BEACH LIFE 101 (January 4 - 26, 2020)

After a great three week stay in Daytona Beach, we caught two standby flights and landed in Myrtle

Beach, South Carolina, where we would call the WYNDHAM OCEAN BLVD RESORT home for the next 9 weeks.  This would be our first visit to this famous beach town and we were looking forward to a new location and new adventures.

To say that January in North Myrtle Beach is "quiet" time is almost an understatement as most businesses are only open on weekends and the beach was nearly empty.  But "quiet" time is exactly what we like so the panoramic ocean view from our 14th floor, ocean front room was perfect.

These first 3 weeks were shared with Sherry's brother, Curt, and his wife, Jenny.  We did find some good places to eat including; Blueberry's Grill, Ella's of Calabash, and the Crab Catcher's.  We spent a little time each day walking the expansive beach, enjoying the sun, and the activity that always surrounds an ocean beach.  The chattering of the Sea Gulls, the formation of the pelicans as they skim the water, the folks looking intently for sea shells, the people electronically prospecting for hidden treasure buried in the sand,  dutiful dog walkers, struggling kite flyers, power walkers, joggers, sand architects, and a few sun worshipers dotted the shoreline each time.

Over all it was , again, a good time of being with family and being reminded how important those relationships are.

REFLECTIONS

As I mentioned above, the beach attracts different folks for different reasons.  Some spend their time there looking intently at the sand near the retreating waves hoping to find that perfect shell.  Some spend their time looking toward the horizon hoping to see the perfect sunrise or sunset.  Some spend their time looking toward the sky hoping to catch a glimpse of a particular type of sea bird.  Some spend their time looking for a distant landmark that will indicate a turning place in their quest to reach their step goal for the day.  Others......well you get the idea.  All are having a great time doing what they consider to be "beach things".

Likewise, living together with another couple points to the how different our "life things" can be.  Differences in diet, sleep times, movie/TV likes, and so on, make co-habitation a challenge. As a matter of fact living as a couple is a challenge as well.

Once again, it comes down to understanding that we were all created and raised differently.  Our heredity and our environment helped shape us into who we are today.  No two (even twins) are the same.  Therefore, the secret is to enjoy what you enjoy and allow others to enjoy what they enjoy and to find some common things to share together and learn not to believe that all our "life things" need to be the same.  Remember it is exactly our differences that make life an adventure whether on the beach or in our lives.

And now I am off to the beach in search of a line of pelicans to photograph while Sherry sits by the open deck door; listening to the sounds of the never ending waves, viewing the sparkling sun reflections on the ocean waters, and doing today's crossword puzzle.