What is it about family? Regardless of vast time and distance we can still get together and feel an immediate connection. I sat and watched these cousins do there thing all week with joy. I arrived from Sisters in Annapolis, MD late Sunday night and from the first minute it was first class relaxation on the menu!
We did lots of simple fun things like boat into town for an icecream with the kids. We then had a stroll through the streets which were quaint and full of American history. I like the narrow streets and the many coloured houses.
And then what did we spy? Why the Australian flag!
My nephew Brad inspired my choice in new glasses and then while leafing through his album collection we found the initial inspiration! Why Elvis Costello... of course!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that my brother is a fitness fanatic. Always has been. So each time I know I am going back I beef up at the gym in anticipation of a friendly "competition". I would NEVER be so bold as to think I could win. My aim is only to keep up and not expire. So when he said he was taking me to a class at his gym I paniced. The last few months have been full of things to do and going to the gym wasn't exactly the priority it usually is for me so in a word I was TERRIFIED. We went on Monday am and I survived the class. Mainly because it was only an hour instead of the 90 minutes I had anticipated. It was a really fun pumped up class...the kind you find in America where the music is loud, the instructor boistrous and the class a challenging work out. However, I show you the steps leading to the house from the dock on the river.
There are 62 of said stairs and each one for the entire week reminded me of the class with aching muscles. Ugh. They really hurt. The next day we headed off to yoga but missed a change in schedule. We decided to do our own class as we had brought two of the cousins. The yoga was a welcome relief but at the end Rusty suggested a bit of cardio. Here we go again I thought and sure enough, despite the other four of us insisting we had had enough there we were doing a cardio session. Again we survived. I have to say I admire his discipline. He challenges himself at every opportunity and in many cases took us along. Thing is, it is fun. he is knowledgeable about a lot of things and I learned a lot from him over the week. Little things but fun things none the less.
There was always something happening near the water.
The background noise was always cousins having a great time!
We had an evening sail on a perfect balmy night. What is it about watching the world go by slowly for a change that brings peace of mind?
Kyacking was another fun activity. We got the brief...head out and take a right and go between a few docks to find a nice secluded marsh area full of wildlife and as fate had it, a brewing storm so it was hit the paddles and get the heck home before the skies opened and a storm blew through.
It is just so nice to be together and have time to sit back and relax. However, gatherings like this take planning and Liz and my mom did a great job of creating a feast each night. I am not sure how they do it but with hardly a murmur, fresh vegetables and salads appeared with a bbq each night and filled us up!
We had lots of time to chat and play games.
Do more sailing.
And when in Maryland do as the Marylanders do and EAT CRABS!!!! Crabs caught off our dock!
The were prepared perfectly and complete with beers and bay spice!
Here we all are... except for Oscar, Noah and John. Hi guys in Australia!!! Missing you! There is more but as per usual...an early start tomorrow to watch a massive LAX tournament. This should be fun. We are in New Haven, Ct after a brieg tour of NYC yesterday for the teens! more on that later. Heartfel thanks to all the Gowland family for laughs, conversation, activities and food and music and the rest!! k
Kathy so nice to see you looking so relaxed and happy, looks like such fun and good weather. makes me jealous.
Posted by: Lynn | Saturday, 16 July 2011 at 10:20 PM
Just reading all your activities makes me tired! Glad you're having a good time. There's a nice quilt shop in Annapolis--but you don't need that, I'm sure:).
Posted by: Sally | Saturday, 16 July 2011 at 10:50 PM
What a wonderful time you are having...thanks for sharing all of that lovely family fun.
Posted by: cardygirl | Saturday, 16 July 2011 at 11:02 PM
Youn only missed the Annapolis Quilt show by about a month... But you did get to Sisters.
(I'm in MD.)
Posted by: Amy | Monday, 18 July 2011 at 09:49 PM
I have lived in Florida for the past 10 years but I am from Annapolis. I love your pictures from there especially in the ice cream store near city dock (am I correct?)and the crabs!! Love your blog too. I'm a big fan!
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