Travel Tuesday

So we got to the beach last week. We even debated about going since we have a pretty hectic travel schedule over the next few months. But, I said, “Yes, let’s go—it will be nice and relaxing since we don’t have anything to do.” Famous last words!

Upon arrival:

Unload the car.

Put all the refrigerator things away.

Put away all the stuff we brought from home.

Refill all soaps, toilet paper, and Kleenex.

Replace shampoos, conditioners, bath bars, and body washes. For whatever reason, people are hesitant to throw empty containers away.

Put out fresh towels.

Clean patio furniture.

Wash windows, doors, and all wooden framework (it gets really gross from the salt air and looks like it needs painting when all it needs is cleaning).

Sweep patio and area rug—tons of sand.

Put out all the furniture cushions and pillows.

Pick up trash that seems to accumulate between the patio and bushes—some stuff falls from the balconies above.

Wash fingerprints inside from all doors and woodwork. 

Wash fingerprints from thermostat, and washer/dryer knobs (okay, I freely admit, I get a little OCD about fingerprints.

Butch had to replace the back door lock.

I had to re-program the thermostat--we can control it from home, but for some reason, it stopped letting me do that.

I tired to get our YouTube TV in one of the bedrooms and spent quite a bit of time trying to figure it out. I didn't have the correct login information, so that was a waste of time.

And we definitely have to make several trips to Walmart and/or Publix for miscellaneous things and groceries. On one of those trips, I saw this:

Seriously? Give me a break. I do not understand this. At. All.

When get to the beach, we usually go to Goatfeathers for lunch. Afterwards, I get fresh shrimp at the fish market part of Goatfeathers for the week. I always look forward to that. 

But there was definitely plenty of fun for us.

The first day we went to the beach, there were red flags. The water was really choppy and there was a lot of wind.

The next day, the flag was still red, but the ocean had really calmed down and was beautiful. Even though we don't really like to go in the summer when it's so hot, August is a good time since the kids are back at school. We love it when there aren't many people on the beach--or at the pool. There was one large family at the pool that let their crap all over. They didn't come down until about 11 a.m., so I had it to myself until then. Butch blew up my float, so I had a lot of relaxing time. 

In honor of our 52nd anniversary, we went to our favorite upscale place at the beach:

Cafe Tango is always delicious. You have to have reservations any time you go--it's a small place. They have not changed their menu in 20 years. It's all so good--I guess they just stick with what they know is great. Works for us!

Upon leaving:

Clean out the refrigerator.

Take in all the patio cushions and pillows.

Haul all recycling home.

Trash to the dumpster (everyone is supposed to do this when they leave).

I always wipe the refrigerator shelves since they are usually packed full of stuff. This time, I checked all the expiration dates and discarded a ton of stuff. We'll restock and start fresh next spring. 

The drinks—omgosh—so many drinks left behind. I think we’re going to take them home in October and see if anyone wants them. We can’t tell what’s been left because no one liked them or if they were just leftover. 

We had a great time even if there was a lot of work. As Butch said, “We come down and work our butts off so it’s nice for everyone else!” 

Ain’t that the truth!