Lakeside Pearls 2023: Let Summer Begin!

We are at our Oyster Haven Vrbo rental!  We got in yesterday afternoon, after the long drive north from VA, and we've already started the exhausting work of spring cleaning the place inside and out, so that it will be ready for the season.  We blocked off the whole month of June, because we needed some work done. There were some pipes that burst during the winter, which fortunately didn't cause any flooding.   But plumbing repairs were needed, and all the ancient baseboard heat covers throughout the first floor had to be replaced.

The work got done and everything looks new and improved.  And the bonus is that for the first time ever, we were able to move into the house early and get it ready for when our own gang comes on July 1 for our week-long Pearl vacation.  That's right, our kids and grandkids are our first "guests" this summer, how awesome is that?!  The only ones who will be missing this year are son #2 and his gang (because his wife JUST had a new baby, and the little guy is not quite ready for long-distance travel yet).  But the other four boys, their wives, and the 16 kids they have between them will be here.  Our oldest son's family hasn't been able to join us for the Oyster Haven week since the summer of 2016, so this will be very special for them. I'm getting so excited!  

I've dreamed of being able to spend more time here than just our one family vacation week (I get a little jealous of our lucky renters).  We stay at my husband's childhood home about 3 miles down the road while we manage our place from mid-June through Labor Day, and it's not too shabby there either.  But I love this property so much.  With its endless back yard and expansive private beach, it is the perfect idyllic retreat. I can hardly wait for everyone to get here.

But in the meantime, my hubby and I are enjoying being here together, just the two of us. This morning we went to an early Mass and when we got home, we sat by the lake in Adirondack chairs and prayed the Divine Office.

Not a bad way to start the day…and the summer.