Swimming with the jellies!

Yesterday Chris and Cecily made more chocolate ice cream. I read for awhile. Olivia wanted to fly kites but it was cold and windy outside. I couldn't believe it! I thought the east coast was having record high temps. Not yesterday! Finally we stood on the porch and flew the kite from there. Yes, the wind was that strong. After dark Alfred and Cecily took the kids for a walk on the beach. I would have gone too, but didn't have warm enough clothing. Becca put on a movie and I fell asleep on the couch. It's funny: at home I have to listen to my meditation cd to fall asleep. Here I fall asleep before bedtime every night.
I woke to the sounds of kids up by themselves. William was fixing pancakes for himself, and had already made cocoa milk for Olivia. He is 8. I took over. After awhile Cecily got up and then I went back to bed, but not for long. I had breakfast and headed out to the beach. The water temp was perfect, but the jellyfish were everywhere. They had been dashed in the surf all week and there were parts of them all over. Disappointed and frustrated, I went back to the house. I sat under the house sifting sand to get out the cigarette butts and trash. I collected a whole bucketful. Then I dusted myself off and went inside for lunch. After lunch I did a few Sudoku puzzles. A group went to the pool, so I tried the beach again, this time with the tide going out. Still full of jellyfish. I came back and the group had gone in. So I sifted more sand, collecting old clothespins and popped balloons. Around 5 I went back to the beach. There were a few people out enjoying the waves while the rest of us watched from the beach. I was determined to go out there myself. Taking a deep breath, I waded through the polka-dotted surf into the waves. The jellies were not so populous there. But there was lots of seaweed, so it still wasn't fun. I got knocked down by a wave and decided to come in. I had refused to let jellyfish carcasses stop me from going in the ocean. Walking back, I realized that I had been touched by them, feeling little pinpricks on my legs. So I took a swim in the pool until I thought supper was ready. But it wasn't, so I got on Chris' computer while he and Cecily finished making it.

Cold water = no swimming

I went to the beach to walk in the water. The temperature was fine, but the jellyfish were back. I must have encountered some errant stingers because my ankles felt like they'd been bitten by mosquitoes. I came in then, and swam in the pool for awhile with Becca and Olivia. We felt a few raindrops but didn't let that stop us. After that, Olivia wanted to fly a kite. So we got the black one from the hall closet. It needed a tail for the heavy wind, so we tied a yellow plastic bag to the spine with a blue shoelace. She and I flew it at the water's edge until Chris called time for appetizers. Becca had prepared shrimp, cheeses, and artichoke spinach dip. So yummy. Chris grilled hamburgers for supper, and we had a spinach salad. For dessert we had homemade ice cream. After supper the adults played Taboo. They had a great time. I read my book until reading put me to sleep.
I woke around 7 and went to the beach to take a walk. I had missed the sunrise. The water was really cold, but I could not see jellyfish. However that could have been due to the angle of the sun, so I did not attempt to swim. The kids were up when I came in, so I drank some kefir and got on Chris' computer, watching them 'till some other adult woke up. Cecily got up next and we unloaded the dishwasher. We all ate breakfast, each on his own. Cecily and Michele went to the beach, but Michele didn't stay long. Even Cecily came in early because it was cold and windy. She then sat out on the deck. When I finished listening to a presentation on the health benefits of grounding (the easiest way is to just go barefoot on the ground), I went out to sit in the sand. It was hot. I covered myself with a sarong so I wouldn't get burnt. James, Michele, and the kids went to Put-putt. I came in an hour later for lunch. When I had finished, the others returned. Michele vowed never to have chlldren. They must have had a good time. Ha! Cecily vacuumed after lunch while most of the others played Order of the Stick. Chris and Alfred went to the market for rotisserie chicken and more ice cream fixings. I took over Chris' computer to blog. We have to make decisions about my uncle's funeral. I am really not good at funerals. Perhaps we shall just attend the internment on Monday.

Still no swimming in the ocean

After my last post, Chris and I went shopping. The farmer's market stand was closed, so I suggested we stop at a store having a 50% off bathing suit sale. Now that I have lost weight, my suits don't fit. Well, the only pretty ones they had were bikinis, and I am not ready for that. We came home empty-handed. The wind was blowing and Olivia wanted to fly my kite on the beach. We had determined that it needed a tail, so I got a pair of socks and sewed one to each of the lower corners with dental floss. Becca lent me a needle. Three of us took the kite down to the beach. Near the water it would fly. We all took turns. And we splashed in the surf. The water was perfect and the jellyfish were few. Why I didn't rush to get my suit on, I don't know. I read for half an hour, then dressed for supper. We went to the Flying Fish. It was dimly lit, but no one seemed to notice. The kids were allowed to draw on the paper table cloth. Michele did an excellent drawing of an apple tree. The drawing thing was incongruous with the rest of the restaurant. It was expensive, and had words on the menu that needed defining. We took a pic of the family outside, and went home. I think we all sat down to read and I fell asleep.
I awoke about 7, and got up when I heard the kids moving around. It was just them and me for awhile. Then William woke up his grandmother when we couldn't find the syrup for his pancakes. One by one others woke up and we each had breakfast. Cecily and the kids went to the beach. I stayed behind to read and to see if many people went in the ocean. They did not so I assumed that it was cold, or there were jellyfish. Turns out the water was cold. Chris and I went shopping again. This time the farmers stand was open. The tomatoes were $3 a pound, and most were soft. Still, I figured they would be better than store-bought tomatoes. We stopped at the bagel shop, and at Food Lion for milk, oatmeal, and strawberries. After we got back, it was lunchtime, we all ate as we desired. Cecily and Chris made a batch of strawberry ice cream and one of chocolate with Heath bars in it. Again I sat down to read and fell asleep. Now it is 4, the tide is changing and I want to see if the water has warmed up. I hear it may rain soon.

Sad news

After supper yesterday, we saw a kite flying. So we went to the beach to fly my kite, but it wouldn't stay oriented upright. It needed a tail. We spent some time in the surf, but didn't go very far on account of the jellyfish. Probably dead, but still painful if encountered. We came in as it was getting dark. I settled next to Chris on the couch to read, and soon fell asleep. Later he woke me long enough to go to bed.

I awoke as light was coming into the room. I wanted to see the sunrise but it seemed like I had missed it. I got up anyway. I looked out over the ocean, first from the window, then from the porch. The sun was obscured by clouds, and a group of people were standing directly on the beach in front of me, watching. I expected the sun to come up above the clouds, but when it finally came in sight it was just above the horizon. I hadn't missed it after all.
I went back to bed to await the rising of the rest of the family. Then we all had breakfast and went to the beach. Actually they went without me. I stayed behind to glue my shoe. It involved waiting so I got on Chris' computer to check my e-mail.
I got a message from my cousin saying that her father had passed away. It saddened me greatly even though it was not unexpected. I told Chris and Becca, then went to the beach to tell Cecily. We sat there for awhile together. After 11 we came in because the sun was getting hot. I was wearing a shirt over my suit so I wouldn't burn any more. But my feet got red. And blue. I must have stepped on some blue gummy stuff and it got caught under my toes. Becca sat on the floor making jewelry. I showed her the necklace that I made that kept coming apart. She re-strung it for me and put clasps on it. Then we had lunch, discussing for the nth time what to have to supper for the rest of the week, and then I shaved my legs and took a shower. Good bye blue. Becca made Michele a couple of hair pins. She is very talented. Then we each retired to our books and computers, except for Cecily who taught the kids to tie shoe laces, and helped them work on their handwriting. I expect some of us will be making a grocery run later this afternoon and we will be going to the Flying Fish for supper.
*Isn't this what you would be doing at the beach?*

First and second days at the beach

After posting yesterday afternoon, I got to stay on the computer because Chris had to start supper. He cooked pork loins on the charcoal grill. I came across an article on the health benefits of kefir. It is a fermented food that is usually made with milk, but you can make it with water or fruit juice if you get the right starter. I really want to try it so have to do some more research and order the starter. After supper we had home-made rum raisin ice cream and strawberry sorbet. They were both good (I had a taste of Chris' portion). We went to the beach one last time as it was getting dark. It was still cold and the surf was rough. I cleared out more e-mail as the others played a card game. When I found myself falling asleep at the computer, I went to bed.
I woke up this morning around 7 but did not get up right away. I was trying to hold on to a dream I was having. When I heard the kids running around, I got up and had breakfast. Then we all went to the beach. It was warmer and the surf was better, but there were jellyfish in it. I stayed a little while to get my share of Vit D, then came in. I sat in a chair out of the sun and read for hours. I came in for lunch. After lunch we all watched the DVD of Michele re-enacting DOUBT in her film class. Then I got on the computer while the kids played with their grandmother. Chris and Alfred went to the store. I would have gone with them, but didn't hear them leave. Finally the kids went back to the beach, but I stayed behihnd because my skin is getting red. I have sunscreen but don't trust the chemicals in it. I think I'll just stay out of the sun for awhile. The pool might be shady right about now...

Posting catch-up

We have been having internet problems here so I have to backtrack a little.
Saturday I spent the day clearing out e-mail while Chris and Cecily went grocery shopping, again. I had 2997 e-mails in my in-box and I was able to reduce it to 1504. Phew! I quickly tried to repair my headphones before changing clothes for church. We went to the 5pm mass, and back home. We had 7:30 reservations for Uno's pizza. We met James and Becca and their two kids there, waiting for us. Cecily had to introduce us all to her favorite waitress, and the other waitstaff. After supper we all went back to the house to sit and talk while the kids blew off steam from the 11 hour ride. I fell asleep sitting up and Chris tottled me off to bed.
I decided to post in the morning before we left for the beach, but that computer wasn't cooperating. So we just left. We were on the road by 9:15. We stopped for lunch at a barbecue place. Thankfully I was able to get a grilled chicken salad. Then we were on our way again. Cecily had paid for early check-in, and we were here about 1:40. The cleaning staff was still here, but mostly finished. We unpacked the cars and food, and headed to the beach. The sand was broiling hot. I didn't get very far before I had to run back for footwear. When I got to the ocean, it was freezing! Not what we expected for such a hot summer. I prayed for warmer water for Monday. We came back and got in the pool. Small, but passable, and warm. After stepping on a crab, we searched the whole pool. The pool man dropped by and cleaned out all the sand. He said we'd have crabs drop in the pool everyday. Great! Too bad they are not good for eating. Later we had supper, including breaded chicken, stuffed tortellini, and broccoli. I read some after supper, and we went back out to the beach when the sand cooled off. The water was still freezing. A storm was coming in, so we went in, back to the pool. There was more reading, (no internet for anyone) and eventually we all went to bed.
The kids were up around 7, and soon we were too, because our bedroom was right beside the main living area. We had breakfast and soon headed out for the beach. The sand was cool and the water was slightly warmer than yesterday, but the breakers were rough and we did no more than get our feet wet. Oh yes, and the jellyfish were nearby. After playing at the beach we went to the pool. After the pool, we had lunch. I finished reading my book, and did a few Sudoku puzzles. My eyes hurt after all of that, so I decided to take a walk. Thankfully there is a shopping center within a mile. I walked down there and stopped in at GNC and Dollar Tree. Finally I went to Food Lion. I spotted organic eggs and bought them. There was more to see, but I headed home to keep the eggs cold. As I walked up to the house, the internet guys arrived. I went upstairs to hard-boil the eggs and to let Chris know the repair team had arrived. I don't know what they did, but we are now back on the internet, for awhile at least. Will post again later.

More shopping - and in English!

I woke up before the sun this morning. I laid in bed for some time, hoping to go back to sleep, but no luck. Finally I got up and had some breakfast. Slowly others awakened too. After everyone had breakfast, Cecily and I went shopping at Goodwill and then another WalMart. We saw kimchi, but no natto. She got foods for the beach, and I got a bowl to replace one that broke several months ago. Michele was at home working on a 3D puzzle of Notre Dame. We came home, had lunch, and then 4 of us went to Books-a-million. We stopped at Martins on the way back, picking up more food. Still no natto, but one of the clerks mentioned an Asian food store near 360 and Chippenham. When we got back, I decided to read for awhile and that put me to sleep. I slept until supper. We had shrimp, and zucchini, and peas. I did not eat the zucchini or peas because they were microwaved. I had kimchi and sprouts instead. We sat around the table talking for some time. Kinda nice. I took a nature break outside, then came in because the grass is prickly - not enough rain. We watched a little TV and the others went to bed. I am trying to stay up a little late so I won't wake up so early.