Posts

Our Anniversary Celebration

Steve & Teresa a Ludington Lighthouse

Steve & Teresa a Ludington Lighthouse

Yesterday, Steve and I celebrated a significant number of years of marriage. The day started out anchored outside of the Village of Pentwater. After our breakfast of toast and yogurt, we literally sailed/surfed 2-6 foot waves on our way to Ludington. Once “Ariel” settled in, she (and the crew) sailed great with the main and a bit of the front sail opened.

 

In the afternoon, we mounted our tandem bike and rode along the shoreline north toward Ludington State Park. Early evening, I made our Anniversary Dinner reservation at PM Steamers located directly in front of our marina. Steve ordered seafood pasta with mussels, shrimp and scallops. I ordered cedar planked salmon covered with spinach and a generous supply of lemons.  Yum! Yum!

 

I’m amazed at people’s comments and expressions when we tell them how long we’ve been married. Some comments included: “Wow, 34 years, that’s a long time!” or “Congratulations, you deserve to celebrate.”  My favorite one is “You don’t look that old.”

 

I was still a teenager when my high school sweetheart and I married. That doesn’t mean I’d recommend getting married that young. It’s just the way it worked out for us. We made it this far, but I’m quick to add, but for the grace of God go I (go us). I’m not a certified counselor, but have learned a few tips along our trail.

 

When looking for a Skipper to share a boat with (or soul-mate, life partner, spouse, whichever), look for these qualities:

 

Sense of humor, unselfishness, is not easily angered, inner motivation, a sense of adventure, morality, and trust. Other features to consider: similar religious/faith convictions, and the ability and willingness to communicate freely with each other when disagreements flare up (notice I said “when” not “if.”)

 

Skipper Steve waits while I finish writing this. He says it’s time to make a move toward a beautiful sunset with pictures to follow. Did I mention the quality of patience?

“Solitude” – Vacation Time

solitude-over-pentwater-lake 

 

Dusk falls ‘till no more light from which to read. Time for shut eye—the wind and sun from the day’s passage allows sleep to come oh so easily.

 

Anchored in Pentwater Lake alongside the quaint village of Pentwater. American flag on our stern rail flaps in a stiff southern breeze while our sailboat spins and swerves on anchor line. The anchor line squeals as brisk wind tugs tightly. Around and around we go. First one direction; then another.

 

No alarms or sounds of others stirring. Save a dog’s bark on distant shore. An occasional early morning fisherman seeks the “Big One” as they motor past. My head still hugs my warm pillow. Eyes shut tight. Rising is more difficult when I’m rocked within my quilt cocoon, warm, dry and safe. Even when sunlight peeps through our hatch overhead and through the companionway, I turn over and pretend it’s still nighttime. Just a few more minutes of sleep, and then I’ll rise and shine.

 

I relish this vacation time of no worries or appointments to keep—no place we have to be or tasks we have to do! Isn’t that what a real vacation looks like?