THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: vacation


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Back

I’m back at home after a short trip south with my better half to a town called Lauderdale By The Sea in Florida. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food and sights and of course the weather. Sunny days in the mid to upper 70s. A nice breeze and swimmable waters. Nice beaches, shops and lodging.

I followed the instructions. Relax… you’re here. Photo by Mike Hartley

I think swimming did my back well because no meds were needed and I’m feeling stronger. We did a lot of walking, and I even lost a few pounds despite eating very well. I know I was pounding too many sweets before I went.

For the life of me, I cannot remember taking a winter vacation to a warm destination in our marriage since our honeymoon. And that was a very long time ago. So, it was a real treat for us. We got a lot of sun but no burn. Feels good to have a bit of color on the skin again.

I think we were both a bit nervous about flying again. I know I was. It had been some years. But both the airports at BWI and Fort Lauderdale were a breeze, and the flights were pretty smooth. We did have a rather hard landing on the way down.

Airport at Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Mike Hartley

But back to work here at the homestead and online. I was going to go back a few days and see what questions I missed on the writing prompts but just did yesterdays and todays. I will respond to comments this week today and go back and see some of the wonderful things I’ve missed this week here.

Photo by Mike Hartley

I’ve finished downloading the limited shooting I did while away. It wasn’t intentional. It was that relaxed feeling where I was in break mode. If the whim struck me as it did two days, I shot a bit. Others I left the camera behind.

Walking was a great part of this trip. I’ve got to keep it up and get on the treadmill till it warms up outside again. Funny going from a beach and beautiful weather to snow covered ground and the temp at freezing with some possible rain and freezing rain later today.

For me, Florida is a nice place to visit, wouldn’t want to live there.


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Vacay

Describe your most memorable vacation. – That is a tough question from the daily writing prompt.

I sat here for a few minutes bouncing from memory to memory of past vacations. And for the life of me I can’t place one above another.

So, I’ll describe this coming vacation hopes and possible memories. My better half, my children and grandchildren together for a week at the beach. I get to play with the 3- and 6-year-old in the mornings and hold an infant after she’s been fed and is in good spirits.

I get to see my children without the constant stresses they have when at home, working and endlessly busy. Maybe some relaxed conversations together, catching up or just sitting quietly watching the kids play. Out sitting on the porch watching the sunset over the bay.

Sharing mealtimes and my son telling me to chew quieter and listen to laughter. Going to the beach and pool during the days, sometimes together, sometimes not, which is fine. Walking the boardwalks and watching the children play games and then me getting interested and playing along with them side by side.

Maybe going on an amusement ride or two with the little ones. Hitting the kids favorite candy stores and trinket shops. Everyone picking lunch and dinner spots to go. Playing miniature golf.

Most mornings I’m up before sunrise and out to take photos before everyone gets up. Finishing at least one night with my favorite ice cream stand.

Eating crabs, working on my tan, pushing my feet into the sand. Standing at the inlet watching the fishing fleet go out in the morning or come in from the day’s catch.

Taking walks on the beach or along the back streets looking over the bay and wildlife. Looking for shells for the grandkids or pointing out dolphins swimming by.

Watching my family grow older, happier and getting to absorb them the whole week will always be my most memorable vacation, no matter which trip it is.

One of many entrances to fun. Photo by Mike Hartley

See other responses here


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Vacay

Describe your most memorable vacation. – The Daily prompt inquires about more of my time.

Well let’s see, there was, nope can’t talk about that one. There was the one with my better half, well we won’t go there. And there were whoops, can’t divulge that one either. Then there was that trip to Vegas, oh, that’s right, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Truth be told, we are not rolling in cash so our vacations haven’t been of the extravagant kind but I hope they have been fun for the family. We usually take an annual trip to Ocean City.

Take me to my home away from home in OC. Photo by Mike Hartley

The trip to Vegas was for work and it wasn’t out of control. The trips with the boys have been a lot of fun and some of the craziest stuff that will remain between us or those who overhear some of the tails when my friends have a little too much to drink when we might be out in public.

This is tough because I’m recalling snippets of dozens of vacations and choosing even one of those is tough let alone a complete vacation.

I just thought of it and it’s not a particular vacation. It’s that moment when either my children or my wife say to me, “Thanks that was a great vacation Dad/Mike.” That is the moment I busted my ass at work for year after year to hear each time.

Others describe their vacations here: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1990