My friends collect me promptly at 9am in their brand new car. I tuck my luggage in with theirs and we head out for a week of R&R at Lakeside, Ohio where they often spend a summer week of renewal at a Chataqua where Sandy enjoyed summers during her childhood.
The day is perfect for travel. Not too hot, not rainy, traffic is reasonable. The new car has OnStar and we play with it to see how it works even though they know the way. I sit back and relax, enjoying the fact that I do not have to drive, that car breakdowns are highly unlikely, that the chance of undergoing any sort of stress is low.
We stop for lunch along the way, but the first rest area is covered with ground bees and we decide that the better part of valor is to leave them the space and explore the next rest area which proves to be lovely.
We munch sandwiches and enjoy the summer greenery and stretch our legs for a bit, then climb back in the car and continue until we can smell the lake and see the inlets and bays and at last find ourselves at the gatehouse entering the Lakeside community where we will spend the week "nurturing our mind, body and spirit" as the PR goes.
I have sung with the Rochester Oratorio Society at the Chataqua Institute in New York as part of the arts offerings, so I have a bit of knowledge about the idea of such places. This week in Ohio will be the first time I will have a Chataqua experience. I can't wait to see what unfolds.
My friends generously include me because they are concerned for my health and thought a week of relaxation a good prescription for recovery. I am under orders to only do what I want to do, and not to feel bad if I don't participate in all the possible activities. What wonderful and thoughtful hosts! I am really looking forward to exploring and experiencing. Now to unpack!
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