FUN AT OCEAN SHORES

I've just gotta say, I don't think there's any place more fun than Ocean Shores, WA. It's better than Disneyland or Vegas!
Now, I know that's quite an outlandish thing to say, but here's why I think that.
Granted, Ocean Shores doesn't have a Harry Potter ride or a Haunted Castle and even though it's on the ocean, no pirates. But you won't have to pay the proverbial arm and leg to enjoy yourself. And the adventures are a little more, well, real. (No offense Mickey.) In this place you can ride horses along the beach, drive go-carts, putt-putt golf and or play in the arcade. You'll also find some wonderful little restaurants and, for those of you who want to gamble, a casino nearby. Oh, yes, and tennis courts (I've found a great group of people there to play with). There's also a golf course. (I splurged and am taking some lessons. Why is it so hard to hit that stupid little ball?!)
    Best of all, though, it offers the wonders of nature. The beach gives you a quiet walk, a place for a bonfire or a chance to fly your kite. In addition, we're making some wonderful friends down there. I truly hated to come home.
    Of course, it wasn't all fun and games while Gerhardt and I were at the beach. I was busy writing every morning, working away on my next book, which is due - yikes! - next week.
    But I like the balance of work and play. I still remember when I was a kid. We had a summer cabin. (My dad got the property for a song and his friends helped him build the place - best investment he ever made because our family and all our friends enjoyed it for years.) My girlfriends and I were always ready to go into play mode the minute the car pulled up in front of the funky little shack in the woods, but my dad would remind us, "Work first, then you can play. Let's get this car unloaded." We all pitched in and as we hauled groceries into the cabin he'd remind us that, "Many hands make light work." He was right. Still today I prefer to tackle big projects as a team. And I still believe in getting the work done first. Then you can play feeling good about all you've accomplished.
    I accomplished a lot last week and I hope to accomplish a lot more this week so I can play over the Fourth!