Monday, August 31, 2020

Is It Possible to Have a Meaningful at Home Vacation?


Red cardinal in a dying birch tree.

With a little bit of apprehension my husband Jim and I started a stay-at-home vacation a week ago last Friday.  We wondered if two work-from-homers could actually find sanctuary and rejuvenation at our place of residence/work?

The night before, “out of office” email reply messages were set and our cell phone notifications turned off.  What quiet bliss.

Friday night is usually our at-home date night.  Since we are pretty introverted, this has worked well for us.  We started the first evening of vacation watching the Broadway play “Hamilton”. We are so grateful to live in a time of “online streaming services”.
 
Prior to vacation we found a sale on cushions for our lounge chairs, located in the breezeway. This is a comfortable place to read.


Breezeway with windows, two lounge chairs with medium blue cushions.

 
My favorite part of the day is sitting outside first thing in the morning and listening to the birds. With no other major responsibilities, this lasted much longer than usual.  No rush breakfasts, an added plus.

Birch Trees and Shrubs in Front Yard

On our list of things to check out since we moved here, was the town beach.  End of season is a great time to go.  It wasn’t crowded.  

We went for a walk and were joined by a friendly duck.

Gilford Town Beach - Lakefront, sandy beach, treesMallard Duck on Sandy Beach

We found a relaxing spot to sit by the water. 

Lake View, Trees, Shade

During our time at our home, we got an idea.  By moving, a small table that we had off to the side, and placing it in front of the large basement window, then re-purposing two office chairs without arms, it gave us another place to eat meals and we like the view.

Landscape - 2 retaining walls one on each side, Birch tree to left, ferns, maple trees, lilac bushes to right along ledge

To answer the question, “Is it Possible to Have a Meaningful at Home Vacation?” The answer is "yes".  Our at home vacation has worked out well. We didn’t miss the usual 32-hour round trip or the packing and unpacking that goes along with it.  Along with what was shared, we watched another Broadway play and a couple movies.  There was plenty of time to relax and find sanctuary. Feeling rested.

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