Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Wednesday, June 7, 2017


Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2004. Mattie was two years old and this was his second trip to the Outer Banks. On this particular day we decided to introduce Mattie to Jockey's Ridge. This Ridge is 426-acres and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It was a very hot and humid day, and the sand compounds the heat. None the less Mattie was a good sport and was interested in this adventure. 







Quote of the day: Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime. ~ Mark Twain

This is the weather we were contending with today. There were 20mph winds, 60 degree temperatures and rain. The winds sounds absolutely awful when you are staying on the beach. 

We watched the lifeguards going up and down the shore line this morning putting flags out to warn people NOT to go into the turbulent waters. 

It is hard to see this through a photo, but the waves were at least ten feet tall crashing onto the shore. 

We wanted to get out, so we ventured into our car. WOW!! Traffic was a NIGHTMARE. Fortunately we were going against traffic. But we wanted to go back to the condo before going out to dinner. This wasn't possible, because it would have taken two hours to go about 11 miles. Clearly when people can't go to the beach, they are in their cars. 




Since it was a rainy and cold day, we took the opportunity to check out house rentals in the Outer Banks, as we are tired of these condo surprises. Years ago we used to rent a house, but since Mattie died, we figured there was no point. However, given what we have been dealing with on this trip, we are changing our minds. In any case, here are the four houses we liked a lot, after looking at about 15. 

Dutt Inn Dunes
https://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks/duck/sanderling/rentals/dutt-inn-dunes/#&gid=1&pid=1

Daffy Duck
https://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks/duck/sanderling/rentals/daffy-duck/

Making Memories
https://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks/duck/sanderling/rentals/making-memories/

La Belle Vie
https://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks/duck/sanderling/rentals/la-belle-vie/

After house hunting, we went shopping in Corolla. One of the stores was featuring whirligigs. On a windy day like today, they were really eye catching. 

We then went to Kimball's Kitchen for an early dinner. This is one of the best restaurants on the whole barrier island. As you can see I did not take this photo tonight, because there was NO sunset, NO SUN in general!!!

While at dinner, check out who was looking at me through the window! An adorable bunny. She stayed with us throughout dinner. 

More Walk photos! Tonight's posting captures the magic show at our Walk. The man in orange is Bob Weiman. Bob is the Assistant Director of Mattie's school. When Mattie was battling cancer, Bob visited Mattie weekly and taught him magic. Magic brought a whole new world to Mattie. It empowered him, because you do not need to be able to walk to perform magic. Also not everyone has the skills to do this, so Mattie felt proud of his unique skills. In 2009, at the Mattie March, Bob and Mattie performed magic for attendees. Bob has hosted a magic show at the Walk for the last 8 years in Mattie's memory. 

You can see Bob in action! Adult and kids alike love watching his show. Bob learned magic from his dad. His dad died from cancer, and I really feel he keeps the connection with his dad alive through teaching this gift to others. 

 I love this photo!

The girl on the right is Bob's daughter, Lena. Clearly Bob has passed along his skills to the next generation. 

The American Flag trick!