Sunday, August 17, 2014

A Day of Relaxation

Even though we’re retired, we don’t often purposely plan a ‘day off’.

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(our view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the balcony) 

But we’ve been on the go here in the mountains since we got here a couple of weeks ago so it was time for a day of relaxation.

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I put some comfy pillows and chair cushions on the glider and spent most of the day on the balcony.

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We even had some ‘to go’ meals from Stoneridge (one of our favorite restaurants).

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(black and bleu steak salads…steak and blue cheese on top of spinach and lots of salad goodies)

We took a walk at sunset to take some photos and enjoyed a day of goofing off.

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Temps in the 70s with a sky filled with fluffy clouds…it couldn’t be better!

I’m joining Beautiful Sunday

Amaze me Monday and

Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday (new link).

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Are you having a good weekend, too?

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the mountains and your view is spectacular. It's nice to just be comfy and enjoy some quiet time, isn't it? Have a lovely Sunday. Mildred

Donna said...

What a killer view! Glad to hear that you took some time to just chill. We are having a relaxing weekend too.

acorn hollow said...

It looks beautiful and so glad you are enjoying every minute of it.
Cathy

Arlene G said...

Beautiful scenery and what is retirement if you cannot take some time to goof off!:)

Jane and Chris said...

It sounds perfect!
I love that view,it must be changing all the time through the day.
Jane x

TexWisGirl said...

your view is amazing!

Susie said...

That sounds like a great day. I love those views. Beautiful. Hope your Sunday is relaxing also. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Chy said...

We're stuck in a heat wave here but enjoying our time anyway. Usually, Sunday is our day to kick back and take it easy. This weekend, we took yesterday "off" and today will be our work day. Supposed to be a bit cooler, which will help with the inside painting that is planned.

Glad you had a lovely "day off"!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Such a gorgeous view! I've been resting this weekend and hope to feel like myself this week!
hugs,
Linda

Betty said...

That is what I call a relaxing time and what a beautiful view.

Kathy said...

I took a complete play day yesterday, as well. Sometimes we just need that!

Linda aka Crafty Gardener said...

I just finished Pardonable Lies and will be getting the next in the series when we go to the library on Friday. We've had a couple of days off due to the rain lately ... just reading, knitting, and relaxing.

cucki said...

It's looking so amazing
Sweet hugs x

Acorn to Oak said...

Sounds like a very nice day! :-)

Margaret said...

Amazing view! Strectch out on the chaise and enjoy it! Happy Sunday! Maggie

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Oh Diane, I am! I am having a nice weekend! Quiet..time to just play in the yard, clipping and arranging and planning! It's been so nice.
I've miss getting over here to see you! It always sounds like you and your dear husband have the best times. The view of the mountains is just beautiful. You must be at a vacation home?
Are you ready for Fall? I am! It's been such a hot summer this year and I know in Florida the humidity can be miserable. We are dry and you are humid. :)
Happy Sunday to you and have a wonderful week!
Love,
Mona

My Little Home and Garden said...

Spending time in the mountains sounds wonderful; your photos show a beautiful area. Your lazy day was one well spent (delicious too).

Karen

Vee said...

What a glorious view! How much reading can you get accomplished with views like that?! Sounds llike. eautiful weather there. We're enjoying temps in the low 70s today.

Jackie @ travelnwrite said...

Oh I can so relate to the need -- even, or especially, when retired -- to take a day off and do nothing. I sometimes wonder how I did all I do when I worked as well. Love the photos!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

You were the first to link to MM this week. Yay!
I like days where one can goof off and it was this frame of mind that made me late to get the link up. After church a few of us decided to go out for lunch at Tim Hortons and you know how women can gab...
Your spot on the glider for reading looks pretty comfy and the steak salad sounds delicious.
A beautiful view with perfect weather.
Thanks for linking Diane.

Beth said...

The mountains are beautiful, and your steak salad divine! Great images! Glad you are enjoying your retirement!

eileeninmd said...

A day off sounds wonderful..Your place has a beautiful view. I love the mountains.. And your meal looks yummy.. We have been enjoying some cooler weather too, very nice. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!

Snap said...

Looks like you are having a lovely day off. One of my favorite meals is a steak salad with strawberries and blue cheese -- mush like the one you show here. I napped my day away, but reading on the balcony sounds wonderful, too! Happy Day!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Beautiful pictures Diane, love the sunset.
It's been a good weekend here. Didn't go for any long walks, but I did manage to get a lot accomplished.

A Joyful Cottage said...

You have a beautiful location, Diane. I love to look out the window and see mountains. I was looking at your "About" page today. I didn't realize you have a home in Florida, too. That's great! You and your hubby look so happy. Hugs, Nancy

Musings from Kim K. said...

You definitely deserve a little time for respite. Your view and dinner looked amazing.

Kathleen said...

Hi Diane,
Thanks so much for stopping by The Lavender Bouquet. It was great to hear from you. I am loving your blog and can't wait to follow it.
Stopy by anytime!
Kathleen

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

My husband is retiring this autumn and we are looking forward to having many happy afternoons such as this, Diane!

cynthia lee designs said...

The sunset photo is so beautiful!! Love those mountains.
~Cindy

Shug said...

How Blessed you are to have such a beautiful view in front of you. Temps in the 70's? Wow...sounds so good!!

Botanic Bleu said...

Diane,
Perfect way to relax for the day... take-out food, good books, balmy weather, and beautiful views.

What software do you use to create your mosaics?

Judith

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Oh my, you have such a beautiful view! I would probably just sit and gaze at the wonderful scenery before me and not turn a page. Have a nice week!

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Oh it must be wonderful up in the Blue Ridge mountains - those views are out of this world!
I would love to try that Black and Bleu Salad - it looks a stunner!
Will catch up soon!
Shane

Pondside said...

Thank you - I've had a great weekend!
I think it's a good idea to do as you've done, and just kick back every once in a while and relax.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

It looks like a great place to relax and the scene you shared is glorious. I can hardly wait for our upcoming journey in the mountains as well ;) Happy week

Poppy said...

Hi Diane,

Your new header of the Blue Ridge Mountains is beautifully soothing, as well as rejuvenating. I am linking your post to my friend, Dewena, who used to blog at Across the Way, as this mountain range is her favourite landscape, reminding her of her happy childhood.

Thanks for sharing and have a great week, my friend!

Hugs,
Poppy

Forest Dream Weaver said...

Living the good life .......beautiful skies,pleasant weather and yummy lunch!

Have a great week,
Ruby

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

You have such gorgeous views there! :)

Pamela Gordon said...

That is a gorgeous view from your balcony. It sounds like you're enjoying your stay away from the heat and humidity of home. Have a wonderful week! Hugs, Pam

Debby Ray said...

It sounded like a perfect day in the mountains! Beautiful photos!

n/a said...

Diane, I've been checking in regularly without commenting, but must say how stunning your view is. How fortunate that you have the option to return to it when it calls ... ~sigh~

Sharon in Alabama

Red Rose Alley said...

Such beautiful skies, Diane. I'm glad you are relaxing and enjoying the summer days. Autumn will be here before we know it. I could sure use some cooler weather, that's for sure.

love,
~Sheri

Lorrie said...

It looks like a great getaway. There's nothing like reading and a good view for relaxation! Are you enjoying the Maisie Dobbs series?

Dewena said...

Hello, Diane! I followed the link that Poppy sent to me for your blog. She said she had a surprise for me and she was so right!

The Blue Ridge! I wrote her once about my love and passion for the Parkway and my beloved mountains that were once home and are still my getaway choice whenever we can. I always feel bereft when we leave and envy those family members who are still there, Hendersonville, Flat Rock and Asheville family.

And to think that I have years of posts from you to view in days ahead to view! My thanks to Poppy for connecting me to Lavender Dreams.

So nice to meet you,
Dewena

Donna@Gardens Eye View said...

My goodness this is great time away and that steak salad made me hungry...great mosaic.

Diane Writes said...

Hi there namemate! I'm a terrible link party host. Sorry about the late visit again.

I always admire your home or "homes" you have worked and invested before retirement. I admire you and I would be the happiest if I own at least one home away from the city. You are really blessed, only proves that you live and continue to live a great life.

It's Friday here and I took a leave from work "hooray" haha wishing you a great weekend ahead!