Mom's gardens

Mom's gardens are so beautiful:

And the latest class at Seymour's.....I LOVE my Santa!!!!

Last day...NOT ready to go home *sniff*

What can I say- it has been a great week and we have enjoyed ourselves and each other immensely! We really like it here and I totally recommend this area- just lovely! I am tired, cleaned, packed and ready to roll so just check these out:

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Day 5 - deep sea fishing; the beach and putt putt

The boys had yet another full day with a trip out to the deep blue sea. Nary a nibble for Rick but Alex caught a baby shark and Matthew caught a small black sea bass. The seas were a bit rough (6-8 foot swells) as they headed out but thankfully the dramamine worked. Capt. took them to a several places but the fish just weren't biting. They watched as the south side of the island disappeared into a storm cloud and hoped that it would miss them but that was not to be- they got drenched, but kept right on fishing!! They met a regular on the fishing trip by the name of "Chopper" a beautiful dolphin who gave them the once over (several times) by greeting the boat as it was coming ashore. After 5 plus hours on the boat they returned to the villa for supper. (Matthew passed out on the couch immediately) A family meeting decided a trip to the putt putt golf was in order for the evenings events. Off we went, on our bikes at 7:30pm! We played the difficult course and let's just say I am my mother's daughter: any place there was water- I was in it! A couple of hours later- in the darkness (and a prayer) we made the 3.5 mile trek back to the condo...Scary as the paths are NOT lighted at night, didn't faze the kids at all of course. Seems the week is going much too fast- heck I still have a half a book to read! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the beach- I think I could make a life just doing that! The people are so nice here as well and true southern charm and manners. They are expecting rain these next two days so we don't know how things will unfold- maybe a trip to Savannah or the Art Center?? Kids want me to go along to the skate park in the morning so rest assured that I will have some video of that. Good night! Love Ya Ma!! xo

...and then out for some fireworks

but just a few fireworks and they shut 'em down due to the rain (if you can really call it that!) But that is okay- still a nice evening with a gentle breeze. I look a bit psycho in this pic as I was coaxing Matthew to "take the picture already" but there you have it- Rick and ME!

Visitor today

We had a visitor today at the villa- a great egret! I almost walked into him as I was coming back from the beach. What a beautiful creature and very mellow, he wasn't bothered by all the commotion I created to get the "best shot"...No, he just strolled through the parking lot and then up the walkway. Then in the afternoon I spied this pelican in for a rest at the Sea Pines Marina- what a huge gawky bird doing his best at looking demure afloat in the cove! Later, at the dock, we had a nice dolphin show although you would never know it by my pictures. I never knew where to aim the camera so I just settled on this pic and enjoyed the show!







There was time today for the "boys" to have a round of golf at the "Old Carolina" golf course. Alex got to drive his VERY OWN golf cart...all pedestrians assumed the risk but I am happy to report that there were no injuries! Matthew seemed to do okay, his dad said, and everyone had a good time. I got to go the beach ALL BY MYSELF! I finished one good book and started another and we all returned home about 2pm. Tonight we will be heading to the shelter cove for some music and fireworks. Weather is really cooperating- not too hot and just a drizzle this afternoon. The gang will be heading out to sea tomorrow on the "Drifter" for some deep sea fishing. Bon Voyage!!!

Stones Throw Villa

So here we are at Marty's place- looking like we have moved in!! I think that I may be christening the oven tonight making shake-n-bake chicken (?) as it is the cleanest oven I have EVER seen! The boys were sleeping (above pic) just before they heard me clambering in the kitchen making some omelets to start another day at the beach. It was extra hot today- threatening rain tonight, but that didn't stop us from being on the sand. We swam more today and sweat more but the tide finally came in a bit and worked up a nice surf for some wave riding. We got our bikes today and plan on doing some riding around tomorrow if the rain holds off and it isn't too hot. Seems that the boys get the most enjoyment out of high tide so we will change our thinking and do some other stuff - waiting for high tide and better waves so they don't bore as easily. Again, they are at the skate park tonight and I am cooking supper- maybe out for a game of putt-putt later :-)

Here's a 360 of the beach!

life is a beach...

What a beauiful day here at Hilton Head! The water was just right and the kids were able to catch some waves on their boogie boards!! Surf is a wee bit rougher than VA beach- we kept a good eye on the boys...well, one of us did!

Kids were whining at first about wanting to do this and that and they assured me that I didn't have to go with them (and Dad), that I could just "play at the beach" as I always want to do (cheaper isn't it?) But lo and behold, we made it to the beach by noon and they only left the water to eat lunch. We hauled them out of the waves at 4pm, happy and exhausted.."that was so much fun mom, I can't wait to come back tomorrow mom!" It reminds me of when I was a kid- I couldn't wait to get to the beach and body surf, swim, jump waves....watch mom act like a kid and relax with us!! Mom had a hard time getting my sister and me out of the water...do you remember Mom, Barb?? Salisbury Beach- heaven! We'd go home completely tuckered out and tanned and the bed would roll with the waves all night long! More tomorrow!

Hilton Head

We arrived here last night about 5:30- unpacked and then headed to the beach (a quick 1/4 mile walk) and swam (Bath water!!) It is beautiful here- white sandy beach- breeze and everything is convenient. The only thing missing is Mom (and jasper and kitty...but really Mom!!) Will surely upload pics (I hope anyway) as we get some.

Summertime...and the living is easy

Well, here it is after the fourth of July already. It always seems as though once the 4th gets here, summer rushes to an end. We had a nice 4th with the annual rain and picnic with some friends. It was a quiet one without our Bills Family this year and the rain postponed the Ramsdell Fireworks until a later date. All in all it was a nice day. We had a regular "Dog and Pony Show"

Jasper was kind enough to cart Jetty around (all for a lousy meatball) and Jetty couldn't seem to get enough of it- like she almost enjoyed it! That was the highlight of the day!! Matthew has been at monastery stables in C.town (http://carrolltownmonastery.com/) cleaning stalls and grooming for almost two weeks now. He has been paid in riding lessons (taught by his grandmother) and really seems to be a natural. The owner Tricia Price, seems to be enjoying Matthew's helping hand and I for one am very appreciative of the opportunity as I know Matthew is as well.

A spur of the moment vacation has come up for us and we will be heading to Hilton Head Island for a week. Our pastor has a condo near the beach and has been kind enough to rent to us for a week. Rick really needs a break- he has been so very busy with work all year. I could just stay home but not Rick- THAT wouldn't be a vacation for him so away we go. More pics after that!!