As I slowly ease into summer vacation mode, I am enjoying the quietness of  the mornings. 

My backyard is quickly becoming a tropical oasis where I find  hummingbirds abundant feeding on the plants I have carefully chosen to attract them.

Most mornings I  watch many different bird varieties taking turns bathing  in the coolness of the pool at dawn. This is something I can get used to.

Many summers past I worked because I had three kids and many animals to care for, sometimes I worked two jobs if needed. Through the years the kids have grown and the animal count has dwindled to a mere five and counting. 

I lost a  special cat recently and now my big Siamese “Hercules” is sick and I will soon face another loss.

The dogs, too are quite elderly and aren’t able to ge.t around as easily as  in their younger years, but don’t tell them, they still believe they are puppies.

Now, I have only one son at home to care for (kinda). He insists he can take  care of himself and I don’t need to tell him when to get up, or take a shower,  or to eat. 

He is a college student now (shocker)and I must let loose of the  apron strings; some anyway, and allow him to feel his way amid the obstacles and trials of life.  It’s just difficult for me to let go, I’m working on it and  hopefully in another 10 years I will succeed, for Ryan’s sake.

I carefully planned this summer, I knew how much I needed to relax, be  carefree, and just wake up to each day refreshed  without everyday work-related  pressures of deadlines and trouble-shooting. 

I’m not saying life is without stress, but not having to bring work stress into my summer hiatus is calming.

So here I sit looking out my back door into paradise.  The trees are  slowing swaying in the soft breeze, I hear the birds chirping in the distance,  the dogs are taking one of their many naps throughout the day and I am smiling. 

It really can’t get much better than this.

Many people are planning a vacation that includes either flying or driving  to popular destinations, but I can be content with just working in the yard and  maybe organize a room or two in my house. 

It’s really up to me, no pressure, and if I do decide to take a trip somewhere I will.

I just might decide to catch up on some movies I haven’t had the time to  see, or try out new recipes on my family; they do enjoy those “just try it” meals. 

Maybe now is the time to reconnect with my girlfriends over leisurely  lunches, and have play dates with my granddaughter Isabella.

A day at the L.A. Zoo, Long Beach Aquarium, or even Atlantis Park would be enjoyable for us both.

The concerts in the park will begin in just a few weeks so my lawn chair  and cooler are ready. I will not miss a Thursday evening.  There is nothing  better than listening to music outdoors in the comfort of your own lawn chair, sipping your favorite beverage and maybe dancing a bit if the mood strikes you. 

Hakuna Matata is  my goal; a problem free philosophy.  Oh, my family is going to go crazy after hearing me sing that song over and during the next couple of months. 

No worry, I’m on vacation.