We caught this egret having lunch in the reeds along the boardwalk as we explored the shops on the sound side.
After a leisurely breakfast, we all went for a long walk down the boardwalk, looking in all the little shops and carefully avoiding crowds as much as possible. We used tons of sanitizer and as soon as more than three or four people came in a shop, we were out of there. We balanced feeling like we had as normal a vacation experience as possible with the least amount of risk involved and it felt good.
Like I told you before, other than going on trips with my kids, and a couple with friends…I have never had a “family vacation” and that is what this family has always done. While it is a foreign concept to me, I must say, I have enjoyed it. My daughter-in-law and I have had time one-on-one to really get to know each other better. We have an agreement. If I cook, she cleans. It gives us time in the kitchen to work side by side. I really miss that with my girls. Having this bonus family to share that with has been lovely. We each have our own interests and go off to do our own thing then end up eating together and sharing what we did, looking at each other’s pictures.
We were on our way back from our walk when I stepped on the edge of the sidewalk, turned my ankle, and went down like a shot. Mr. FixIt tried but there was no catching me with that kind of momentum. I rolled over on my back and laughed because I didn’t really hurt myself…just my pride. But, by afternoon, I could certainly feel where I took a tumble…nothing serious. I never really think about fall risks when it pertains to me. I have been very careful when it comes to Mr. FixIt since his stroke because his balance has been off. Between that and having my first “old-lady-skin bruise” last week…it gives me pause. It reminds me my days are numbered. No fear. No vanity. No envy. Just…observation. Acknowledgement. This is ok. This is good. This is the natural progression of life. This is…interesting.
I have a writing project with a tight turnaround so I’m going to be doing a little work on this vacation in the next day or so. I love the new opportunities that come my way that give me the opportunity to stretch my wings and write in a different style than I am used to. Today is Wednesday and the week is half gone. I’ve barely visited the beach yet. Today and Thursday are supposed to be our sunniest days so I’ll make sure I get out there as much as possible.
We had a lovely anniversary. We ordered carry out from High Cotton BBQ. I have to say…while it was fabulous the first time we ate there, subsequent visits have been disappointing. I think it’s because I bought my own smoker, smoke my own meats in small batches, and preserve it myself…I’ve come to like my BBQ best. Still, it was a lovely meal and fun to spend our anniversary with the kids. Here’s to many, many more healthy and fun anniversaries!
❤️
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV