Returning to work after a vacation is the ultimate struggle.

I have a tendency to dwell for the first few days, reflecting back on what I would have been during the week prior.

For Instance…(Cue Violins)

“Last Monday at this time I was getting ready to go out to dinner with my family and best friend at the Union Bluff Hotel” 

or

“Last week at this time I was at the beach taking a nap”

(Would you like some cheese with that wine?)

Fortunately, my wallowing usually ends after a couple of days and I adjust back into my day-to-day routine.

Before leaving for Maine on Saturday, I promised myself that I would take the time to reflect, relax, and enjoy each day as it comes. A simple vacation was what I had intended on taking, and that is exactly the kind of vacation I had.

My family has been spending their summers at York Beach, Maine for decades. This quaint seashore town holds a special place in my heart, and a warm feeling immediately overcomes me whenever I see the Ferris Wheel approaching as I pull into town.

Every year growing up, I would spend 1-3 weeks in July crammed into a cottage with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Food was always being prepared, clothes were hung out on the line to dry in the warm air, and loud voices filled each of the tiny oak rooms.

I would walk downstairs to the sight of my grandmother making breakfast, card games being played at the kitchen table, and everyone gathered around the living room TV. We made our own fun, and had plenty of laughs along the way. 

I wouldn’t trade the memories of my summers here for anything in the world, and seeing my niece experience all of the activities that my cousins and I enjoyed as children was such a blessing.

We arrived at our cottage Saturday afternoon, and immediately made it our own .

Every morning I awoke to the scent of coffee brewing in the kitchen, and Mickey Mouse Club House playing on the TV in the living room.

I sipped my coffee for an hour or so before heading out for a 4 mile walk down to a local beach. It felt good to get outside before the heat got too intense, and to clear my head in quiet morning air.

Our days were spent back on Short Sands, where we lounged in the water, snacked out of our cooler and strolled up and down the boardwalk.

We set up shop in the same spot everyday.

The Family

My cousin was the only one who found a Sand dollar that week, and my niece was in awe when we presented it to her.

It was a proud moment.

I read “Something Borrowed” by Emily Giffin, which was the only novel that caught my eye in the ONE bookstore in town.

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Giffin has an easy writing style that kept me engaged from page to page.

The first few nights were spent bbqing chicken and steaks with corn on the cobb, baked beans, and brown rice. 

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio was also enjoyed with fresh blueberries and splash of Sprite Zero

My mother also brought along some fresh tomato sauce because …”You have to eat Pasta on Sunday’s no matter what.” Even while on vacation in the 90 degree heat, meatballs, sausages and ziti were prepared in the hot kitchen and served at the usual 3:00 hour.

Mangia!

Our other dinner destinations included:

The Union Grill @ The Union Bluff Hotel

Blues Burger, where I ordered a Veggie Burger made with Barley, Oats, Lentils and Walnuts. It was not what I expected, but tasted delicious nonetheless.

Inn on the Blues, which also has a great lounge on the second floor

Blue Sky @ the Atlantic House Hotel.

Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza

And of course, the vacation would not be complete without breakfast at the Goldenrod.

Salt Water Taffy = the BEST smell in the world

I was a bit lazy with snapping pictures of my meals. (Bad Blogger!) However, I enjoyed many delicious dishes including, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Veggie Burgers and cool summer salads.

As far as dessert goes, it was mandatory following our early dinners. Every night I dug into BOTH Moose Tracks and Purple Cow Frozen Yogurt.

A cake was also brought by my father for my mother’s birthday.

Happy Birthday Mama!

Plenty of walking took place on this vacation, which helped me work off the massive amounts of food I consumed.

We walked to Nubble Light, strolled through Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, and shopped around the stores in town

My favorite place in Perkins Cove is Perkins Cove Candies.

This candy store is full of homemade chocolates, along with every type of gummy, sour, and sugar-free candy you can imagine. 

You are given a bucket to fill to the brim with the candies of your choice, and it is very easy to go overboard. As a matter of fact, we collected almost $70 worth of deliciousness.

Since the town closes by 10, besides one of the restaurant lounges, the rest of our nights were spent sitting around the dining room table, drinking,talking and playing card games.

Taking a break from everyday life was just what we needed. 

Sometimes, all it takes is a few nights of laughs, calming waves and a short time away to recharge your batteries.