Snow Storm

The Big News in Mathews County right now is this.

Snow.

Glorious, wonderful snow.

I've been amusing myself by feeding the birds.

There must be about 30 birds at or near my front yard feeder.

And a few brave souls have finally discovered the one out back, where all the wind is.

I've never quite understood why some people are so anti-snow.  I mean, I understand it can be a huge inconvenience.  It's a safety hazard if one has to travel and/or work.  I get it. 

But if I were otherwise going to be home, with the usual list of chores to complete?  I wholeheartedly welcome a permission slip from Mother Nature to stay inside and break from the normal routine.

Which is exactly why I am still in my pajamas at 2:00 p.m. on a Saturday, with absolutely no intention of changing--at all--today.  There's comfort food in the crock pot, and I'm admiring these beautiful birds in the winter wonderland that is just outside my window.

Thank you, Mother Nature, for permission to just be in the moment.  

To just be.  

With no expectations or requirements.

I am most grateful.

Aaron's Beach

After spending most of Saturday doing physical labor entailing shovels, rakes, weeds, rose bushes, hedge clippers and mulch spreading, I declared Sunday a Do Nothing Day and spent the afternoon lounging on Aaron's Beach.

Although you can't tell in these pictures, the beach was the most crowded I've seen in a long time.

"Crowded" defined in Mathews terms means more than two other people were on the beach.  Normally I come here and don't see a soul.  And that's just fine by me.

I chose a desolate spot right under those trees off in the distance.

Just one hour of solitude listening to nothing but the water gently lapping the shore was all it took to rejuvenate me.

After my beach therapy, I met Chesapeake Bay Daughter for lunch, returned home for a nap and then awoke to what felt like a gall bladder attack.  Frantically searching the internet for home remedies, I choked down some apple cider vinegar, took a hot bath, and then, just as I'd convinced myself a hospital trip would be imminent, it all went away.   Crisis averted.  Thankfully. But it will be a long time before I eat a hamburger and french fries again, I can tell you that.

Anyway.

Saturday night's gathering at Williams Wharf was the other bright spot in the weekend.  There was music, dancing, wine, good food and good company. A near-perfect evening.

Alas, it's all over now.  Next on the list is to get through another work week and prepare for Memorial Day weekend, when good friends will descend and help me laugh my way through the unofficial start of summer.

I can't wait.

Seabreeze

Saturday a friend and I drove over to Gwynns Island for lunch at the Seabreeze, which fronts Milford Haven.

The Seabreeze is the county's only waterfront restaurant.  

The views alone are reason enough to eat there.

Since Daughter went vegetarian last year, I've not had many opportunities to indulge in a really good cheeseburger. I also can't remember the last time I've had french fries of any description, much less hand-cut ones that actually tasted like potatoes.  But I seized the moment and ordered both.

The food matched the spectacular views and the general mood of a lazy Saturday with no races to run, no track meets to attend, and no chores that couldn't be ignored for a few weeks months days longer.

The Seabreeze was one of the highlights of an entire weekend dedicated to lollygagging slowing down and appreciating the moment.

Winter Harbor

These were taken Sunday afternoon from the Winter Harbor area.

My Saturday was devoted to yard work, which involved snipping, clipping, bending, reaching, pulling, stooping, scooping, tugging, cussing and more cussing.

For hours on end.

However, I got a lot done.

About halfway through Saturday's yard work, Sunday was declared a Do-Nothing Day--which happily coincided with an invitation from my friend Glenda for another boat ride to the beach near Winter Harbor, where I was able to take a few pictures.

Son and Daughter are officially done with school as of this week, and Son graduates high school on Saturday.

I'm both relieved and......something.

I'm focusing on the relieved part for now.

For now.