Beach Day Leftovers

Decided I wanted to spend the day at the beach with my nieces and nephews.  Coordinated a date with my sister and sister-in-law, organized a list of who brings what and prayed for a sunny day.  That morning it all seemed to come together.  The weather was beautiful.    I packed everyone's specific favorite sandwich, a case of water and a case of GatorAide.  Made sure we had clean bathing suits and towels, plenty of sun screen and our ipods.  Off we go!

The kids had a wonderful time, playing in the sand and specifically just being with each other.  Plus I had an opportunity to talk to my sisters in peace while my son entertained the other kids.  Pure bliss with a tan.

The beach day was a great idea except for the next day.  I brought back half the sand that is now adorning my patio and driveway.  I had a cooler full of uneaten soggy sandwiches and grass (where did we pick up grass?).  I got off easy though.   My sister called to say her girls have rashes all over their stomaches, chests and arms.  The doctor's first question "Were the kids at the beach or in a hot tub?"  Not a fun thing to bring back from the beach.  A little cortizone cream and time, they will be fine.

At least we have photos!

Salvage Mission

Early in the spring I decided to get prescription sunglasses.  My eyes are certainly not what they used to be and the ability to actually see while wearing sunglasses was thrilling.  Found great Ray Ban frames, waited 2 weeks and have been wearing them ever since.

This weekend we were on the boat and as I leaned over to tie the rope while we were docking, I knocked the sunglasses off my face.  I dove to get them, which left  the boat sailing directly into the dock.  I could not get them in time and down they sank.  We spent the next 45 minutes trying poking the water, staring into the darkness and getting depressed.  Even had the help of a neighboring boater and his net.  But the water was not cooperative.  Maybe it would be clearer in the morning.

So the next morning at 6:30 am we drive out to the dock to start our salvage mission.  Not sure if I should say "our mission" as it was just him.  I was disheartened when we get to the boat and see that the water is not much clearer.  It is about 4 feet high, with 3 1/2 foot seaweed and a hideous oil smell. I am already afraid that he will catch something simply by entering the water.

But my wonderful husband suits up in his scuba suit, shoes, gloves, mask and snorkel and enters the water.  As his feet hit the sinking ground, he is obviously grossed out.  But he persists.  Diving down and pulling up zebra muscles and rocks.  It seems hopeless as he circles the dock posts.  He vows one more underwater try.  Low and behold he returns with my sunglasses!  They were under the muck and absolutely filthy.

The resolute determination, the persistence and the non-stop effort by my hubby made it happen.  Sounds like a little thing to be so excited about.  They are just sunglasses after all.  But its more.  It's his effort and our little adventure to salvage the Grand Island seas.

Next day , he bought me croakies to prevent future slippage.