Vacation Bliss

Well, we are back from our vacation. We explored, drove, sat, basked and took time to think. And now we are back to what is considered the grind for retired people – more basking, thinking, sitting, napping, driving and exploring. Not a surprise, huh?

Well you might be surprised to learn that we probably drove a grand total of 250 miles on our trip. But we did see the world in those few miles.

First, we visited the doctor, engaged in blood tests, had a hair cut, bought gas for the car, and then had the car examined, oil changed, filters of all sorts changed, and washed. We were then ready for our first leg of the trip.

And that was – the Morton Arboretum. We were so enthralled that we bought a membership for one year. We had lunch there. We walked a little until our hips locked up (and knees!), wobbled back to the car and drove through the east side of the park. The wonders we found were special. Wide open spaces, close in woods, savannas of mature trees of many species, and aromas galore. We sat on a bench under a spreading oak tree. Midwestern gnarly, but magnificent, the oak was probably over a 100 years old. The grasses were natural as were the shrubs. A warm day with gentle breezes cooling us, we could smell plant life. We don’t get that aroma at our apartment complex. No sir! But at the Arboretum we reconnected with nature.

Later that day we returned home for a nap. We were reintroduced to our own private bathroom facilities (a pleasant feature of retired life!) and our precious dog. We went out to eat. Nothing fancy, but very filling and enjoyable.

The next morning we considered our options. To the country, the lake, an urban core, or some other attraction? We chose a trip to Wisconsin and Lake Geneva. Evidently that choice was shared by a million others and the traffic was horrendous. And tiny Lake Geneva was teeming with people trying to get in one more weekend with the kids out of school. You could have walked over the lake on the boats in the water! There were no parking spaces in the town, not even handicapped slots! So we made it to a Burger King for bathroom duty, then back in the car for a ride home farther out in the country away from traffic. We found a good route. GPS does come in handy in such circumstances!!

Then we visited Maggiano’s for a delicious pasta dinner. The added bonus is the free take home dinners they offer with some of their selections. So we had Sunday’s dinner covered!

Because we were in town (on the sly) we made a surprise appearance at church where we were honoring all members of 80 years of age. The church was packed with families and the good feelings just kept coming. Fun and rewarding service. Then home for a quick nap. That afternoon we revisited the Arboretum and drove through the west section of the park. More savannas, but now a prairie or two were featured as well. Tall grasses with even deeper root systems were on full natural display. The wind was heavy this day and the grasses sprang all around us in a dance more inventive than the ballet! And once again the aromas enveloped us. Beautiful, simply beautiful.

The rest of the week we kept away from usual routines and haunts. We focused on naps, TV entertainment, internet discoveries, and writing. The phone was silent. The email traffic slowed. Quiet and stress free conditions prevailed. A few new thoughts were born, too!

So, a pretend vacation or ‘stay-cation’ was very worthwhile. And the cost cannot be beat! Less gas consumed than normal. Less wear and tear on the body. More nap time. And very good food we normally deny ourselves.

Our ‘trip’ occurred just when gas prices went through the roof due to market manipulations by the oil companies. Little do they realize how much this lowers sales at restaurants on travel routes, gas sales on tourist routes, and motels and hotels. When America is subject to gas price robbery, other industries hurt.

But we are resilient. We found a way to enjoy time off without all the other fuss. If you haven’t tried this, please do. You might be surprised just how pleasant this type of vacation is.

Bon Voyage!

August 28, 2015