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This is counting season.
People across the Fredericksburg region and far beyond count by months, then weeks, marking neat, wistful X's on each passing day in calendars in kitchens and cubicles and checkbooks.
We're counting down to vacation, that priceless block of time when we can put workday worries on the back burner.
Exhale.
Enjoy a change of scenery.
Kick back with relatives and friends.
Take stock of what's good, and what could be better.
So we count.
When the day finally arrives, we savor the delicious ritual of it.
There's a final, fond look at our homes as we close the door.
Many of us head straight for the shore--North Carolina's Outer Banks; Rehoboth and Bethany, Del.; Ocean City, Md.; and points beyond.
We head for family beach houses, owned or rented. We camp out. We stay in high-rise hotels.
And we cherish rituals:
Stopping at the corner convenience store for a cup of coffee to savor as we steal out of town in the early-morning light.
Pulling in to the decadent fruit and vegetable stands that line the main road just on the outskirts of vacation hotspots to load up on ripe berries, jams, corn on the cob and melon.
Watching the newest addition to the family react to the sensation of sand between baby toes and waves rushing over tiny feet.
Drinking "Electric Smurfs" in the swimming pool at 11 a.m., on a "work day."
Going back to that local seafood restaurant for the platter of fish we've craved since the dead of winter.
Knowing we won't have to tell the children "we can't now, we're too busy."
Staking out our patch of sand and finally positioning our chair and drink, sunglasses and book just so and--ahhhhhhh.
What are your cherished beach rituals? Do you spend every Fourth of July on the sand?
Do you have an annual clam bake with family and friends? Do several generations gather for an annual deep-sea fishing competition?
Is there a beloved--and fierce--beach volleyball match?
What are the shore pleasures that compel you mark X's on your calendar?
We want to know, and we'll share excerpts with other readers in a future Travel section. Maybe you'll inspire other vacationers.
Describe your ritual in 200 words or less. E-mail it, with "ritual" as a subject line, to
Email: kshapleigh@freelancestar.com; or snail mail it to Katherine Shapleigh, FLS Travel section, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg Va. 22401-3887.
