WHEN IS A VACATION NOT A VACATION?i

Even if one lives in a tourist area a vacation is needed for rest to body and mind. We missed our annual trip to Florida last year because of the weather.  We had to postpone it a month this year because of my health  and the myriad of medical tests I was prescribed.  The day finally arrived.  We drove to Wilmington to save money on our tickets.  Our one large piece of luggage, bulging like a bloated hog, held more than it should. I held my breath when it was lifted onto the scales. Whew!  Twenty-five dollars, please. Security was next.  would our small handbag of medications make it through? I must remember to show my electronic card for my Loop recorder.  I was assured I would not have to go through the metal detector.  Hold your arms above your head and step on the yellow footprints. After the "pat down,"  I was home free.

This was to be a vacation of relaxation.  We would take short trips and attend special happenings but mainly we would sit at home and enjoy each other's company.  I left my computer and Ipad at home.  I had my Iphone but I am not too good using it as anything but a phone and a camera. Oh, yes, email, too.  But it didn't give me a writing instrument .  After about two days I began to have a feeling that something was missing. Had I forgotten one of my medications?  No, they were all there?  What could it be?  Had I forgotten something really important to do at home.  Did I close the cat  in the guest room?  Or forget to turn the thermostat back?  No, I was pretty sure those things had been done.  Then it hit me like a brick.  I had not written anything in days! How can I remedy that?  I brought a small notebook and I would write the old fashioned way. That evening after everyone had gone to bed I decided to sit on my side of the bed and write.  There was no place to rest the notebook.   Soon my neck began to hurt and I closed the notebook. Perhaps I could go in the bathroom and find comfort.  That lasted for a few minutes.  Besides I seemed to have writers'  block or was it cramp?  I decided to go to bed and try to sleep.  Sleep at 11:30!  /A t home I would just be getting my second wind.  But I did fall asleep. I had some amazing dreams but little came to mind he following morning.  I gave myself a stern lecture..Darlene, forget the writing until you go home, after all no one seems interested.  So sit back enjoy the conversations of times gone by.  Some day my friends might be surprised to recognize one of their stories in print.
        I  can't wait to open my computer