I needed some time away.

It was great to wake up and not have your day all planned out for you.   It was a break from a pressure cooker of deadlines, and a nice time to step back, relax, and re-focus on the important things…and learn again what it feels like to be relaxed.

It was also a wonderful time to spend with the love of my life…just talking, laughing, and enjoying each others company.   We were also traveling with loved ones, who made the vacation even more special when we did things together.

The area around Charleston, South Carolina was just the spot.   Although it was hotter than a two dollar pistol, we had a wonderful time.   There were friendly people everywhere we visited.  The suite at the hotel was excellent.  And even though I have a modified tank, I did enjoy some of the local cuisine.   If you go to Charleston- do not miss Hyman’s downtown, and Melvin’s BBQ in Mount Pleasant.

The old buildings throughout Charleston’s downtown are still colorful and full of history.  Patriot’s Point has the aircraft Carrier Yorktown, and a World War Two submarine you can tour from top-to-bottom.  (Yes I fit through those tiny hatches inside the sub, but I felt like the inside of a sausage)

The county-run parks and piers are public gems, and hopefully an example to a lot of other seaside communities.

One piece of advice:  If you can, take a smaller car or truck.  I found the parking lots to be crowded most of the time, and it was a little tough negotiating a crew-cab pickup into and out of the spaces.

But there’s nothing like these mountains and hills, and it’s good to be back.  A welcoming committee of four deer just pranced through the back yard, and the finches and cardinals are outside…thankful that the buffet line is back open.  Jake and Harmony are also glad to be back home, and out of what they perceive to be detention center (although they were in excellent care).

I hope I’ll remember that relaxed feeling, and that realization of the important things in life. It has been years since I have been very far away from here, and from work for any length of time.

Did I wear my red thong swim trunks at Folly beach?

You will never know.