It’s been a while since we’ve written, but that doesn’t mean nothing has been going on. On the contrary, our summer (like most of our retired life to date) has been busy. How did we ever find time to work?
Following the truncated end to our previous journey to Yellowstone, we spent time cleaning out and cleaning up Livvy. I was happy to see that we obliterated far fewer bugs on this most recent journey than our trip to California. Less mileage, I suppose. Or maybe the word is getting around that we hold no prisoners. Either way, the insect scrub was not nearly as bad this time around.
With Livvy back home and safe, it was time for routine maintenance at Mercedes. Oil change, tire rotation, filters, check-up – the whole 9 yards. Unfortunately, while in for service, a technician hit the side of our RV pulling into the garage, damaging a vinyl cover over our slideout. Not a major deal, but we are still dealing with getting that fixed. For anyone who wonders why we don’t rent Livvy out when we’re not using her – this is exactly why! If anyone is going to damage her it will be us.
Early in July we were invited by our friends Sarah and Bill (they being the two who convinced us to start this blog) for a weekend at their cottage in Catawba. As usual, we had a blast! Lots of good food and good drinks (including a rather weak margarita pitcher I made) and good conversation. What could possibly go wrong?
That is what could go wrong. One bad step by Karen off the porch led to a nasty sprained ankle. Fortunately, it didn’t hurt as bad at night when it happened due to, well, being well lubricated. Nevertheless, she spent several days in an air cast and on crutches and several weeks getting the ankle healed. She still has to ice it after a workout or being on her feet all day, but it’s much better. (Karen edit – more alcohol was needed after the ankle sprain. I blame my consistent lack of grace and not paying attention for the sprained ankle)
The middle of the month was really special, as we took mom to Cape May, New Jersey. For those who do not know, I spent the first 14 years of my life vacationing on the Jersey shore. Like most Italian families in the tristate area, we gravitated to the shore, and to Wildwood specifically. Huge beaches and the Boardwalk were the main draw. It was loud and bright and obnoxious – everything young kids love. However, we always spent a lot of time just south of Wildwood in the town of Cape May.
Cape May is the antithesis of Wildwood. Victorian and quaint and peaceful, it served as a break from the hectic shore to the north and a welcome shopping stop for my mother. In fact, mom and dad continued to vacation in Cape May every year until dad couldn’t travel by car that far anymore. It was a VERY special place for them, which is why Karen and I took mom on this trip.
I hadn’t been to the Jersey shore in 40 years, yet so much of the area was familiar. In fact, I was able to find the house basement we stayed in during the first 10 or so years we vacationed in Wildwood. No idea how, but when it came into view I knew it right away. The second story had been lost in a fire years ago, and the siding was new, but it was like walking back in time. The big back yard, where I played with my cousins, looked exactly the same. Even the old outdoor fireplace was still standing. I can distinctly remember being in that yard, listening to “Afternoon Delight”, and wondering why someone would write a song about a rocket launch. Dumb kid.
We spent hours driving around Wildwood, pointing out all the places we remembered as well as where places from our memory used to be. It was great to be able to share my memories with Karen, but even better was listening to mom share her memories of vacations with dad when I was not around. There’s just some stories that mean so much more coming directly from the source, and could never be the same just reading them. Karen and I both cherished that part of our trip.
Unbeknownst to mom, but known to Karen and me, my sister and her kids showed up on our second day for a surprise visit. Mom was definitely fooled and quite confused as we sat having a drink on the front porch and they pulled up. Worth the planning for that moment!
We spent the rest of the trip sightseeing, hearing stories of memories gone by, and creating new memories. It was not nearly as emotional for mom or me as we had feared, which was good. We are so glad we made the journey!
As has been the case after our previous trips, we took the time at home to visit with friends and family. We had a blast at Irish Fest with Karen’s cousin Octavian and her friend Dave (Maggie couldn’t make it because she was home caring for their two new puppies!). We made a surprise drop-in visit to Detroit to watch our friend Matt play guitar and sing. We had happy hour at the yacht club with the Buckners and Dave and Ellen. And we hosted my nephew Dominick and his girlfriend Annamarie, and joined them for a day at Cedar Point.
See what I mean? And that’s just what I remember!!
There’s already much to write about in August, but that will have to wait till later. For those keeping tabs, we leave on the 25th for two weeks on Mount Desert Island in Maine. If we have internet service, we will write from there. Until then.
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