Thursday, August 9, 2012

Up Down Up



Sometimes a rough week warrants doing something radical.

I spotted a dusty boogie board at my parents. "See you in an hour." I tossed it in the trunk, grabbed my purse and headed toward the beach. Ten minutes later the warm sand massaged my feet as I scouted for the perfect spot to lay my purse. I stepped out into the foamy tumblers and felt the icy water spray across my knees and slap at my board.  Another wave fell against the board and sprayed me down, so I stooped down and let the cold water flow over my shoulders, and I was in.

I caught a wave. It let me glide with it for a  moment and then pushed me onto the sand. I tried to look lady-like as I grabbed my board and straightened up. (Impossible).  All the more reason to strut back in the water and pretend like I know what I'm doing.  As you can see the size of the waves matched my "surfing" expertise and and the board had no wrist cord....oh it was perfect.

After that I went for a walk and ended up sitting on this wall. The side near the water is taller than it looks. I loved sitting with my feet dangling, the warm breeze whipping my hair, and my wet swim suit keeping me cool.  I watched the boats and the pelicans for quite some time, and felt as free as the seagulls flying overhead.
 Speaking of birds, these pelicans were hilarious. They were fishing right along with the fishermen.

Back at the shop (my dad's underground cave) he is working on a remote control sail boat that he and my brother plan to launch soon.  

He sure has a lot of drills.  


Speaking of "a lot",  here is a picture of a lot of boys.
 On another summer day my cousin, Bruce, his wife Marian and their 4 boys came by for a visit. They are getting ready to jump in for a swim at the community pool near my parents home.  (Bruce's grandmother is my dear great-aunt. She is 99. She married my grandfather's brother.) Bruce, who is a contractor,  is here to pick up a tile cutter that my dad borrowed in order to tile the bathroom. The whole neighborhood knew about my dad's tile project due to the searing sound an effective tile cutter makes. And they all breathed a sigh of relief when it was finished. 


Fields of green grass wrap around the homes in the area, and I took my cousins on a walk. Here is the duck pond, but all the ducks are taking a break.


We walked all the way to the bluffs overlooking the back bay. It was beautiful.


Back at home, in the hot lands it has been about 100 degrees. My tomato bushes are on their last legs, but here is a picture of my first crop. I'm on a health kick and determined my family is going to eat more fruits and vegetables.  In the fridge I have carrots, celery, broccoli, grapes, plums, strawberries. (no I didn't grow all those)  I tried to put them toward the front for easy access.  I hope it works.
I'm hoping this finds you well, and having a good summer. Life has its ups and downs, but you wouldn't feel the joy of UP unless you are familiar with the DOWN. But no matter up or down, God promises he will never leave us or forsake us, and he will use everything to build us stronger.

Have a good day!

6 comments:

Willow said...

It looks like a pretty good week to me--what a beautiful area your parents live in!

Sharon Lynne said...

Yeah, I know. I didn't post the DOWN, just the UP. LOL

Dawn said...

Good grief!! I just wrote a long comment and it didn't make it! That makes me so aggravated. Because I never can remember what all I said. Grrr.

Okay, here goes. Your tomatoes are amazing - we have 5 plants and have had 5 tomatoes so far, I think. They taste great, though.

Wow, it's sad to have a brain that can't retain anything for more than 2 minutes. Hmmm.

I'm glad you've had some down time by yourself - I need solitude so badly and don't get enough. I did get some good vacation from life when I came home from Maine and Dwight went on to Georgia - we took Hayley with us this year and they went together. I didn't go because I can't take the humidity and heat. The heat here has been horrific this summer - I can't wait till fall. The geese are flying overhead most days now, so that's a nice reminder that it's coming.

Sorry about the revolving door syndrome. Our house is going to be overflowing soon, because we're going to move Kristen and the girls in with us until she can get lower income housing - we can't do the huge rent thing any more. It'll be hard!! But good, I think. If you read my FB post from yesterday, you'll discern that there are lots of DOWNS with us lately, too.

We need to catch up. I just can't seem to get a post going - either I don't know where to start, or don't feel like I have anything worth saying. I missed my 6th bloggiversary in June.

Well, this is nothing like I wrote before, but hope it goes this time.

I'm having a terrible time with the word verification - I've tried 3 times so far. Maybe this time will work.

Pat Stockett Johnston said...

Sharon, I loved this post, especially after meeting your parents and seeing their lovely home and community pool last week. And your dad working on the sailboat and his tool room, with its walls covered with--you got it--tools. That room is every man's dream!

Glad you got dip in the ocean and a time of rest and relaxation at your favorite place--the beach.

Susan Skitt said...

Lovely - what fun on your board - you go girl! Love the fresh veggies and the pool and your dad's projects - he's quite the creative guy! Glad you are enjoying your summer! Hugs from Pa!

Susan Skitt said...

Hi Sharon, I left you a response about Crane Mt. on my blog and edited the post with some more pictures! Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!