Sunday, January 3, 2010

Just another Saturday in January

.
.
Yes, I'm a bit slow jumping back in to regular blogging after the holidays, but the real reason that I'm not participating in Monochrome Weekly this week is that I couldn't bear the thought of not sharing these images in color. They're not great photos, grainy and taken at a distance while I stood guard over the 3 bikes and 2 backpacks my family left heaped on the sidewalk while they raced off towards the sand (the kids) and sea (my husband, who never misses a chance for a swim), but they do depict an absolutely magnificent day, the kind of day that demands that you drop everything and head outside to enjoy it.
.
I won't lie, January isn't always this wonderful, it can be cold and rainy and downright miserable, and most days you do need at least a light jacket, but every once in a while the stars align and it all comes together in a gloriously perfect day and the whole country heads outdoors.
.

We threw the bikes on the back of the car and headed for the beach ourselves. Jay and Itai roared up and down the beachside promenade while Maya and her training wheels and I went at a more scenic pace, examining pebbles, vendors' stalls, pigeons, and whatever else happened to catch our eye before she decided it was time to park the bike and head for the sand. Itai eventually joined her there and Jay stripped down and headed for the water. I watched from my sentinel's perch on the sidewalk, camera in hand.
.
.
.
When everyone had had their fill of sea and sand we headed across the street to our favorite beachside bar where we managed to snag a table with a built-in computer for the kids to play while we waited for our lunch. (We love this bar - the drinks are great, the food is good, and the atmosphere during the day is very family-friendly, but speedy they are not. We always come prepared with something to keep the kids occupied as we wait, and wait, and wait some more for our food to arrive.) We ended up hanging around for a while after lunch so that Itai could shoot some pool - first with his father and then with the girl at the next table.
.
Eventually it was time to go home and relax for a few hours before Jay and I headed out again to here some music in Tel Aviv, and then before we knew it the weekend was over and it was time start the work week all over again. As January weekends go though, I'll take another one like this anytime. It was EXACTLY what I needed to recharge my fading batteries, and is yet another reason why I love living where I do.
.

26 comments:

Leora said...

Glad you had a nice relaxing day. The photo at bottom is wonderful - inviting and warm, and what a smile! I could skip the guy in the bathing suit in the middle pic - but the water scene in general looks like it must have been fun.

Dina said...

Well, I quite like the guys in the sea. And your daughter is so sweet.

Y'all on the other side of Israel really have such a different life. So near yet so far.
Most of the northern hemisphere will be envying the warmth of your last weekend.

Mimi said...

Sounds a wonderful, relaxing, family day, and I used to love those. My kids are not interested now- teenage inertia!
I've emailed you a few details re Dublin, but now thinking of another hotel that has a swimming pool, I'll send details.

Sandy said...

Oh wow, what a great day! It's cold and snowy here. The wind outside my window sounds like a train! Thanks for sharing your lovely day. At least it gives me an idea of days to come....eventually.

storyteller said...

Looks like a wonderful family outing in a gorgeous place! Glad you shared the photos in color ... Maya's lovely PINKS and that fabulous smile brightened MY day too! Aren't we lucky to live in such moderate climates?
Hugs and blessings,

Fairly Odd Mother said...

As I look outside at the snow, I sure could use a little of that beach right now! Looks lovely. . .

Bill S. said...

Looks like a fun weekend while we are getting a ton of snow. Enjoy the sun for me.

Janet said...

The first picture...yeah, kinda looked a bit snowy...but the second? Oh thank you!!! Look at your girl...she's growing so fast!

moneythoughts said...

Love your pictures of your family having fun in January. Those of us in Cincinnati are enjoying 10 degree temperatures and a sun that hardly warms our insides. That sand and beach look very inviting.

Tammy said...

Definitely a perfect way to spend a weekend in January! Your pictures really convey the joy. Very occasionally we get a day like that in February, but not January! I'm glad you got out to enjoy it.

Maribeth said...

How wonderful this looks! With the snow and today's icy cold wind, I'm not going out at all. Today is a rest day.
I love the picture of Maya and her bike. She is such a doll!

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Gattina said...

Your beautiful pictures warmed me up ! We are sitting in the snow in Belgium since this night, it's all white here and ideal for monochromes, lol ! I hate that, I prefer colors !

Dimple said...

Wonderful day, thanks for sharing it with us northerners, Robin! I'd need to travel about 2,000 miles to find such an opportunity in January. I will say that winter helps me appreciate summer, though.
Thanks for the visit!

quilly said...

Beautiful sea, beautiful scenery. Beautiful family day!

Jennifer said...

I would love to have a weekend like that in January. We are freezing here - a very cold snap for January in Alabama.

anymommy said...

Okay you were right, I'm insanely jealous, but I still love you!

kayerj said...

oh that looks like heaven! Thanks for sharing :)

Kelley @ magnetoboldtoo said...

A blissful weekend.

So jealous I could spit.

;)

Anonymous said...

I long for beach weather, sun and heat....
Swap you for some Snow & Ice?
You will get used to the cold after a time...LOL
Happy New Year to you and your family robin.
Your images on the beach are very inviting.....

Daryl said...

I wish I had stopped by yesterday and warmed up a bit .. your little duckling is turning into a swan!

Jientje said...

I can imagine you enjoyed this!
It's very very very cold in Belgium, but at least we get to see some blue skies!

Mojo said...

Who-hoah... Itai shooting pool with the girl next door, eh? A rite of passage. Watch out mom, it's coming. And from what I can tell, you got quite a lady killer on your hands.

I have a tough time imagining being able to swim in any ocean in the northern hemisphere this time of year. I was just down at Topsail Island last week and there is no.f.n.way I'm getting in that surf! Not for another 6 months anyway.

But I get it. Sea, sun, sand... perfect recipe any time of year. And great company is a big bonus.

Anonymous said...

Oh you have no idea just how inviting that beach and sea shot looks...aah, if only.

Tania said...

How nice! It`s much snow and very cold here no and I looking forward to the summer:-)
Wish you a great day!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Sounds fantastic to me. As much as I'll miss my little babies - I do so look forward to having days like that with kids who don't need to be chased around.

And I love that first shot!