It’s the Toe Ring Talkin’

July 22, 2013July 22, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / Leave a comment

“It’s the toe ring talkin’.”

That’s the excuse we gave all week as the Grannies Gone Wild laughed our behinys off over the silliest things.

Grannies

It all started our first day in Savannah as we traipsed around River Street shopping for the just-right item to commemorate our fifth year of going to Hilton Head together. A pretty awesome feat. My friends going with me those many years ago, lifting me up, on my first trip back to the time share that James and I had purchased the year before he died. A milestone step.

We have gone every year since; five in all. And each year we find something to remember the trip with: headbands, coasters, a new beach item like our beach stroller, and always pictures in the sand. Usually it’s our feet. One year we all dressed in black dresses. This year it was this:

toe rings all around

Mine is really a thumb ring but sticking my hand in the midst of all these toes proved to be a daunting task:

Try No. 1

Try No. 2

Try No. 3

defeat

… and laughter

We are never at a loss for laughter on this trip. Making fun of ourselves is usually the biggest laugh. I don’t think we took one picture of Terah sleeping on the beach or at the pool. We just couldn’t destroy her wild, hot granny image this year:

Geri and Terah: two hot grannies

Terah and her pirate

Although it wasn’t just her that was wild and crazy.

my own sister getting in on the action

Geri didn’t want to let go

They all had to have a turn with the pirate.

Lisa wasn’t too sure of him although she was leaning…

They quipped and quoted and witted and wowed me.

Even though I was very skeptical about leaving Steve (after all we haven’t even been married a year!), I can’t wait to go back next year!

Hilton Head Hogbottoms or Grannies Gone Wild or…

(to be continued)

The Last Tide

July 12, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / Leave a comment

Boohoo… Wail… Sniffle… Boohoo

a pic from last year.

Tomorrow is the sad, sad day. We don’t even voice it. Just say, “Tomorrow is it.”

Our last tide is today; our last chance to stand at the end of the earth/dirt/sand before it morphs into ocean; our last walk along sand and shells and dead sea creatures washed ashore.

But there is this piece of us that is excited. Home.

I couldn’t find a pic of our husbands all lined up like the one above, but they are definitely included in Home.

And though we have had a great time eating at Ela’s, The Old Oyster Factory, Skull Creek Boathouse, and even Pizza Hut (which has great thin crust veggie pizzas I might add), and 11th St Dockside, there is a piece of us, a pretty good-sized chunk, that will be glad to have a baloney sandwich on our own porch.

The memories of the families making sand sculptures (this year’s half alligator/half ladybug won the best-according-to-Brenda prize) and young men with their virility screaming at any young gal that walked across their path and the runners/walkers/seashell collectors and the grandmas and grandpas helping each other or playing with their grandkids, and the funny, interesting, just down-right-love-to-watch-them children will sustain me until next year.

I’m going to print out Dar’s Hilton Head Expense sheet and savor the memory of each item.

Ah… Walking the Beach

July 11, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / Leave a comment

it is sooooo far away

This is what our green-striped home looks like from the ocean edge. It is a mile walk. And the reason it is a mile walk is because we dump all our beach stuff as soon as we get on the beach. Not five feet from the walkway. And the reason we dump all our stuff not five feet from the walkway is because it’s heavy and cumbersome to drag through that sand even with out nifty beach stroller. You can see it sitting there beside our “home.”

a close-up

Notice on the right of our tent there is an orange, diamond-shaped sign. That sign is the do-not-disturb-the-loggerhead-eggs warning. I only wish I could be there when they hatch and start making their way to the ocean. And even though our little tent was very low to the ground (it kind of kept falling apart on us), it worked great. Geri only ran into it three times maybe?

The beginning of the walk

There aren’t as many people this year as last year. Still quite a few in our area of the beach, though. So the beach walk started out looking like this: people all over the place. Which. of course, is very cool. I love it! Perhaps my favorite are the dads showing their little ones the water for the first time. The little tykes hang on to their daddy’s legs as they stumble about the waves and uneven sand. I just don’t see enough of that… daddies with their children. So it gives me that warm fuzzy.

crowds thin out after a short walk

Walk just a short way down the beach and there are fewer and fewer people.

oh, man, I love this picture

I’m sorry. I just had to throw this really cool picture in here. I love the beach, and if you do, too, and aren’t here, then I totally apologize for this picture.

loggerhead nests and people nests

I tried to edit the picture above, but couldn’t for whatever reason. There are several loggerhead nests. I can’t help thinking how cool it would be to live in one of those houses and watch for the little turtles. Did I say that already? Alas.

the shark catch

The line grew tight and the fight was on. Pulling and reeling in. Pulling and reeling in. Finally:

the catch! a baby shark!!

Hey!! What’s that hand doing in my glory picture? Curse this computer! I tried and tried to edit that stinking hand out of there. Stinking, yes, because it is the actual hand that caught that big fish. He was nice enough to let me pretend for a second that I did. It looked like so much fun when he was reeling it in, and sure enough, when I asked him if it was fun, he looked me straight in the eyes and said with great conviction, “It was fun.” I was so excited for him. Good thing his little woman got it all on video.

isn’t this just pretty?

I couldn’t help myself. This is just such a neat picture.

seashells by the seashore

So tomorrow is the day for shelling. Searching for seashells by the seashore.

my awesome beach shoes

The times of my life

July 8, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / Leave a comment

oysters Rockefeller

Tonight was the Old Oyster House, or something like that. So, of course, we had to have oysters. How can a person go to an oyster restaurant and not have oysters? It’s sacrilegious!!

So we ordered Oysters Rockefeller. And they were pretty doggone good. As was the stuffed flounder and the most delicious chocolate mousse in an almond meringue basket… and the creme brûlée. I so love desserts.

Then on to the movies. We are going to OD on movies this week. We’ve already made our minds up and we are not going to feel guilty! Tonight’s movie was Heat. It was great except for all the cursing. Very heated words in that movie and also very funny. LOLed rather loudly, but so did a lot of other people. Really. It was a laugh-out-loud movie.

Good times tonight. Simple times. Trying-something-new times.

No Expectations

July 6, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / 2 Comments

It’s easy to tell that Hilton Head will be on the horizon before too long. The laughter and hilarity is rampant in this awesome new van of our sweet friend, Terah.

We’ve already discussed having to tuck Lisa in bed (I can’t give the details)(oops! I was supposed to change the names of the innocent and not-so-innocent). “Who’s going to bring me my coffee in the morning?!”

The topic on Darla going G. I. Joe since her emergency appendectomy along with the benefits of wearing or not wearing thong underwear (and the reasons for or against wearing thong underwear) have been, to say the least, informative.

I’ve already had my nap and tried to comprehend how to “flush” the door as I exited the vehicle for a pit stop at McDonalds. That train of thought shouldn’t be too hard to follow.

Geri is our official cleanliness inspector. After several years of going now, only Darla is Rambo enough to room with her, standing up to her demands for at least one more shower or bath before bedtime. Geri also washes our clothes every night which is a good thing since Commando only brought two pair of underwear.

Everything is funny! The near head-on collision with a bird has kept the two up front in stitches for miles. The two in the middle are getting ready for a midday snooze. How could they not? Those seats are recliners!!!

And me? I am once again back in my cubbyhole enjoying the show.

Ah, the throwing off of stress. We go together expecting nothing from one another… and give each other pure, unadulterated fun.

Friends.

Fun Things To Do at Hilton Head

June 20, 2013June 20, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / 3 Comments

It’s that time of year again!! The Hilton Head Hogbottoms are getting ready to head out east.

If you are looking for a good family vacation, Hilton Head is the place to go. The beaches are clean and family-friendly. The sign before entering the beach has all the rules and regulations and most people abide by them. No alcohol is allowed on the beach, but there are some people that have it in cups or snuggies. However, there are no drunks or couples lollygagging all over each other. Just families having a good time.

Terah geared up for a morning beach ride

Although we didn’t play miniature golf, there are several really neat places to go. Pirate’s Island Cove is one of them. Adventure Cove is another great one.

Bike rentals are a big thing because there are awesome bike roads for riding. A person can go all over the place on a bicycle!

floating tricycle

Renting sailboats, big-wheeled floating tricycles, jet skis, or opting to fly high with parasailing are all available.

The food is fantastic!! And, of course, we always take the 45-minute trip into Savannah. Good, good food there!

There are the sea tours for sighting dolphin or kayaking for a close look at the local sea life.

Just click on Hilton Head Island to learn about everything!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair!!

June 4, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / 4 Comments

Popi and Gigi have been working hard on the castle for the grandgirls and grandboy when they all visit. Kate and Ava, of course, visit often. After all, they only live a couple of blocks away. Finally, the big day came: it was finished and ready for all sorts of characters to move into its welcoming sort-of walls.

trying out the castle

Rapunzel awaits a tour of the castle while her lady-in-waiting tries out the swing.

climbing the swinging bridge

The lady-in-waiting always goes first… unless Rapunzel throws a big, bawling fit. Then the Queen, Gigi, must step in and tone down the impulsive pushiness of the bigger half of this pretend scenario.

enjoying themselves in the “music room”

Kate loves to pretend to be asleep. Such a shame it’s always pretend.

Rapunzel is just so stinkin’ cute!!

hmmmmm

You know, I may have the lady-in-waiting confused with the court jester.

climbing, climbing

Aw, yes she is the lady-in-waiting. My only concern is waiting for what?!?!

Just as I suspected. Our lady-in-waiting has ulterior motives! And I’m fairly sure they involve knocking the fair Rapunzel off the bridge. Run, fair maiden, run!!

in hot pursuit

our sweet maiden has made it to the castle tower

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!!

A very unusual way to survey the kingdom for any threats to the tower.

The secret escape route in case of danger… which would more than likely come from the lady-in-waiting.

There never is a very ladylike, princessly way to fall off the bottom of the slide. But coming to Rapunzel’s aid, proving that she is all her name sets forth that she is, is our valiant lady-in-waiting to help the poor little maiden to victory.

Or maybe she’s just showing off the dirty arm.

Anyway… on to Popi’s next project!! A roof for the deck!

The Grave Caretaker

May 27, 2013May 27, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / 6 Comments

This past week I have dragged out my fake flowers I’ve been buying throughout the year; collected my tools for making grave flowers; and actually got them on the graves a whole day early. I am very pleased with myself.

Flowers for James

the back side

Through the years I have become the flower girl for several people, at least making sure there are flowers on the graves: Dad, Mom, the Wright and Byassee families, and now the Blacks. Some already have beautiful arrangements on them; some don’t. So… have flowers, will decorate. Bags of flowers are thrown in the back of the old Highlander along with the flower arranging paraphernalia, and I’m off.

Flowers for Momma

the back side

Of course, the real reason for taking care of the graves, for remembering the ones that go before us, started with our service men and women, remembering their sacrifices, their lives.

My dad served in World War II, stationed in Hawaii. Not a bad gig for a war, especially after the horrible bombing from the Japanese airplanes. He kept a leather album full of pictures from his time in the war.He kept pictures of the scenery, pictures of him and his friends, addresses of his army buddies… well, here are some.

Dad and Combat

Dad in Hawaii

Dad in uniform

Some of the pictures I can’t show. Those guys could get pretty wild on a hot, tropical island. This next one is just a low-key example of some of the pics those army boys were taking back those many, many years ago.

Dad the Hawaiian girl

Dad even had pictures in the album of family. Things that reminded him of home. Life going on without him.

Dad’s brother, Harry Don, with his daughter and wife.

And last but not least, he had pictures of my Mom, someone he came home and married, the woman he loved.

Dad’s true love

It can be a good thing: remember those who have gone before. An enjoyable little escapade.

Saying Goodbye

May 6, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / 7 Comments

Mildred Lee Black

Steve and I have been busy this year with his mom. A really neat lady. We’ve been moving her into an assisted living facility, moving her to the hospital, moving her to the nursing home for the one night before we had to move her back to the hospital to say goodbye. Her family waiting with her day and night as Mildred waited to go home. A place she was ready to go to, Sweet Beulah Land. If you haven’t heard the song Sweet Beulah Land by Squire Parsons, go to youtube and find it!!

She had had a major heart attack in 2011 along with some other major heart aches along the way, and the joy was gone. She still smiled her pretty, contagious smile at times, enjoyed her family, but more and more she was in pain and full of discontent.

Mildred 16 yrs

We had hoped the move to the assisted living facility would help her outlook on life as well as give her the daily help she was needing. Her sis got her into a good doctor, and we had high hopes of a better quality of life.

One day we got a call that she needed to go the hospital, so Steve and I went over and got her and took her to the hospital. Everyone loved her. She charmed the socks right off of all of them with her wit and candor and interest in who they really were. After all she was a nurse herself. But really… I think it was that lovely smile that won all their hearts.

Mildred 1951

The lung x-ray was hanging in the hub unit of the emergency ward. We saw the doctor on the phone, viewing the x-ray. There was a large mass at the bottom. And then they came in to talk to Mildred, to ask her what kind of life-saving measures she wanted taken if it turned out to be cancer. They, of course, already knew. The sweet doctor said, “Mildred, you are a miracle. I’ve looked at your hospital records, and you had a major heart attack. You should not be here today. The fact that you are is a miracle.”

Steve’s little Momma had another heart attack not more than a week later, asking for no life support to be given. She was a feisty little booger. Tough. Fun. And a number of other descriptions I can’t begin to name!

The Mystery of the Frozen Fruit

April 11, 2013 / apronsandappetites.com / 1 Comment

Blackberry pies. Steve’s mom had some frozen blackberries, so I made these two pies a few weeks ago. Every night we had a bowl of blackberry pie and three scoops of vanilla ice cream. It was so good! I gained so many pounds.

It wasn’t just the blackberry pies that caused the pounds to pile on my whatever. It was this too:

Pumpkin bread made out of the home-grown pumpkin that she had cooked and frozen.

We meant to take her some of each. I don’t know how that happened that neither the blackberries nor the pumpkin made it to her.

A dadgum mystery.