Author: Easin' Along

Whew! Where did August go? In this post, I will summarize a small sampling of where we’ve been and will do a complete post on each stop later. Right off the top, let’s say that August has been a “beach.”

In the most recent post of Easin’ Along, Helen and I left you in Charleston, where we had a delightful week with our two sons and their families. Once we said our goodbyes and exchanged hugs, Helen and I drove back to Knoxville to pick up Dora, our fifth wheel with two new axles and four new tires. Two days and four loads of laundry later, we drove to Columbia, SC, to spend one night at the military campground at Fort Jackson. We rose early the following day and went to Kure Beach, NC, for a seven-night stay at one of my favorite military campgrounds–Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area.

Once again, the heat was unbearable, so we used the early morning hours to do our beach walking. The sunrise was stunning. The photo at the top is an image of the area of Kure Beach known as the Cochina Outcrop. I’ll explain the significance in a future post. The campground sits adjacent to the Cape Fear River.

After seven days, we moved to Onslow Beach, a private recreation area on the Camp LeJeune Marine Base. We had never visited Onslow Beach before, but this campground deserves a return trip. We walked early every day to avoid the scorching temps. On one of those walks, I picked the largest shark’s tooth I’ve ever found. My tooth chart indicates this one as a tooth from a Great White.

The Marine Aviation at Cherry Point, NC, was next on the itinerary, and we looked forward to it because the reviews were good, and others had recommended it highly. During this visit, we drove to Emerald Isle, NC, to get our “beach fix” and tour the area. We also went to the charming waterfront city of New Bern, NC. Again, more later. Hurricane Idalia was a tropical storm when she passed over Cherry Point and dumped heavy rain on us. We survived.

We’re now on the Outer Banks and camped in a nice campground in Kill Devil Hills. I’ll save that postcard for September.

Despite the heat, we’re having a wonderful time, and Mortimer has adjusted nicely to trailer life. Stay with us–we’re Easin’ Along.

We try very hard to have a family get-together every summer. It’s not easy because our family is bi-coastal.  Our oldest son, Justin, lives on the California coast, while our other son, Collin, lives in Charleston, SC. The timing and logistics can sometimes be challenging, but everything usually comes together. We typically gather somewhere in the Knoxville area, but because Justin had yet to visit Collin’s home in Charleston, we asked Collin and Austin if we could get together there. They both agreed and rolled out the welcome mat for us.

When Helen and I visit our family in Charleston, we take Dora, our fifth wheel, to make things easier for everyone.  Collin installed a 50 amp receptacle for the trailer so that we have power and a hose connection for water near where we park.  We call the arrangement a “Mother-in-Law Suite on Wheels.” However, this year, our trailer awaits replacement axles for the two we bent in an unfortunate meeting with a pothole in Texas last winter. The replacements had not arrived when we needed to leave, so we rented a smaller trailer, which served us well during the visit.

Our trip began with a mission. Collin and Austin asked us to pick up our granddaughters on the way to Charleston.  Both girls were completing a two-week stay at a summer camp in the North Carolina mountains, and we needed to be at the pickup point before 10 a.m. on the day of their departure. We could make it in time from Knoxville, but why rush?  We spent the night at Harrah’s Hotel in Cherokee and made it with a few minutes to spare. The challenge began when the girls brought out their gear, which we crammed (barely) into an already-loaded truck and took off after much prodding from camp counselors, already irritated at how much time we needed to load. At the same time, other parents sat patiently in their vehicles.

Once loaded, we had a delightful time chatting with the girls during the five-hour drive to Charleston.  They are growing up too quickly, and we savored the time.  Once home, they wasted no time catching up with neighborhood friends.

Our California kids arrived later that evening and were met by stifling heat and humidity—something not found in Southern California. From that point on, the guiding principle for the family get-together was to stay out of the heat (116-degree heat index) as much as possible.  Collin’s swimming pool saved us. We gathered there soon and often.

We had several outings planned to help combat the heat, and one of the first was to see an afternoon showing of “Barbie” at a local theater. We had the entire theater to ourselves.  The kids enjoyed the movie immensely. Next time, Big Daddy (me) will hope for a “Bond flick”.

On another day, we walked through the Charleston Market—the air-conditioned side, on our way to the Ferry to Fort Sumter.  I enjoy the Market but seldom buy anything. Nevertheless, browsing through the merchandise and chatting with the merchants is always a lot of fun.

Helen and I went with our Charleston family to the Fort Sumter National Monument once before. Still, we thought the California kids would find it interesting and enjoy the Ferry ride through Charleston Harbor. We thought the hot weather would reduce the crowd size, but we were wrong; the ferry was loaded with tourists eager to learn about the first shots fired in America’s Civil War. Volunteers on the island do a fabulous job answering questions and presenting a narrative of the battles there. The consensus was that all had a good time.

Despite the heat, we enjoyed some activities besides swimming in the pool. We took everyone to nearby Folly Beach so the California kids could swim in the Atlantic.  Abby, our oldest granddaughter, showed everyone her skills on the Boogy Board—letting us know that waves in the Pacific are stronger and providing good training for boarding in the east. She handled the board very well.

Collin lives on a marsh opposite the Charleston Harbor. His dock sits over a creek, making for good fishing. Our grandson, Carter, spent time throwing a net for minnows to use as bait. Justin and Collin caught Redfish quickly, but all were rooting for Carter to hook one. On the last day, he caught a nice Redfish and displayed it proudly.

For meals, we cooked most of the time, highlighted by a Pizza night where Collin prepared a variety of pizzas and cooked them on a stone in the Big Green Egg. The array included his specialty pizza of caramelized onions and Feta. They disappeared quickly. Collin honed his pizza skills working in a restaurant while attending Indiana University, proving that college does prepare one for later life.

Our dining experience at a Japanese Steakhouse was entertaining as Chef Matt skillfully wielded his spatulas and created an onion volcano. The meal ended with him tossing chicken and shrimp nuggets into the air for us to catch. Carter and Collin caught them successfully.

That’s our week in a nutshell. This summary excludes the giggles, the games, and the good times shared by our bi-coastal grandchildren. Helen and I are determined to keep the connections alive for them and for the two doting grandparents who love them dearly.  Our time together as a family always ends with big hugs, memories of shared experiences, and everyone smiling broadly. Helen and I are Easin’ Along to the next stop on our road trip, but we could have extended this stop indefinitely.

P.S. Easin’ Along postings have been infrequent this summer while we acclimate a very lively English Bulldog into the household and hover over repairs to Dora, our trailer. Readers haven’t missed much, but I’ve missed hearing from you and my blogger friends. We’re on the road for six weeks, and I look forward to sharing the trip with each of you, so please come back. Next up—Kure Beach, NC.

My July wasn’t as event-filled as some blogging friends like Donna (Retirement Reflections) or Natalie (Natalie the Explorer), but it was busy nonetheless. I often ask, “When did I ever find time for work?” Retirement is a great gig, and I am eternally grateful for the time I have to enjoy it and to participate in events that I love and things that interest me. Let me share my July with you.

Summer is in full swing in East Tennessee, and bright summer flowers are everywhere. I captured these beauties in a nearby neighborhood, and fortunately, I had my camera in the car. I love the bright red of the coneflowers.

In addition to the flowers, our tomatoes are beginning to ripen.  There’s nothing more pleasant than home-grown tomatoes on salads and sandwiches made on freshly baked sourdough bread (a new interest for me). I only have two plants, but that’s enough to keep Helen and me in tomatoes for a while. Here is the first of our summer crop.

In early summer, our church moves the early service outdoors on the lawn. The setting is delightful. Most of the congregation brings their favorite lawn chair or uses one of the folding chairs we wheel out of the building. We have one massive tree in the corner of the yard, offering plentiful shade for those who prefer it.  I am one of two ushers for the service and love greeting our members as they arrive.  My friend, Beth, is the head usher who keeps the trains running on time.

Summer also brings a change to my exercise class as well. We move from a community gym to an outdoor pavilion in a large park alongside the Tennessee River.  Our class meets three days a week for one hour, and we don’t let up.  Our energetic instructor, Kat, covers the whole body with cardio, strength training, balance drills, leg workouts, and stretch exercises. I’m exhausted by the end of the hour, yet always looking forward to the next class.

I also swim in our neighborhood pool (above, at the top) which the neighbors rarely use. “Swim” is probably an overstatement, however. I mainly try to master the art of sitting on a pool noodle while sipping champagne from a large Yeti mug.

During our class last Wednesday, a “Play Day” for local children surrounded our Pavilion.  A Fire Truck took over one parking lot and showered the children with cool spray.  I was tempted to join in but restrained myself.

On the Fourth of July, we held a flag-raising ceremony in our neighborhood.  Neighbors brought doughnuts and a large urn of coffee, and veterans were encouraged to wear their old military uniforms. I no longer have a uniform that fits, so I wore an Army PT shirt and a “Retired Army” cap. Walter, a veteran of World War II, wore his uniform proudly and looked very distinguished. At precisely 9:30, we played “To The Colors,” followed by the National Anthem, with everyone singing along. All had a good time.

Later that afternoon, we ate smoked pork barbeque and potluck side dishes. I smoked six pork shoulders all day that turned out very well. This will probably become an annual event.

Mortimer, our English Bulldog, has been in our home for three months and is part of the family. At 1 ½, he is still a puppy, loves to play, and can persistently seek attention, but he is still a joy.  He LOVES getting a bath, and it’s a struggle to keep him out of the shower if it is running.  He also discovered my old but very comfortable leather recliner.  I placed a cover in the chair, which he moves around to form a pillow.  We had him “fixed” this month, and I’m not sure he has forgiven us completely.

If all goes well, I should have Dora, our fifth wheel, out of the shop this week so  Helen and I can begin a six-week trip up the Carolina coast. We suffered two bent axles and a broken leaf spring after hitting a large pothole during our winter return from California.  I didn’t realize the damage then, but once home, the shredded tires were a dead giveaway. Finding replacement axles has been a challenge.  Hopefully, new ones will arrive early in the week.

We’re eager to get back on the road and will start the journey in Charleston, where our children and grandchildren will gather for a family reunion. At my daughter-in-law’s request, I pickled some eggs just for her.  I’m flattered she asked.  We also completed the first phase of seafood gumbo and froze it.  We will complete that task in Charleston, where we can get fresh seafood.  I get hungry thinking about it…I love seafood gumbo.

I saved the best part of the month for last.  Helen completed the final treatment for her breast cancer this week and rang the bell at the cancer center.  After a year and a half, Helen is cancer-free thanks to an early diagnosis and treatment from a wonderful battery of doctors and nurses, plus one more factor—her attitude.

Helen is one of the most positive people on the planet and rarely, if ever, worries about anything.  Her guiding principle is to take things one day at a time.  The past is forgotten, the future will be here soon enough; let’s enjoy the moment and the day we have. We should all be so fortunate.

What’s been on your calendar? I would love to know in the comments below. Please come with us up the east coast…we’re Easin’ Along.