solid 8

"You need to take water. You'll get hydrated on a day like this. And your ankles will swell up."

"Bring the umbrella. You can't be under the sun too much or your skin will turn leathery."

"Your hair looks so much nicer down."

"That coverup is too nice to wear on the beach."

"Be sure to bring something to cover your chest."

"Did you bring a hat?"

My mom has a lot of concerns for me at the beach. I know her intentions are good, and I'm sure I'm the same with Alexander. All mothers are alike. But still. I want to just pack up and go, question-free.

Wild Harbor Beach is a gorgeous place, especially when blue skies dominate.

My mom and I arrive early, before the crowds. It's a 3-minute golf-cart ride from my mom's house.

We talk to people and each other. Read our books. Eat a delicious packed lunch. And I even take a float out onto the clear waters. 

Had there been more of a breeze and fewer people, today would have been a 10. But still, a solid 8 is still pretty nice!