Today was my daughter’s first day of her new job assignment. For years she has worked 4 days a week, but has not had a full weekend off. Her new assignment allows her to have weekends, as well as one day off mid-week.
To celebrate we engaged in one of our favorite rituals. We decided to have lunch at a nearby beach we often go to when time is limited. We had egg and turkey sandwiches on a roll with coleslaw and Arnold Palmers. This sandwich choice has been a family favorite for a long time. And it must always be ordered from the same nearby deli.
I picked up our lunch from the deli and we met at the beach. We occupied one of the weathered, splintery benches on the deck of the bathhouse with a view of the harbor. This is a lovely view as it looks out through a channel toward the LI sound, includes a variety of boats both stationary and on the move, children playing on the beach and lots of people exercising their dogs.
Today was relatively quiet, though. The family with toddlers left quite soon after we arrived. A couple of guys showed up with their dogs, but they stayed near the shoreline. We had the place almost to ourselves as we sat gazing out toward the lighthouse and the LI Sound dreaming about the warmer weather.
We ate, drank, talked and sat like two turtles in the sun, enjoying every minute and every bite. And did I mention the delicious, fresh apple turnovers, also from the deli?
Teaching for Life 
Thank you for the field trip, Barbara. I enjoyed your photos and the recap of a perfect afternoon with your daughter. Hopefully you will have many more delightful afternoons with her.
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As many as I possibly can. I am so fortunate to have her in my life.
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The photos reminded me of time I spent years ago in Newport, RI with my dad. Your lunch captured your love of your daughter. Keep writing down those stolen egg sandwich moments!
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Thank you; I will. I had a feeling that this ritual would remind many of us of their own rituals, or memories of in your case. It’s always the simple things in life that are the most rewarding, isn’t it?
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Lunch with your daughter – I love doing the same thing with my daughter. She works three days a week so we frequently manage to see each other on one of her days off. The pics are wonderful! Thanks for this glimpse into your afternoon.
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I knew when I wrote this that people would identify both with the idea of it and the tone. You are as lucky as I am. We both have a lot to be thankful for.
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This sounds absolutely lovely! I love the line aboutv2 turtles in the sun.
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Maybe one day you and I can steal some “turtle time” somewhere together. Meanwhile, try it with your kids. I’d bet they’d love pretending to be lazy turtles soaking up the sun and it might provide you with 10 minutes of peace and relaxation in your overly busy life!
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Mom-daughter time is so special. I like your peaceful and delicious slice.
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Yes, it is. And maybe someday I’ll write a post about mother-son time, as I have one of those, too! But he’s a lot harder to pin down since he lives in Brooklyn!
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I love the turtle line too! I also like the descriptions of the people as I’m an avid people watcher. The tone of this piece is so relaxing and calm… loved it.
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We are fortunate to have access to this kind of beauty and calm in our lives if we choose to enjoy it. I empathize with those who are not so fortunate. At this point in my life, this beauty and calm is a need, not a choice!
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Daughter lunches are special. Sounds like you and your daughter have it down! Love the post and the photos too. Thanks for the slice today.
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We try to have lunch together once a week. It’s my way of showing her how much I appreciate her presence in my life. We’ve been through my recent cancer and her 5 open-heart surgeries (she’s only 32) together. We have a lot to share and celebrate.
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Your post brought a smile to my face, wishing I were there to be like a turtle and soak up the sun, too. Rituals, especially with our family members, are so important. They add a richness to our memories. Thanks for sharing one of yours.
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I am glad you liked my turtle reference. We have a nearby park where turtles do just as we did…sit and soak up the sun. That is where I got my inspiration!
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Lovely! You nailed my favorites… beach, egg sandwiches, apple turnovers… but most of all celebrating with my daughter. I think we have kindred spirits.
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Indeed, we do! It’s the simple things that make life worth living, isn’t it? Thanks for reading me!
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I love this! The scene looks so beautiful (it makes me want to visit!) I have some similar rituals that I share with my mom, and I treasure those times. How great that you can share them with your daughter! 🙂
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I’d love to have you visit. We live on LI? And you? This post has resonated with so many Slicers. I feel like I hit the jackpot! It’s a testimony to how many of us treasure these small moments with the special people in our lives.
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I live “way out west” in southeastern Wisconsin. Your photos remind me of a lot of the small towns along Lake Michigan. I think any small moment shared with people we love resonates. Those are the memories we keep and cherish! Brava! 🙂
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What could be more perfect than a favorite lunch with a favorite person in a favorite place? Gorgeous photographs!
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Apparently not much…judging by the number of comments I’ve been receiving today, including yours. Writing is like that…full of surprises. You never know where your words will go and who is ready to receive them. That’s why I love this SOL March Challenge!
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I have been blessed with so many wonderful comments today, including your own. I feel like I hit the jackpot! These small moments are like “glittering beads on the necklace of our life.” (I plan to use that title for a collection so I claim it here, readers.) Thanks for enjoying the moment with me.
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You saved the tastiest morsel for last, apple turnover. I bet this luncheon was even sweeter since you were not able to make it happen earlier. What a treat (for you) to eat and for others (to read)!
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Today, as we take a break from Saturday chores, we are having Italian pastry as the turnovers were sold out. Forget about the diet. Life’s too sweet!
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What a wonderful thing to do. I am so envious, there is nothing like having a meal near the ocean.
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Maybe you can join us next time 🙂 !
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You really had a lovely day…so nice. Rituals are so important to the currents of life.
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Aren’t they? I keep finding that more and more to be true. Thanks for reading me!
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This is a true “slice of life.” Just a small, simple moment, but so important. Really, the best moments we can have. Lovely. Thanks for sharing. I feel we were all able to experience the peace you and your daughter had during this lunch.
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Thank you for your kind words.
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Ditto to everything stated above. But Barbara, what is an Arnold Palmer? Is it iced tea and lemonade (and vodka)? Yesterday was a lovely day afterall, and your images and time spent with loving daughter attest to that. Lucky both of you.
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I’m pretty sure the original Arnold Palmers were just iced tea and lemonade and were named after a famous golfer. It’s our favorite summer refresher with unsweetened iced tea and lo-sugar lemonade. Enjoy!
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