Entry from my 14 June 2002 Journal while I was in Monterey, CA ...
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19:24 Dinner
Well, I fear I have set a bad example, and perhaps serveral parents are now silentely cursing me. I was splashing in the waves, bare foot and wet to my knees[on the beach]. Truth be told, it was the sound of children's laughter that drew me off the balcony to begin with. I was perfectly happy sipping my hot chocolate and reading my book. Doris Day singing boldly out of speakers behind me, the Pacific Ocean singing boldly in front. ...As I read, slowly, the sound of laughter crept into my conscious. Nothing like being a 10 year old boy splashing in the waves to [exemplify] the free spirit. I decided to join the kids on the beach.
As expected, the water was cold, and the sand nice and gritty between my toes. The wind kicked up and the kids and their parents moved on. I, on the other hand, continued to play tag with the surf. Sometimes i let it deliberately win... [ah, to be] standing in the receding waters, feeling it swirling around my ankles!
By this time, it was getting decidedly windy, and the shadows from the buildings above were now chasing the sun across the beach. Still, i played, feeling like a kid, reluctant to go home.
A few more families walked down the beach, kids pleading to go in the water. I could imagine them saying [about me],"But look at *her*! SHE is having fun!" I could imagine their logic: "I bet *she* would let her kids play in the waves; I bet *she* isn't mean like you!"
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EvaMae, glad your DH's surgery went well. KJo - don't over-do it! Sad to hear about the various animal losses. (Probably true that the Brave Goat was the unknowing acomplice to the dogs.) MaryE, glad the horse is doing well & congrats on selling your mom's house so quickly. I've filed the anti-skunk-stink recipe - sure could have used it last summer! (Hopefully won't need it this summer!)...Lana, Happy belated BDay - and - 34 is young! And yes, I do believe that hay making = a call to the rain gods (seems to work around here, anyway ;-) Glad to hear we are still treasuring our old people - my condolences on your losses. It is wonderful to know that they will be remembered in your hearts.
Ok, I'm on vacation tomorrow - heading out to Memphis at midnight! Really, really excited - but bummed that I'll only be a few hundred miles from the DG Roundup - and I'm NOT GOING :-( Booo, hooo! I *am* counting my blessing, though, and boy do I have many to count (not sure I can count that high!)... family, friends, DG, home, job, good food (ooh, looking forward to *real* hush puppies!), vacation, new home (August, will it ever get here?)...
Blessings and warm (or cool, depending on the temps!) thoughts to you.
Take care.
Karla
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photo is of Fisherman's Warf, Monterey, CA ... purple statice in the foreground ;-)
