Down time...

We all need it...sometimes more than others. We live our lives rushing around as if it really mattered that we accomplish every last one of the voluminous laundry list items of "want to's", "have to's" and "ought to's".  The truth is that many of the items on our daily lists really don't matter in the larger scheme of life.  And sometimes (actually often for me!) you just need to chill.

In celebration of my birthday this year, my girlfriends and I found a vacation home in the foothill wine country...we would normally hit Palm Desert in the Fall for our annual get away, but we changed it up this year. It was a lovely log home with a spectacular view. No pool, but

It was nice to just sit and watch the sky...

Enjoy the beauty...

Be with friends...

Celebrate Passages over a great meal...

Exercise our minds...

Listen to a Beethoven Sonata on a concert grand (yes, in a vacation home!)...

Shop and "do lunch" in a cute little nearby town...

Then come back home, relaxed, kiss the hubby, check the mail for birthday cards,

and see this...

Happy Birthday, Laurel!

Now that's what I call Real "Down Time"...good grief!

Laurel.  65 and another year closer I guess!!

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