Surf. Sand. Sunsets.

Escaping to an island and its beaches is healthy for one’s body and soul. Whether you are retired or unfortunately still part of the employed community, sand and surf can fix a lot of what ails you.

Cutest and I have been soaking up, literally, the glories of the beaches of Sanibel, Florida. This barrier island is the shell capital of the U.S., if not the world. Doing the Sanibel Stoop requires bending at the waist while your eyes attempt to discover that one elusive shell missing from your collection. A great stretching exercise.

Cutest usually becomes entranced, continuing to shuffle down the beach for over a mile before doing an about-face to begin retreating, eyes still sand-bound, to our beach chairs. With a soothing beverage in hand, we reflect on her shell finds of the day.

Soon our attention is captured by the setting sun and the water-colored clouds gathering near it. Dogs, alligators, human profiles and other imaginary images morph from one visual to another. Just arrow > through to see what I mean.

With brains of sun-filled Jello, we flip-flop back to our temporary island home to plan tomorrow’s adventures. This might be the shortest blog I’ve written, but after reading it, just close your eyes and let your mind bring you here. I think you’ll enjoy the restful trip.