Why I’m Glad We Didn’t Take a Vacation

If you know me at all, you probably know at least these two things. The beach is my happy place, and I don’t like to be cold.

This month, here in our part of Arkansas, we spent about 100 hours below freezing, and several more below 40. I’ve been staying inside as much as I could get away with.

But the happy place I often dream of to help me survive winter hasn’t been so dreamy either. Watching the news and social media from the Gulf Coast has been downright shocking. The very beaches where I’ve spent hours strolling (during just about every month of the year, I might add) are covered in snow.

Snow and ice hit from Galveston to the Florida panhandle, and up through the Carolinas. And not just a dusting. With record-breaking snowfall in many areas along the coast, residents and visitors were shocked.

But many seemed to be making the best of it. I saw photos of numerous snowmen and snow sculptures on the beach. And I’ll admit, the sights were beautiful. But I am ever so thankful we weren’t there to see it in person.

My beach packing typically includes shorts, sandals, and a hoodie, even in December. So I’d have been unprepared. And with a beach just steps away, with its sights and sounds calling to me, I’m not sure I could have hidden indoors like I have here.

Warmth or waves—a tough choice! I know I’d have had to get my feet in the sand and let the waves hypnotize me, at least a bit. So it’s better we just stayed at home, where I can close the curtains and snuggle under a blanket without missing a thing.

Hey, turn up that thermostat while you’re up.

 

 

 

 

 

photo cred: https://www.visitpensacola.com/