Pack your bags ladies!!

We kicked off summer with a Memorial Day trip to Maine. We knew that summer itself is iffy in Maine. It’s like a fickle Groundhog who just can’t make up its mind. Sometimes it comes out and stays for a while, sometimes it’s in and out like a breeze. You just never know. Going in May, we knew that the weather may be more like fall than like summer but it was the time when everyone could get together so we packed our shorts and sweaters and off we went.

A lovely old house was rented for us by my mum on Smallidge Way. It was dank, crusty, creaky and perfectly charming. Still emanating that “just opened” smell after a long cold winter, the house spoke to us with every step, every window opening, every door thrown ajar. The screens didn’t close right, letting all insects have easy access, save the blind or dumb ones who might smack right into the middle and not know to sneak into the edges. The ants are large and plentiful and march across kitchen counters, clocks, walls and floors. They even explored the second floor – most impressive.

Now THAT's what I call an old-school shower!

The plumbing was rustic, at best. One shower and one load of laundry told us that the water heater was particular. We then had to master a bathing and laundry schedule that would last the next few days. The faucets held an endless supply of ice cold water. No need for ice cubes when you needed a drink. And the old faucets in the bathroom with the separate cold and hot knobs on other side kept you alert, racing your hands or toothbrush back and forth from scalding hot to freezing cold.

Ah, the country. We were instantly reminded of my grandmother. Being an old-school wasp where luxuries of central air or heat and modern plumbing are considered flashy and frowned upon, one was meant to tough it out and not complain. We were extremely grateful for the one heater in the living room. It actually put out quite a lot of heat, once you got it going.

The sheets were a bit damp and the pillows were like rocks. This may scare some, but thankfully I had my wasp training of peeling paint, rust-worn hinges and vintage bedding circa 1950.

The family members were excited to see one another. There were big dinners every night, lobster feasts beyond belief, leaving us feeling like Henry the VIII with full bellies on overload. We played charades. We did karaoke. We laughed till into the wee hours. Copious amounts of wine were consumed. The dogs were beyond elated. The one child in the group, my niece, unfortunately had to endure an all adult vacation and retired to the den to watch movies often. I don’t blame her.

Our friend took us clamming. It lasted 15 minutes. Us city folk did our best but it just wasn’t our thing. And the point was just to get the commemorative photo, right? We went to Jordan Pond, a lovely place I have been going to for years, and had the best popovers ever. We had big family breakfasts with farm fresh eggs. We endured rain, a lightning and thunder show, and a couple glorious hours of perfect Maine summer weather.

Freshest eggs I have ever had!

The ONLY lobster is MAINE lobster!

Why am I sharing this with you? I think to remind you that vacation is something you need to do. We don’t take enough of it. And the years are whizzing by. It’s important to kick back and spend time with those you love. It doesn’t have to be family. Lord knows, we had our tense moments on the trip, always do. Someone says something that hurts someone’s feelings, someone else is telling the same joke again, one person has gone and left their can of worms for fishing in the fridge with a loose top and now there are worms everywhere. One family member looks green from too much shellfish and melted butter, and yet another one has gone and ruined my pink sweater in the laundry! It happens. I myself got irritable and wanted out at times. But we have to be kind and look at not the individual moments but the overall experience. I love my family. We have fun. We can be loud. We can be stubborn, me being the leader of that brigade at times. But we understand each other and know that we will be there, in each other’s lives, no matter what. And we will have these memories forever. No one can take that away from us.

Vacation is just that – vacating. You are getting out of your box, your regular routine and mixing it up. Going somewhere else means no usual errands to run at home, no stack of mail you need to go through, no comfort zone. Very worrisome and wonderful at the same time. One moment, I was enjoying sitting on the porch staring at the water, and the next, I’m missing my dog and bed back home. That’s life. We all know there’s a difference between a family vacation and one with just your friends or boyfriend or whomever. I’m not talking about the required Thanksgiving visit or holiday that can get everyone stressed out. I’m talking about SUMMER vacation. Even if your family is a disaster, at least there might be BBQ, or ice cream, swimming or just good ol’ sunshine to get you smiling.

The view from the porch – divine

Now go and enjoy your family or friends. Take a summer vacation – even if it’s just a weekend.