This year’s house was one of the smaller places we’ve stayed at, but since it’s just my husband and me, that was just fine.

We planned late, and our choices were limited, but we did manage to get an affordable canal-front property. Last year, though, we were on the sound instead and got a better view … but it was still a great, relaxing week.

One of last week’s sunsets

The decor of this three bedroom, one bath home was standard beach house: faded poster of the world’s most dangerous sharks, old map of Cape Hatteras, photos and drawings of ships at sea.

And this:

Another oddity? Instead of the usual sign displaying the house name, we had a mascot:

Oh, it did have the cottage name really small at the top, but still, unusual. And a little creepy!

We spent the week reading, lounging at the house or beach, eating seafood and soaking in the hot tub.

How am I supposed to go back to work?