Long Time No Sea

First of all, I am at the Gulf and not at sea, but the title was too cute to pass up, so I am going with it. It has been over a year since we have been to the Gulf, which is unheard of for the Kingston’s since we average two trips down here per year. Side bar here, but I am not sure if I should be capitalizing Gulf, but since it an important place to me, I am going to let that slide.  Sorry teachers if I am incorrect.  I have been coming here since I was a year old, except on those occasions when my dad would take us to Calloway Gardens. There was one year when we had a “stay”cation, but I don’t remember anymore of those because it was NOT well received. This has always seemed like a second home for us, and I take pride in my dad bringing us here while everyone else was going to PCB. We dared to be different, and I appreciate that now. We were coming to Gulf Shores before it was cool to do so, and before Orange Beach became the conference capital of Alabama. That is actually why I am here now. Anthony has a conference and I came along to relax and chill. As I type this, I am sitting on a chaise lounge, sans cushion because it is night and  I didn’t pay for the privilege of the chair, and listening to the waves and the sounds of young children who have no respect for personal space when they are trying to find crabs. If they run into me, they will find a big one. So much for relax and chill.  I love children, I really do.  I just love my personal space more.  Also, I don't get the whole flashlight and crustacean search that goes on after dark.  I was always afraid one of those little buggers was going to scamper across my foot. 

Anthony and I came down here after dinner because supposedly we were supposed to be able to see the Space Station (thanks Kim for the heads up), but I am not sure what it was supposed to look like, and after watching what I thought it was sit stationary, I gave up.  I think I was staring really hard at a star.  All was not lost, however, because it feels amazing out here!! There is WIND and it is COOL! I have missed that so much this Summer. It is actually supposed to be cooler here than at home and I am here for all of it!  Anthony has since gone up to work out, and I have decided to stay.  I am now thinking that was not a good idea, because this lounge chair I am stretched out on is very low to the ground, and getting up out of these things is not easy with someone with bad knees.  I may just have to spend the night out here............

We got down here a little before 1:00, and Anthony went straight to work because he is on the board for this conference. Our room wasn’t ready yet, so I hung out on the balcony overlooking the pool at the Perdido Beach Resort and almost nodded off to sleep. Instant peace.

I am going to talk about that brace on my knee at some point on this trip, but I have to test it out some more first. I may test it out when I try to get up off this lounge chair.  So far the brace has been life changing for me.

After watching some Auburn football (War Eagle!), and hanging out with my sister and brother-in-law, who were here for the day, we went to Flippers at Bear Point Marina for dinner. Food was good. Fish for both of us, and amazing views of the marina and the sunset.

If you are thinking of coming to the restaurant, you had better do it before October, because they are moving to somewhere in Gulf Shores.  Apparently, renovations are going to be done at the marina, and they do not include the restaurant.  It has been there for 12 years, so I am sure it will be missed. 

I mentioned that I had fish.  I am trying to eat more fish these days, and less red meat.  I started yesterday, so don't get too excited.  Pretty sure I will have a juicy steak before I leave from down here, but I am making the effort to cut back.  I need to eat more fruits and veggies, and need to find something more sustainable diet wise so I can lose some of this weight that is keeping me from thoroughly enjoying life.  This is not a diet blog, so I am going to stop right there.  Speaking of fruit though, it is apple season, and specifically Honey Crisp apple season!  I went to Aldi yesterday to get me some apples and what I thought were blueberries to bring with me to the beach.  I also picked up some hummus and something else healthy.  When I got home, however, I realized that the blueberries I thought I had bought were actually table grapes.  You know those tiny seedless grapes that come into season once a year or so?  I was a bit miffed that they were not blueberries.....until I popped one in my mouth.  It was seriously the best piece of fruit I have EVER eaten!!!  They are so sweet and wonderful!  I would almost give up chocolate if I could have these in my life all the time.  Go to Aldi and get some.  Seriously!  I will post a photo of them before I eat them all.

I got off the lounge chair.  I will not disclose how I did it, but I managed.  I am now sitting in my room listening to grown adults have a party in the hallway, and it is annoying.  There is an area in the lobby for gathering, and a large area at the pool and a massive beach.  Why must they be outside my door?  Also, why am I being such a curmudgeon?  Must have more beach therapy.

Until tomorrow.