ON VACATION WE ......

Time slows down and we take the time to enjoy the day when on vacation. We sleep in longer, research the latest health news and read books we've heard about but have been too busy to enjoy.

One such book I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down was, Secret Daughter by Shilipi Somaya Gowda. It's an easy read, very engaging especially if you have visited India. The story follows a child from an orphanage in India adopted by a family in California. It highlights the struggles of many of the characters as they come to grips with the realities of life as they are forced to live it. Get a copy, and let me know how the book affects you.

Another benefit when on holidays is to reflect on our own state of health and see what we can change to be even healthier. Since we seldom watch TV when home this was an opportunity to catch a few episodes of Dr. Oz and once again be motivated to embrace a few healthy changes.

We realize we need to get back to green smoothies once we return home. Also too many foods are way too high in salt for me so reading labels more closely is also necessary. I think we are already eating very healthy home cooked meals, I just need to limit my intake and be consistent with my commitment. Those two steps along would make a big difference in my personal health.

Now who would have thought pedicures are part of a healthy routine?  Truth is our feet are very important to us and their health shouldn't be neglected. A regular pedicure improves blood circulation to the feet, important as we age, and also permits a closer examination of the condition of skin, nails and bottoms of our feet all areas that are easy to ignore.

So between our healthy diet, daily walks on the beach,  and reminders of a few neglected health habits we need to reclaim, I think this has been an excellent vacation in more ways than we first expected. Maybe we should do this more often?

Stress free vacations, I highly recommend them.

Time to head over to the big oval track that's home to the Daytona 500. Talk about a pressure cooker when the stands are full and the cars are running flat out. Race day is not stress free living. Did you see what happened in Phoenix at the NASCAR race last weekend? Someone there needs to learn to de-pressurize safely.  Don and I wont be driving the track just taking the tour of the facilities.

Thanks for keeping an eye on us. More pictures tomorrow.