Monday, September 15

9-13-08


A perfect day.

Saturday, September 13, 2008 - as perfect a day as one could imagine at the beach. Blue skies, 90+ degrees, light breezes, 86*+ water temps - and very few tourists! We went out to the beach around 9:30 am; got in the warm water, and didn't get out for nearly four hours. There was a sand bar near the shore, so we went out about 50 yards and the waves were warm, light and not so close together that you couldn't recover your balance between them. As I said, it was perfect. The only thing that could have made it better was someone waiting on the shore to dispense free cold drinks of our choice.

Our party consisted of my daughter and four of my grandkids (her nieces and nephews), ranging in age from almost 9 to 14. One downside was that the two boys refused sunblock and lived to regret it; especially since one of them was infected with poison ivy. Areas of poison ivy rash topped off with sunburn does not make a happy kid, especially when he has to apply gel on the rash. I used sunblock, but apparently I forgot my ears and my chest, which are currently the color of ripe watermelon (but not nearly so juicy, thank Heaven!) I am sure they will be when the blisters burst out, though. The other downside was that we drove down there in my mini-van, which is not really large enough for six people and all the luggage for them, plus chairs, a sleeping bag, a cooler and a blanket. Next time we will need to rent an RV or pile the luggage on top of the car!

When my kids were younger, we went on a vacation and used a car-top carrier to pack most of our luggage. Mr. kenju didn't anchor it properly atop our then full-sized van, and every time we went over a bump, or the wind was strong, the carrier lifted and dropped down on the car with a loud thump. Finally we stopped on the side of a highway and discovered that he had fastened the straps over the luggage rack, instead of under. Once we re-positioned it, it worked well. You might want to file away that little tip for future trips.

I was every bit as impressed with Marriott's Grand Dunes (at Myrtle Beach) this time, as I was when we were there back in June. They gave us a "handicapped" room, which was larger than the ones we had before and very spacious, especially the bathroom. The only quarrel I would have with them is the fact that they put chocolate chips and whipped cream on their breakfast buffet. Children do not often make good food choices, and ours were no exception since their parents were not there to hold the reins. My admonitions to take no more than you can reasonably eat at one sitting fell on deaf ears. I felt responsible, and therefore I had to eat more than I normally would (bacon, fruit and muffins) just to keep them from going to waste. I drew the line on the chocolate chips, though, as they are not in my breakfast menu, ever! What about you?

22 comments:

JeanMac said...

That picture of the water makes me drool! Uh, I could see chocolate chips and cream on the menu - from my point of view:)

Bar L. said...

Ohhhhhhhhh sounds like a perfect weekend! We are going to have a week of hot weather here, wish I could ditch work and go to the beach :)

carmilevy said...

I can just hear the PR hacks for the hotels claiming that "they're only responding to customer demand." Yeah, right. If children demanded free access to 150 horsepower go karts, would they make those available, too? I'm with you on this one, Judy.

Loved the picture and description of the day. You are great parents/grandparents for doing this. The memories you are building for them will be indelible - and certainly longer-lasting than the poison ivy-plus-sunburn. You remind me so much of how my in-laws create moments like this with our kids, and it makes me smile.

I would end off by telling you to enjoy 'em. But you've already clearly figured it all out!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

LOL, LOL...I cannot say Chocolate Chips have ever been on my Breakfast Menu either, though I DO love them...But, NOT for Breakfast!

The water sounds divine, Judy. Perfect in every way! Lucky You, my dear.

Jay said...

No sunburns here, it's been jacket weather sadly, and it seems as though the sunburn kind of days are another year away.

Pat said...

I still remind my eldest of the time in Brittany when he didn't listen and got sun- burn. The bathing sounds heavenly and I think I would cope with the breakfasts - some how. No chance of getting bored with the grand- children:)
Have a great rest.

Star said...

Oh the sacrifices we grandmoms make! SOunds like fun Judy. Enjoy!

sage said...

beautiful--it sounds like you had a wonderful weekend and as for your grandsons, sometimes guys just have to learn the hard way!

Bear Naked said...

Even though I love chocolate I just can't think of any breakfast item that would need chocolate chips and/or whipped cream added on top.

Bear((( )))

Tabor said...

What a wonderful way to end the summers. Such lovely memories will tide you over during the cold gray months to come.

Beverly said...

Funny about your eating to balance out the grandkids' choices. That does sound like a great weekend, Judy.

Tony Gasbarro said...

Mmmmmmmm. Chocolate chips and whipped cream and bacon!

I've seen chocolate chip pancakes on restaurant menus. And you put cream in your coffee, don't you? Jus' ain't whipped, is all.

tiff said...

Were there waffles? Mmm, chocolate chip waffles.

Blu said...

You have sn interesting blog I will be back...I cant stay too long I am suposed to be cooking dinner.best wishes from Brittany France.

kenju said...

Thanks, Blu. I'd return the favor, but I can't get to your blog since you don't enable access to your profile.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Beautiful photo! Sounds you all had a wonderful weekend! Except for the sunburn...

Have a nice week ahead!

Wendy said...

Ohhhh - that pic of the beach. Absolutely delightful!!
Sure I'd eat chocolate chips for breakfast - why not? You're on vacation.
Actually, I went to Hawaii 2 years ago and stayed in a hotel that had an enormous breakfast buffet. They had soft ice-cream machines. I thought they were for lunch or dinner, so was amazed when a child served herself a cone. I spoke to one of the waitresses and said "how come there is ice-cream for breakfast?"
And she answered "because you're on vacation!"
Well, I just had to have a little bit!

Glad you had a good time with your family (except for the sunburn).

Claire said...

Oh man, that beach pic has made me greeeeeen with envy!

Cxx

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Kids can be so stubborn when it comes to standing still for sunblock. Both of mine fight me on it. Ugh.

Shephard said...

I adore chocolate, but would only eat nutella in a crepe. That's the only chocolate that belongs at breakfast ... or maybe hot cocoa and buttered toast.
~S :)

millie garfield said...

Really enjoyed your description of the time you spent in the water.

I haven't been in ocean water in years, loved it when I did.

Now it's the POOL. It's easier to get to and is always the right temperature.

Here in New England the ocean can be freezing!

Sounds like you had a great family vacation, good for you.

Anonymous said...

I take some in my bag for lunch because buffets are otherwise wasted on me.