If you have been reading here for long, you realize that I love the ocean. The ocean seems to have a draw like none other for me. Growing up visiting the ocean with my parents that adored the water probably influenced this passion of mine. It's fun to see that same passion passed down to my children and to their children as well. I was taught at a very young age to have a great respect for the mighty ocean and her beauty. Our annual beach week was enjoyed by our family again. Experiencing this vacation in the same place at the same week on the calendar gives a sense of rhythm to my life.
The week for me is not about taking photos, but enjoying time with my family. Relaxing by the ocean is what we do best.
We set up our colorful umbrellas and chairs according to the tide chart. I have graduated to a higher beach chair as the years have gone by. Do you know how hard it is to get up from a chair that sits on the sand? It's not pretty, so a higher one helps me keep my dignity. Maybe!
Big kids get involved to make sure the engineered structure keeps the tide at bay.
A dip in the ocean is really what the doctor ordered. What a good feeling it is to be weightless. Our daughter is an open water swimmer and enjoyed time swimming with the tides.
The beach provides good bonding times for father and son.
Even a double rainbow knows where my pot of gold lies. Right there in the gorgeous ocean! I've heard it said that the earth is 71 percent ocean and we should call our planet Ocean, not Earth! Umm... Maybe so.
The week for me is not about taking photos, but enjoying time with my family. Relaxing by the ocean is what we do best.
We set up our colorful umbrellas and chairs according to the tide chart. I have graduated to a higher beach chair as the years have gone by. Do you know how hard it is to get up from a chair that sits on the sand? It's not pretty, so a higher one helps me keep my dignity. Maybe!
Big kids get involved to make sure the engineered structure keeps the tide at bay.
A dip in the ocean is really what the doctor ordered. What a good feeling it is to be weightless. Our daughter is an open water swimmer and enjoyed time swimming with the tides.
The beach provides good bonding times for father and son.
Even a double rainbow knows where my pot of gold lies. Right there in the gorgeous ocean! I've heard it said that the earth is 71 percent ocean and we should call our planet Ocean, not Earth! Umm... Maybe so.
Hello Martha Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI said this on another blog recently about the sea "there is something about the sea that soothes and cleanses the Soul"
I really think it's true.
What lovely blue skies inviting water even a Heaven sent Rainbow :)
Take Care x💙
I agree, Fiona. My soul feels refreshed each time I view her. Even though we were chased off the beach that afternoon by a storm, we were rewarded with a beautiful promise from God. What could be better? ♥
DeleteBeautiful rainbow. I agree with you about the ocean. I could just sit and stare at the waves. So soothing. And I get it about the chairs too. Life brings changes!
ReplyDeleteDotsie, I don't know why, but changes take me by surprise. I guess I live in a dream world about aging! ♥
DeleteOceans are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes, they are indeed, Pilar! ♥
Deleteyaaaa, I can comment today. It doesn't always happen, so I'll copy and paste half of the comment here that I sent you through e-mail. The other part was just for you to read.
ReplyDelete*Martha Ellen, it was wonderful to hear your thoughts about the ocean.
Jess loves the ocean too, and I don't think she could live that far
from it. That is so nice that your family gets together every year
at the same time to enjoy the ocean and spend time together. And that
double rainbow, oh my, what a special gift that was! Is the earth
really 71% ocean? I didn't realize that, and I chucked when you said
planet ocean. Your grandsons look like they are having fun on the
beach. Speaking of the beach, here is a picture of Francesca on the
beach. I really like your posts, Martha Ellen. They are like a breath
of fresh air to me. : )
~Sheri
Yes, Sheri, the earth's oceans take up 71% of our planet. Our grandsons do love the beach. The two younger grands love the water and the eldest loves the walks. We are a beach family for sure! Thanks for sending the darling photo of your granddaughter. She looks like a beach loving child already! ♥
DeleteLove it all! You didn't mention which beach you visit. We like to go to the Oregon coast at least a few times a year, but your beach must be warmer than ours as I don't even consider swimming in our ocean. :-) I haven't been able to use a sand chair in eons. Give me a big sturdy tall one any day. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, we go to VA Beach just like I have most of my life. It's conveniently located for us all to travel, except our daughter and son-in-law that live in New England. The water up there is too cold for most of us as well, but the water temperature in Va Beach in August is typically near 80 degrees. ♥
DeleteThe ocean seems frightening to me, so when we want a little R&R we head for the hills. :~) Your beach-loving family seems to be having a wonderful time. I am sure everyone is already looking forward to the next time you all get together.
ReplyDeleteThe ocean can be frightening, Chip Butter--no doubt. Respecting her power and glory is never far from my thoughts. I think that mystery is what is so intriguing to us that love her. ♥
DeleteI will take the mighty ocean in all her many moods, for she provides healing and solace for an aching, dispirited soul, washing away the dust of weariness and refreshing like no other.
ReplyDeleteI love standing on the shore on a grey, late Autumn stormy day while the sea roils around as much as I love a calm and sunny day in late Spring. The beach is for all seasons.
Salt water runs in my veins too! What a lovely day of making memories, and I do love your moat around your personal sand castle!
~~~Waving~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, your description is so spot on for me. The ocean is for all seasons! What a talented writer you are my friend. You are so lucky to enjoy the many moods the ocean brings to the shire. I hope you get to peek at her often! xoxo ♥
DeleteWonderful time at the beach! It’s making me want to hear the roar of the waves, the screek of the gulls, and to snifff those fresh ocean breezes. (I’d need a higher beach chair, too.)
ReplyDeleteVee, I hope you are able to take a drive to the ocean before the summer ends. It really renews my soul. ♥
DeleteWhat a beautiful, insightful post!
ReplyDeleteI love your description of the beautiful ocean.
I too am in awe!
I find it most fascinating when we cruise, and I stand on the deck.
Looking in all directions, I am amazed at the thought of the vastness of it all!
I think about how deep down below, a world exists, one that goes on and on and on.
I am so happy you had your special time there with family.
Billie Jo, I too love floating on a ship in the middle of the ocean and view the vastness of the mighty ocean. My favorite spot on the ship is the stern where the gorgeous fantail churns the blue ocean---so lovely! And yes another world under the sea--just amazing! ♥
DeleteI love the beach, too, but only in the early morning or evening when the sun is low in the sky. Taking a family vacation every year at the same place and time makes me feel I own a second home. We found such a place in Scotland, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay--we've been there 3 times in the past 6 years and hope to go at least every other year if we can.
ReplyDeleteI remember you mentioning your special spot on the Chesapeake, Cathy. We have been going to our "second home" for over 30 years with our family. My parents and my sister and extended family used to go as well. My daughter and I were talking about that last week. Memories to last a lifetime are stored there. ♥
DeleteThe older I get the more special spending and enjoying time with family is.
ReplyDeleteYou had a brilliant time with yours, wonderful pictures.
All the best Jan
That's so true, Jan. Family is everything and the older I am privileged to be that becomes clearer to me. Have a lovely week and thanks for stopping by. ♥
DeleteWonderful post. Family time is always the best. You cannot beat the beach. Love the sound of waves.
ReplyDeleteOh the wonderful waves are so lovely to hear crashing onto the shore, Linda. The water was quite calm during our week, so the sound was a little muffled but still music to my ears. ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, thanks so much for taking me on a mini-vacation today--I really needed it! Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you along, Jean. ♥
DeleteWow! A double rainbow...it just doesn't get any better than that! Beautiful photos of everyone enjoying themselves! I love being at the beach!
ReplyDeleteDiane, I love seeing the photos you share of your times at the beach. ♥
DeleteWhat a nice beach vacation! It is so nice that your entire family was able to be together. I lived near the south shore of Brooklyn and near the beaches of the Rockaways, Reis Point and Coney Island as a child and we always spent hours at the beach. My freckled skin is proof...lol I never thought I'd leave the Atlantic ocean area but living near the Rocky Mountains has also been a wonderful new experience for me.
ReplyDeletePat, thank you for stopping by. Your memories of the beach are special. I'm so glad you are able to be near your children and grandchildren. We never know where life will take us! ♥
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