Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tuesday, May 29, 2012 -- Mattie died 142 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. That weekend we took Mattie to Andrews Air Force Base's Open House. Mattie got to shake hands with many military personnel and got to sit in several of the planes and helicopters featured in the Base's airshow. As you can see, Mattie was sitting in the driver's seat of a helicopter and was ALL business! Gadgets and anything that moved were Mattie's forte, and between that and seeing the Thunderbirds (The Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force, based at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. The "Ambassadors in Blue" tour the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked USAF Jet aircraft. They are the Fastest Flying Jet Team in the world. The name is taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythology of several indigenous North American cultures.) air show, it was a memorable day for all of us.




Quote of the day: Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth. ~ Julie Andrews




As today marks the 142 week Mattie has been gone from our lives, I find it interesting that I was awoken from a challenging dream. I dreamt that Mattie was alive, and that my mom picked him up from school to take him to an after school program. It is unclear in my dream whether he was in a swimming program or some sort of sports program. But either case, the after school program was housed in a VERY large building. My mom escorted Mattie into the building to attend the program, and within an hour I arrived there to watch Mattie play/swim (not sure which). However, when I got to this building, Mattie couldn't be found. My mom assured me she picked Mattie up and he was in the building, but when I asked his teacher and the other kids if they saw Mattie that day, their answer was NO! So in my dream, I was frantically searching this very large building, leaving no room untouched. I could feel the level of stress and panic while I was sleeping, and when I woke up this morning, the dream hadn't resolved itself. Instead, I woke up with the feeling that Mattie was permanently missing. Rather telling of our reality. This feeling has remained with me today, and somehow emphasizes our everyday feelings. A subconscious reminder!

Though I am not feeling back to normal, Peter is now getting what I have been fighting, and so together, we are a mess. This has been a challenging time away. Despite how we are feeling, we did venture out today. We did not stay out long because our energy level isn't where it should be and that combined with 90 degree weather and intense humidity, we just couldn't spend much time outside.

We drove to Lewes, Delaware today. Though Lewes is small, it is a very charming and historic town. It is a place I always enjoy touring and strolling in. Along our journey, we passed fields, and fields of golden yellow..... Wheat fields.

This adorable replica of Lewes lighthouse marks the entrance into the town of Lewes.

As you enter Lewes, you are greeted by this Purple Victorian! This house has now been transformed into a spa and inn.

Peter and I walked around and also had lunch in Lewes. As we were leaving the town, we passed Cannonball House.

Info on Cannonball House ---- The War of 1812 had a major impact on the town of Lewes and surrounding area. The naval blockade that was initiated by the British in March of 1813 lasted for most of the next two years. With maritime commerce limited, the local economy suffered. The regular presence of troops resulted in the use of many structures in the town for military purposes, and a camp for militia and US Army Regulars was established near Blockhouse Pond. During the bombardment of Lewes on April 6th and 7th, 1813, numerous homes and businesses were damaged by naval fire from the British squadron. Known today as the Cannonball House, this structure still bears visible traces of the engagement including an iron cannonball that is lodged in its Foundation.

Naturally no beach blog posting would be complete without a bunny picture. Here is our sighting from this evening's walk!