This is the time of year I feel joy and sorrow the most. Family and friends who have gone from my life (whether because they passed over or moved on) are in the forefront of my mind. The memories and traditions flow through my thoughts and bring smiles and tears. I try to focus on the joy and creating new memories - especially in a year with a pandemic where everything seems to have been turned upside down.
My BFF and I drove to Myrtle Beach SC on Thanksgiving Day to visit our condo. Although it rained the majority of the ride, we made great time because of no traffic. I have not been to Myrtle in almost six years. We knew we could still practice safe protocols and hunker down in the condo if necessary. We enjoyed a nice turkey takeout dinner from Bob Evans (place was crowded). Friday, we walked on the beach and sat in the sun (my freckles started to pop). We got some business taken care of and updated a few items in the condo. We tried a couple of new restaurants as it was nice enough to eat outside. We went to a restaurant near the condo called The Sneaky Beagle and the food was fabulous. I have never had such crazy tacos, but all was delicious! We shared: chicken/waffles; tequila-lime chicken/mango/vanilla rice; chicken fettuccine alfredo; and steak/chimichurri - all were awesome. Of course, no trip to Myrtle is complete without a stop or two at Sonic for a Blast. We drove near one of the outlet malls on Friday and people were parked everywhere out on the road behind for a least two blocks. I will say there seems to be quite a bit less adult entertainment clubs than when I was here last. It appears from my observations that the majority of people wearing masks and thinking about social distancing are from out of state.
My week went well. I worked a short week as I took off Friday. My client was in good spirits and even walked a bit outside with me. I helped his wife get out the Xmas decorations and put some of them together. My client "supervised" while I did the work although he would provide compliments about some of the items.
Of course, when my BFF and I are together something funny always happens. Saturday, as we sat in the condo, she decided to test the smoke detector. Can you see where this is going? We get the ladder I climb, but then can't figure out the test button (telling you it's time for an eye exam). She climbs and the button does not work. We can see it's connected, but nothing. She finally gets the alarm down, we pry it open and replace the battery (although battery inside is dated 8/26/2020). Still won't test, but it chirped. She gets it back up in the ceiling and it starts intermittently chirping. Take it down, make sure everything is in place and put back up again. Still chirping. Take it down again, I take it apart and we call the office for maintenance to come. Believe me when I say we researched the item because we never heard of the brand. Turns out company out of Canada and this brand was builder grade and put in many places. We then realize we have owned the condo for 15 years and we don't think it has ever been changed out (and the condo was not new when we purchased). Maintenance person comes about 20 minutes later. He can't fix it either (thank goodness we don't look dumb) and did not recognize brand. He replaces it completely. It would not be us without a little fun.
This weeks I finished reading: "THE RETURN" by Nicholas Sparks. A novel about an injured army doctor and the two women whose secrets will change the course of his life. I always enjoy his novels.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
November 29
Advent Begins
Square Dance Day
November 30
Stay At Home Because You Are Well Day
December 1
Eat a Red Apple Day
World Aids Awareness Day
December 2
National Fritters Day
December 3
National Roof over Your Head Day
December 4
Santa's' List Day - we hope you are on the "Nice" list
Wear Brown Shoes Day
December 5
Bathtub Party Day
Repeal Day - The 21st Amendment ends Prohibition. I'll drink to that!
I am going to leave it here for today. Although rain is expected today, hope to get another walk on the beach before heading home tomorrow (yes I took the day off). I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices." - Robert Braathe
“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” —W. T. Purkiser
“It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.” – Anonymous