Weekend With Friends

I recently had the pleasure to spend the weekend with a few friends at Flagler Beach. Jo, who is one of my best friends was invited to go spend the weekend with her next door neighbor and a few of her friends and she asked me to come along. I have been doing a lot with the church and helping with grandchildren and Bill's mom so I decided with Bill's encouragement to go. First, I must say I have had the pleasure of staying at Alice's beach house before. It is so charming and relaxing I couldn't wait to get back. It is one of those places that reminds you of going to Grandma's house and being surrounded by all the things she loved most. The house was once Alice's Aunt Iris's who recently passed away and Alice's mother. It is a place full of love and comfort. If you are looking for luxury, this isn't that place, here there is no heat and you have to plunge the toilet if you use one sheet too many of toilet paper, no it is just a place to unwind and find a little perspective. Alice has filled her cottage with chenelle bedspreads, rose patterned throws, rag rugs, soft greens, sea blues, beach pictures, shelves full of books. I truly appreciated being invited to come. We had to plot out the many eating and drinking events around talking and junking trips. What wonderful cooks and the company was so much fun. Stories about families, work, and friends poured out both evenings. Stories that inspire and stories that made you laugh so hard you might wet your pants spilled out between glasses of wine. I think it was nice to listen and learn about others experiences and take our minds away from our own daily problems. I am so blessed to have a great family and many wonderful friends. I am blessed to have a husband that understands when things get to be a little overwhelming a weekend at Alice's though no weekend at Bernies' is still just the thing to bring me home happy and ready to get back to the real world of everyday life. I thank Jo and the other girls for sharing their weekend with me and I look forward to more stories, great food, fun shopping and rest. Alice your so lucky to have your retreat, and you are so gracious to share it with your friends.