Weekend Wanderings!

First I would like to mention something a follower mentioned, about my previous post. On the word, It's, it should be Its, no apostrophe. I got the idea for the bell, then the saying since it had bell in it and looked it up to get the right saying, and I took one that had the apostrophe without thinking. I do that a lot and I know I write my posts without thinking and no editing, so I need to be more careful, since they do seem confusing, even to me.

With the lyme, I have days where I cannot remember what I did 5 minutes ago, forget words and mess things up, so you will have to bear with me on those days;) Other days I am back to normal, it is an up and down process but I am having better days, so that gives me hope.

One of the things that helps me feel better is getting out in the fresh air and exercising. Now that I can move again, I thought it was a good time to go to the beach. It is relaxing, lots of fresh air and swimming is one exercise where I can move freely without pain.

Bill had Friday off so we could go to the beach without the crowds. We decided to go to East Beach since we never get to go there on the weekends and there is limited parking. It is a strip of land that divides a salt water pond and the ocean. They also have two camping areas at the end, but no dogs allowed.

It was a beautiful day, the water was warm and very few people on the beach.

The tide was going out and that means more waves. It was fun body surfing in the waves, not so fun when I got slammed a few times when I wasn't looking, lol. The island in the distance is Block Island, that is where the ferries go.

Saturday we we went to East Matunuck Beach. This beach is harder to get to since the roads are narrow, but perfect for a Saturday. Not as many people as at the main beaches and great waves.

It is also a nice place for great views, the channel was to our left and we could watch the ferries that go to Block Island.

They also have large areas with salt water marshes behind the beach, and an area where the Piping Plovers nest. Great place to stroll along the beach and look for heart stones.

I was hesitant about going to the beaches on a Sunday, but we decided to go later in the afternoon and this time we went back to Roger Wheelers Beach. They have a larger parking area and separate sections so you can pick a spot away from the main crowds.

We parked at the end and walked up the dunes, figuring there would be less people.

The minute we got to the end, we ran into, wall to wall tents. This must be the party end, luckily they all set up at the main entrance, we walked down, closer to the water. The tide was going out so we were able to find a spot further down and enjoy a few hours, even with the crowds. Great place to people watch and watch the boats coming in. This beach is on the other side of the channel, that we were at on Saturday. We could watch the ferries as well as the fishing boats that came across, to unload their catch at the docks.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and if you would like to see my videos, you can check out my YouTube Channel. You can see more of the views and hear the sounds of the sea.

It is still Christmas and Good News!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and are still enjoying the spirit and love of the season. I notice a lot of people are taking down their trees and ending the holiday, but did you know that Christmas is not over? 

In the Catholic church, Christmas is still celebrated. From the Epiphany, when the Magi found baby Jesus to the baptism of Jesus, which closes the season. I never knew that or maybe I forgot, but I have always kept my decorations up through the month of January, so I celebrated, without even knowing it. So, if you love the warmth and feeling that your decorations bring to your home, enjoy them and keep them up for a few weeks longer. 

I have always felt that let down after Christmas and now I feel a renewed joy with the special masses each week. Next week we will have a special concert after mass with the children depicting the events of the nativity. Whether you are catholic, christian, or any religion or belief, why not keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts, just a bit longer and continue to feel the joy that we get leading up to Christmas, maybe even start your own, new tradition with your family.

This is our church, I love how it is decorated in natural greenery, along with the poinsettias and creche. The church has been a source of strength for us since we lost Danielle and I only wished it hadn’t taken her death to lead us back. The photo is a panorama so it looks a bit distorted.

Saturday was family day, we had Nicholas for the day and since it was nice out, we took a ride to the ocean and enjoyed a picnic at the beach. Grandpa and Nick enjoyed watching the ferry, as Nick ate his lunch.

After lunch, we walked a little on the beach. It was nice and sunny, but the breeze was a bit cool. Nick loved walking in the sand and exploring the items that get washed up with the tide.

I love how he starts getting more independent when we take him places. I am blessed to be able to spend time with him and share our love of nature with him. 

I hope everyone had a nice weekend and would love to hear what new things you will be making this year. I have new ideas and will be creating again, so who knows what I will create next.

And the good news? If everything goes well, Nicholas will be a big brother, so something to look forward to in May, a new addition to the family.

              

Friday Finish!

No crafty finishes, just the finish or the end of our vacation. Yesterday everything just got too overwhelming so we packed up and came home last night, I wanted to sleep in my own bed and have a real kitchen to cook in.

I am disappointed and I wasn't expecting the perfect vacation but the good moments were ruined by the musty house and not being able to sit and relax at night, so it tired me out.

We did have some fun adventures and Bean loved the cottage and the beach, he was like a little puppy again. The minute we went outside, he would run to the beach, the tide was usually out in the morning so I let him run on the beach while I went rock hunting.

He seems to have a thing for seaweed. Here, the seaweed washes up on the shore, our seaweed was growing on the rocks. As you can see, he thought it was the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the views.

The first day was rainy and the long ride was tiring, so we checked out some local places to kayak, though we never got to go, it was fun exploring and even in the rain, the views are beautiful.

One day we went to Castine, an old seaport that was occupied by the British so there is a lot of historical homes and beautiful views from the town docks. We visited the lighthouse and then went for a walk at the park and on the beach. Bean loves to explore and the park was empty so he could go on his long lead and get some good exercise. He seems to know when I want him to sit for a photo, he hops on the bench while Bill takes horrid photos of us;)

Thursday we went to Acadia. It as then that I realized we should have stayed there, lots of places to eat and stay and they even had a restaurant that is dog friendly. We went by a back road and I spied this beautiful home with a lighthouse, in Surry.

Then we drove up Cadillac Mountain. Did you know if you are over 62, you can get a pass to go to all the national parks for life, sometimes being old is good and it is a good thing that Bill is old, lol. The views of the harbors and islands is breath taking.

I took this photo while we were driving through Surry. There was just something peaceful about the scene and it made me think of Danielle. Every friday I post on Danielle's Facebook page with a saying and a photo and this one seemed perfect for today. It does not make me sad, it brings me peace, so I leave you with the peace of the beautiful vistas and wishes that you all have a wonderful weekend.

The Day After!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for your Christmas wishes and support with my family situation. It really means a lot to me to know that I have so many people around the world, that I can call my friends and the support and love to get me through the tough days.

The good news was my son sent me a message and said we were welcome to stop by for a visit. So, I was torn about going but knew I would regret it, if I didn't, so we went. I enjoyed seeing the baby and we played and took a walk outside with Bean, but they were getting ready for dinner and we were not invited, so I left.

Nicholas is quite the talker, even though most of it sounds like a foreign language, lol.

This was Bean's first Christmas and he was 6 months old on the 24th. I put his first present on the floor and he kept circling it and touching it, and when it moved he jumped back. It really didn't move, it rolled and once he got to see what in inside he was thrilled with his new ball.

Once he got the hang of what was in a package, he opened up his next one. But, he did it very, very slowly, ripping off a piece at a time, lol. Another one of his favorite presents, something to shake to death.

Today was a "Me" day. We went for a ride and I bought myself a new pair of boots so I had something  more practical and comfy for the winter and a large vintage style jar for Bean's treats. After shopping we went to Black Rock and walked along the path and rocks.

Bean loved running along the rocks, he has a natural ability for maneuvering around them.

It was so beautiful today that we kept going and walked along the beach, as well. Bean loved greeting all the people and running in the sand. It is the first time I have been out since I have been sick and the fresh air and exercise put some color back into my face.

Taking a break with Bean for some hugs. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Magic and Mermaids Giveaway!

Today I decided to go to the town beach to start our paddle. It is close, for residents only, in the summer, no thieves and it saves a mile of paddling to get out of the cove. It was sunny, but cooler, so perfect for paddling. 

Once out of the beach cove, we pass the island, wouldn't it be fun to live here.

I wanted to go down the bay today, so we headed straight for the bridge and this is what I was met with. Lots of roiling waves, try taking a photo in this and not hit a piling, lol.

The beach on the other side of the bridge is where we made landing. The perfect place to rest and enjoy the scenery. It was way too windy and rough to go any further, so we sat here for awhile and enjoyed a swim and a snack.

There was magic in the waters today, we even caught a glimpse of a mermaid.

And a special treat, her puppy came out and rested on the beach. The sun hurt his eyes, so I lent him my glasses.

On the way back, we came  upon some Cormorants, who as usual didn't want use too close.

The last of the flock taking off.

 And now for the giveaway. On the fourth photo, what do you think is in the water? The first right guess will win a free epattern of their choice and I will draw one name from all the entries to receive an epattern, as well. I will take guesses until 10 pm, this Wednesday night. 

Saturday Paddle!

Today was a perfect day for paddling, warm sun and a cool ocean breeze. My son came with us and he really had a good time and enjoyed himself. 

The guys paddling and chatting.

Father and son, enjoying the view.

It was low tide, so a lot of gulls enjoying the beach today.

This guy found himself a nice fresh conch shell. He would fly up and drop it on the rocks to get the meat out. Now I know why I can't find a nice conch shell that isn't broken up;)

There were a lot of boats out today, especially sailboats, perfect day for sailing and most were heading out to the bay.

My son was having fun walking in the water and looking for crabs. This guy was not happy to be taken out of the water, but he posed for me anyways. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I am working on a few new projects, so I will have at least one done by monday.