Taking a Deep Breath....

THIS has become my new favorite place to sit in the morning. Our second floor porch off our bedroom looks to the West so it's sheltered from the blazing sun in the morning. The marsh is super active with hundreds of coastal birds, rabbits and other creatures all scampering about before the heat of the day. It's quite nice to sit and watch them.

The day started out hazy and  breezy.  I was anxious to go for the  drive from Nags Head down to Cape Hatteras.  I urged Blaise and/or Brina to come with me - but were busy doing other things and neither was thrilled at the notion of exploring with me.  Sal wasn't here this past weekend - otherwise I know he would have come with me.

Wasn't sure if it was going to rain or not as I walked along the quiet, deserted beach of the Cape Hatteras Seashore.  I love having the beach all to myself.  Most of the time - the beach looks just like this - deserted and peaceful.

As the morning progressed however, the haze cleared and the sun came out,

The sky turned bright blue and the waves really picked up. The ocean became very active - as did the wind. 

  Eventually, I decided to drive a little further down the shore and came upon the Town of Rodanthe. 

You may recognize this house as the setting for the movie, "Nights in Rodanthe"  (based upon the book by Nicholas Sparks.)  I was surprised to stumble upon it afew blocks from the ocean.  Because if you remember the book or the movie - the house sat directly on the ocean.  I found out after speaking to a local that this beautiful structure could no longer take the abuse of the Atlantic Ocean and a decision was made that it either had to be torn down - or moved away from the shoreline.  It was moved a few blocks from the coast.   Bittersweet.  

I travel over this amazing bridge to cross the Oregon Inlet which is our inlet leading from the Banks to the Ocean.  The view from the top of the bridge is one in a million and it is super windy up there - which I love.

It was a pleasant journey of solitude.  I had the top on the car down, my favorite satellite radio 80's station on and the natural beauty of  Outer Banks all to myself. Quite possibly - a perfect day. 

Yaaaay! It's Summer!!!!

Time for Gizmo to  relax  and slow waaaaaay down.  I think today - a nap is in order, followed perhaps by a little boating later on.

 Yes.  Maybe later. 

Happy 16th Birthday Little Girl!!!

I took our girl to IHOP for breakfast this morning on her 16th birthday.  It's tradition.

 I had to take a picture of her - with her hot chocolate and a big 'ole smile.  Sometimes when I look at her - it's like looking in a mirror when I was that age.  My mother looked just like my grandmother - I look alot like my mother - and my daughter - she looks like us all.  How cool.

Now - I know I've told you many times, "be careful," "always tell the truth," "work hard and study harder," "you are the company you keep," "who you are when nobody's looking is WHO you really are,"  I could go on and on with the bits of advice and words of "wisdom" I have tried to impart upon you.  But instead of doing that - today, I'm going to tell you this:

Sabrina:  I am so proud of the young lady you have become.

How you never change who you are to suit others, (no matter the pressure they place upon you to do so)  

and how you never waiver from your principles and values,

no matter what the cost.

YOU my dearest girl, are and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.

YOU are strong and good, determined and loyal, and so very innovative and creative.

YOU are valued, trusted, respected and loved. YOU are amazing.

Happy Birthday Sweet Sabrina!  Enjoy this day as you begin the next phase of your what promises to be a rewarding and meaningful life.
                                               - Momma