It never fails. I can just about bank on the fact that one of the first days after my arrival in a new place, I’m going to be sick. I have one of those “issues” that you cannot see, but it greatly affects my ability to switch to different locales. I have IBS…Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I was diagnosed when I was a teenager. It waxes and wanes, and if there is the least bit of anxiety involved in the mix, it amps the situation beyond mere discomfort. It’s stirred up by eating different foods than I am used to and the stress of travel.

Well, that was yesterday. I was especially worried because my stepson and his family are here with us and the last thing I wanted to do was fink out on them. I also know, feeling guilty adds to the whole situation. I needn’t have worried. They love me…they understand…and they are pretty self-sufficient travelers. I sent Mr. FixIt along with them to the beach to fish all afternoon and I stayed at the condo and relaxed. That did more for me than a day in the heat and humidity would have. And, I practiced saying no. That has never been an easy thing for me to do, but I’m getting better at it when I need to.

When the family came home, we went to see the sunset, we came back to the condo and fixed supper together and sat out on the big deck, then the guys and I walked down to the beach to see the ghost crabs skittering across the sand. The temperature was perfect…73 with the marine layer rolling in. While it wasn’t exactly what I would have envisioned for my day, it was really fine and ended well.

Today is our second wedding anniversary! My, that time has flown by and so much has happened! Happy Anniversary, Mr. FixIt!!!

❤️

“He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever.”

Psalms 146:6 NIV