My Big Sunny Mexican Vacation
Plans! Always have a plan, which of course I do because that’s how I function, knowing a curve ball could be thrown at me at any given moment.
My intentions for this holiday were to relax, read many books and write daily about events of my vacation and quite possibly, just maybe, get some chapters written for my next book – the one I said I wasn’t going to write this year, but even I don’t listen to what I say.
Well, let’s just say that despite my intentions to read 2-3 books a week, I managed to read almost 6 in total. And let me tell you that I thought I’d accomplish more with so much relaxing and leisure time on my hands, but apparently, I didn’t have all that free time – erm, okay, maybe I did, but there was a lot of socializing going on and a lot of sunworshipping. And although it doesn’t take much effort to bask in the sun I can tell you that when it’s boiling hot and I’m sweating in the sun, it doesn’t inspire me to pick up a pen and write as much as I thought it might have. But I did manage to jot down a lot of notes about events around me and, rough outlines for reviews on the books I read, and even started two chapters on my new WIP. But ultimately, the socializing took precedence over taxing my brain.
But, my observational skills were put into full effect instead. Hey, you know, a writer doesn’t just lie on a lounger and do nothing at all in the Mexican sunshine – I was busy people-watching and listening to hot tips from those around me about where’s good to eat and maybe some other conversations within earshot. Those were skills I was born with – listening and learning from other’s experiences. It was like I was lying innocently on my pool lounger with my sunglasses on, minding my own business, but of course I was minding everyone else’s business too.
Okay, now that I’ve pleaded my case on lack of production while away, I’ll backtrack a bit to the beginning of our wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. . .
Preparing for Flight
After playing the ‘move items around from suitcase to suitcase game’ to make sure my bags weren’t flagged for overweight, the limo arrived to take us to the airport. I managed to get everything into 3 (large) suitcases instead of my usual 4, and in my defense, 1 of those bags was full of food and other items I knew I’d need down there to use in the condo we rented, prepared for not being able to find my favorite gluten-free and dairy-free items available in Mexico. I had to make sure I had soy creamer for my coffee, gluten-free pasta, waffles, fruit and veggie wash, rubber gloves, protein bars, along with other numerous items I needed for my comforts of home. All packed nicely and weighing in at a masterful 49.2, 49.5 and 49.8 pounds – just coming in under the allowable 50 pounds per bag.
Checkin went smoothly as we were happy to go through the priority lines after jumping on the opportunity at a reasonable price to upgrade to first class. I already arranged for a wheelchair to take my husband to the gates and luckily I did because our gate was certainly close to a mile away from checkin. My husband was on a cane for the few weeks before we left, not quite ready for walking any long distances and a major improvement from prior weeks having to use a walker. Happily, halfway through the walk to the gates a golf cart passed by that picked us up and continued on toward the gate where just before the gate another assistant showed up with the wheelchair again to continue the journey to the boarding area.
We were to begin boarding at 12:45 and take off at 1:15pm, but at 12:45 I still didn’t see our plane or any other passengers waiting for our flight. I ran over to the flight screen monitor to check our flight after seeing no plane or no airline staff at the boarding desk. Our flight wasn’t even listed on the screen! I left my husband in the chair when I noticed a couple walking toward our waiting area and asked them if they were on our flight. Turns out, the gate was changed to the complete opposite end of where we were and no announcements were made and no wheelchair assistance! I then ran halfway back through the terminal to the Air Canada priority booth to find out what was going on and found out our flight was delayed almost 4 hours with a gate change. When I returned to get my husband, loaded my computer bag and his carryon on his lap and tried to wheel my own carryon while pushing the wheelchair (a task that wasn’t working out so well), a kind and lost looking older man came up to me asking what happened to our flight. I shared the news of the delay with him and he kindly offered to wheel my carryon over to the new gate so I could push my husband. A magical moment!
The airline offered coupons for a free lunch for the inconvenience and with my Starbuck’s soy latte in hand we eagerly awaited take off time. Our waiting area was congested with 2 flights of people waiting to board in the same area on flights before ours was to arrive. I was lucky to get a seat. A group of seniors were awaiting to fly to Israel for a tour. One of the men in that group approached me, informing me he was from New York and asked me what kind of currency we use in Canada. Maybe I was rude, but I couldn’t help but look at him like he was from outer space. “This is Canada, we use dollars here. Canadian dollars here but I’m sure your American dollars will do fine.”
We finally boarded and the flight went smoothly. We were offered pillows, blankets, hot mixed nuts, drinks and hot hand towels. I took all except no alcohol, but Perrier water, as I didn’t want my feet to swell anymore than anticipated from drinking on the plane. Oh, and yes, I did have my Spresso socks on! The one and only time we encountered turbulence was the moment I went to use the washroom – naturally! Gratefully, the washroom was only steps away from my seat so I got in there quick and locked the door before a steward could send me back to my seat to buckle up.
The dinner was great – Indian butter chicken and basmati rice and vegetables. The movies didn’t interest me so I enjoyed the time reading with the occasional glance at the billowing clouds. It seemed like no time had passed before the sound of the wheels coming down was heard and OLE, we were transported to beautiful Puerto Vallarta.
Welcome to Puerto Vallarta
As soon as the airplane door opened, a wheelchair was awaiting with a volunteer to take us through the airport and customs and on to baggage claim. The lovely man grabbed our bags off the carousel, loaded them onto a cart which he pushed out to the taxi while I pushed my hubby in the wheelchair. It was a mere 7 minute ride to our beach condo from the airport and when we arrived, our host Jesse was waiting for us to take us up to our condo, By that time it was 9:30 pm Mexican time. We were glad we ate dinner on the plane because it was too late to go buy groceries. And once again, I was grateful that I had packed some staples to get us through the morning till we could go shopping. I was happy I’d packed hubby’s oatmeal and my GF waffles and a jar of almond butter along with a few tea bags and my soymilk because that was breakfast until we could sort ourselves out with groceries.
The condo was lovely and overlooked the beach and the Pacific ocean. There were nice stainless steel appliances, a coffee maker, no kettle, barely any pots, 3 each of plates, mugs and forks, with many spoons and knives, and a mere half a roll of toilet paper left for us. That was the beginning of our vacation in Mexico. You will also notice how much better my husband was looking in the opening photo after the beautiful weather helped him flourish, but more about that next time!
Stay tuned for part 2 next week!!!
DGKayewriter.com 
Good to see you!! So glad you guys got to have such a fantastic vacation. I dunno how you managed to do as much as you did! Fantastic photos too! Thank you for sharing my posts tonight 🙂 Gave me a big smile! Welcome home 🙂
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Nice to see you here too Bonnie. It was a magical escape and I look forward to sharing more tales soon. And my pleasure sharing your touching stories. ❤
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I am so glad you both managed to get away this year, Debby…and it sounds as if you had a wonderful time 🙂 xx
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Thanks so much Sue. The trip was truly transforming for my husband and a most wonderful holiday all round. ❤ xx
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I’m glad, Debby. You’ve both been through the mill lately ❤ x
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Seems like many of us have this year Sue. Thank you. ❤
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One step at a time 😉 xx
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That has become my new mantra this past year Sue. It’s the only thing that keeps me sane and not overwhelmed. 🙂 xx
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Sanity is overrated anyway, but we do need to keep a certain amount of clarity 😉 xxx
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Well said Sue – clarity is important . . . sanity has long gone out with the bath water LOL 🙂 xxx
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Sanity takes too much maintaining 😉 xx
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LOL. 🙂 xx
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😀 xx
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Great to hear about your busy holiday! It’s always the case that when they change gates is the farthest away from the one you were waiting at. Glad to have you back!
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Thanks for the welcome Olga. It’s nice to be back too. Catching up is a whole ‘nother story! And I still shake my head why wherever we travel is always the furthest gate to anywhere, and gate changes just double the distance too, lol. 🙂 x
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Brilliant Debby… half a roll of loo paper.. still the views and the sunshine certainly made up for that slight issue… I envy you so much that sun lounging time and next year I will come with you and carry the bags… looking forward to part two.. hugs ♥♥
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Oh fab Sal! I’m holding that to you for next year, we’ll talk!!! ❤ Oh yes, there's more – more funny stories, more beautiful photos and mishaps! ❤ xxx
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So glad it all went so well Debby for you and hubby and you got to people watch too! Yay! Know all about that!
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Lol Marje, what else does a writer do right? ❤
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Yep so true. I’m always eavesdropping and staring at folk! I reckon some guys think I fancy them but I’m just imagining what their character would be like in a book!
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Lol Marje, I hear you on that!!! 🙂
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Loved reading this Debby, thank you so much for sharing with us. ❤
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Thanks for dropping by Adele. More to come! ❤
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Fantastic. ❤
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Welcome back, Debby! This was a joy to read. 🙂 lol…”your American dollars will do fine.”
Lovely pictures and those amazing sunsets. Heaven!
My twin sister travels twice a year to Mexico or DR. She’s now in Punta Cana. She has mastered the 50 pound limit by mere ounces.
We travelled twice to Mexico together. Great times and awesome memories! Hola. 🙂
Looking forward to part 2 of your adventures. Cheers!
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Hi Natalie. Thanks for the lovely welcome! Now, why aren’t you there with your sister? Lol. You know, it’s still winter here lol. And glad to hear your sister is a master packer too. Practice makes perfect!!! Hola!!! 🙂 xx
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Looks beautiful, Debby. Traveling can be harrowing until you get settled. I’m sure it got more relaxing the rest of the vacation.
Never feel guilty about not working. We all need some down time. Happy that you are both safely home and looking well. Hugs xx ♥️
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Thanks Janice. Yes, traveling day is never fun, but then the good times began to roll. I’ll be sharing more soon! ❤ xx
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Phew! I think we’re through the worst part of the trip–the airplane. Not too bad all things considered. I really want to travel with you next time.
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Lol, you are correct Jacqui! The fun times were rolling after that. And come on down next year!!! 🙂
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It sounds like you got off to a good start, luggage and all, Debby. And that’s a lot of reading. Wasn’t it wonderful to not worry about blogs and social media and just relax? Aaaah. I can feel it. And beautiful views from your balcony. What a lovely vacation. I need to give Puerto Vallarta a try. 🙂
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Yes, come on down next year Diana! We’re definitely going back. There became no time for blog reading as social circles expanded, lol. I had to let loose and enjoy every minute. I have many more stories and photos to share. ❤
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Awesome, dear Debbie… welcome back. I missed you…. Seems you had a great time… And Mexico!. Great… I have it among my places to visit in the near future! 🙂 Love & best wishes ❤
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Hello sweet Aqui. Thanks for the welcome back. I missed all my friends here, despite the long awaited break I so desperately needed. 🙂 Yes, you must go visit beautiful Mexico, I highly recommend it! 🙂 ❤ Hugs! xx
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I am so, so happy you got to take this vacation and RELAX. Also, happy to hear you didn’t do as much as you said you would. We need a break sometimes. It sounds wonderful (aside from the 1/2 roll of toilet paper). 😉 Gorgeous photos of both of you and the sunset! Keep that relaxed feeling…hold on to it as long as you can.
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Thanks girlfriend! That was the beginning. It got better and better. I’m still struggling to get back to fast mode, lol, but I’m working on it. ❤ More to come! ❤
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So glad you had a good (relaxing!) time with only a few hiccups on the way there. Seems par for the traveling course these days. 🙂 Looking forward to more details and pix.
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Thanks my friend. Yes, so minor almost not worth mentioning about, but hey, you know me, LOL. Next week more to come as I write. 🙂
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You have one of the most stressful relaxation plans I’ve ever read. Your vacation photos are beautiful. Puerto Vallarta looks gorgeous.
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Lol, I do find ways to make things complicated. 🙂 But thank you for the lovely comment. 🙂
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It made me smile.
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Hi Debbie … well all I can say is I’m glad you got there and that you were able to cope – congratulations … the photos haven’t sprung up – but I’ll look back when part 2 comes up – cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary. It was a fantastic holiday. You couldn’t see any photos here? Well there are plenty more to come. 🙂
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Your post reminds me of the picture book “What Good Luck, What Bad Luck”. You started off well getting your bags packed, under weight. Then you had wonderful assistance getting into the terminal. Then your gate was changed and flight delayed. Then a kind gentleman helped with your bag. Then . . . It’s makes a great tale and I look forward to hearing of your Mexican Adventures. Thanks for sharing, Debby.
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Lol Norah – kind of like life right? Pluses and minuses. 🙂 Considering the circling of Mercury retrograde throughout the month (which always affects me with SNAFU (situation normal all f**ked up), I got off rather lightly LOL. Yes, stay tuned there are better things ahead and some wonderful photos I still must write story to. ❤ xx
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I’m pleased that Mercury left you pretty much alone, and look forward to seeing more photos and reading more stories. 🙂
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Thanks Norah. I’m still dodging her LOL 🙂
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Stay safe and well. 🙂
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Thanks Norah 🙂
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I don’t know why, but the ‘hot mixed nuts’ grabbed my attention, Debby. 😀What a shame with the gate change and no announcements, but glad that elderly gentleman came to the rescue. Were their really no movies that interested you on the flight?
Like you, I’m a people-watcher and listener as well. I mean that’s where we get our fiction from, isn’t it?
What lovely views from your condo. And thank goodness you took supplies. Very kind of them to leave half a toilet-roll, though 😁
Looking forward to the next chapter, and welcome back. 💕
xx
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Lollllllllllll Hugh, you crack me upppp!!!! I just choked on my sip of coffee that I was sipping on as I read the first line of your comment! LOLLLLLLLL, typical Hugh!
Hey, I just write the stuff as it happens. It’s hard to travel without any mishaps, but basically we got off without much drama compared to some of my other trips, lol. But really, it was a fabulous vacation despite some of the lack of supplies that should have been there considering what they charge for a monthly rental, but by the next day we were stocked up for weeks. Stay tuned! ❤ xx
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Welcome Home and back into WP Debby, So fortunate that someone was on hand to help you with your carryon. And wonderful to know you got some relaxating time in, And great planning to take some esentials with you in the food dept.
Stunning views and so pleased that your hubbies health improved in the Sun..
People watching is facinating stuff.. and great you got to read so many books and make notes etc.. Sounds like a relaxing but productive time away ..
Sending Huge Hugs your way Debby..
Lots of LOVE xx ❤
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Hi Sue. Thanks for your lovely greetings. It was a fantastic time out indeed. The sunshine has done a world of good for my husband (and me), just a perfect time. Now is the catch up time after being away so long and getting a little too relaxed, lol. Stay tuned for more to come. ❤ Big hugs! xxx
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So happy you relaxed and had time out in the sun.. xxx ❤
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From your FB posts Deb, I can see just how much your holiday in the sun helped you and your hubby so very much. Nothing quite like it. Travelling can be so tiring, not helped by delays and such, but on the whole, it sounds as if things went relatively well. I’m sure you and I could exchange several toe curling travel misadventures! And well done on the luggage weight, phew, nothing like cutting it down to the wire lol 😀 I had to smile that there was no tea kettle. When we’ve gone to anywhere in Europe, I always pack one (with a foreign adapter for the different plug sockets) as I don’t care where I go, I have to have my tea and that’s that! Looking forward to your next installment, and welcome back my friend! 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxo
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Lol, thanks Sher for the lovely welcome home. Oh ya, lots more stories to come. And no doubt we could both make each other’s toes curl with stories LOL. Ya, no kettle for Brits would be devastating I’m sure. 🙂 But no worries, that kitchen’s limited supplies had me ‘camping’ and creating makeshift utensils. A small pot was what I used to boil water. ❤ xxxx
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Haha…devastating is the word lol!!!! So long as you have a small pot, you’re okay, right?! 😀 Will be awaiting your next update Deb! Lovely to have you back here 🙂 ❤ xxxxxx
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Improvisation works well! LOL. xoxoxo ❤ ❤
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It sure does my lovely friend lol 🙂 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤
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Warm sun, good company, and margaritas. It’s hard to beat that!
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Thanks Jeri. That’s called living! 🙂
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Welcome back, Deb! Despite the mishaps and eavesdropping, you managed to get more done than I ever would have 🙂 Glad to have you with us again in blogland, girlfriend ❤
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Aw thanks T, it’s good to be back. I hope to entertain you with some more beautiful pictures and some interesting stories. ❤
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Looking forward to it ❤
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❤
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You spoil me Sal. Ever grateful for your shares. ❤ ❤
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Oh Debby, you crack me up, “minding everybody else’s business,” and your precise weighing of your suitcases, haha!. I love Puerto Vallarta although I haven’t been there since the 1990s. It is beautiful, and I know you guys really enjoyed getting away and taking in some beautiful sunshine. I think with all the reading, notes, outlines and two chapters of a book done that you absolutely were productive. I’m the same way though, never really looking at what I accomplished, but rather the things I did not get too. Speaking of stuffing suitcases, have you seen Rotita dresses? I just discovered them, and I think they are gorgeous (although I have nowhere to wear one to, lol. I believe they are Asian-made which makes us have to order much larger sizes. I thought you might like to check them out. Good to see you safely back home. Much love, xx
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Hi Lana! Lol, you’re good for the soul. Thanks for reminding me to take note of my accomplishments, I needed a kickstart after becoming too complacent on holiday. ❤ And thanks for the heads up on Rotita dresses. I'd not heard of them, but you can't bet I'll be checking them out! ❤
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You are very welcome, Debby. I think sometimes we are too hard on ourselves, but believe me, you’ve got me beat by miles. I was going to write a page a day for a book starting last August. Not happening…. oh well, sigh.
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Lol Lana. You know what they say about good intentions. 🙂 x
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How heartening to have help magically appearing when things go wonky in the airport. You look so glamorous and Gordon looks fit too.
About doing literary stuff on vacation, I find I can read but not write creatively. Also, I can do book reviews. On our “honeymoon” vacation to Vancouver, BC last year, I wrote two book reviews. I surprised myself, but it seemed effortless, maybe because I was unleashed from the day-to-day tasks that siphon off my attention and energy at home.
I can understand why people-watching and eavesdropping fuels your writing. David Sedaris, cited in my last post, wrote TWO WHOLE DIARIES from stuff he overheard, observed, or made up!
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Thanks Marian. Yes, I quickly learned I was much too distracted to do a lot of real writing. But I too wrote book reviews in longhand of course, and have been trying to read my scribble in the sun to post, lol. Thanks for the lovely compliments. I was most elated at how much the warmth and sunshine had brought my husband back to the way he was 2 years ago. A drastic improvement from how he looked at the airport to how he looked one week later in Mexico. Stay tuned for next installation Tuesday! 🙂 x
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You amaze me – reading 2-3 books a week! I don’t know where you find all the time with all you do. I’m glad that after the airport delay (so annoying) that you finally made it to your beautiful destination. The photos are great and I’m looking forward to seeing more. 🙂
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Thanks Carol. I didn’t get a lot of writing done, but lots of notes of ideas for writing and managed to read 6 of my promised 8 books! But that’s still good considering what started as a nice quiet vacation turned into a very social event, LOL 🙂 xxx
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Smooth sailing.. er, flying. Your organization is impressive, Debby. When on vacation, those goals need to have a vacation, too. 😀
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Ha! I’m still struggling with that ‘letting go’ thing, Jennie. 🙂
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And it gets harder to do as we we get older. 🙂
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Truth! 🙂
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👍
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Wow! I love the way you always handle things with such positivity. The pictures are gorgeous! Despite the delayed flight and gate changed it sounds like a nice start to your vacay! ;D I look forward to reading more about the trip.
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Thanks Vashti. It’s unreal how long these vacay posts have taken to put together. The photos have given me so much grief on WP, they come out upside down and sideways and I’ve been spending way too much time trying to edit them. lol. Don’t even get me started with the videos I made. I give up! 🙂 xx
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Your travels are always so interesting – there are always bumps in the road that you take in stride. Looking forward to the next installment. 😘
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Thanks Michelle. Lol, Sometimes you just gotta laugh. 🙂 xx
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Glad you found out about the change of gate and how typical not to announce it! Your delay sounds a bit more comfortable than ours last night, three hours on the plane … before take off! No drinks even! Oh, your condo looks wonderful and what a sunset..I’m dreaming already. People-watching is a critical part of writing!! Popping over to read part two.
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Hi Annika, welcome back! OMGosh, 3 hours on the ground! I feel for you, it happened to me too many moons ago. You may have sparked me to write about it! ❤
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I felt desperate to be honest, horrid small seats, no air conditioning to start with until my mother complained. By then I was overheating and felt so ill … I feel slightly dazed today! I’d love to read about your experience. How long were in Mexico? I was so happy you got to go and your husband could travel. Is he still doing so well at home?
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I can only imagine Annika. My experience happened over 30 years ago when I flew to Rome. As soon as we landed there was a shooting in the airport near the El Al checkin booth. We were kept on the tarmac for 6 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We were supposed to go to Mexico for 2 months but hubby’s health wouldn’t allow us to go in February so at least we got the month of March. Thank you, he is still on a roll!!!! ❤
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A bit of an ordeal to get to your destination, but I”m sure that made you appreciate the arrival in paradise even more! 🙂 You are one well-prepared traveler, Debby! By the way, I had no idea you paid with Canadian dollars in Canada! 🙂
So, you were supposed to relax and not write (or think about writing) on your vacation, right!? Bad girl. Once a writer, always a writer. I’m curious to learn what your next book is about. “Even I don’t listen to what I say.” has to be one of the best quotes in the blogosphere at the moment! 🙂
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LOl Liesbet. I didn’t write anything epic. but I wrote book reviews, notes for posts and started a few different chapters. A few years ago I wrote Menowhat? A Memoir, on the joys (or not) of the symptoms of menopause. I got thinking (as I age) that those symptoms may subside, but after ‘the change’ we are faced to accept the repercussions and remnants of our bodies, hence the spark – ‘The Change After the Change’, lol. The trick will be to make it humorous. 🙂
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Love those sunsets ❤
I am in awe at your precision packing – you couldn't have squeezed another thing in with those weights – just shows practice makes perfect!
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Lol, thanks Deb. Oh ya, it’s second nature to me now, lol. And ya, those sunsets are worth the price of admission! 🙂 xx
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Sometimes we need a break and life arranges it. Good for you, Deb. I returned from AZ with stories and a passion to write.
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I fully understand. The warmth, the sunshine and the change in environment is so invigorating. 🙂
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Sounds like you had a wonderful relaxing and productive time. Glad to see you back. Look forward to more of the trip.
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Thanks Darlene. Me thinks I came back to early as we are currently in day 3 of an ice storm! Go figure! 🙂
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I’m late to the vacation update, Debby, but better late than never! Flying is a great way to flex one’s flexibility muscles, right? Along with getting in lots of walking exercise along with the waiting. I want you to pack my bags for my next vaca – you are a master at that!
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Lol, are you kidding me? I hate packing my own stuff, lol. But perhaps I can give you some directions? LOL 🙂
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You need to do a YouTube on it, Debby!
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Really?????? Hmm, food for future thought. 🙂
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