By The Beautiful Sea

A few days ago we returned from our trip to the beach to celebrate my dear little mother's birthday. I promised to share more soon. I can't wait to tell you about it. We originally had rented a small, quaint beach cottage above the waves. It was an older home. What they call 'older beach construction'. Knotty pine, hardwood plank floors, vintage decor. Cute. Cozy. We were looking forward to it. A few hours before we planned to leave the owner of the rental company called me to say that there was a problem with that house. The furnace went out and parts would not arrive until the following week. She moved us to another home nearby. She was so kind to take my dear mother's need for no stairs into consideration. The home she moved us to was a newly remodeled home that was much bigger and had so many added bonuses. An upgrade. At the same price as the little cottage. We enjoyed this home and felt we were blessed. We believe God did this as a special gift for my dear mother's birthday! The home was so big we three could have easily gotten away from each other if we had wanted to. The living area of the great room was a nice place to gather. The views from the windows were fantastic. A double door opened onto the fantastic deck. I don't know why I didn't raise the blinds before I took the pictures! At the other end of the great room - a large, fully equipped kitchen. Additional cabinets and counter space with a bar area were to the left of the picture, adjacent to the refrigerator.Even the kitchen window had a great view. No problem getting help with the dishes here! Down the hall from the great room was a very large laundry room. Oh, I'd love to have one that size. There was a wonderful counter with a sink and a big table for folding, sorting, organizing or whatever you need to do. Above the sink and counter was this cute washboard. . .And this sign. Isn't it great?Farther down the hall and across the entryway was a room where we enjoyed several hours together. The media room. Oh, it was just perfect! At one end was the little bistro-style 'kitchen' area. So handy.At the other end of the room - a big screen TV with surround sound. My dear little mother had never watched a big screen TV and she was absolutely amazed that she could read ALL the words on the screen. We rented "Amazing Grace" and she loved it. Especially on the big screen. It is a good movie. If you haven't seen it, you should. There is much more seating in this room. I didn't take a picture of the other side of the room. Not far from the TV is a door that opens into a small bathroom. All the comforts and necessities you need for a good media room.

There were more beds than we could use. Comfortable beds. Oh, so comfortable. A main floor bedroom was perfect for my dear mother. She felt lost in the king-sized bed. She decided there was room for four people in that big bed!My sweetheart and I had an upstairs master bed and bath that was fit for a king and queen. I think it ruined us. Now we want a a big bedroom and a master bathroom. With a view. And the sound of the ocean to lull us to sleep at night. In front of the window were two rocking chairs. Placed for relaxing and watching the sea and sky. In two corners were wonderful soft suede chairs and lamps. Quiet corners. Peaceful places to read or think. Just outside the master bedroom door was a wonderful sitting room with two futons and a TV. Lincoln City, Oregon is known for kites. On the beach. Kite shops. Kite festivals. What a great way to decorate a special place in this home. Across the room - more kites. An alcove off the upstairs sitting room was turned into a wonderful bedroom. Complete with pocket doors to close it off and give privacy. This house has a nice apartment-sized unit downstairs that can be rented separately or together with the upstairs home. Together 16 people can easily sleep and play and have a great time. Looking at the back of the house gives you an idea of the size of this home. And a hot tub on each level. We are thinking of renting the entire home for a family reunion with our children and grandchildren sometime later this year. We would have plenty of space - and TWO hot tubs! My sweetheart and I enjoyed the hot tub on the deck. We loved a late-night 'soak' in the relaxing water as we watched the waves and stars. The perfect way to end the day.I enjoyed early mornings alone in the hot tub while my family and much of the world around us slept. So quiet. So restful. So needed. Time for reflection. Meditation. Prayer. Quiet thoughts. The view was more than could be imagined. It added to the restful time alone. Just God and me. Alone. Enjoying His creation.And a special treat. Watching the sunrise. Spectacular!We had such a good time together. A special time. Just the three of us. Making memories that will last for a lifetime. We didn't walk on the beach. Our days at the coast were for my dear mother. We did what she wanted to do. And what her health could handle. There was time for quiet conversation. Private moments.Time for my sweetheart to work on a Suduko puzzle or two.Visits to places dear to my mother's heart. A bookstore full of books new and old. Time spent in antique stores.

And time together for a special birthday dinner in a great restaurant overlooking the waves at sunset.

Best of all - just time together. We loved the sign above our table.

We were blessed with fantastic weather. A special gift for our days at the beach. The sunshine was a wonderful respite after several weeks of cold and icy weather. Coats weren't needed - just sweaters. A reminder that Spring really isn't too far away. Sunset over the ocean is always such a phenomal experience. We watched it from our deck. And from our car as we drove past Siletz Bay to the south.

It was hard to leave but we will return again. When we do we will enjoy it again. But we will always treasure these days away together. Making memories. Precious memories.