I think about you day and night" - The Turtles
Another cool and sunny lazy day...
"So happy together..."
My husband and brother took the kids to the beach. But not long enough for my sister and I to do a well deserved celebratory "happy dance". While they were gone, I choked down a slice of key lime pie and a plate of potato chips and dip. I also took a "power rest" with one eye open...all the while wondering when they would be coming back...and hoping that it would not be soon.
"When you're with me baby the skies'll be blue
For all my life"
However, they came back all too soon, with the two chattering kids in tow. The kids really enjoyed their time at the ocean. A few minutes later, Mom and my brother left again to pick up a half bushel of live crabs. The crabs' execution is scheduled for sometime this afternoon. They will not have died in vain. Their crime: Extreme deliciousness.
"Me and you and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice
It had to be"
My niece was horrified at the fact that we were going to steam live crabs. "The Boy" insisted that Nana was about to commit what he called..."ocean violence". He said it over and over and over again. What seemed to be "cute" at first, had started to make Nana mad. I left the scene of the "crime" and returned to my room downstairs.
Next thing I know, "The Boy" appears at my bedroom door and reported in vivid detail how Nana was being "mean and cruel" to the crabs and to him. He even added that his uncle (my brother) took away a toy slot machine from him. In addition to "Attorney", we can now add "Journalist" to the potential career paths that "The Boy" may later choose to pursue. He was really mad.
Now, this is the point where a vacation can go into "make or break" mode, with feelings being hurt and sides being taken. I refuse to take any. You may call me Ms. Neutral, thank you very much. This is Tuesday... and way too soon for any conflicts. My hair has that "tossed" look and I am still in my monogrammed purple flannel nightgown; attempting to maintain a relaxed state of mind.
Very soon, "The Boy" arrives at our bedroom door again and begins tattling on my Mom. It seems that they had some kind of a "falling out". Mom soon comes downstairs to make sure that the story was truthfully told. It was not. However, by the time "The Boy" finished telling us his side of the story, all he was missing were angel wings and a halo. What he had not counted on was this: His Nana following up on his erroneous report. Why am I even recording this???!!! I'm on vacation!
My husband and I sat silently by as "The Boy" faced off with his Nana and pleaded his case. Long story short: It was a dumb discussion and it ended quickly. It had to do with keeping the common area clean and taking responsibility. The first vacation face-off has now been resolved.
"The only one for me is you
And you for me"
Sometimes, I feel as if my sister and I are the only ones who really know how to vacation. Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, cleanups, day trips...She and I have absolutely no problem whenever it is just the two of us. The problem rears its ugly head whenever there are more people added, vacation schedules are attempted to be made and whenever duties need to be shared. Everyone needs a break. I'll tell you one thing: We're still having a great time, but the rest of the week is going to be interesting.
"So happy together..."
My sister and I walked the kids around on the beach, while my husband took pictures. I find myself silently wondering if God even realizes that I'm here. The sky is huge, the ocean is wide and I am feeling smaller than ever. It would be an easy thing to be lost in the vastness of it all. This feeling is for real...and not funny at all. I just hope that He sees me for me...and not just as target practice for some stray lightning bolt.
"How is the weather...?"
The sunset was spectacular and the pictures came out nicely.
Much later on...
After the crabfest, my sister and I cleaned up. Four of us (Dad, brother, sister and myself) decided to play a game of gin rummy around 10 pm. We played until midnight...playing, snacking and having lots of fun. "The Boy" and my niece chattered throughout the game and broke our concentration every time they got a chance. My brother noted that "The Boy" seemed to be allergic to quiet and his daughter, allergic to obedience. We laughed over and over about it. Oh, and by the way: Dad won the card game..., fair and square.
Tonight was also peak time for the Perseid meteor showers. We were too tired to stay up and watch. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Another great day.
"So happy together..."
