Last Minute Vacation

So thankful for the pouring rain outside, because even though we aren't as bad off as Texas, we sure did need some rain.

I'm also very thankful that the rain decided to hold off until after I got home. This morning I walked 1.8 miles to the train station and took the train to work, which means that I also had to walk 1.8 miles home, and it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun in the rain.

So here we sit, Barley and I, enjoying the pitter patter on the roof and the noise the rain makes as it courses through the gutters. Windows and doors open, candles lit, and it's starting to feel cozy as can be.

I'm about to dive back in to Hunger Games (only a few pages in but loving it!), but first I ought to pack for vacation.

What's that? Vacation?

Yes!

Tom has a long weekend off (his last one until January), and he ignored my pleas that we just relax here at home. He insists that we go somewhere special. He's right, of course. A little road trip sounds perfect right about now.

Here's how it all went down:

A month ago: Tom finds out he has a long weekend off, and we consider doing something. We decide we have an entire month to think about it.
Tuesday (9/20): Yeah, we should really do something this weekend....
Wednesday (9/21): Maybe Cedar Key, FL? Maybe St. Mary's, GA? Maybe Disney? Maybe a mountain cabin in north Georgia?
Thursday (9/22) - aka present day: We've narrowed it down to two different places in Cedar Key, GA. We're just trying to score the best deal.....

And yes, this does mean that we are leaving for vacation tomorrow and still have no idea where we're going. Which is a-ok with me. I love spur of the moment vacations. And in all actuality, we would have had a much more solid plan days ago if we weren't bringing Barley. But that gal is coming with us, so we had to find lodging that would accept her like we do.

Here is what the Cedar Key tourism board has to say for itself:

As you leave the Florida mainland, rich Gulf waters reflecting blue skies beckon you as birds float like petals over the marsh vista. Welcome to our island, a place where time stands still and allows you to enjoy the unique qualities of our coastal environment. Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Long admired for its natural beauty and abundant supply of seafood, it is a tranquil village, rich with the almost forgotten history of old Florida.

Nooooowwww you're jealous, right? I mean, who doesn't want to see birds float like petals over a marsh? This girl sure does.

Here is what Tom's dad says of Cedar Key (they have done many a father-son fishing trip there):

"Dana, a different breed of character hangs around Cedar Key!"

I'll take it!

And I just can't pass up one more quote from here:

Cedar Key is not your average Florida destination – Cedar Key is “old Florida” or “original Florida” or better yet, “before Disney” Florida. Quaint streets lined with shops, friendly people, real food, funky art, and peaceful relaxation. Cedar Key is a clamming, fishing, and artist village with a tourist trade. It’s not uncommon to see a sign in the window of a shop that says “Gone Fishin” during business hours and they really mean it. If you need a chain store, a mall, or traffic light fix to make the day ok for you – don’t come to Cedar Key!

The house we are crossing our fingers for is actually a trailer, has its own private dock on the canal, a ginormous porch, and a fish cleaning station. I'll give you a sample preview:

View from private dock!

Colors!

I.can't.wait.

Well, all. I'm off to read Hunger Games. I think I may even have a little glass of red wine while I'm at it.

Dinner (too simple, easy and delish not to share):

1. Cook up some orzo
2. Drain
3. Add spinach, goat cheese, cranberries, pine nuts (or pumpkin seeds, which is what I used), dried basil, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar
4. Mix
5. Chill in fridge and eat cold