Long weekend staycation

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

I dont particularly like the term staycation. however, there doesn't seem to be anything equivalent to sum up how this long weekend has unfolded. 

We often feel a sense of urgency or pressure to head out of town on a long weekend- particularly this one in NZ being Labor weekend, traditionally to start of "spring proper" where tomato seedlings are planted and tentative beach goers take their first dip. 

With a few busy weeks behind us and a weekend away not in the budget we made no plans to head away and only one social engagement in the diary. 

The end of the working week was full and busy with lots of juggling, but after a long early evening walk, our family found ourselves all at home for a gentle evening. Some friends popped in just as the burgers were sizzling on the BBQ, invited for an impromptu dinner which they declined but a nice little catchup. Then Saturday morning we entertained some long standing, great family friends for an extended leisurely brunch. Nine of us in total and the coffee and orange juice flowed, and we nibbled on Croissants, Bagels, smoked salmon, a beautiful seasonal fruit platter, egg and bacon bites and granola yoghurt parfaits. The weather was prefect, sunny but not too hot, the atmosphere relaxed and easy and brunch lasted till well into the afternoon with kids bombing up and down the drive on scooters, basketball, and lots of good conversation and laughs.  There was no pressure, no time limit, and as we've known these lovely people for many years watching our children grow up together everything just fell into place and felt so natural and relaxing. I'm certain it helped we all felt the extra day to the weekend allowed us to savor and not rush.

That evening, after a simple dinner on the BBQ as I was snuggled in my robe with my peppermint tea, our neighbours messaged to invite us to lunch the following day. "very casual" so we accepted gladly, as we had no other plans and the luxury of time.

Then morning was spent pottering at home, planting seedlings, mowing lawns, playing outdoor games. Rather than go out on a day we planned to be home, I made fresh lemonade to take as a contribution and baked some beautiful flat bread when, when it was time to wander down the drive had been out of the oven minutes. 

The smell of the woodchips used on their proper grill, and the ease of their hospitality reminded me of European lunches, no rush, no time frame, just good food and good company and weather kind enough to allow us to dine alfresco. Originally from Argentina, the chimichurri was not only totally authentic but out of this world delicious. Simple fare, but great quality and flavorsome. Lamb and pork ribs, sausages, crusty bread along withy our focaccia, and a huge salad. That was it. NO desert, no nibbles, no ketchup! And it was perfect. I'm so renowned for over catering and it really brought the message home then entertaining can -and should-be just about getting knees under the table, sharing a meal, and enjoying the company of guests. The kids did their own thing, and lunch stretched until well after 4pm.

There was no looming sense of Monday- itis. And after my afternoon walk a simple light supper was all we required. 

Today stretches before us, with more fine weather forecast, my linen sheets on the line by 7am and a gentle yoga session in the early morning sun.

The only thing vaguely planned today is to meet up with some friends with various jet skis and boats for some fun at the beach...and maybe a dip if I'm brave.

With no expectations, no rigorous planning, and a very consciously small and "do-able" to do list, these few days have felt like a complete re set and a tonic. I wouldn't have changed a thing or wished to be anywhere else. time to sit on my deck in the sun with an oatmilk coffee as I type this feels so decadent. and I'm even going to finish ready my book sat right here once i post this. 

The weekend has involved very little outside of our little haven, no driving anywhere, no rushing about, no fitting things in. No PRESSURE. 

Surely, that is the ultimate luxury, savoring your surrounding, enjoying your daily rituals and pleasures, and allowing the day to unfold.