The Same Way

I am sitting on a second level porch overlooking Old Orchard Beach.

Listening to the ocean. Breathing a sigh of relief. Reveling in the gentle breeze.

It is like coming home.

We have been doing this for 7 or 8 years or something quite like it.

A mini vacation right after labor day.

I never thought of it this way before but it is really the last gasp of summer, and because we are not world travelers (yet) it is a big deal to us.

Feels good. Feels right.

The calming effect of the sound of the ocean is really quite dramatic. The soul is soothed in a way that reminds you that you are human. All the muscles relax and - more importantly - the mind relaxes.

We checked in around 3:00. By 4:00 we were walking the beach.

A little different this year. Carol and I are alone. No Paula & Bill.

Missing the laughter but still............................it still tastes like chocolate.

AND we are getting together with Cori and John and Jay and Bill and Gail and Robin and Kathy later on to watch THE PATS kick off the 2015 NFL season.

Pretty goddamn awesome.

The sun is not even out; it is solidly overcast. A little on the cool side. Tomorrow is forecast to be solid rain.

Doesn't matter.

There is peace.

Missing the cats but they are in the care of Craig and Karen so there is no worry.

It is amazing how work ravages the soul. Along with the assholes you have to deal with.

When you settle into a setting like this you realize that this is how you are supposed to feel all the time.

If you get distracted the ocean is a relentless reminder. That soothing sound never stops. That huge expanse, the sheer overwhelming size and history and legend of the thing.

As we walked I noticed the seagulls imitating humans walking with their hands tucked behind their backs.

Cool and nonchalant.

Carol and I are feeling the same way.