Hi. I’m at the beach in North Carolina, not getting much writing done, since I’m in a house with my husband, my daughter and son-in-law, my grandkids, my daughter’s in-laws, and her sister-in-law.
We’re having a great time. With four women who are great cooks, the food is fantastic, although the guys had a hard time getting steaks to grill two days ago. Last night, other-grandmother Corinne Webber made a fantastic blackberry cobbler–with berries picked from her Tennessee farm.
I’ve been bodysurfing with the kids. The water temperature is wonderful. The waves aren’t too high. And every night some of us relax in the hot tub.
It makes me want to buy a beach house. Or rent one next year. The only thing I didn’t like was the seven-hour drive from home in Maryland. (Including the long wait at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.)
Here’s some great information from the trip. Do you know about a web site called www.youtube.com? People upload videos. And a lot of them are music videos. We’ve been sitting around in the evenings looking for singers and groups we like, then playing the videos. We found a hilarious clip of Arlo Guthrie doing his typical patter and singing THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, shot by someone who must have been standing in a tree because tree branches wave at the edges of the picture.
And I learned a fantastic tip from Wendy Webber, my son-in-law’s sister. I was washing a greasy pan and got grease on my tee shirt. I thought it was ruined. But she told me that if I wet it and smeared liquid soap (I used Sunlight) on the stains, they’d come out. It took four treatments–but I saved one of my favorite tee shirts. She says it won’t work with old grease stains. So get them while they’re fresh.
Next week it’s back to reality.
Rebecca,
I’m SO envious! Sounds like you’re having a wonderful time.
BTW, great tip on getting grease off of clothing. Wish I would have known that a week ago. I ruined my favorite t-shirt.
Have a great time!!!!
Comment by Julia Templeton — August 11, 2006 @ 7:37 pm
Maryland? Hey…an author who is semi-close to me!
Hey, the liquid soap idea is great. I have horrific luck cooking and can’t you the number of shirts I’ve ruined. I’ll give it a try!
Comment by Alyssa Brooks — August 11, 2006 @ 9:59 pm
I’m glad you like the soap idea. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first time. the first three times, I thought it wouldn’t. The fourth time, I rubbed it in and left it for five minutes.
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — August 11, 2006 @ 10:50 pm
That sounds such fun. Enjoy the rest of your stay, Rebecca.
Comment by Saskia Walker — August 12, 2006 @ 12:03 pm
Rebecca, I have beach envy. And I adore large family gatherings. Nothing better than when everyone is together. Enjoy every moment. You deserve it.
Comment by Annette Blair — August 12, 2006 @ 9:25 pm
I’m back home and trying to get back to work, which is difficult. The trip home was not fun. Lots of traffic on I95. About every forty-five minutes we’d slow down to a crawl–for an accident or Saturday rush hour.
It’s good to be home. The cats were really glad to see us. I’ve managed to get unpacked. Now all I have to do is buy groceries, wash clothes, and get back to my WIP.
It’s another story about sexually linked psychics. Right now it’s called Beyond Fearless, and it’s set on a Caribbean island. I started plotting it when I was driving around cold, wet Russia.
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — August 13, 2006 @ 11:24 am
Hum–I tried to edit my post and was told the page could not be displayed. I forgot to ask–did anyone else try UTube?
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — August 13, 2006 @ 11:27 am
Yes, I’ve watched some really fun videos where people have posted a link on their blogs. I haven’t had a serious browse session yet though, I fear I might get addicted.
Comment by Saskia Walker — August 13, 2006 @ 12:25 pm
I’m very disciplined about my work. I never allow myself to “play games” on the computer during the day. (Of course, I do check my e-mail too often.)
Ruth
Comment by Rebecca York — August 13, 2006 @ 12:44 pm
What a fun post! Hot tub, bodysurfing, grandkids laughing, and cobbler? That’s heaven for sure! (And…the stain suggestion’s great. I can add this…My sister bought me a “Tide to Go” instant stain remover pen. It really works! Now I take it with me in my purse. I’ve already used it once to remove ketchup and coffee dribbles while I was out. No water, just wipe the stain on your clothing and it disappears (the stain, not the clothing). Ruth, thanks for giving us a great “virtual” vacation!
Luv, Cleo
Comment by Cleo — August 14, 2006 @ 12:39 pm