The Traveling Duo

Thursday, July 31, 2008

I would like to start this posting with a big thank you for all the prayers for Laurie, Darcie, and the rest of the family. Everyone is home now – or at least out of the hospital. Soreness, stiffness, aches, and pains have set in for all involved in the wreck! We are just so thankful the injuries weren’t any more severe than they were! We do have a gracious and loving God!

The traveling duo was gone for a couple of days this week – in case you are wondering who has that title - it is none other than Bill and me! We had already put together a new post before the accident and decided to hold off and post “Blessings” to let John, Laurie, and the kids know we were thinking about them! So, now begins our July 29 -30 posting.

July 29 started off with us finishing packing for a trip to Cincinnati. I would almost be safe in saying that most of you think we are going to a baseball game – wrong!!!! Since spring, Bill has gotten hooked on watching tennis matches on the tennis station. He knows most of the top ten men and women by name and face – I’m still trying to figure who is who! He ordered tickets for the men’s professional tournament being held in Cincinnati. Many of the top ranked men were planning on participating (the top 44 were part of the 64 participants). We had no idea as to whom we would be watching Wednesday night. Bill was hoping it would be one of the top seeds.

The match was to start at 7:00. We got to the stadium around 5:30 so we could eat a bite before watching the match. We found us something to eat and ventured over to a large white tent that had tables and chairs set up. We found a table and sat down to eat. The tent was also host to a live band that made very loud music. They were playing “oldies”, so the songs were fine, but the level of the music was 20 decibels too high for these old folks!! I’m sure the folks at King’s Island could have heard the music and them being a mile away!

We finished our sandwiches and ventured away from the tent toward the area where we to go to our seats. There was a large crowd and the heat was unbelievable! Bill went to the restroom before we went to the stands, and when he came out of there he looked as white as a ghost! He barely could move one foot in front of the other. He made it over to a railing and hung on for dear life. I ran over to him, and he told me he felt as if he was going to pass out – he looked as if he were going to as well. I found a chair, and he sat down. There were some good Samaritans who stopped by to offer their help. They got an ice pack for us to place on his neck, and a young boy gave him a bottle of ice cold water. He was suffering from heat exhaustion. He did not drink as much water as normal because he didn’t want to stop every fifteen minutes and go to the restroom. Between lack of water, the extreme heat, the anxiety of being in the large crowd and loud noise caused him to hyperventilate and almost pass out on me right there!!! It scared the daylights out of me and him! I told him if he upped and died on me I would not talk to him ever again!!!!

I was ready to take him to the hospital and head back to the hills of WV. But no – he came all that way to see a professional tennis match, and he was bound and determined we were staying! I relented when I saw the color coming back to his face and him assuring me he was feeling better. We were going to be able to watch the number 6 seed, Andy Roddick. Bill had watched him on TV – usually when I was at Mom’s – thus the reason he knew the tennis players and I didn’t. He decided he was able to walk – he was weak – but we found our way to our seats. By the time we sat down, Bill’s knees were as weak as dishwater and so were mine – mine was from fear! Our seats were bleacher type seats, but were in a great location. We had a great view of the stadium and a good breeze was blowing which helped Bill tremendously.

Maybe the shirt he has on contributed to this episode - too many hot chicks - more than he saw at the beach! :):):):):)

As we settled in to get ready to watch the match, Andy Roddick took the microphone to make an announcement. He was withdrawing from the tournament due to tightness in his neck and shoulders. He didn’t feel as if he could play with this tightness. Okay – do we go home now since the top seed we would be able to watch was not going to play? No, we stay – partly because Bill was still a little weak and partly because we had come a long way to watch a tennis

match! We ended up watching two players by the names of Jun and Kohlschreiber play.

Have no idea how to pronounce that last name, but he was the one who won the match. Jun was the one who replaced Andy Roddick, so he probably wasn’t as ready to play. It ended up being a really neat game to watch - they were both great players.

The next game was to be a doubles match. Two Americans against one American and a Korean were going battle it out on the court. We stayed and watched the first set with the two Americans winning. It was interesting to watch them as they tried to set up a play – similar to volleyball. While watching these four play, we did notice a major difference from the first match - the announcer “ssshhhh” the crowd. The entire stadium got quiet, and I mean quiet – a lot faster than a gymnasium full of kids! It was unbelievable! He would also say “quiet” and “time” with the reaction of the players and the observers being immediate. Adults would slink down if they were going to their seats when the announcer said quiet.

We left after the first set and returned to our motel with no problem. Bill was still weak, but we didn’t have to walk that far! After a good night’s sleep, and me coaxing him to drink water, he felt better the next morning (he also got a Frosty from Wendy’s). We had tickets for the 11:00 match but opted to come on home. The heat index was to be extremely high, and we felt we had already had one too many episodes of heat exhaustion.

There were a couple of other things that caught our eye – one was a sign that said “Oooops, you just missed us – Motel 8 exit was the one behind you!” We though this was hilarious! Another sign said “Church for people who don’t like Church.” We’re not sure what this one means – anybody’s guess could be correct.

The price of gas was another interesting thing we encountered. We saved almost $8.00 for a tank of gas when we filled up before leaving Cincinnati. Gas was $3.569 a gallon!!!!!!! When we left home, we passed a station in Lavalette that had gas listed as $4.09 a gallon!! It is just a little too far to go back when we need to fill up the tank!

These two travelers are glad to be home and with all feeling better – especially Toby, who got a tennis ball from Cincinnati! Till next time, love to you all!

Toby is chasing his new tennis ball - it's a larger version than the regular tennis ball! He chased it all over the room.

Blessings

Wednesday – July 30, 2008

Blessings

May you wake
each day with God’s
blessings and sleep
each night in His
keeping, and may you
always walk
in His tender care.
(Anonymous)


Last night was not a good night for my brother’s family in Doylestown, Ohio. John – my twin brother and the oldest by four minutes (Sorry John, I had to let all who read this know who is the oldest!) – and his precious family had a terrible scare. My sister-in-law Laurie and Darcie, my nephew JD’s wife were out with the twins in Doylestown. They were hit by another vehicle. The twins were not hurt - just scared. Laurie was jarred up pretty bad with bruises, broken tooth, back and head aches, and general soreness all over her body which resulted from the hit and the air bag. Darcie was hurt a little more severely. Both had jumped out of the vehicle to check on the boys. Both were able to walk – which was a blessing in disguise. After being checked out at the hospital, it was discovered that Darcie actually had a broken neck! Her break is around the area where the spine and skull meet. The doctor told the family she should be able to have a full recovery. For this we are sincerely thankful. On top of all this, Caleb, one of the twins, fell on the steps and broke his leg right above his ankle! It appears the hard part will be keeping him off his leg for at least six weeks! We are so blessed to have all of them with us today. This posting is going to show a few pictures of John, Laurie, and their family. If my nieces and nephew are reading this – Aunt Sue needs updated pictures!! J
Through the years with John, Laurie, Dawn, JD, and Lindsay – we love you all! I will be making a posting as the weeks go on for my other brothers and their family – have to keep peace! I love them all very, very much!! (Two bushels and a peck and a hug around the neck – right Billy?)

This picture was taken on January 22, 1989 - our birthday - John is still four minutes older!

Left to right: Dawn, JD, John, Linnie, and Laurie

JD and Darci

Darcie and Courtney

JD, Darcie, Aaron, Caleb, and Courtney

Dawn and Lindsay - I will do one with you all - please don't go out and get hurt!!!!! I love each and every one of you!

My brothers and their family are very special to me!!!! My brothers are very blessed. We thank God that everyone will be better soon.

Food for Thought

Sunday – July 27, 2008

Food for Thought

Have you had times in your life when you have moments of foolish thoughts or deeds; had a grudge towards someone; and forgot who we need to turn to help us overcome all our short comings? Sure, as humans we all have had similar experiences, but we need to remember that HE overcame the world and died for us so that we might be saved.

Bill and I have lots of devotional books and study Bibles that helps us when we need that extra explanation for something on our mind and heart. When I get really stressed out, anxious, hurt, frustrated, angry, and overwhelmed, I will pull my devotional books off the shelf and browse through them to locate the one verse or passage that seems to speak to me and help me with my insecurity. I am a person who has always tried to be the peacemaker and the one who tries to help all those around me to have a life that is perfect! I am like a “momma” bear trying to protect her cubs. In reality, I know I can not produce that perfect life – the only thing I can do is pray for all I love, know, and even those I don’t know.

To assure all who might read this blog and know the family – there is no one instant or problem that caused me to write this! As they say in the movies – “if any of these problems may lend you to think it is about you – it is purely accidental! But again, if any of these cause any reader to stop and think, then remember the power of prayer! Sometimes something bears on my heart and I have to share it. Usually Bill is my sounding board – today will be no exception because he will read it before this blog is posted. This is the teacher coming out in both of us!

The following are passages that struck a chord for me today – bits of wisdom to remind me of whom I need to turn to when I need help, regardless how small my problem might be.

“Oh God, You know my foolishness;
And my sins are not hidden from You.”
Psalm 69:5

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge
against one of your people, but love
your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:18

“You will have tribulations; but be of
good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

One of my favorite passages is :

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered;
it keeps no records of wrong.”
I Corinthians 13; 4-5

I hope that you will be blessed and these passages will give you food for thought as the work week begins!

Pick a Winner!

Friday – July 25, 2008

Pick a Winner!

One of the things I have always liked to do when teaching was working with the kids on a poetry unit. It was always amazing at how creative they could be when they tried! Through the years I have written poems for special occasions and special people. Even though I don’t teach now, I still like to dibble at writing. I had ordered some books about writing (yes, even though I don’t need it for school, I wanted it for me!) Bill looked at them and got into the mood to write – a poem no less!
I’m going to post the one he wrote as well as the one I wrote today. We’ll let you pick a winner. :):):)

Bill’s creativeness:

My loving husband is a big, fat jerk
He really is a no good lazy lurk
If it’s anything hard, he will always shirk
He has never done any kind of work

I do not agree with Bill’s interpretation of himself - except maybe he will shirk hard work if he can!!!

Sue’s creativeness:

Clouds and wind, with the sun beaming through
Makes a perfect day for me and you
On the beach we will always enjoy
Memories forever, not to be destroyed

On a more serious note, Bill really can write and has penned several articles for historical books and magazines. I have also had one of my poems published which some of you have been voting for on poetry.com. The poem “The Tears in His Eyes” was inspired by a veteran who had tears running down his cheek after the 9/11 catastrophe.
In some ways, I think we will always have that “teacher” part of us that will cause us to write – whether it serious writing or not - only time will tell!

God's Pictures in the Sky

Wednesday – July 23, 2008
7:00 ***************

God’s Pictures

While we were gone to the beach, we were able to watch the clouds as they floated by us and see shapes, animals, and anything else our imagination would allow us to see. As I was waiting for the train to clear a crossing today, I looked toward the skies. The clouds were just so white and puffy – just like cotton balls placed high in the sky. As I watched these clouds, I saw Ginger – my white poodle I had over thirty years ago! The formation of these clouds was depicting the head of a curly haired poodle in my overactive imagination. Just as quickly as I saw the “head of a poodle,” it disappeared in the blink of an eye!

This made me think back to the days when I would stay with my grandparents who lived up a “holler” on the left fork of Lick Creek – Wayne County, WV. After helping in the garden, we would bring the beans we had picked to the front porch to get ready for an afternoon of work. My grandfather always took a small nap after lunch (he was always up by 5:30) – he would lie down on the front porch. My brothers and I would try and stay quiet, so some days I would lie down in the swing. It was there I would see the beautiful clouds that God had created. I would “see” things and remember asking the boys if they saw what I did in the clouds. Needless to say, we never saw the same things!

Today made me realize that we don’t take the time to look at God’s pictures in the sky when we are home. It’s the same sky as when we were at the beach ( okay the longitude and latitude may be different!), but we just don’t seem to pay any attention to the clouds as they float by us – maybe we do when they are dark and it looks like a storm is approaching. We are too busy with our lives, and we tend to keep out heads down because we are always on a mission.

This also reminds me of an “Andy and Barney” scene when a stranger comes to town and is in a hurry to get his car fixed so that he might continue on his trip. It was a Sunday when all in Mayberry takes it easy and enjoys the slow pace of life. They took time to smell the roses! If we would take the time, then we might see more of the pictures in the sky that God has placed there just for us.
We hope you enjoy these pictures and hope you can see the picture that God created!

These are from the beach.
Do you see angel wings?????

A dark gray blanket starting to cover the ocean.

These were taken while standing in our back yard. Beautiful pictures in the sky from Craig Road!

Sometimes it is just enough to look at the overall beauty and not look for an object!

But, it is okay for you to use your imagination and you might be surprised what you can see!

Beach Withdrawal and Unconditional Love

Sunday – July 20, 2008

Beach Withdrawal; Unconditional Love

Odd title for this entry isn’t it? This is going to be two entries in one! The first is probably of no surprise to anyone who goes to the beach and loves it! Those of us who have the opportunity to go really miss it when we come back to the hills! You don’t find too many who live close to the beach actually get the opportunity to enjoy it everyday for two weeks as we did! Realistically, it would be hard pressed to find many who stay on or near the beach for a long period of time unless they were on vacation – or maybe beachcombers!!!!

We have been back a week and are ready to go back – the bank account says no – but the mind and body says yes! It was good to be back home, to see the family, and to sleep in our own bed – but it’s not the beach! It is so relaxing to listen to the waves. Yes, we have several CD’s that allow us to drift away as if we were there listening to the waves – but it’s not the same! We will just have to be content to wait until next year and savor our memories of the last visit.
First day back, I had to report for my first day of jury duty! So far, that has been the only day I’ve had to report! Tuesday, Mom and I went up and got our hair cut – boy did we both need it! Then we had to cut the grass – maybe that’s why we like the beach – no grass to mow!!!! Then, I was down at Mom’s for the weekend. I fixed a big bowl of fresh chicken salad and a BIG pot of spaghetti sauce for her and the rest that might venture in to eat this week. I fixed enough to bring home so that Bill and I will also have some to eat this week.

Tomorrow we have to call the heating and air conditioning business and the ones that work on the riding lawn mower. We had a new air conditioner put in before we left; we got a call while we were at the beach and the boys put in the wrong air conditioner – we were to have one with a heat pump! So, we have to make arrangements for them to come and exchange the units! We’ve also had a call into the lawn mower repair business to come and fix our “flat tire!” Actually, it’s not a flat – the front tire just came off! There’s a pin that keeps it on, and it has broken. They had to order one for the mower! Our good old self-propelled mower works fine- it’s just our legs that don’t! :) Busy day tomorrow!

The unconditional love is referring to two of my best pals – Toby and Harley. Toby was so excited to see us when we returned – he doesn’t even appear to remember we were gone. Most of you know that Toby is our baby – a Boston Terrier who is 12 years old. We have had him since he was three months old. He does not remember any home but this one – at least that’s what I would like to believe. He is a little under the weather this evening – which upsets me anytime he gets sick. I just wish he could tell me what is wrong – but he can’t! He does suffer from arthritis and is going blind; we even suspect he is losing his hearing! This evening he shied away from us - which he does when he’s not feeling well – and acted like he didn’t want to be bothered! We gave him one of his “puppy” pills – medication the vet gave us – and he is starting to act as if he feels a little better! He looks up at us with those precious eyes, and you can see the love he has for the both of us! He is so trusting and knows we will do what we can to help him feel better. Our reward is always slurps and lap time!

My next buddy is Harley, who is my nephew Billy’s dog. He is a 150 pound lab mix. He suffers with seizures – at times he has had as many as four or five a day. He knows when he is about to have a seizure and will come to one of us as fast as he can. You can see the fear in his eyes when he starts to shake. There is nothing we can do, but we rub him and talk to him until he comes out of it. He is so drained of energy he can barely get his tail to wag to let us know he is okay! He is on medication – which has helped him to only have a seizure every now and then! This weekend was not a good one for him. His back legs are starting to give him problems. Mom has about four steps that go down from the back porch – he could barely go down and up them yesterday! It was so sad. All weekend he was by my side – even when I would go to the bathroom he would go with me. It was as if he knew I would help him if he needed it. Billy was working and I was the second best thing! He is so good to move when he sees Mom coming through the house – either that or he is tired of her saying “Move Harley!”

Two of my special buddies aren’t feeling well and there’s not a lot I can do for them. Anyone who has a pet and is attached to them as we are ours, know the pain we go through when they don’t feel well! If only they could talk! I hope they would say “I love you” and “thank you for taking care of me!” I feel that they know they are loved and they return that love unconditionally!
There are two other special babies – Speedy (Mom’s Chihuahua) and Molly (Jeni and David’s beagle). Speedy is as fast as his name indicates and is Mom’s guard dog! Molly loves to dig holes and chase the moles! She has also been known to get after turtles!

Now who of you could not fall for these lovable faces and become their buddy?

Toby's a Happy Baby!!!

We needed to make peace with Toby for being gone so long!!!! Therefore here is one of his first toys we brought back! He is now a happy baby!

He cried, barked, jumped, and stayed on our heels all evening. It was as if he were afraid we would leave again!!!

He is so happy!

Day 16-17 The Last Leg Towards Home

Saturday – July 12, 2008
It’s over! Today is the day we head back North. We had planned on packing most of our things in the car last night. However, that was not possible because the fire alarm sounded until after midnight! This blocked the elevators and we didn’t feel like packing them all down the stairs – probably would have been great exercise though!
We made the check-out time of 10:00. There was no long line when checking out like there was when we checked in – sounded like they were expecting a very busy afternoon with a large number checking into the condos. We left the condo clean – we had to take out the garbage and turn on the dishwater. Not bad for staying there two weeks! The maid service will come in and change the linen, scour the bathroom and kitchen, and mop. They do a great job in keeping the place clean, so we tried to help by not being messy!
Traveling wasn’t too bad today – at least we didn’t have to move at a snail’s pace. Unfortunately we did see where a car had burnt on the other side of the highway. Traffic was backed up for a long way for those folks! We traveled on to Orangeburg, SC and ate at a Cracker Barrel – boy were they busy!!!! We went on toward Charlotte for the night. We plan on going to a baseball game.
7:00 ***********************
Oh no – we got to the motel room around 4:00. Bill decided to stretch out on the bed to rest his cramped legs, and I decided to stretch out on the couch to read about what was going to happen to Anne of Cleve’s (Henry VIII fourth wife) . Bill fell asleep, and I fell asleep (but I do know what happened to Anne!)
Bill jumped up and said – “it’s 7:00!” We all know that Bill is never one to be late for a baseball game. The game was to start at 7:05!!! We were late and the Knights were already behind by five runs! There was a large crowd (just like when we went to the Hickory Crawdad’s game two weeks ago). The reason for the large number was that there was to be fireworks after the game!!! We opted not to stay for those – we had already seen several firework displays.
We watched the game, found some really good brats (mmmmmm – finally we had found a good hotdog!), walked around the stadium, and took some pictures. It was a very nice evening – even if we were late!
We are back at the motel with our feet propped up and reading! Hopefully we will get a good nights sleep and get an early start on the last leg home! Good-night all.
Back with another comment. We didn’t get the sleep we wanted – we were on the same floor as a track team! The kids were running up and down the hallway and doors were slamming shut and it was 11:30!!!! I did something I have never done before! I called the front desk to complain! I was very pleasant – Bill said I was too nice – but it got the problem under control. By midnight the kids were all in a room and things started to quieten down.

Sunday – July 13, 2008

All is well – we headed home with no problems. We did come through some rain, but the rest of the trip home was uneventful – for which we are grateful. It was good to get back home – we stopped by to see Mom then headed home to Toby. Now talk about someone who was glad to see us – Toby was estatic! He jumped; he yapped; he cried; and he barked. He would not let us get out of his sight. He setlled down after we let him have one of his special treats we brought back to him – a bird with long legs and a long neck! He is now snuggled down with his Dad for a good evening's nap!
We will probaly not post everyday – but keep checking to see what the Hardins are doing “Beyond the Other Side!”

Day 15 - Fire and Rain

Friday – July 11, 2008

Today is the last day :(. It started out on a somber note. I opened up an e-mail from Jeni and David telling us her Grandma Hanna had passed away. It is so hard to have a loved one leave us, even though they are going to a far better place. We want them to know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
It is hard to go on having a nice time when your loved ones are hurting! We also want them to know we love them and are thinking about them!
We did go out onto the beach earlier today because of the forecast predicting thunder storms (and the fact that this was our last day to soak up the sun!). We had the young man who was in charge of the umbrellas and chairs take a couple of pictures of Bill and me together which we hope to share later! He was a nice young man and asked “where are ya’ all from?” I love to hear them say “ya’ all”. He said he had family from Beckley, WV. It is amazing at how many we have met who have connections to WV. We were on the elevator when a gentleman commented to Bill he liked the Jets too. Bill had on his NY Jets t-shirt. He told the man that we were Chad Pennington fans, and that we were graduates of Marshall. He nodded and said that they were from NY and loved the Jets.
We were able to stay out for about four and a half hours – then I started burning. When I feel the heat and it stings – it’s past time to come inside. Bill stayed under the umbrella with his shoes and socks on so he wouldn’t get burnt! We gathered up our things one last time and made the trek back to the condo. I decided to take this time to wash the beach towels and clothes here so I wouldn’t have all that sand to take back home. The washers were free, and I got the job done! The fewer dirty clothes I take home is that much better!
While the clothes were washing, I started today’s news. Bill came in and said – “let’s go to the General Store, get some gas, and see if their hot dogs are any good.” So I will finish this later this evening!
5:00*********************************
We’re back! We went to the General Store; got the gas; but couldn’t get a hot dog! They closed up at 2:00 – they only serve breakfast and lunch!!!! So I guess we will have whatever is left over in the frig! Pizza, shrimp, potato salad, and chips are on the menu! Wow, what a combination! I actually ate more shrimp than pizza. I love shrimp – this I take after Dad. He loved shrimp better than anything! I guess I ate enough for him and me on this trip. Hardly a night went by that I didn’t eat shrimp with cocktail sauce! Mmmmmm it was sooooooo good!!!! :)
We have been able to watch God’s work his wonder with the weather. Watching the waves roll onto the shore; coming closer to high tide, and then going back away from the shore for the low tide. It’s like watching a glass of water tilt from side to side. The electrical storms that we have witnessed have been unbelievable. I told Bill the lightning we have been watching tonight is about ten – fifteen miles from the shore. When he asked how I knew that I said, “1001, 1002, 1003, and so on!” The streaks of lightning looked as if they were extending from high in the sky all the way to the water!
I have to share a couple tidbits with “ya’ all”! On our return from the General Store and as we were walking from the car back to the building, I asked Bill if he was going to be good when we got back home. He says – I’m always good – then we heard BOOM! Thunder was rolling in fast, and I told him that God did not like for him to lie!!!! It was so funny! So, we have to watch our Hardin fits! :) I forgot, since we are not teaching we don’t have to play that game now!
The second tidbit is about the pictures we have taking. We have tons of pictures of the ocean, clouds, storms, ballparks, condo, and the greenery around the island. We also have a lot of pictures of the wildlife. I took pictures of the sea gulls that were walking towards us today while on the beach. Bill looked at me as serious as he could be and said that he and I took pictures of birds today! I didn’t remember him taking any pictures of gulls, pelicans or crows at all today! So, I asked him to explain. He said, “You took pictures of the sea gulls, and I took pictures of the ‘hot chicks’!” Somewhere, on this vacation, he has reverted back to being a little slick in his thinking!!!!!
We’re going to be packing up the computer and probably won’t get it out tomorrow – it will be buried among all the “stuff” we have. Bill said he was going to have to rent a U-Haul to take everything back! This is not true!
I cannot say again how relaxing and what a great time we have had the last two weeks! It has been wonderful to be together and be able to sit back and not worry about anything. We have been reading the series of books about Henry VIII and have enjoyed talking about them with one another. We were not completely oblivious to things going on back home, but knowing that Mom was okay; Toby was being taken care of; the kids were doing fine; and David and Jeni were okay and having a nice time with family made this trip that much more enjoyable! We were having a special time for ourselves.
I hope that all who read this blog will be able to find time in their busy schedules and take some of that time just for them. It is refreshing!!!!
8:45
Bet you thought I was finished for the day – so did I. All I was going to do was finish packing! I had already changed to my robe and gown when all of a sudden I thought we were back at Wayne Middle School listening to the fire alarm! That’s right – we had the fire alarm go off around 8:00 this evening, and I had to run in and change my clothes!!! Bill said he was glad it wasn’t a real fire. I also got my purse and our medicine! We rushed down the stairs and waited out in front of the building. People were milling around and wondering where the fire was.
It took the fire department about ten minutes to get here. Then it was another 20 minutes for them to check the building -there are four floors with two sections – we are on the third floor where the two sections meet. The fireman said it was a bad alarm head – Bill said he didn’t know that an alarm had a head! He has had way too much sun!!!
The one thing we didn’t take down was the camera – we could have had some really good shots of all the activity going on around us! By the time we got back and Bill got the camera to rush out to get the pictures of the fire trucks – they were already gone!!!! What a way to end the week! One of the fireman said at least it wasn’t 3:00 in the morning – I’m not sure either one of will sleep tonight!
I am closing off for now and will probably post this before too long – Bill still proofreads, then I proofread his proofreading, and finally we decide to post the journal entry! Good – night all!
9:45
Sorry – one last note – the fire alarms went off again! We went back downstairs – this time with the camera! We now have pictures of the fire trucks. We stood out side for about five minutes and one of the firemen came over and said we could reenter the building! He said they were waiting for someone with the master key to open the box on the alarm – still the alarm head. This has been going on for at least 45 minutes – let me check; they may have finally gotten the key! Nope, the alarm is still going off! We can’t hear it back here in the living room! The alarm has been sounding for the last hour. Those poor people close the alarms – they may not have any ear drums left!
I hope this doesn’t go on all night! Signing off for now – will post again after we get home on Sunday! Love to All!!!!!!!!
Sue and Bill

Day 14 - "That Dirty Bird!"

Thursday – July 10, 2008

Today started off with a decision that needed to be made. Do I want to pack today or wait until Friday!! The decision was that we would pack all unnecessary items (according to Bill that would be everything because I always pack way too much) (right David?). We want tomorrow to be a day of simply relaxing on the beach for the last time this visit! (I didn’t want it to sound like we would never be back!) We have all things packed in the suitcases except what we are planning on wearing the next three days – I have a special suitcase for those items. That suitcase is what we carry into the motel! Guess we could have used our plastic Wal-Mart bags!
It would not have been a great day out on the beach – it started thundering, lightning, and finally raining. So, hopefully, we chose the right day to pack – and we are optimistic that tomorrow will be wonderful! We both didn’t want to be tired from the packing before we start our trip home! I know how can you be tired when all you have been doing is relaxing??? Trust me – I can get tired from packing!!! Bill on the other hand may not get as tired! :):):):):):):):)
After the packing was completed, we had to make another decision – we were planning on going out on a dinner cruise – however the weather did not look like it would be a fun thing to do!!! So we have opted to stay in; I’ll fix pizza; and we’ll sit on the deck and watch the waves roll onto the shore.
We turned the TV on for the first time today – Bill watched a little of his beloved Reds. They are playing the Cubs and we were able to pick the game up on the Cubs station. Last I saw – they were behind!
He watched the game and I went back to the Straw Market. Found myself a really comfortable pair of flip-flops (Kim – your Nikes might be comfortable but these feel soooo good!); picture albums that say “Our vacation at Kiawah Island”; and some more souvenirs for the family! Mom, I got your alligator a buddy! :):):):):):)
Since it is raining, I thought I would get a head start again on the posting – will finish later tonight!
5:00
Some of you may be wondering as to why the post is entitled “That Dirty Bird”! Since I don’t want to keep you in suspense, I will relay to you what happened to me as I was sitting on the deck in the corner! I had positioned myself so I wouldn’t have to be fighting the wind – my hat didn’t even keep the hair out of my eyes. I was sitting there, minding my own business; reading, watching the waves, when all of a sudden – SPLASH!! I glanced down at my leg, which was propped up in a chair, and thought to myself – someone upstairs has just thrown their milk over the deck and the wind had blown it back in on me!!! Guess what??? It wasn’t milk! You’re right – “that dirty bird” which flew by decided to leave a deposit and it was left on my leg!!! I told Bill, “at least they didn’t get it on my hat!”
This reminds me of “Sue Thomas, FBI” when she became deaf. She was out playing with her brothers and a bird left a deposit on her head. According to her brothers, this was why she went deaf! Hope this doesn’t mean I’m going to go deaf – I only have selected hearing – just ask Bill! With a bit of luck I won’t go lame. We have only two more evenings to sit out on the deck. I am going to be very careful as to where I will sit!
We had a wonderful show of dark clouds, claps of thunder, streaks of lightning, and blowing winds shoving the rain in on the deck. The beach was virtually bare. The Beach Patrol was even scurrying off the beach in their trucks, four-wheelers, and scooters.
We tried our best to capture the streaks of lightning – but to no avail! Maybe there is a reason we use the saying “quick as lightning!”
The rest of the evening was spent reading and enjoying one another’s company! Oh by the way – the Reds beat the Cubs – finally!

Day 13 - "She Crab" Soup & fried Turkey Legs

Wednesday – July 9, 2008

Do you think that when you are getting closer to the end of a vacation that each day you spend at the beach is better than the day before? Well, today was one of those days! I actually was out on the beach for about five hours (with sunscreen), and it was absolutely great. It was cloudy with the sun peeping through occasionally and the wind was blowing to keep you cool. It was actually blowing so hard that the sand was blowing on us more today than it had been.
Bill didn’t stay out as long as I did – he is still a little red from yesterday! When he did come out, we just sat there and watched the ocean and the people! We didn’t see any beach volleyball, but there were several who were passing a football back and forth – some were on the beach while others were in the water. Sandcastles were being erected (and others were being wiped away by the waves). Most of the younger ones had to be actively doing something – others were content to sit and read! It is unbelievable at how many of the younger (12-15 year olds) were readers! Amazing!!!
I need to add some information for yesterday. We saw and did so much it was hard to remember everything – this is the reason we decided to write it all down. I bet you thought we were writing it down because we are getting older and can’t remember things like we could ten years ago!!!! That may be partially true – but we’re not ready to own up to that yet! :):):)
We ate at the ballpark – all I will say it is nothing like eating at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati!!! Neither Bill nor I really liked what we had ordered! Bill’s corn dogs were rubbery, and my hot dog had sauce and cheese that was dispensed from a container as if they were mustard and ketchup! We would have been better off eating popcorn! Here’s what I really want to share with you. They had two items on the menu that might be considered a novelty! One was fried turkey legs – yes they were turkey legs or they caught one of the biggest chickens we could have ever seen. People were actually sitting in their seats eating these legs like we would a chicken leg!! The next item was called the “Elvis” sandwich. You might ask what that might be like. It is nothing more than a hotdog bun with a slice of a banana and peanut butter with a little syrup. Apparently one of Elvis’s favorite sandwiches was a peanut butter and banana sandwich. We figured they used hotdog buns instead of ordering regular light bread! This was very interesting. I just wanted to share this before I totally forgot about it! :):):)
After coming in from the beach and showering we walked over to the Pro-tennis Shop. It was nice and expensive! We walked back across the road to the Straw Market and did a little souvenir shopping – look out to those back home – what we bring you just might be alive, but then again it may never have been alive!!!! We’ve seen pelicans, sea gulls, sting rays, jelly fish, deer, and even some crows! So who knows what we bring back! Look out Mom; you may get a baby alligator!!!!!
Thanks to the deli from the Freshfield’s Village – we had a delicious meal on the deck. We bought a couple of slices of pork loin and I fixed rice, peas, and rolls. We also bought some “She Crab Soup.” Have no idea as to why it was called that – I didn’t like it as well as clam chowder! One thing for sure – they love their spices down here! Sensitive stomachs beware! We were not attacked by the sea gulls this evening, but a couple of crows flew by and landed on the deck right above us!! They were cawing to beat the band. Bill shooed them away, and we were left to eat our meal in peace!
We have two days left, and we are going to make the best of them. I can’t say it enough on how thankful and blessed we have been to be able to take this trip!
10:00
FYI:
Bill did a little search on the web as to what was used when making the” She Crab Soup”. We were curious as to if there was a “she” and a “he” crab and how you would know the difference. Okay – no snickering – we are aware there is a male and female for all species, but how do you tell the difference with a crab????
Apparently there are a lot of blue crabs in the Charleston area. The people in the area started using them to make soups. William Howard Taft – according to legend – was going to pay a visit to the mayor of Charleston, Mayor Rhett – the “Rhetts” asked their cooks to add some color to the pale looking soup in honor of the President! So, the butler went out and got the orange-hue crab eggs to give it some color and possibly more flavor. Therefore, they named the soup “She Crab Soup.” When Bill told me what was in the soup – I almost lost what I ate! :( Also, according to what we have read – it is a very well known delicacy down here, and one of the things Charleston is known for!
Just thought you all might like this little tidbit!!!
Bill just proofread the post and I am to add one more bit of information. The settlers from Scotland were the ones who brought the recipe over during the 1600's. So, if you have Scottish blood flowing through your veins - you should like this soup! :)

Day 12 - Clouds, The Market, Riverdogs

Tuesday – July 8, 2008

Oh, where do we start? We were busy, busy, busy – but it was a nice kind of busy! They always say that the best place to start is at the beginning! So, that’s what we shall do!
We spent a big portion of the day on the beach. I went down about an hour before Bill. They had an umbrella and chairs with our names waiting for us. I spayed the lotion on me and positioned my chair to get the morning sun; put on my ear phones and turned on my Celtic music. When Bill came down, he did the same as I had done, but he listened to the Dave Matthews Band – thus the good reason we have our own IPOD.
We love to people watch, and the beach is a great place to do that. One thing we have decided that this is NOT the place to come with your young teenagers! We haven’t counted, but there have been several instances where we have observed a parent and a teenager in a very intense conversation. As Bill so eloquently stated – “no one is happy involved in that conversation!!! It may be that they are just teenagers and not the surroundings!
I watched the clouds today and it was one of those days where you could see different characters in the clouds. I saw some of the characters from “The Fellowship of the Ring” called the “Nazguls.” Then I would look back up and see cherubs and angels. I also saw rabbits, dogs, and squirrels! Bill says I’ve been in the sun too long!!!! I took pictures, and when I share them with you maybe you will see characters as well.
Bill didn’t watch the clouds – he says he was watching the “hot chicks”! And as with any beach, there were plenty! He listened to his music and ended up getting the top of his feet RED! We tried to make sure he was covered, but we walked for about three miles along the water’s edge and figure he may have gotten burnt then!! The lotion was suppose to be water proof! We have used the green Aloe lotion and Solarcaine spray – it has helped! He says he will wear his socks and shoes to the beach tomorrow!!!!!

We came back to the condo, showered, and got ready to go to Charleston. Our first stop was the “Slave Market”, now simply called "The Market". It is like a big flea market – with any thing you might want. They have basket weavers making their straw baskets – which start out at about $25.00 to over $200.00!!!! Needless to say – no baskets coming back to WV (yet)! :) We found a few things that were reasonably priced and made our purchases!
This market is called the “Slave Market” because it is where they use to auction the slaves off when they brought them into Charleston straight off the ships! If you ever have a chance – Charleston is a great place to come and see where a lot of our country’s history took place!!! The old houses that have been restored; the famous Rainbow Row of houses, and even a trip to Ft. Sumter are all worth the trip!

We then left there and headed over to The Joseph P. Riley, Jr. ballpark to watch the Charleston Riverdogs play ball. It is a minor league ball team affiliated with the Yankees!!! No we didn’t see Joe, Mickey, or the Babe!! The Riverdogs lost, but it was still a great atmosphere. They had something going on to keep the crowd involved just about every ending! You are so much closer to the field, and it would be hard to say that there was a bad seat in the park.
Before we left we did have an interesting thing to happen (which I didn’t see). I heard the PA announcer say – Security, Security go to the third base line fence. Bill saw this happen! Apparently a fan ran onto the field and jumped over the center field fence! It would have taken him into a small park. So, I’m sure that by the time the security got to that area – he was long gone. I was watching the kids in front of me – they were having a ball! Bill just happened to be looking in the right direction – the man was fast. He was there and then he was gone! I don’t think he was a “streaker”! “Don’t look Ethel – here he comes again” as Ray Stephens said in his song.
Another day has gone and we’re a day closer to coming home. I do believe if we were ever to move out of WV, this is where I would like to move. So, in three days we will be playing the song – “Take Me Home Country Roads!”
Midnight

Day 11 - The Storm

Monday – July 7, 2008

Today started off with a bang – thunder that is! The wind and rain came next. We had a thunder storm, and then it started to clear off. Seemed strange to look out on the beach and see no one!!!! At least people had enough sense to stay away from the water during a thunder storm.
The rain stopped around noon, but we had decided to go to the Freshfield’s Village. We went to the grocery store and the post office! Everyone must have had the same idea as we did – the store was busy!
We ended up sitting on the deck this afternoon for a while. We saw a doe and her fawn down in the dunes. They blend in so well with the surroundings that most of the people walking to the beach didn’t even notice them. Those that did – stopped, watched, and appeared to be in disbelief – a deer at the beach???????
So far it has been another day of rest and relaxation – we are not going to want to go back home to mowing the grass, doing laundry, cleaning house, etc.!!!!!! Oh well, we all have to go back sometime. We are just so thankful to be able to come and enjoy these two weeks. We thank God daily!
I’m getting an early start on the journal today so I will probably finish later!
6:00 *********************
I’m back to add more! We just ate our supper outside on the deck. We had to stand guard over our trays because we had the sea gulls back for another attack! Fortunately, we were able to shoo them away so we were able to eat without them being too much of a pest. They did fly over continuously as we were eating, but they were high enough to where they were out of our way.
So far this evening has turned out to be beautiful – hopefully tomorrow will be more of the same with no thunder storms! We had another red sky tonight – so we just might have that pretty day tomorrow.
We just looked at the pictures we took today – quite a few. Bill took several this morning of the rain dripping on the railing on the deck. Unbelievable at how pretty they turned out. The pictures of the deer turned out something not that noticeable from far way. The fawn still had its spots!!!! It looked like Bambi! The doe was wearing a collar and had a yellow tag with the number 24 attached to its ear. We think they have tagged the deer and are watching it and recording where it goes and as Bill says to make sure it is still alive!
9:30

Day 10 - The Hat Brigade!

Sunday – July 6, 2008

Today was a day we chose not to go down to the beach. We were planning on having brunch at 1:00 at the Jasmine Porch which is located in The Sanctuary Hotel up the island from where we are staying. They serve what they call a “Jazz Brunch” probably because musicians play while you are eating. We didn’t ask, but the musicians could be a grandfather and grandson!! They played everything from Alice Cooper, the Beatles, and even Johnny Cash’s “I’ll Walk the Line.”
The food was just as delicious today as it was last Sunday! We had a server whose name was Anastasia – we were waiting on the Russian princess to come and serve us! But, she was a very sweet and friendly girl from the South. The service we have received there has been phenomenal! Ruby Tuesday could take a lesson or two (or three or four . . . .) from the management of the Jasmine Porch!
We asked our server if she would take our picture which she pleasantly did. Bill then took pictures of Lionel – the omelet chef – in front of a whole pig with an apple in its mouth! We think it was there for show – didn’t look like it had been carved.

We left there and traveled down the to The Freshfield’s Village. This is where the nice grocery store is located as well as several specialty shops – expensive places to buy souvenirs!!!! We did purchase a couple of things - a cowboy hat for me and a sun visor for Bill! This trip has turned out to be a hat extravaganza for me! With my hair being the length it is, and the way the wind is continually blowing, I needed something to hold my hair out of my face! The wind has managed to blow all hats I had been wearing off my head – once I had to chase it down the beach!!!
We went into this one surf store, and they had all kinds of hats. I tried on one of the cowboy hats with the string under my chin thinking this might help keep it on my head! Bill liked it on me – we chose a color and size, and I ended up wearing it all afternoon! I plan on wearing it in at Mom’s – whoa, wonder what she will think of me and my hat?????
While we were in this store we ran into a gentleman who had a Marshall shirt on. We struck up a conversation and he lives in Proctorville and was a graduate from MU. Next thing we hear is another gentleman saying something and he lives in Huntington but went to WVU. He said he would stay on the other side of the counter but we could all talk since we weren’t in WV!! Also, at Jasmine Porch, the host’s mother was from Welch, WV and a clerk in a shop had two friends from Huntington, and he is going to be in their wedding. It is a small world!
We also went into a bookstore and found another book by Philippa Gregory which will add another book to our collection about the Boleyn sisters and their descendants as well as the wives of Henry VIII. I am on the second book and Bill is reading the third in the series – all are very interesting!!!
The days are getting lower in number as far as the time we have left here at the beach. This journal will help us remember things we might have forgotten! Each day is a new adventure with great memories to share!
10:00

Day 9 - The Beach Patrol and a Wedding

Saturday – July 5, 2008

Another great day at the beach - we couldn’t have asked for better weather than what we have been experiencing. We have had scattered thunder storms, but they have been late in the afternoon. The storms came and went before you would know what was happening!
We went out and were on the beach before 10:00 today. Believe it or not, neither one of has gotten burnt! We sat, read, ventured out into the water, and took a walk. We also read our “Boleyn” books and watched the tide as it went out further from the shore line!
We had a group set up “camp” next to us around noon. Bill had come in for a while, and I was still sitting – reading – and listening to my Celtic music! Our umbrellas were a little closer than I liked, especially when there was a least 15 of them crowding under the space of two umbrellas and four chairs! All of a sudden one of the beach control trucks stopped and started talking to the group. I wasn’t really paying a lot of attention to them until I heard the tone of the driver. He was not a happy camper! Apparently someone in the group was drinking an alcoholic beverage from a glass bottle! You are not to have glass bottles on the beach! Also, they asked about someone drinking who was under age – apparently there are hefty fines for both infractions! I did see them drinking from a glass bottle – the older man in the group told a bold face lie and said they had no glass bottles and that no one under age was drinking alcoholic beverages!
The driver of the beach patrol truck talked really tough. He told them if they were caught doing either they would be fined and put off the beach!!! The older man again assured the patrol they were not guilty of either! I really don’t think the beach patrol believed him!!!
A few minutes later Bill came back down – he misses all the good fun! We went for a walk, and I told him what had taken place! We decided after the walk that we would just go in for a while. We didn’t go back down. I was actually afraid they were going to party too much. We are going to make sure our umbrella will not be close to them tomorrow – maybe we will be lucky and they will have other places to go!
We actually came back, showered and started to walk to the Straw Market – it started thundering and raining! We came back in and decided to go later. I decided to start this post! Will get back to it later this evening when day is done!
3:00 ******************
I’m back! We had a good time at the Straw Market – I found me a bag with Kiawah written on it – Bill says you need another bag!!!!!!!!! So I like the bags to keep my crocheting in, or to pack things in when going to Mom’s!!!! We ate at Shrimper’s again this evening. We brought a piece of key lime pie back with us ($5.95 a slice!). We just ate part of it – boy would it make you pucker!!!!!!!!! Almost like eating a persimmon that was not ripe.
We were also privileged to witness a wedding on the beach from our deck! We looked out and saw a small crowd gathered together. We looked closer and could distinguish the bride and groom and ended up watching their ceremony from afar! It was a beautiful setting, and I’m sure they ended up with some great pictures!
We also got to see more fireworks. Bill just happened to look up the beach and see some go high into the sky! They were from the other end of the island, and we had another perfect view with Bill capturing some more great shots!
10:00 Another great day!

Day 8 - Kiawah

Friday – July 4, 2008
Happy 4th of July!!!!!!

We have been gone a week – boy time really flies when you’re having fun and on the other side of 50!!! Today was the day of the Dave Matthews concert. All I will say is that it was not like listening to George Jones, Celtic Woman, Sonny James, or George Strait!!!! It was different with some songs that were enjoyable – while others were???????????
It was a good day – except when we stopped at a Ruby Tuesdays prior to going to the concert. Talk about bad service – according to the waiter who finally made it to us after about a 20 minute wait- they were short handed!!! Bill sat where he was able to see and there were at least three or four workers wandering around as if they had no clue what they were to be doing! We ended up eating chicken quesadillas and chili con queso which wasn’t bad! I guess poor service can be found any where you might go out to eat!
We came back early enough so that we could watch the fireworks from our balcony! We’re glad we made it back in time! We had perfect seats with Bill being able to capture some great pictures. The burst of colors that went high into the air was breath taking. This was the first time we have watched fireworks since the boy from Ohio set off a firecracker and set the entire fireworks building on fire. Several people were killed and wounded in that incident. One of Bill’s former students was one of the casualties. He was only 15 years old!
There were two sets of fireworks that went off – both were up the beach from us. There was plenty of people trying to find a place to stand on the beach as it was time for high tide and that seemed to present a problem for most of them. That is one reason we had a great view – we didn’t get our feet wet last night! :)
As the days go on, you can read that we are relaxing more than going out and running around. Sitting on the beach; walking; listening to the waves as they come ashore; and sometimes napping are all in a days work for us this past week! This is something I wish all who wanted could do because when we slow down and let all we see and do sink in – it is so much more relaxing!!!!! The stress just seems to slip out to sea with the waves!
Hope you all had a great 4th of July!

Day 7 - Kiawah - The day the Sea Gulls Attacked!

Thursday – July 3, 2008

Have you ever watched the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Bird’s?” Bill and I both have several times. This evening we felt as if we were a part of the movie itself. Instead of watching out for the black birds, we had to keep our eyes on the sea gulls. We were eating our supper out on the deck, when all of a sudden we heard a sea gull having a fit!!!!! It was squawking so loud it could have probably been heard from the other end of the island.
Unbeknownst to us, we were the reason it was having such a fit! Every evening we have been out on the deck we watch the pelicans and sea gulls fly their usual path right above the corner of our deck. Bill has plenty of pictures to share of their flight pattern. Why would we think this evening would be different than the other evenings we were outside eating and watching the tide come in closer to the shore line? There was absolutely no reason!
For a good five minutes the sea gulls flew by us with one making as loud a racket as possible. We looked below and above us to see if something was disturbing them. We saw nothing! We then decided it might be the family upstairs trying to feed them. Wrong again. Finally, Bill said let’s go inside and leave our trays outside to see if they want our food. We had no more gotten inside the door when swoosh – one sea gull dived down and took a roll off one of the trays!!! Bill rushed to get the camera when whoosh – another sea gull swooped down. He managed to get a couple of shots while standing inside. We then decided to see if he could sneak back onto the deck and take pictures.
These sea gulls were literally attacking the trays. Bill managed to get onto the deck and was able to get pictures of at least four or five gulls swooping down and trying to take care of our left over food! I’m not sure it will be safe to go back out and eat on the deck again – but I’m sure we will.
That was the most exciting thing we experienced today! It was another lazy and relaxing day with us walking and sitting on the beach. We had access to an umbrella and two chairs which was really nice. We didn’t have to set them up and carry them back!
A person could get use to this laid back way of life, but we all know it will have to come to an end soon!

Day 6 - Kiawah

Wednesday – July 2, 2008

A person can really survive without watching TV and talking on the phone! I have used the cell phone daily to check in with Mom, and occasionally Billy will call to say that Toby is doing fine!!! (Apparently Toby is not missing his mom and dad.) But other than that – no calls and no missed programs on TV – I’ll catch the reruns!
Today was another beautiful day! The ocean is a beautiful blue-green color, and the wind is blowing just enough for it not to feel too hot! We were really lazy today – this could become a habit – we watched the ocean from the deck. I sat out there and enhanced my tan without getting all gritty with sand! Bill took a nap and I even dibbled at writing a poem – which I tend to do on occasion. Some say that the best writers go to their retreats next to the ocean or deep into the woods to get inspired! Since we’re not in the woods, I figured I’d give it a whirl and see if I could get inspired! We’re both reading books about the Boleyn sisters and Henry the 8th. Very interesting time period in history!
While sitting on the deck this morning, I heard the family up above us come out onto their deck. The whole time we have been here, we have heard them moving furniture constantly, and they definitely do not know how to walk softly! All of a sudden I saw water splash down to the ground from my left. Apparently they had emptied a glass by tossing it over their balcony. But it did not stop there – here comes another bunch of water and another! Finally, I moved over so I wouldn’t get wet because the water was starting to drip on our banister, and then I saw the man toss out a kettle of water. I guess they were watering the vegetation beneath us! This was a most interesting event to be witness to!
Later this afternoon we walked over to The Straw Market and browsed around a little. They don’t have as many little shops as they did before – probably since the Resort Quest has opened up. They had an ice cream shop which we by passed due to us trying to get our sugar levels under control. If you know Bill, then you know that was a big step for him to pass up that shop.
We did purchase a game – a bocce set. We may try to play it on the beach – we saw a family playing it while walking one evening. We’ve read the rules, but we’ll probably make up our own rules as we play!
They have one small restaurant called The Shrimper’s at The Straw Market – we ended up eating a cheeseburger that was humongous! As with all the food here, it was delicious! The tomatoes on the burger had to have been fresh from the vine. They were the best tasting ones we’ve eaten this year!
We walked back to our condo and sat on the deck for another enjoyable evening. We watched the pelicans fly over with the sea gulls in hot pursuit. We saw more deer eating along the sand dunes. We even had crows come and sit guard on the board-walk that leads to the beach. As I close for now, Bill is back on the deck, and I am about to join him. We may have more to add depending on what we see while sitting on the deck!
We saw even more deer this evening. It is quite unbelievable at seeing them here at the beach. They are darker in color than the ones back home and blend in really well with the terrain. We also watched the shrimp boats. There were four when we first went out, and one by one they seemed to move further away with some looking as if they had fallen of the face of the earth. We also watched a number of people out on the beach with flash lights. Were they looking for shells, crabs, drifts wood, or other ocean treasures – only they know for sure?
9:00 ******

Day 5 at Kiawah

Tuesday – July 1, 2008

Today started off with a phone call to Mom. She was fine, just aggravated because she couldn’t see how to operate one of her vacuum cleaners! When we said our good-byes she was going to fix her a cup of coffee and go out and sit on the porch – that always makes her feel good – it was her and Dad’s favorite place to sit!
Bill and I decided to go out to the beach and claim a good spot with as few people around us as we could. He was going to take a bike down to the beach to ride, but when we tried the combination on the lock – it didn’t work! Guess we hadn’t memorized the combination correctly. So, we just took our chairs and headed on down to the beach.
We decided to place the chairs close to the water so we could have the water roll up on us. The tide was going out, so we had to keep moving the chairs closer to the water! Bill decided to walk out into the water – not too far since neither of us swim! He was out to where the water was a little above his knees and then it happened! A larger wave came in; the sand shifted under his feet; and down he went! Down on his knees; trying to get back up when another wave came in, and back down he went! After a few tries he was back up walking towards me – boy was I glad! He hit the sand pretty hard scratching his knees up pretty good!!!
After coming back to where I was, he soaked up with suntan lotion – he burns easily, and he has to use a higher number than me – I just turn dark!
We had been out for about and hour and he decided he had better come in before he got too much sun. I stayed a little longer! I sat in my chair – away from the water – reading a book and listening to my Celtic Music on my IPOD. I ventured out into the water every now and then – but not as far as Bill did! It was a most relaxing morning at the beach!
After coming back in and taking a shower, I ended up sitting on the deck watching the ocean and reading. Bill on the other had decided he would take a nap! Truth be told, I may have taken a short nap on the deck! This is what a real vacation is all about – doing what you want with no real schedule!
We had thought about going in to Charleston to a restaurant we had been to before when we were here. Instead, we decided to eat leftovers, and I’m glad we did. We fixed up supper and ate on the deck – it was great! The tide was coming in; people were scurrying around getting their things together; sea gulls and pelicans were making their daily approaches over top our deck; and last but not least, the deer came into the dunes and were eating. Yes, that right – deer! You come to the beach expecting to see the pelicans, sea gulls, jelly fish, sting rays, dolphins, and maybe a shark – but do you come expecting to see four deer out from the beach??? They actually went down and were walking on the beach itself. Bill took pictures which we hope to be able to share!
After we had eaten our supper, we were admiring the beautiful sky with the reds and blues showing up in the clouds, when all of a sudden we heard this loud roar. We looked up the beach and flying as low as it could without touching the water was a big transport plane! Again, Bill was quick with the click and got pictures of its approach and departure from our view!
We have decided that you can expect to see the unexpected when coming to Kiawah. What will we see and do tomorrow – only time will tell!
10:00

Day 4

Monday - June 30, 2008

We have experienced another beautiful day on Kiawah Island. The wind is blowing and it is cloudy, but still a gorgeous day. We ate a late breakfast, and then decided to try riding the bikes. I need to warn you (and myself) that it has been over 30 years since I rode a bike. They say you will never forget how to ride one. That’s true to a certain extent. The bike seat was too high so I adjusted it down while Bill was riding in the parking lot in circles to get the feel of his bike. I got on the bike, but something was wrong. The seat kept trying to move on me! I managed to go around the parking lot a little wobbly a couple of times, but that seat was just too uncomfortable! So, short- legged me stopped and tried to get off the bike—well I did—right on my bottom! Not to worry, I didn’t get hurt—just my pride was wounded! These are unisex bikes - so it might be better if I had a girl’s bike!!!!
Bill and I decided I had had enough bike riding for one day, so we decided to lock them back up at the stand. Bill had taken the lock to the car, so he went back to retrieve it. He took a short cut through the trees and fell! I heard him holler out, and went running—he had tripped over a root and fell on his side. Again, he was okay, just wounded his pride as well. Thus we decided we would go back to the condo; lick our wounds and our pride before we started another adventure.
It looked like rain so we stayed in for the afternoon. I sat on the deck listening to my IPOD (Celtic Music) and worked a SUDOKO while Bill sat in the living room reading! It was a relaxing afternoon.
We rested for a while and then went to the store where the deli is located! We bought a couple of pieces of prime rib, potato salad, rolls, and a Greek salad for supper. We carried the groceries in and decided to sit and relax by watching the ocean. (By the way, we have not been watching TV!!! We have just been listening to the ocean, wind, reading, and watching people on the beach!)
After about an hour or two of relaxing we decided to go down to the beach - Bill was ready to get his feet wet! The tide was coming in and the wind was still blowing profusely. We walked a while and ended up taking our shoes off and walked in the water. It felt sooooo good! We found a large piece of drift wood which we brought back to the condo –maybe we will get it back home if we don’t forget. We only stayed out for about 30-45 minutes. It was a good thing because it started raining!
When we got back in we decided to go ahead and eat our supper – it was delicious. The meal was like going out to a restaurant with out having to leave the house! We ate in the dining room and watched the tide coming in closer as we ate! It was a wonderful meal with great company.
We plan on reading, sitting on the deck and watch the ocean, work our puzzles, and enjoy one another’s company the rest of the evening. We might go back to the beach before night fall. Stay tuned and I will let you know!
Actually, we didn’t go back out, but stayed in and got the computer hooked up to the internet. Hopefully we will be able to share our journal entries and photos with all who might be interested in seeing and reading about what the Hardin’s are doing.

We also took some beautiful pictures of the sky from the balcony this evening. “Red sky at night, sailors delight.” The red tint in the sky was unbelievable. So, if you believe what the jingle says – we should have a beautiful day tomorrow!
9:00