Nothing. Absolutely nothing…just spent a week of bliss with our kids and their kids at the beach.
I decided to write about my week on Fire Island because a lot of folks in the Midwest tell me they’ve never been there. Even some New Yorkers lament the same thing. And yet this little stretch of land near Long Island is only an hour from Manhattan! We did need to fly, drive and ferry to get there, but once that challenge is over, it’s time to put your feet up and sip a few.
Picture this: no cars — just wide paved paths for large wagons and
bicycles — and an occasional golf cart.
Our rented beach house was in a lovely, secluded community with acres of bamboo trees and tall grasses. Very close to the beach, about 100 yards away.
Everything about the house was a pleasure to my designer eye. Rustic yet with a mid-century vibe; vintage watercolors and abstract gouaches hanging over beds and dressers; small clever sculptures made from natural elements and old parts, sitting on random ledges.
Best part of the entire house: the outdoor shower. With only one shower indoors, this was in constant use. It’s such a pleasure to feel the sun on you while scrubbing the sand off!
Where the house was situated did put us farther from the little town called Ocean Beach, where we walked to for groceries every day.
The stores have delivery service — in a wagon — but walking to markets and restaurants was our only form of exercise!
During the week, my daughter and her husband from Brooklyn treated us to several delicious grilled meals on the deck. So my job responsibilities mainly included watching two baby granddaughters roll on a blanket, building sand castles with my grandson, and occasionally cleaning up the kitchen…
We loved the super casual vibe of the island. Bare feet, perfectly
acceptable; barely- there clothes, on everybody.
I brought waaay too much stuff.
Lived in cover ups and shorts all week.
Didn’t even think about wearing jewelry.
Plenty of good shopping…
And the weather was idyllic. One day, Hurricane Barry in the Gulf
kicked up some fabulous waves and a few gray clouds. 
Red flag day
So we chose that day to take a water taxi and visit the Sunken Forest. 
This is an interesting ecological area (and National Park) that comprised acres of unusual trees and flora living behind the protection of sand dunes.
We were able to walk the strollers along the full path made of boardwalks and pavers.
I understand there’s also a picturesque lighthouse you can visit. 
Late night in Ocean Beach consists of lines at the ice cream shops, toddlers staying up way passed their bedtimes, and a couple of bars that offer pool tables and live entertainment
.
Otherwise you can sit on colorful chairs and watch the world go by…
And catch a glimpse of an occasional celebrity (Suri Cruise and friends).
I finally opened my novel on the last day — actually decided I could have stayed another week if I wanted to pull out some of my own recipes and walk back to town for groceries. But I’ll save all that for next year, because we’re planning on renting again and repeating our fabulous week in the sun.
A few more out-takes:
Beach bums…
Favorite cottages
Local Catholic church
Requisite seagull on dock…
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