Independence Week

I know I said that I was only going to post once per week, but I must share a few quick thoughts about some of the events and observations from last week, the week of Independence Day and a time in which DH and I had the opportunity to travel to Myrtle Beach for a few days. I LOVE walking, reading, and dining right on the edge of the continent. It’s awesome.

Among other things, the most important activity we engaged in was unwinding. This was the first vacation we’ve taken in quite a while  in which our calendars were relatively free. There were no mandatory tee times, scheduled shopping excursions, or timed dinner dates. We managed to sandwich those things in with the relaxing, reading, and beach walking, but they weren’t our primary activities.

One of the highlights was watching the variety of people who live in this great country of ours, a land choice above all other lands. From our vantage point, we saw people of many colors, shapes, and sizes. One day while watching an Asian couple delightedly walking along the surf holding hands and laughing, I remembered a Fourth of July image from years past. My husband and I had gone to the beach early in the morning to jog before the sun bathers and picnickers came along. It was around 6:30 in the morning. As we made our way along the beach, we were both startled (because it was so early) to see a Vietnamese family huddled together on some steps leading from one of the boardwalks. They were staring at the ocean, and I couldn’t help but wonder about their thoughts. This was/is their country too, and the 4^th is as much about them as it is about all of this nation’s diverse population.

Other fun memories are:

• Reading two books, the favorite being Grace Eventually by Anne Lamott.
• Dining out with Paul and Amanda at River City Café (love those peanuts and souvenir cups!).
• Going to a Pelicans game with Paul and Amanda and enjoying the high spirits of those around us.
• The fireworks on the 4^th. From the Sands Ocean Club where we stayed, we could see them up and down the beach…what a sparking sight.
• The variety and number of people who shared the fireworks with us.
• The music from Annie’s Attic that floated up to our room.
• Collecting shells.
• Hearing the squeals and laughter of children.
• The fireworks display after the Pelican’s game. Even the loud, beer-drinking crowd in front of us was shushed and awed by the close-up fireworks and the music in the background. I’ll always remember those moments sitting with DH, Paul, and Amanda as we watched the brilliant display and listened to “Living in America.”
• Free donuts at Dunkin Donuts after the game.
• Visiting with Elizabeth in her darling home on our way in and out of the area.
• Going to church in Myrtle Beach on Sunday and reconnecting with some fabulous folks. More on this later.

 We loved our time on the strand. We also loved arriving back at our home sweet home.

Author: jayne bowers

*married with children, stepchildren, grandchildren, in-laws, ex-laws, and a host of other family members and fabulous friends *semi-retired psychology instructor at two community colleges *writer View all posts by jayne bowers