Where's the Beach?

Rather than discuss in great detail about our recent Florida trip, I thought pictures would be much better. It's not like we did anything terribly exciting. No parasailing, no jet ski rentals. Basically, it was all about enjoying, sitting back, relaxing and soaking up the views. Birds skittering about Waves crashing Moon during the day Sunset on our final day Full moon on our final night I finished 4 books, ran a total of 26 miles (9 being on the treadmill because it was just far too hot and humid), we ate lunches on the beach each day, we visited our friends twice, they visited us once. We did not shop, we did not go out to eat, we simply enjoyed.

I thought I'd do a super simple, perhaps fun post of some pictures so far from the week. Basically, my views thus far. I can't say we've been doing anything super exciting. But, that's exactly the point of this vacation. We pretty much spend the entire day sitting down on the beach with our toes in the sand. Jason has been doing a little fishing. I've been doing a lot of reading. We pack a cooler with lunch and snacks and take that down with us. So lunches are on the beach. Snacks are on the beach. Drinks? Yep, on the beach. I've yet to put on make up or real clothes. And I'm in heaven. It's fun to do people watching from our balcony. We often make up scenarios for people, even make up their conversations. Wine always tastes better with the ocean in the background. Nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves crashing. Birds are fun to watch. My toenails match my chair. One happy camper. Very interesting find ...

Well, Saturday we made it to Perdido Key, FL. So far we're having really nice weather. The highs are only reaching about 80 degrees. Couple that with a steady breeze and the shade from our umbrella and it's almost chilly. But chilly for a run it is not. Sunday morning I woke up just after 6 am. I was itching to get out for a run after being in the car the previous two days (we drove half way Friday afternoon then the rest of the way Saturday). I was hoping to beat the brunt of the heat, but avoiding humidity was impossible. Luckily, I know a route that takes you to a neighborhood where there's a running/walking path along an inlet. It keeps you from having to run down the main strip, for the most part. But there aren't really any trees shading the path. And since it's off the beach, you lose the breeze as well. So, hot. What is hot? Hot is having to run on this hot stretch of the road for 2 miles of a 6.5 miler. Hot is having zero shade. Hot is 100% ...

Spring always makes me feel itchy to travel. Maybe it's the warming of the weather, the desire to explore, the need for a break, but I always start dreaming of vacations this time of year. I have a couple of trips lined up soon. But I have so many other places I'd love to visit. If only travelling didn't require so much time off from work, oh, and money. Yep, that too. California In a few short weeks, my first vacation of the year will take me back to California. My first trip to California was San Diego back in October. I certainly didn't imagine I'd be returning again so soon. But, I am! I'll be travelling with my sister and bestie to visit Long Beach. I'm super excited, but also clueless as to what we need to do there, what we "must" see. Other than the beach of course. And it just so happens that a good friend, Jolene , will be there at the same time. Talk about luck! I haven't seen this girlie in nearly 3 years - since the Cathe Ro...

Hottest Run Ever This morning we were up around 7 am. Guess going to bed by 9:30 will do that to you of course. We had started watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, but just couldn't stay awake. So, up early, Jason decided he wanted to try to get out for a run with me after breakfast. So, we laced up the running shoes (I think it was a little after 8) and headed out for the hottest, most humid, heat index-of-100-degrees run I've ever done. Holy freaking crap. We made it about 4 miles before calling it quits. I will say that it was nice to run up to the top of a bridge and look out over the inter coastal waterways. Now, getting to the top was a bit challenging of course. We also ran through a neighborhood/condo area we've never driven through. So running can be a nice way to really see a city. As long as it's not going to kill you of course. I did hit the elliptical for 5 minutes to sort of ease out my legs then I did abs from Cathe's High Reps DVD. Sun, Sushi ...

Fall is slowly giving way to winter. The cooler weather makes me reminisce about warm summer days and beach vacations. Not much beats the feeling of warm, soft sand between the toes and the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing softly. For me, the ideal vacation involves renting a condo on a white, sandy beach and spending my days under an umbrella, reading book after book. My husband and I have found one spot that we both love to visit, Perdido Key, FL. It's about 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle, family attraction of Gulf Shores, AL. It's quiet, with no "main" strip of bumper to bumper traffic. There are only a few restaurants to choose from, and the condos are all on the beach and not towering. We typically try to go over Memorial Day weekend. It's still very calm and quiet. The weather is pleasant with no threats of hurricanes. Renting a condo is ideal; it allows us to cook in almost every meal. This saves money and is also healthier. We also choose a...