A decent night’s sleep, though I had a tickle in my throat all night. It feels like post-nasal drip irritation, likely caused by staying in the same house as a dog for a while. More dreams of running.
The day started kind of slowly, but eventually all the younger folks got over to Marrington to take a short walk in nature. I spent part of the walk with my sister-in-law and part with my brother-in-law and his little pup. I didn’t get to walk as far or as fast as I would have preferred, but it was very pretty, and we successfully avoided alligators, venomous snakes, and poison plants.
Then we went shopping again. I just wanted to get some flip-flops for the beach, so I was ready in about five minutes. The other women were more into shopping so we ended up spending quite a bit of time there. And when we came out, I was given charge of Peaoui, so I stood outside in the shade of a small crepe myrtle, making sure the dog didn’t run away or attack anyone.
Shopping complete, it was time to go back home and then head out to the beach. Ended up at home a bit longer than expected, but we did eventually make our way to Isle of Palms, which is the beach I went to with Ambrose years ago.
Unfortunately, there was more shopping to be done as one of our number did not have a swimsuit. So we split up. And I got impatient and decided I wanted to go into the water after waiting what felt like an awfully long time for them to finish and show up. The beach was beautiful, though full of people. I do prefer that west coast beach that you have to hike to, where the water isn’t nearly as inviting. Though not many people were enjoying the water because the wind was blowing quite fiercely. Made it a bit chilly for the water, but I went in anyway. Went in with my glasses on, and with nothing to keep them on, which is so unlike me that it felt like Ambrose’s influence.
I walked into the cool water. It was chilly at first, but as I got deeper and deeper, it felt more and more comfortable. I loved looking around and seeing everything so clearly. I sang my song to the water, and when I faced away from the beach it was almost as if I were alone. It’s so salty. I never remember just how salty the ocean is.
I got in fairly deep, and then started diving into the waves, just enjoying myself and feeling the energy of the water and the memories.
And the next thing I knew, my glasses were gone. Just gone. No getting them back in a body of water that size. I mean, I felt around with my feet, but I was in pretty deep. And I hadn’t noticed exactly when I lost them. So, I decided to keep enjoying myself for a bit. Then I went out to report, and found that I could only find my brother-in-law. My sisters were nowhere to be found. They had misunderstood where we intended to go and not been able to find us so they went swimming by themselves. I went in again, but couldn’t see them. I was just in to enjoy the water. Then out again and I got changed and we eventually met up at the car, and then wet to try and get something to eat.
But when my sister-in-law realized what had happened, she went into action mode and called around to find a “same-day” glasses place that was still open. Instead of eating, we headed over there and got me some glasses ordered that should be ready for me to pick up before I have to be at the airport tomorrow. She’s going to get them and bring them to me.
After that, we went to dinner at the same place we went last night, but a different location. I had the fried chicken which I was told was the best, and it was indeed quite good. The coleslaw was not so great, nor the green beans, but the okra and tomatoes was yummy. And we split the beignets for dessert, with key lime custard. Those were spectacular.
Overall, a good day spent with family. I’m trying not to be too angry with myself about the glasses. It’s only money. And temporary inconvenience as I can’t even see my computer screen as I type this. I hope there aren’t too many typos.
Travel day tomorrow. I’ll be in Boise tomorrow, and then home the next day.
