For some reason since my kids were very little and we would scratch and save enough money for a spring vacation we usually had a necessity die after we got home. I had always said, wonder what will die this time. Never so bad that we didn't start planning for the next spring break. Now with the kids all grown and on their own it doesn't seem like the end of the world when something decides to take the last breath. Remember, never cry for anything that can't cry for you. I like that saying, it makes sense and puts priorities where they belong.
The weather around Clara has taken on a turn to what is coming. For the last two days the wind has blown fiercely with the sound of "Old Man Winter" knocking and wanting to come in. The clouds are dark and hanging low in the sky mixed with brilliant blues and bright sun shining through. Right now my view is beautiful color of oranges, reds and yellows on the hills with the sun making it look fluorescent. The clouds look like they are touching the tree tops. My favorite thing this time of year is watching the Poplar trees with their yellow leaves fluttering in the wind. Nothing prettier than riding a motorcycle on fallen leaves and watching them twirl up around making a tunnel pathway. Yes, fall and all its glory is upon us.
We spent two weeks in North Carolina. It was great to view fall in a different area. The temperatures were unusually warm, or so the natives told us. We spent 8 days at Kure Beach and Top Sail Beach meeting friends we grew up with for a couple days and then 6 days with just the two of us and Quincy of course. We walked to the sound every morning and watched fishermen, shrimpers and even some "old guys" that drove down to the sound just to chat and settle the world problems every morning. It reminded me of my husband and his friends. One morning we had the opportunity to meet a 75 year old guy and watch him fly his drone. That was quit the experience and listening to his life stories made for a perfect acquaintance. He was a pilot and now pilots a drone taking videos and pictures of the area. I must say it was so different viewing the area above it. He was very informative on the history and nature of Top Sail Island and surrounding areas. The best part.............tada.........he is a cook and bakes bread. Now, let me tell ya, that made my day. I had quietly listened to him and Dick discuss nature but then it was my turn to get in on the conversation. He even sent me a recipe for a skillet bread he makes including a picture. Yes, I was "walking in tall cotton" that morning. That is a southern description of feeling good, happy, lucky or what ever! I like that saying too! Then we would head to the beach for late morning and early evening walks. Looking for sea shells and sea glass to sort through this winter. I hope to make jewelry with the treasures.
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| Holding Quincy back...he wanted that drone! |
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| There is the perfect shell and sea glass in there! |
One more experience on my vacation......by the way we had not been on one for 4 years.......just love our Clara, PA. Ok, maybe not an experience but an emotional take me back moment. Back to watching the news which was little to none and usually weeks old by the time it aired during the Vietnam Era. We were on the beach, above the noise of the waves I could hear a helicopter. There were two military choppers flying over. Stopping to watch since they were flying so low it hit me......the side doors were open and I could see the soldiers. What must it have felt like for the soldiers flying over jungles and swamps in Vietnam, drawing fire for the fighters to come in and bomb the area? What was the emotion trying to land a chopper to pick up and rescue? It was all I could think about, the friends and relatives we have that were there and faced their military time doing what we will never imagine at its best moments much less the worst moments. Our own sons flying in foreign countries doing what they did best. That is how family back home carry on, knowing their soldier is well trained and the best at what they do. God Bless the USA, our Military and their families.
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| Military chopper that brought back serious memories. |
Lucky me I even canned pickled okra on our vacation! My daughter in law had a friend give her a bag of okra, she passed it on to me and of course I had to can it, even on vacation. Two jars for her and my son, one jar for us. I can not stay out of the kitchen! Even if it is not mine.
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| Quincy fell in love with the beach. |
Take a moment to enjoy the day and all that it can be. Remember you can always "pass it on" someone or many will truly enjoy what ever it is.
