys are gross, plan and simple. Let the nastiness set for a week, even grosser. Is that a word? Must be, spellcheck didn't freak out.

4. Wash all the dirty dishes. If I have to, I'll run a load as I'm leaving.

5. Make sure laundry is done. I actually did laundry yesterday since the guys were running out of underwear and didn't have anything clean to wear. They can be such divas. Nonetheless, I'll be bringing home dirty laundry and who would want to come home to a pile of dirty laundry that has been sitting for a week.

6. Wipe down counters. Clorox wipes or my favorite scent of Meyers, leaves a nice fragrance in the air.

How can you find romance in cleaning the house? Have your honey help, you will appreciate it and make sure you show your appreciation later. Or... ask for a nice back or foot massage later. Remember what I said about touch? Check out my post Touch Me, Babe.

Okay...I'm ready. Time to pack.

Do you clean the house before leaving for vacation?

Thursday 13 - Sweet Romance Every Day

Lasting romance isn't constant grand gestures proclaiming love, 

it's the little every day things that keep love in the air.

Sometimes all you need is a sweet gesture to make your day. It doesn't matter if you're just starting your relationship or you've been in it for a the long haul already, the little every day things remind you that there is a lot of love around you. 

Here's a list of a few suggestions of sweet gestures to bring romance into your every day life.

1. Hold hands in the car.

2. Write a little love note and hide it in a place you're honey will find it.

3. Climb onto his lap when watching TV.

4. Prepare a meal together.

5. Out of the blue, look into your honey's eyes and say, "I love you."

6. Spend time with your honey participating in their favorite hobby.

7. Whisper something loving or naughty in their ear in the middle of the day.

8. Send a text to your honey telling something you like about about him/her.

9. Stop on the way home from work and pick up your honey's favorite dessert.

10. Make morning coffee and set out a treat for your honey some morning.

11. Tap a post-it note on the bathroom mirror with a loving message.

12. Watch a movie together, share popcorn and a blanket.

13. Give each other a massage.

Sweet whispers.

It's all in the sweet romantic gestures.

Love isn't in expensive gifts and extravagant trips, it's in the details. 

Love is in giggles, whispers, gentle touches, sharing time, caring for each other 

and simply bringing a smile to each other's faces.

To find more cool lists 

VISIT THURSDAY 13  

for other amazing writers who are participating in the fun!

Touch Me, Babe

Listening to an old tune from The Doors while in a Covid lock-down inspired this post.

The media has featured how people are suffering depression and isolation because of not being able to be social. This lack of in-person communication and lack of personal touch plays havoc with the psyche.

Sure, sexual touches help with physical intimacy and keeps a relationship fresh and exciting. Touch between lovers, is a subtle reminder of the connection. But non-sexual touch is important too. A touch is reassuring and uplifting. It feels like some else understands us, relates with us and connects to us. A simple touch is a sign of trust, and the comfort reduces anxiety.

A touch makes you feel more loved, safe, and happy. The humblest movement leads to a happier, healthier you! Next time you touch someone or are touched, take note of how you feel.

Today's exercise:

Hold a hand

Give a hug

Tickle someone

Play footsie

Yeah! Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now touch me, babe