Peach State says: I Would Rather Be There!

With my list of chores already laid out before me today I receive this picture of a friends vacation spot. I simply replied…Jealous! I Would Rather Be There in that place by the sea! The fresh salty air and the mist from the breaking waves as they crash against the white sand. But I grab my coffee and continue with my day! I am not finding any solace in my daily doldrums. I need to escape! Don’t get me wrong…I love being a housewife and taking care of the castle. I just need to get out past the walls of the fortress…by myself…and breathe in some fresh air. I know…I know…I got out last night when I went to church. I will get out again on Sunday morning. Maybe I should have titled this post…”My Pity Party!” I will leave in a little while and search for a useful wedding gift for my niece. “Her wedding is Saturday!” Once that retail exploration is complete I will return to the castle…and clean!

The floors of the castle are laden with traveler’s dust and collections from their journeys….(translation)… The floors are covered in the tracked in dirt from the boys and the dog along with scattered debris, like clothes and balls and water bottles and doggie toys, as they came in. The movie images of the servants sweeping the castle’s dirt floors was hilarious to me as a child. Sadly…that is the way my floors have been lately. I know they are not dirt floors…but with the constant pollen and laying down of new mulch comes yard work which leads to a constant flow of mud and grass throughout the house.

The boys have their chores (which all seem to fall on me) that are completed during the day. With their new schedules and revolving door routine the chores never get done. My youngest…well he can’t be expected to do them all and he would forget to do them anyway. Besides…what beautiful Queen would want to live in a dirty castle! This Queen will not have her King come home to a dirty castle…he would not be happy! We are not a poor kingdom…but the concept of servants only exists in dreams. The shinning of the marble and crystal must be maintained. The polishing of the silver is not an everyday activity. The Royal Gardens are still under seasonal construction and will be completed in the summer. The ever present plague of dust must be removed by hand and Pledge. “A fresh scented Pledge dusting spray not a vow!” A short solitary escape is what I desire…I Would Rather Be There!

Walking along the shore as the sun’s glow touches my skin. The sound of the waves fills my senses and drowns out all other interruptions. The warm water covers my feet as the loosened sand embraces my toes.

Snapped back to reality as I sip on my latte’! Two have already left and two prepare for their day. I will soon be alone…able to accomplish what needs to be done. Is there a nap on that list? Funny, I always want a nap but never have the time for one. I will need to keep moving this morning to avoid stiffening up like a suit of armor in the castle halls. I moved the wrong way yesterday and twisted when I should have bobbed. The pain will fade…”I hope!”…as I continue my Royal Itinerary.
I should add a visit to the Royal Baker to my list…(the local Panera Bread) for my free Mocha refreshment! This will be a pleasant addition to my retail exploration. I peeked at the bride’s list of treasures and have a idea of a wonderful gift. “I received a very large oversized bowl when I got married and use it all the time.”

My stomach growls increasingly as I wonder if the Royal Cook has any brown sugar oats. Wait…I am the Royal cook…time to fix my breakfast. Do you want to escape? Where Would You Rather Be? For the time being…this Queen will continue on the path in front of her…until the King gives her some funds from the overflowing Royal Treasury. Ah! There lies the rub! The Royal Treasury is lacking and has not been overflowing for quite a while. Oh well! Have a great day!

Peach State

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Peach State says: It’s Spring Break!

Well it’s finally here…the last vacation from school before the summer…woo hoo! (sarcasm…sorry!)
Reasons I am glad It’s Spring Break!

Less time on the road!
Most people have left town and there is no traffic!

Shopping is easier and quicker!
Most people have left town and there are no long lines

Can get gas at the gas station!
Most people have left town and no waiting to get gas…just have to have lots of $$$!

Sleeping in!
Who am I kidding…hubby still going to work!

Laid back schedule!
No practices at church…but practices will be at a friends house…one one doctor’s appointment, family haircuts before Easter…shopping for Easter clothes…I need shoes!

Alright..so maybe it is not the ideal stay at home vacation! I will be able to spend time outside today…pulling weeds! What a nice way to have quality family time…no son that is not a weed! I will start my vegetable garden this week and maybe buy a few more flowers for color. Reminder…make nail appointment for later in the week! “I do love playing in the dirt…without gloves!” I will have help from two sons as I clean out the old dead plants and replace the soil…I can taste the fresh tomato sandwiches already!

I have several friends who stayed in town…and we will be getting together this week. Time with friends and family is what a vacation is all about…we are just not near a beach…so…

(breath in…breath out…ahhh!)

Sorry..I just had to have something beachy to look at! I will be content to enjoy my quiet unscheduled days at home. No son! Stop running in the house! Calm down! Leave your brother alone! Quiet, relaxing days at home! “What is that?” It’s Spring Break!

I will be able to get a lot accomplished and enjoy my week! “Sounds like a mantra.”
How will you spend your time off? Will you spend it with friends and family? Mine will be good…with friends and family you can’t go wrong! Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Middle Class Humor and Current Events

My husband and I went to do a few errands, yesterday, on his day off. Fox News had been talking about the overnight jump in gas prices in Ohio…we did not know it was here in Georgia too! We drove into the gas station and the price had jumped 15 cents. He laughed and said “I guess I should have filled up last night when it was $3.63 a gallon!” The numbers began to spin around as if possessed! Click! My husband got back into the car…”Well at least I am no longer driving the truck!” It would be way over $75 to fill up and he uses almost two tanks per week. At least we have Middle Class Humor and Current Events!

I guess his stomach was growling because he asked where I would like to eat. We decided on trying out the new Panera Bread restaurant. We ordered conservatively: 2 sandwiches with chips, 1 orange juice and one water, and 2 cinnamon rolls. One of the cinnamon rolls was 99 cents! “They were for his dessert later that night.” The red flashing lights streaming from the register should have told us to run…”That will be $21….” My husband handed the girl, behind the register, the money as he choked back his shock and surprise. As we found a seat he looked at me and said $21…!” We were offered a free pastry due to slow service and my husband told me to select a pastry. “If we are going to pay this much for a meal we might as well get all we can!” We enjoyed our meal and time together.

We left and were headed to the local home improvement store to buy lightbulbs. We were driving down the road and headlines became the topic of conversation. They were not just any headlines…well you will see.

*In Lieu of a Summer Trip We Bought a Tank of Gas and Lunch at Panera Bread!

*Cost of Gas and Lunch Bankrupt Family!

*Who Needs Lightbulbs Anyway?

*Family Vacations at Local Gas Station!

*Vacation Destinations Now Include Gas and Grocery Stores!

I see families taking vacations and talking about their vacations on Facebook. They are going camping or visiting Disney and the some head to the beach. I would love to go to the beach house. It is relatively inexpensive except for the gas. I guess we just prioritize differently. A friend posted a picture on Facebook and well it gives us a good laugh…but could it be a true statement?

Our boys are learning how to repair their vehicles themselves…they shop around for the best prices and replace the brakes and most recently an alternator. My 21 year old saved over $150 by replacing the brakes on his truck with his brother. “I think my husband may have supervised!”
My 18 year old had to replace his alternator this week and was immediately on the phone to the auto parts stores comparing prices. “I must have done something right!” I came home from church that night to see my sons under the hood with grease ridden faces and hands…and they were googling the how to guide. It took them several hours but they did it…and saved more money. After cleaning up they collapsed, proud in their accomplishment, and still had greasy faces.

I am old enough to remember my parents complaining about gas prices…I remember complaining about higher gas prices and the cost of living…and now…well we try not complain. We just make jokes! If we can’t laugh about our situation we will get more upset and stress out. We have enough stress today without fighting over the cost of gas. Cut back on trips…combines errands…do it yourself repairs…and don’t forget the lightbulbs while you’re out! Middle Class Humor and Current Events!

The politicians of our nation don’t feel the pinch in the wallet. They do not see the soaring prices the way we do. They campaign on the issues and against each other. If one comes up with a plan another will tear it down. Campaign promises are made and forgotten. They get back on their fancy buses and planes and move on to the next campaign stop. Maybe they do feel the pinch…with all the money they are spending for fuel they can’t afford the commercial air time!

Creative spending not splurging is the norm in our house. Oh..wait…I do splurge! I got a coffee at Starbucks the other day…with a free e-card! “I was worried for a second!” I have found that when I buy my “ginormous” (giant and enormous smashed together) bag of espresso beans I will get a free coffee…I earn Swagbucks and get e-gift cards for Starbucks…I love free Starbucks! Shopping wisely, cutting back, and finding deals are the way we live now. We sacrifice in ways to make ends meet! “Soap is soap…right?” I no longer get my specialty hand soaps with fragrances and colors for each sink in the house. Refillable soap decanters and over-sized containers of plain liquid soap will have to suffice. We all do our part!

Have your and your family made changes in how you spend? Have you changed the way you drive or the number of trips you make? Do you cut out coupons and pay attention to the prices? Do you get excited when you save money? Do you have or find Middle Class Humor in today’s Current Events? Please send me your money saving ideas and techniques! We need to help each other…after all…we all will need lightbulbs eventually!
Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: A Girl Can Dream…Can’t She?

The waves gently caressing the shoreline as a breeze whispers in my ear…”Wake Up!”…What?
“A Girl Can Dream…Can’t She?”

Why is it that we dream of exotic locales with a beach or beautiful city like Paris ? Most of us have been to a beach…”I have been fortunate to visit many different types of beaches.” I have experienced the varied beaches in Hawaii, the beaches of the Washington State coastline, the small strip in New York City, and the various beaches connected with three cruises. I love beaches but only dream about one…the one I grew up loving…our beach house ( home away from home ). The brilliant white sand that seems to melt as you walk to the water’s edge. The vibrant shades of blues and greens that stretch to the horizon and beyond. ( breathe ) The ebb and flow of the crashing waves and the scent of relaxation in the salty breeze. What? “A Girl Can Dream…Can’t She?“

Everything we need just appears and we have no worries. There is a peaceful atmosphere filled with all the warmth and love a person could ask for. No lists of daily labors or loads of laundry to be completed and folded. Meals are laid out with only a cloudy wisp of thought. Everything, just when we desire it, appears and floats away into the dream mists. What? “A Girl Can Dream…Can’t She?”

The European Vacation has eluded my simple life. I hope one day to be able to see the sights only seen in the movies. Until then…I will stroll, across the bridges, viewing the brush stokes of the artists. I will breathe in the fragrance of fresh bread and espresso floating on the air. The mere blinking of my eyes will transport me to another scene filled with visions of a culture rich in beauty. The culmination of this dream leads to one fantastic place. The final opening of my eyes brings me to The Eiffel Tower in Paris! There is just something about the Eiffel Tower. “I know there are many who feel the same way!” I close my eyes in hopes of seeing the city from the Eiffel Tower only to wake up and turn off the blaring alarm. What? “A Girl Can Dream…Can’t She?”

I wish that I could dream about how my sons could all have wonderful jobs and successful lives. I wish I could dream about my youngest finally realizing what we have been trying to teach him…and follow through. I wish I could dream about how not to have the financial strife that is presently plaguing our family. There would be no need to diet and I would live contently in a peaceful and good life! If I could…I would! Wouldn’t you? What? “A Girl Can Dream…Can’t She?”

What do you see and try to hold on to in your dreams? We just need a little escape from our routines and stresses…yes we do!

Peach State

Peach State says: I am missing my solitary yellow pail!

My Solitary Yellow Pail

The waves meeting the shore…the breeze gently moving the clouds in the sky.  The sun beaming proudly down on the white sand and the tanning crowds…”I am missing my solitary yellow pail!”

This is a memory from one of our trips to the beach house.  I love going to the beach house!  Just opening the door to the house and breathing in the fragrance, of this quaint little cottage by the sea, causes an explosion of memories to flood into my heart and head.  The remnants of Coppertone and Sea and Ski lotions mixed with salty air have imprinted deeply throughout every corner of the house.  I just have to pick up a bottle of Coppertone and breathe in to visualize the house wherever I am.  The contrast of the little house against the typically blue sky is a sight to behold.  The moving of the porch furniture, from the back room, through the doors to the porch is a priority.  We remember fondly the old creaks and sounds associated with our childhood.  The refrigerator, called Bertha, shaking wildly with each cycle that shook the house and the old rusty fan that squeaked as it oscillated.  “Good Times!”  The fashion parade of beach hats and the line of flip-flops just out the back door…”Good Times!”

It is rainy and cold here in my neck of the woods today…I was looking for a picture when I came across one of my favorites.  The little yellow pail sitting alone on the brilliant white sand against the beautiful, ever-changing backdrop, of our beach.  We have been trying for the past several years to escape our city life, without the children, and flee together to our home away from home.  “One day!”  We keep promising each other it will happen soon but our lives have changed so much that retreating is not an option.  “Can’t decide if the word “retreating” has a meaning of falling back or a pleasant getaway.”  Both definitions work, sadly, causing me a heavy heart.  I yearn for the obvious getaway and refreshing of mind from schedules and obligations.  The walks, with a scenic view, and laughter, over filled coffee cups, are just the start to a glorious day at the beach.  Items for the time at the beach are stowed into bags and gather up and taken in hand.  Set up on the sand…. Breathe in…Breathe out….Relax!  The naming of the seagulls is part of the trip…Jonathon and Livingston are regular seagulls that visit every year.  “I know it is probably not the same ones…”  My parents once pointed out that Jonathon and Livingston were hungry.  “It was a trap to see who was paying attention and remembered their literature.”  The names stuck!  Some of the other names were Monty, Python, Harry, Ron, and a group of seagulls were the “Knights Who Say Ni“.  “Good Times!”

The solitary little pail sitting in the picture was a afterthought.  I had been taking pictures of the cousins playing and we were getting ready to head back to the house.  I looked around and saw the lonely little pail, abandoned by my youngest in search for the perfect shell.  I snapped the picture and continued with the whisking of the towels.  After a lazy lunch, and a minimal cleanup, I found my place on the front porch and grabbed my camera.  We compared the scenes frozen in time and chose the ones to print.  I reached the little pail…”Remember?”…We both loved everything the picture embodied.  Everything from solitude to childhood beach time was connected with this picture.    I want another chance to make a memory like this one.  I want to find another scene to freeze in time.  I want….”Sounding needy..sorry!” “I am missing my solitary yellow pail!”

What do you say?  Do you want to try again?  I will try my best to be flexible and not fill up my calendar.  I will bring the Coppertone!

Peach State