Sister Time On The Island

Sometimes you just need to escape with people who love you back, so on Thursday, I sent a text to my two sisters asking if they would be interested in a short getaway to Galveston—all expenses paid. They both said yes, so around noon on Friday, off we went to my favorite hotel on the Island, the San Luis Resort.

After a quick freshening up at the hotel, we headed to one of our favorite dining spots, Fisherman's Wharf. It was unusually quiet inside the restaurant, and between our slurps and bites, we laughed like school girls and enjoyed the view outside our window.

Afterwards, back at the hotel, I brewed a cup of coffee, donned my hoodie and retreated to the patio. The wind was gusty and cool, but nothing could mar the calming effect of the waves crashing to the shore.

While I tried to comprehend the greatness of a Creator who spoke the world into existence in six days, I received a text from a longtime friend who knows the personal heartache I carry: "Always know, the sun still shines behind every cloud. We only have one chance at life on God's beautiful planet earth. Live it to the fullest and make the best of every day, in spite of all. Bless you, dear friend. I love you." Her words touched my soul, and I was grateful for friends who genuinely care when I am hurting.

Later, as daylight slipped away and dusk fell across the Island, the sun suddenly broke through the clouds in a stunning descent westward. I remembered my friend's timely words and stared in awe at the Creator's matchless handiwork. Not only did I have sisters who love me back, I had a Creator who loved me to the cross and back. Even on the cloudiest of days, I am blessed beyond measure. ♦

Joining:
Mosaic Monday
Outdoor Wednesday
Share Your Cup Thursday

A Spontaneous Getaway to the Seashore

The sea has a way of lifting my head and lightening my load, so I made a quick getaway to the Island on Labor Day. It was a last-minute decision, and I was happy twin sister was able to join me. She makes everything better without saying a word.

Sitting on the beach, listening to the waves roll in, I considered the seagulls standing on the shore. Day, after day, they come, and day, after day, they find what they need to sustain them. Knowing I am more valuable than many seagulls to the one who made me brought a renewed sense of peace to my soul.

Dinner was fried oysters at one of our favorite spots.

Back at the hotel, coffee and dessert was served on the balcony. 

And as the evening sun painted glorious hues around us, I thanked the Creator for the priceless gift of another day.

Joining Outdoor Wednesday

The Sisters Do Galveston

In the fall of 2007, I invited my sisters to join me on a road trip to the Smoky Mountains to stay in this little cabin "Absolute Tranquility."

It was a ton of fun, and we agreed that we should continue taking trips together as long as we are healthy and able.

Thankfully, we are still healthy and able, and I do believe our 2013 trip was the best one yet. As Big Sister put it, we've gone further and stayed longer, but we've never had a better time. Honestly. We laughed till we cried, and then laughed some more.

A big thanks to Stan for driving Cloud 9 (his and Dayle's RV) to Galveston and turning us loose in it for a few days. Here are a few pictures (and a long, rambling narrative) for those of you with a spark of interest and some time on your hands.

After the RV was parked and situated, we all piled into the car and headed to one of our favorite seafood spots for a late lunch with the guys before they returned home. It was delicious, as usual.

The next few hours were occupied with settling into our wheels by the gulf, unloading suitcases, setting up camp, etc.

As evening approached, I headed to the beach for a time of sky gazing. The Master Artist knew I'd be there with camera in hand, of course. The colors were majestic in their own subtle way.

Friday started with rain and ended with rain, but we seized the sunshine in between and made it count. A little beach time, a little shopping time.

Dinner was at Fisherman's Wharf...

...and dessert was at Hey Mickey's Ice Cream!

My friend Ann recommended this place, and it was a big hit in a big way. Located near Stewart Beach, the outside was quaint and welcoming (as you can see above), and the moment we stepped inside, the smell of fresh-baked waffle cones had us swooning in the foyer.

Their ice-cream is freshly homemade, and after much tasting on my part, I finally settled on Almond Joy. In fact, we ALL selected Almond Joy. It was scrumptious! Thanks, Ann!

As the sun sank into the west, we returned to our gulf-side abode and decided to do some "sister posing" at the beach.

  

Our self-portraits are much like us—zany and unrehearsed—but we usually come away hee-hawing like crazed donkeys. This day was no exception.

Saturday, we dined at the Mosquito Cafe. I can't vouch for anything else they serve, but the Warm Goat Cheese Salad I ordered (with grilled chicken on top) was totally delectable. The house-made champagne vinaigrette made me smack my lips and ask for more. Oh, yum!

Saturday night, just when we thought things couldn't get any "funner," Matilda popped in for a visit. If you've never met Matilda, you have no idea. If you have met Matilda, then you know how wonderfully wild and woolly Matilda is. Maybe she'll greet her fellow bloggers in a video one day. I'm not holding my breath though. She's very busy.

Sunday morning, I woke at dawn and crept out of the RV, anxious to see the sunrise. Watching the glory of God unfold with the morning leaves me breathless every time. 



How grateful I am that God doesn't dwell in temples made by hand; He dwells in the praises of his people, the Bible says. And as I watched the sun climbing slowly in the east, heralding the start of a brand new day, my heart was filled with uninhibited praise.

I don't know what our next trip holds, but with my sisters, doing anything is fun. ♦

Sunday Morning Sunrise ~ Galveston Island ~ August 18, 2013

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1

♦ ♦ ♦

Linking to Outdoor Wednesday

Sand, Surf and Sea

After the doctor said my blood pressure was a little high, I succumbed to the call of the waves and headed south for a few days. Nothing soothes my senses like sand, surf and sea. I considered Destin (a favorite beach spot of mine), but I couldn't seem to get out of neutral and get 'er done, so Galveston, it was.

Living alone, you either vacation alone or you find a family member (or a friend) who wants to join you. Big Sis couldn't make it, but I was glad my twin was able to go. We've made memories at the beach since we learned how to drive. No need to stop now.

It was my second stay at The San Luis Resort, (Dayle's first) and it's an ideal spot for those in need of serious pampering. The rooms are plush, and whatever you want, the staff goes out of their way to get it. We were on the 14th Floor, and the view of the gulf was endless.

Thankfully, the weather was perfect, and we took in The Strand, the beach, a delightful sunset dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, and as many antique shops as we could possibly find. The car was loaded when we left town. Here are a few pictures to help tell the tale.

Views from The San Luis Resort, along with a stately seagull at Stewart Beach.

Me and my new boyfriend outside the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. What a squeeze!

My first visit to Fisherman's Wharf. Hopefully, it won't be my last. The food was divine.

Right outside our window, the lovely Elissa. For a quick history, click on the link.

 A breathtaking sunset sent me scurrying for the camera. God's handiwork never ceases to amaze.

As dusk falls, I stand in awe on the balcony.

The ships on the horizon twinkle in the evening light, waiting for their turn in port.

The pool area is huge, and glistens like a gem beneath me.

I couldn't help snapping another shot.



Treasures were found in antique shops the next day. Here is one of many we

shuffled through before packing our bags and heading home.

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And that's it, my friends. Thanks for letting me share my memories with you. Each time I visit the beach, and see the waves, and feel the wind, I'm reminded of how big God is, and how small my worries really are. ♦

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station,

through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in."

 - George Washington Carver - 

Simple Pleasure - A Getaway

I took a few days off last week to hang out near the waves and relax. So many pleasures awaited me:

Red geraniums at the door.

Cool sand between my toes.

Seagulls on the beach.

Seagulls in the air.

Morning coffee from the balcony.

A king-sized bed fit for a queen.

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I'm joining my twin for her blog party: Simple Pleasures