Ready - Set - Recharge

 

Last week, Team McManus knew we needed to have a daycation; a day where we unplugged, did something different for cross training and treated ourselves well with dining out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had not been to our once happy place, Falmouth, since Memorial Day of 2021. With Tom and Ruth Anne training and fundraising and Tom doing contract work, we didn't see our way to having more time than a few days in Hyannis celebrating the twins' 35th birthday in August. We knew it was vital for our mental and physical well being.

"I don't know if I want to swim in the ocean if we aren't going to have any place to change," Ruth Anne said. "I'd love to get into a pool before summer is over."

I'd been thinking about this quandry and had toyed with the idea of getting a room at The Admiralty Inn and Suites where we stayed for years. There is usually a two night minimum stay for Labor Day Weekend on Cape Cod. I checked their website and it looked as though  there was a room available for Sunday night. I didn't give it more thought until last Thursday when Ruth Anne expressed concerns about being in our 'crusty' bathing suits all day.

"Hello Admiralty Inn and Suites."

"Hi I was wondering if you have a minimum night stay for this weekend."

"I'm sorry but we're booked for the weekend."

"Oh I thought I saw a room available for Sunday night on the website."

"I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. When you said weekend..." 

"Oh no it's my fault. I should have been more specific. With whom am I speaking? Is this Eric?"

"Yes it is. Whose this?"

I gave him my name and he said, "Well let me get you set up with a great room. We've recently renovated the property and I'd love for you to see the new courtyard room. ... Let me get you in for a great rate."

I explained that we weren't going to stay overnight but wanted to use the property's amenities and to shower and change after beach and pool time. "Absolutely," he said. "We look forward to welcoming you back!"

We left very early Sunday morning to avoid traffic. Everyone says how you feel the magic of stress release driving over the Bridge:

We all agreed that we would take pictures but not post on Facebook or be on line for the entire day.

Our first stop was Crabapples, our favorite breakfast place in Falmouth:

We checked out The Admiralty Inn and let the front desk staff know that we knew our room wouldn't be ready but Eric let us know that we could use the pool. "Absolutely," she said and added, "Let me have your phone number so I can call you when the room is ready."

There was a family that had taken over a section of the pool deck playing loud music. We didn't want to disturb them or ourselves and headed for the beach.

We spent the entire morning on the beach. I meditated, read, put my toes in the water and took videos to enjoy when winter comes around. Tom rested, read and meditated. Ruth Anne frolicked in the waves and swam feeling unbridled joy free from the constraints of a training plan feeling the healing power of sun and sea. She put down beach towels and fell asleep to the sounds of the waves.

When lunchtime came, we were going to go to Shipwrecked but the Universe had other plans. There was a long line along with the smell of deep fried food. We dried off and headed to Main Street. There were long lines at most places. "Why don't we go to the Quarterdeck Restaurant?" I suggested to Tom and Ruth Anne. During the pandemic we wouldn't have dared to venture inside of what is a crowded bar and restaurant but since COVID is now considered endemic, we were delighted to get a lovely table with wonderful service.

It was Ruth Anne's first visit to The Quarterdeck restaurant and we reminisced about Cape Cod Marathon Weekend when we met Tommy Leonard. We all enjoyed reminiscing about previous trips to Falmouth as a family. After we finished lunch we had a big question to ask... Do we or don't we?

We did! What a treat to walk up and down the bustling sidewalk and shops of Main Street with barely a trace of the pandemic.

It was time to head back to the Admiralty Inn for swimming, relaxation, more meditation and showers. Our Courtyard Room opened up to the pool area and we had a private patio. Ruth Anne and I went into the pool to swim and stretch while Tom rested in the room since he was our designated driver.

What a treat to have a place to shower, change and relax after a day of fun in the sun and get ready for dinner.

The last time we were at The Flying Bridge, Memorial Day of 2021, we couldn't stay for dinner. It was a rainy day and the plastic enclosure from the winter was still in place. The scent of hand sanitizer, seeing a sea of empty tables and weary wait staff left us feeling sad wondering if we would ever be able to return to our beloved restaurant on beautiful Falmouth Harbor.

There was a line out the door but only a 20 minute wait. We saw members of a wedding party arrive. It was a perfect end of summer evening. We took a walk while we waited to receive the text that our table was ready. Waitstaff were taking a break outside and Tom asked them how their summer was. They said it was their best season ever!

Drinks and plates overflowing with the traditional Flying Bridge fare were served with flair and joy. Friends and families' conversations were animated as laughter echoed throughout the harbor. Patrons were packed close together. There was a rhythm and ease to the service despite the number of customers eager to enjoy their drinks and food. 

We heard a spontaneous eruption of applause as the bride and groom walked along the harbor walk to have their photos taken. There was so much to celebrate beyond a wedding and end of summer. Celebration for the end of the pandemic was palpable. 

As we drove across the bridge heading home, I felt recharged and renewed ready to begin a new season. I reflected on the stark contrast between the summer of 2021 and Labor Day 2022. Ruth Anne and Tom are training for three half marathons. At the end of our Hyannis vacation, Ruth Anne set a new running and fundraising goal for Victory Programs. We are excited for so many job prospects open to her. Tom transitions from contract work to employee. When he took his leap of faith leaving Boston College, we knew we would land on our feet as we always have but couldn't possibly have imagined he would be hired for a job he loves with an incredible manager and co-workers who truly value him as a professional and as a person. My opportunities to share my incredible journey of transformation continue to expand and I am thrilled to be finishing up the manuscript for "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic." While the hours of daylight may be diminishing, I am filled with hope that light in our world is expanding.

Into the Light

 

In winter’s darkness

as pandemic “rages” on

turning inward

rhythm of my beating heart

radiates warmth

beaming Love to heal weary world

harping on darkness.

 

Love beams spark hope

harbingers of lightness and ease

focus on Source if you please

gratitude flows for miracles on horizon

be in the flow

this too shall pass.

 

Let burdens be lifted

shift to a new perspective

bright and bold

declaring all is well

confidently

deftly

running into the light.

 

From my heart to yours,
In health and wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

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