Spring Break Beckons

by Julia Buckley

This year, as luck would have it, all four members of my immediate family will have the same spring break. I have never been a good enough manager to save the funds for an entire weeks' getaway, so our tradition is to take a mini-break--three days and two nights--somewhere within driving distance.

So we're preparing. My dog, who will go on a "playdate" with my parents, has had his bath, and we have an appointment to cut his toenails. :)



Our cats, who are fairly easy to care for but tend to resent a lack of attention, will be attended by our cat-loving neighbor.

This is Mr. Mulliner.

My sons and I have gotten fresh new haircuts.

The car, which is covered with a layer of dirt and filled with the detritus of daily rides back and forth, will be cleaned inside and out.

We have checked the extended weather forecast of our destination (which doesn't look that promising--one day it is expected to snow) and are preparing the appropriate wardrobe. Since we'll have our own little isolated beach overlooking Lake Michigan, I intend to take extensive lake pictures no matter what the weather.

We'll be packing the camera for that all-important family photo. Here's one from two spring breaks ago:



We have consulted Mapquest to make sure we know our route. Last year we got a late start, then took a wrong turn; the owner of our cabin was quite put out when we arrived hours later than intended. We eventually won her over with our heartfelt sincerity. :)

We're planning to RELAX, even if it's only for a couple of days. Who knows how many years of our lives that relaxation is helping to preserve?

Considering some of the serene moments of vacations past, I'm anticipating some soul-healing communion with nature.

Here are some memories of last year:







Thanks to digital cameras, our memories of past years (and this year) will be there for the clicking.

Happy spring!