Another beautiful day!  Hope the weather keeps up like this! 

The husband was up with the seagulls to go for a newspaper run and surprised me with a cup of hazelnut coffee…

I love him

We all had a leisurely morning and low-key breakfast.  I went with one of my faves – egg whites and lite cheese on Ezekiel english muffin…

We planned on staying at the beach all day, so I packed up a feast.  Lunch for me was Old Bay peel and eat shrimp…

The seagulls were so jealous.

And some baby carrots…

We frolicked in the way too cold for me ocean for an hour, then I planted my rear end in a chair to finish this biography I have been reading…

It’s a terribly depressing true story of a young girl who witnessed her family’s murder while vacationing aboard a sailboat.  She was rescued after four days on the ocean waters floating on a cork life preserver.  Ugh.  I need something happy to read now.

We went for a long walk to the jetty, then came back to base camp for a snack.  I was prepared with plain nonfat Chobani yogurt, a diced peach and few walnuts…

I’m trying my best to not get caught up in mindless munching.  Being prepared with substantial snacks is going to be key!

Back to the homestead to get cleaned up and ready for dinner.  We decided on take-out and eating on the deck again.  It’s so relaxing!  The daughters voted for Chinese – fried dumplings are their favorite here.  I opted for the Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables…

I know it looks boring, but it was actually very tasty!  Plus, I didn’t have to make it, so I loved it even more

I did dig into a little of the husband’s plain fried rice, too…

After dinner, big daughter and I headed out for our evening ride…

We only got in about 15 minutes;  they were hankering for gelato!!

Off we went! 

I got an iced decaf coffee…

while they ate this…

I was okay, though.  I know what it tastes like.  It is delicious.  But, last time, it threw me over the edge.  So, I think I’ll keep the sugary treats to a minimum this time!  I might make some banana “ice cream”  to have instead!

We’ve settled in to a competitive round of SKIP-BO…

Gotta get my game on!

Have a great day, everyone!

What is your favorite treat to indulge in when you’re on vacation?

It’s our last day of vacation and sooooo hot –100 degrees!  This has been the place to be…

Reminding myself to stop digging in the daughters’ bag of honey grahams…

Starting the process…

I like this book a lot!

Taking a lunch break back in the air-conditioning…

More digging.  And not in the sand.  This time it was pita chips.  Grrrrr.

Shower, pack and say good-bye  with a nice dinner out…

(x 794 pieces)

A sweet farewell…

Goodbye, Gelato.  I will miss you.  However, my hips will be a daily reminder of just how wonderful you are

Have a great day, everyone!  Hope you are staying cool!

What is on your summer reading list?

This is one of the most active vacations I have ever taken!  Every morning,  I hit the pavement with this guy…

The husband and I average about 2 miles in the morning walking Rocky. 

After our walk, we hit the gym.  In the garage!  I was able to simulate my 30 minute express workout from the gym using what my Dad had available in the garage.

All I needed was a step for the cardio station…

a weight bench…

and some dumbells (that were a little heavy for this weakling, but I made due with the 10 pounders as best I could)…

I set my GYMBOSS for 2:1 intervals to mimic the red/green light at the gym.  At the  2 minute alarm, I would do 2 sets/12 reps of weight exercise – all upper body today- then, at the 1 minute alarm, I would do the step work for cardio.  It was a great workout in the garage!

I finished up with a few reps of sit-ups…. in the air-conditioned house…

With all that activity, I was hungry!

Different location, same breakfast…

No turkey breakfast sausage, but a cool new cheese – Colby Cheddar!  Yummy with egg and an Ezekiel english muffin along with a side of sunshine…

We got in another little walk to the beach, which was beautiful and so HOT.  I did take a dip in the ocean which was NOT HOT at all. Hello 69 degrees… me no likey.  Brrrrrr.

Instead of packing lunch, we came home for leftovers.  I went with a bison burger on a whole wheat bun loaded with grilled onion, lettuce, cheese and tomato…

Now that’s a whopper! 

Blue corn tortilla chips and cherries on the side…

We spent the afternoon swimming at the pool.  I got in some noodle exercises, then floated my butt around.  A girl’s gotta relax a little!

With Mom and Gram in the kitchen, I really am on easy street this vacation!  All I had to do was shower and sit down to a delicious dinner of baked chicken, brown rice, broccoli and tomato and mozzarella salad…

Our after-dinner tradition is a sunset bike ride.  Tonight we did a breezy 4 miles.  A fantastic way to end the day!

Well, maybe gelato could make it just a teeny bit more fantastic

Have a great day, everyone!

Do you exercise more or less when you are on vacation?