Beach Dwelling

In recent years, we've enjoyed many special days at Ocean Shores at our fractional condo. It's located five miles from downtown, near the jetty. We love strolling along the water's edge trying to find seashells while waves crash onto the shore. The days are blissful indeed with the breeze blowing and gulls calling out. Somehow it all adds up to a wonderful kind of calm, especially as the sun begins to set. How relaxing! That's what summer is all about - finding ways to let go, slow down, and enjoy the world around us.

What prettier setting than the beach to gather family and friends together. Each time as we unpack and settle into our condo, work woes and everyday cares wash away like footprints in the rising tide. No busyness, no to-do lists, no "plans," just the simple life.

Over the past three years of ownership, we've invited many friends and family members to share the coastal experience with us. With the additional bedroom and the hide-away couch, not to mention the floor space, we can acccommodate quite a few. There is a journal that stays at the condo for visitors to record their stays. Of course our sons' families have stayed over many times. But others have come over for the day, a night, the weekend, or the entire week: Dale's mom, Don & Kathy, Terry & Lynne, Tony & Mason, Mike & Jane, Marvin & Sharon, Dennis, Gary & Maribeth, Sharon & Dan, and Jami & Marla. We have the belief that if God has blessed you with something, it's one's duty to share it with others. I enjoy doing some entertaining (cooking) for others. The condo has a kitchen with basic amenities. We've served many delicious flavorful meals while at our shore retreat.

Ocean Shores offers natural beauty and almost-untamed atmosphere with its sculpture-like driftwood, tide-pools, changing tides, crabs,and kelp. From grandparents to toddlers, downtown Ocean Shores offers activites galore: putt-putt golf, go-carts, mopeds, theaters, waterpark, carnival rides, horse-back rides, boat rentals, museum, library, ferry rides, shopping, restaurants, ... And of course, there's the option to do absolutely nothing, maybe soak up the sun, revel in breezes, build sand castles, beach comb, build a driftwood fort, play board games, build a bonfire, put puzzles together, watch whales, and enjoy the company of loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Summer has begun and it's waiting for you to go explore. I hope I've shed some light on the importance of relationships with others as well as the significance of solitude.

Beach

There's something peaceful about being at the beach. I love the glow of the water when the sun beams down. A stroll at sunset is so wonderful, restoring your soul and senses with the sound of the waves rolling onto the shore, the seagulls crying overhead, and the peach-colored clouds filling the sky. Some of our most precious memories revolve around the beach. When we first got married we lived south of Mobile AL. My husband owned a motorcycle. We would drive to nearby Dauphin Island for the day and find a secluded beach to enjoy by ourselves. At that time, the island was very sparsely developed, so there was almost nothing but white sugar sand for miles. Since those early days, we've continued to make beach memories throughout our marriage. It's usually our first choice when deciding where to vacation. The above picture was taken at Ocean Shores WA in 2007. The pictures below are Dauphin Island.

By the Sea

In July 2006, we purchased a 2 bedroom 2 bath shared ownership condo in Ocean Shores WA. We get five weeks per year. It's located near the jetty. Our kids come join us often when we're there and we usually invite a friend or two to come over. It's comfortable and sits as close to the beach as you can get (legally). Below are pictures from September and November 2006 to view.