Making Memories in Delaware- Stoner Style

Pinch me, was it a dream? I'm sitting here in my life on Newark-Granville Road, tan, rested and thinking maybe the week at the beach was just a dream.  It certainly was dreamy to be in a beautiful home rented by my Mom for us, close to the beach, with family. It was not perfect as we did miss Clare, Sally, Louisa, Emma and Grace...it wasn't all the Stoners under one roof, but for those that could be with us it was a treat!

Rehoboth, DE...last year was a fun visit with a hotel stay...this year longer and the house.  The house is nice as we can linger over coffee and chat, make family dinners and enjoy the screened in porch at cocktail time! The beach time was divine- breezy and warm, cool ocean that was exhilarating with just enough waves. I do love lunch break and making a good sandwich!

Bonus, the week started with a stop in Hagerstown to honor Georgina Bruce, beloved cousin of my mother and her dear family. They had their service and then we gathered for lunch with the Ashville family. We added 18 holes at FHCC, because- why not- it is a beloved course and perfect way to launch vacation time.  We made the drive over the bridge to Sarah and Greg's...ending the day with a cocktail and giggles in their welcoming home, and puppy licks!! Peter met Winnie...and of course we adore Remmie.

Matt and Karen flew in, Mom picked them up at BWI, we all united for move-in to the house with the treat of Mom's sand tarts.  A quick dip to launch the beach trip and Coq au Vin for dinner! Second day was beach time and a crab feast on the porch. Small but tasty, beautiful ritual to introduce and share with Karen.

Sunday more beach time, reading time and dinner out in Rehobeth- lovely lovely lovely.

Monday-more beach time, reading time- I finished four books this week:

The Correspondent- finally- I know everyone has read it and told me how good it was, they were right I LOVED IT!  The Academy- had been had this one for a while- great beach read and Garden and Gun's latest edition- again I put it aside to savor on the beach! Boys, Dogs and other things I've cried over....what a treat NYC living, friends and romance and amazing care for these amazing four legged lovies! HIGHLY recommend, and Claire McCardell, the Designer Who Set Women Free the book I finished on the drive home....fascinating non-fiction about an important Woman of Maryland!

Tuesday- rain day, Nicobolis, shopping and steak night!

Wednesday- YOGA on the boardwalk....back to the beach and taco fun...

Thursday- back to the beach- fried chicken, deviled eggs- we start to work to reduce take home inventory....FUNLAND...Matt, Karen and I on the Sea Dragon (I want to call it the Pirate Ship) and Mom and Peter on the Carousel!

Friday- last day...breakfast on the boardwalk with mom, shop, back to the beach and then dinner out in Lewes, bonus- drinks with Amy and Dave...what a great...

Saturday- 6:15 (shooting for 6) am departure to avoid bridge traffic, it worked...great driving by Joe and home....for dinner with Sally who stayed to work (AEP) and the care for Lucy.

This truly is one of my favorite kind of vacations. I did a bit of work (it is fiscal year end) but because of this wonderful getaway truly relaxed, as did Joe- yay! Family time, reading time, outdoor showers, swimming and floating in saltwater, sand in your toes, the surf, the ice in the glass....little things I'm thinking about as I type. Happy to be home and glad we'll end the fiscal year strong, launch the 4th of July fun in our sweet town and make more memories that matter.