Back from the beach...back to the real world....

Wow – what a vacation…I just don’t think it could have been a more perfect girl’s getaway! We went down to Venice, Fl for 4 nights. The weather was perfect…low 80s and no humidity. Since Spring Break was over there were no crowds…it was kind of like having a private beach and the pool was never crowded.

Venice is “famous” for having the highest concentration of fossilized sharks teeth on the beach….it was interesting to see people walking along with their “sifting baskets” all looking for teeth…Beth and Penny were pretty good at finding them…I lacked the patience to stay out there and keep sifting but they were kind enough to share!! On Saturday we attended the Shark Tooth Festival….a shark lover’s paradise…I was more into the other crafts and of course FESTIVAL FOOD!!!

We didn’t spend all our time lying in the sun…by the way; did you know they now make sunscreen with a spf of 80??? I am happy to report that it works well…you all know how well I tan…NOT!! It was fun to get out and explore the area. We ate at some great restaurants and found a few of those hidden away little dives that have great food, awesome frozen girlie drinks and of course, a wonderful view.

We didn’t have a schedule…I think it was the most relaxed I have felt in a VERY long time. The sights and sounds definitely help….beautiful sunsets, turquoise blue water, dolphins swimming by, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, falling asleep to the sound of the ocean thru my open window, morning coffee (ok, so I drink Pop…gotta get that caffeine some way) or evening cocktails and appetizers on our balcony overlooking the ocean and pool.

Most of the people we were around in Venice were retirees….we were definitely the young chicks (that was a nice change) in the crowd!! Beth and I met some nice ladies at lunch on Thursday that just happened to be from neighboring Loveland, OH. They were able to give us some tips on activities in the area. It’s just fun to meet new people like that…we met some very nice people in the different shops and restaurants we visited. Lots of the ladies there are very much into the “bling”! I have never seen so many hats, shoes or just clothes in general with sequins, beads or metallic fabrics. Beth and I had fun on our first day trying on all types of sun hats to find the perfect one for each of us…later in the week I felt like I was really starting to “fit in” when I got my sun visor with gold trim….I kept finding myself being drawn to “the bling” so maybe that’s a sign that I will be down there “in my later years” fitted from head to toe in sequins and beads!!

Going back to Florida and walking on the beach brought back memories….the last time I was on the beach in Florida (July ’07) was right before I was diagnosed….it was during that trip that I felt the pain in the right breast for the first time…I remember walking along the water’s edge and just thinking that there was no way it could be cancer. I was by myself that evening and for some reason I can clearly remember all the things that went thru my mind…..on one hand I was not too concerned but on the other hand I just had this nagging feeling that something in my life was really going to change…I guess we all know how that story went….

Anyway….this weekend was so much fun and full of a lot of laughs…I have many great memories to cherish…I am so thankful that we were able to take this trip. I bought a t-shirt that says “I love the nights I can’t remember with the friends I can’t forget” – my new favorite!!

It was a nice chance to get away before surgery next week….I do my pre-surgery testing tomorrow morning – just ready to get it over with and behind me!

Thanks for checking in....I hope everyone has a good week!!!