September 23rd Mom Wrote

FROM MOM (with any typo's credited to Dave :)

September 23, 2004

This writing comes from the table at the "Star of the Sea" in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Brian and Harry are listening to beautiful classical music. Mildred and Ada are working hard at their third puzzle. They are trying to do one a day. Oscar and Arlene and Dave and Carol are away to do some sight seeing, shopping or whatever.

Our house here faces the ocean. There is a road to cross and a short walk about like the distance from Mary's front door to Phil's kitchen door. Then we are on the beach. This morning at 6:45 I was up on the deck (crow's nest) to watch the sun rise. Right on time the sun rose at 6:51.

The shoppers are back and now two hours later, 2:45, I am up on the top on the deck where it is almost too windy but the sun on my back feels good. It is almost too cool to enjoy the view. Straight ahead, to the north, and to the south the ocean is full of white caps. Tropical storm Jeanne is on the way.

Friday Morning:

This week is going so fast. It has been good to be together as family. The three sisters and Dave talked a long time about their memories of Henry. We have had lots to eat. Ada is always busy making us feel comfortable and welcome. Tonight Dave and Carol are taking us out for supper. I did not stay out long enough to see the sunrise this morning because of the wind,. The Ocean looks angry this morning.

What are your thoughts about our Christmas celebration, family get together, and gift exchange?? Since Christmas comes on a Saturday, when would it work? Last Christmas we talked about skipping the get together and gift exchange. I would favor that and feel good about having small groups, maybe 8 or 10, for a meal at my house sometime during the season. Please respond.

We just finished a sausage and pancake breakfast. Today will be out last day as a group of nine. Oscar and Arlene will spend s few days at Tim's place. Brian and Mildred also plan to leave tomorrow. Their drive is longer than ours. We did 366 miles of relaxing driving through Delaware and across the long bridge-tunnel. We left at 5:45 AM and stopped often. Dave showed us where he would go for a load of watermelons many years ago. Arrived here between three and four and had a special birthday supper for Arlene. Oscar is 85 and the oldest, but I am not far behind.

Enjoying the week. See you soon.

Love to all, Grammy R.