Ready, Set, Travel

Let’s face it, winter in North Idaho is often hibernation time and lasts well into spring. We have summers of long light – short nights. People try to cram in every last event and activity into these short months. Family and friends visit, there are trips, yard work and then, if it gets hot, who has the energy to move?  When we were at a BBQ recently (feeling BBQ’d) someone said that men sweat, women “glisten”.  I replied “You are glistening all right - and your glisten is dripping off your nose!  

My neighbor and I used to sit by the pool after a long day to cool off, decompress with conversation (or not), maybe add in some snacks and a cold drink.  Actually our “pool” was a baby pool with our Adirondack chairs pulled up to it, under her maple tree.  We could soak our feet, observe the neighborhood in relative obscurity - our own personal and secret window to the world.

It started because she thought her dog, Charlie, might like to play in the water. Labs like water - right?  Well hers loved to slurp a few gulps and then joyfully slobber on my arm (ICK – oh well, it acts as a natural bug repellant).  A favorite game was to steal our sandals (a great chew toy). Once he waited till she went in to get something and Charlie took a running leap into my arms, pinning me to the chair.  He played with the sprinkler or chased the water from the hose, but was Charlie going to get in the pool?  No way!  

Whether it is a “stay-cation” at home, a long or fancy vacation, or a little hideaway, take the time to relax, review the day, complain, inspire . . . whatever you desire. Find your little “island of peace” and enjoy a great, if short, summer.