For the past few years, I've been vacationing, the 3rd week of July, in Ocean City, MD. My good friend and former neighbor, Fran rents her summer place, aka Smith Housita to me for a very good, low low price.
This year, I just couldn't get the money together, so I had to cancel. I'm hoping John and I can go this September, before he goes back to work after undergoing his chemo treatments. I think when it's all said and done, we're going to NEED a few days away for rest and relaxation and picnics on the beach! Fran gives me real sweet deal when we rent in the autumn, after the season ends.
But the other 3 years we used the place, it was great! Fran and her hubby bought this place as their summer vacation home. They would go down all summer and on weekends before and after "the season". They liked it so much, they sold their home here in PA and bought a year-round house in MD, just about 2 miles from their summer place.
The housita, as she likes to call it, is in a gated community on the mainland just a few miles from Ocean City. There's a lake with paddle boats for your pleasure, 2 large pools (one at each end of the development), a fishing and crabbing dock, rec center for the kids. The house has 2 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, 1 bath and a laundry room.
The thing I like best is it's only about 5 miles from Ocean City beaches and boardwalk and 5 miles in the other direction from Assateague Island. We usually go swimming at Assateague. Parking is free and abundant (well, actually you pay $10 per car-load per week.. parking in Ocean City is $10 minimum each time you go, unless you luck out and find a spot on the street). It's not overly-crowded and you share the beach with the wild ponies!
Driving through the island is really cool! The ponies seem to be everywhere! The campers have to be careful to store their food well or the horses get in the tents and eat all the food!
So, I'll be socking a few dollars away each week for next summer. I'm not missing out on my week at the beach any more!
And I'm going to steal my good friend, Pseudo's idea and give you 10 things I plan to do this summer. Unfortunately, I can't take the summer off, like she can (she's a teacher) but I'm sure I can find 10 things to do.
1. Read as many good books as I can.
2. Take John to U of PA for his chemo treatments and be as upbeat as I possibly can.
3. Go to Longwood Gardens before the chemo starts and John still has his strength .
4. Have picnics at Peace Valley Park on Sundays (doesn't' the name of the park make you feel good?)
5. Go to Dorney Park for the Wildwater Kingdom and have lots of water slide fun!
6. Eat Rita's Water Ice (sugar free of course) as often as possible.
7. hang out at the pool at John's apartment.
8. Take naps at said pool.
9. Do as many little day trips as we can. Lots of museums and parks to see.
10. Sleep in on Sundays. oh, wait, I do that now!
For more spins on summer plans, head on over to Sprite's Keeper.
16 comments:
There is nothing like taking a little vacay to refresh and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Seems like the last couple of years, it's been harder for Larry to get away for a full week (forget two) - and this is his post retirement job! Everyone needs a break - even if you just take a little "stay-cation" and go nowhere.
If anyone needs the time off to rest, relax, and restore it's you and John. I'll cross my fingers that you guys get to your Housita in the fall. Sounds like a really lovely place.
oh its looks so nice..I hope you two get there in September!!!!
it looks and sounds amazing, such a shame you can't get there, i hope it wors out for september, sometimes its the thought of a break that keeps us going isn't it!
Like I said to Pseudo, I hope you get everything on your list!
The rental is so cute, I could imagine, just settling with a book right by that beautiful bay window. And the wild ponies? Sprite would go nutes! (and probably try to mount one, which would not end well...) You're linked!
Sorry you're missing it in July but I bet it's crisp and beautiful in the Fall, as well.
John (& you) are in my thoughts.
You and John really deserve that...
x
Sounds like a plan. I may join you in some of that napping and reading.
You definitely deserve a vacation, so I hope September will be enough. In the meantime, your list sounds fabulous! I'll have to see what might be on my list.
I read all those pony book when I was a kid. Great post Joanie!
Love those pony books! Been wanting to go there since I was 9.
And Dorney Park....now there's a good time!
That "housita" looks wonderful and the horses are beautiful. Hope you get there soon.
I've been wanting to take my daughter to Assateague -- what's a good time of year to go? I should say, when is it too cold to go...
Water Ice! I miss it. People down here look at me as if I'm insane when I use that phrase. "what other kind of ice is there?" they say. When I explain, they say, "oh, a sno-cone"
NO, NOT a sno-cone. Its not the same at all.
jenny, summer time is the best time. at some point, near the end of summer, they move the ponies from assateague island to chincoteague island for the winter. you can google it to get the info.
Those are some awesome summer plans. Especially the napping part. :)
Wow, that place sounds wonderful! Take lots and lots of photos in September. Maybe your friend will charge you just enough to break even.
Sounds like a great plan. Enjoy - you deserve it.
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