Emerald Isle to Winston-Salem

Camp ended on Friday for Karl, Lindsay, Katie, Gayle, and me.  My derriere has recovered from horseback riding, but I’m still a little sore in my back muscles. All will be well soon, I’m certain, and it was worth the time spent. Horseback riding is still good.

I’m sad to report, though, that horseback riding is also good for Lindsay. This was the big test to determine if her love of horses would continue from afar or from up close. Up close it is. She is pestering me about when she can begin lessons at home. By the end of the week, she was trotting on her own, had cantered accidently, and went bareback riding through the pond. I highly recommend Cottonwood Stables for the 3 of you who might read the blog.

Lindsay, riding John

Karl’s camp was just as fun as it was last year. On Thursday, they dissected a squid which we all heard about in great detail. Some of us heard it several times. The camp culminated with an open house where the groups of kids performed skits about their week. [I’ve sat here for 10 minutes trying to think of something clever or witty to say about the skits. Nothing comes to mind so let’s just leave it at that.] After the skits, we headed to the aquarium for an hour where we pretty much had the place to ourselves. They have penguins! In a museum filled with indigenous North Carolina specimens, I was quite surprised. But who cares about inconsistency because they are so, so, so cute. Best of all, they are behind glass. Penguins stink. We discovered that first hand in Portland.

CC and Bradley waiting for Karl's skit to begin

Penguins! Behind glass!

Mom and I took the younger boys to the Water Boggan on Friday as well.  Billy absolutely loved it and has decided he wants to forego spending his birthday at Golfin’ Dolphin (putt-putt, bumper boats, go-karts) to spend the day there.  They’ve added to the park since I went there as a kid, but those 3 concrete slides down the middle are original to my day. And they are just as hard on the body. Billy sliced his foot open on the first go, but he was unstoppable. Bradley, on the other hand, was less sure after his bruised elbow. After the second slide, he opted to scout for good photos instead.

It's too bad he isn't enjoying himself.

Saturday, Gayle and I took the kids to the beach, the first time all week for the older 3. Intending to stay until noon or so, we ended up staying until 2 pm. It was a really fun day – the ocean was the calmest it had been all week and a nice breeze made the heat bearable. We then went home to pack for the next week in Winston Salem and I was no help at all. Instead of packing, I took a 1.5 hour nap. Sleeping with Karl (The Thrasher) or Lindsay (The Jiggler) or Billy (Old Yeller) is not working for me. I’m up at 5:30 a.m. and every hour in between. Life is rough on ‘vacation’.

Thought for the day: If I brought my camera we would see no wildlife. Because I did not bring it, we saw porpoise, a snowy egret 2 docks away, and the most beautiful flock of pelicans gliding over the breakers.

I went for a run at 6 a.m. this morning.  The sunrise was spectacular, but I think my sweat broke out in a sweat.  The humidity was unreal and the temperature gauge in the car showed 96° at 10:15 am.  Did I mention it’s hot here? If you don’t believe me, you can check the 100 pictures of the temperature my friends have posted on Facebook.

Lindsay: [I-40, near Smithfield] Who tooted?

Me: Turkey Farm.

Lindsay: P.U.

We made it to Winston Salem today by midafternoon.  The kids spent the entire time playing outside, rediscovering Gayle’s back yard. Camp starts for all 5 tomorrow. I can’t say I’m unhappy to have 1 hour alone. Perhaps the blog updates will become more regular. Or maybe I’ll get to exercise more. 

Awesome rope swing!

Flying Braids!

Katie on the playhouse balcony