Anticipation.

In about a week I will be taking my annual trip to the Oregon coast with my amazing girlfriends. I am so happy to be able to get away and have a few days with women that I love and enjoy. We travel without husbands and children. There is no set agenda or activity list. The only plan is for all of us to relax and laugh. The beach and the fireplace in the rustic cabin provide the rest. Our Mom's group has been together over 25 years. It had started as a way for stay at home moms to network and support each other.  The children are grown and a few of the group have grandchildren. We continue to be lifelong friends and I hope this will continue forever.

In about a week, I will be seated at this bench or walking the beach enjoying girl power. I won't have to be a wife, mother, dog mother, domestic engineer, chef, nonprofit volunteer, gardener, housekeeper, or maintenance person. I can just be a girlfriend. The time away will rejuvenate and hopefully inspire.

FYI: The Oregon coast  is a wonderful place to take your dog for a vacation. Most places allow pets, and dogs love the laid back lifestyle of beach combers. If it is your first time walking on the beach with your  bulldog, watch closely to how they react to the waves. The power can knock them down and scare them. A bulldog is generally a poor swimmer so be careful with any water.

My family will do just fine in my absence. Sometimes they cannot wait for me to go!I will miss the pets though, especially Violet who is in the middle of her pregnancy. She changes a little bit everyday. Humans can learn a lot from dogs about friendship. Here's to packs of friends, walks on the beach, and great kibble to eat!

My countdown to girlfriend time has begun.