This year marked the United States historic Semiquincentennial, celebrating 250 years of American independence. I was very into it, and ordered special shirts and earrings to wear on that day! We went down to NC as planned. In our community, River Bluffs, they had their annual golf cart parade and then we went to the pool. Last year they had a much bigger celebration with a food truck, live music and axe throwing. That evening Pete, his sister, brother-in-law and mother went to downtown Wilmington to watch the fireworks. I didn’t go because I didn’t feel like being wheeled around in the wheelchair and I needed some time alone. I watched Macy’s fireworks. Nobody does it like New York, not even Washington DC. Earlier in the day I watched the tall ships from around the world sail past The Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge and turn around. I would have loved to be there.
Friends: Our friends came up from Merrill’s Inlet, SC and stayed with us for two days. I always have fun with them and Paulette is one of my best friends. We went out to dinner, played games, went shopping, and cooked. No sooner than they left, Pete’s family came and stayed with us. I thought I would get a day in between to myself but didn’t.
Family: Pete’s sister Jan, her husband Joey, and his mother are all moving down from Long Island, NY. They had a house built in another community, Summerhouse, about 35 minutes North of us. Their closing was today, so they stayed at our home after we left. I like Jan and I adore Joey so it was fun. On July 5, Summerhouse had their July 4 celebration with a cookout, live music, ice cream and a golf cart parade. It was more fun than ours. I like their pool better because they have railings to get into the pool. There was a little snafu on Sunday because they all go to church. We had planned to leave at 11 am but they decided they would go to church at 11 so we had to leave for Summerhouse at 9:30. Meanwhile there is a Catholic Church two miles away who had a 9 am mass. Jan didn’t want to get up early. We’ll I quietly and privately went off on Pete saying I didn’t want to travel for the 11 am mass, the leave time was the same so why did I have to get ready to go by 9:30 and have to go to church. He actually stuck up for me and approached them suggesting that the 9 am mass would be better. So off they went, Pete included. All in all it was a good visit, they are very helpful. I found some compassion within myself for his mother. I realized that she was 88 years old. I honestly didn’t know. She is in incredible health and does not look like 88, yet alone 80. I mustered up patience, where before I didn’t have much. I knew she was going through Fox News withdrawal, but that will never be on TV in any household of mine!
Health: I am thrilled to say that I had no issues with my health during this trip and celebration. I was able to go in the pool every day, which to me is heaven. I was hesitant at first because in River Bluffs I have to use the handicapped chair lift to get in and I feel that everyone stares, (which they do). They also offer to help. I got over it quickly, I enjoy the water too much. I’m still not swimming but that will always be my goal. I didn’t take any naps, which I could have and kept up with the cooking and socializing. I was sorry to return to VA. I love the fact that I can go in the pool every day and I love the house there.