Beach Review

Monday, October 3, 2005 We are back from our long weekend at the beach. I am tired, but so glad we could get away. We tried to study with Alesia in the car, so she could get her homework done and keep up with her classes. On Friday it was really difficult going over Georgis Studies, because she was so excited she was nauseous, and couldn’t concentrate when we asked her questions. Mother read, Alesia was supposed to listen and I drove. Except I ended up doing a lot of explaining to Alesia about the American Revolution. Today we studied Science, which was easier because she was more calm. The condo we stayed at in Myrtle Beach was VERY nice, very swanky. It was not that expensive, and it was right on the beach. Had 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a large great room. The kitchen was tiny, but we only ate in for breakfast so it didn’t matter. Alesia was enthralled by the ocean, which she had never seen before, up close and personal. She made several funny remarks. When Alesia first saw the beach, she said “But where is the land on the other side?” She later asked me, “Those waves, they are always going that way?” I tried not to laugh and said yes, the waves never stop. When we first got in the ocean, in bathing suits, she was having a great time, but stopped suddenly, made a face, and said “Mom! Water is salty! Yuck.” We also went to see my mother’s brother, who lives in Myrtle Beach. He is 78, recently recuperated from a broken hip, and is still somewhat frail. His wife and granddaughter take excellent care of him, however. His wife took to Alesia right away. She loves kids, and told Alesia right after they met, “My grandchildren all call me Big Mama, so you just call me that, too. Let’s go find that kitty cat.” Alesia enjoyed connecting with new family, and they got a kick out of her. We had dinner with them Saturday and Sunday, and a long visit Saturday morning. On Sunday, I took Alesia to Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum downtown. Bruce and I used to love going to the one in Gatlinburg. Alesia was mildly impressed, but nowhere near as much as me. I realized why towards the end, when we looked at an exhibit and she said scornfully, “That not real.” I replied “Of COURSE it’s real! Everything in here is real?!” She had thought it wasn’t. So no wonder she wasn’t so fascinated. We later went to a Japanese steakhouse for lunch, and she was enthralled by the chef cooking right in front of us. She also loved riding a merry go round set up in the little shopping area, and feeding the pigeons that congregated there. I drove today for hours. I am exhausted and off to bed.