Well, I'm all alone down at my late in-law's house in Wilmington. (We're keeping the home place in the family.) It's peaceful and quiet and I miss my mother-in-law, who died several years back. I loved her so much. Anyway, there are some things I only do when I'm in Wilmington, and no other place. And, over the past 17 years, they have become traditions that I only do when in Wilmington, and really look forward to: 1. Get some take-out seafood at Pearl's Seafood on Kerr Ave. (They closed last year and I'm still heart-broken.) 2. Eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream after everyone has gone to bed while watching some TV. (Got some in the fridge now, softening up.) 3. Play Tetris on my mother-in-law's Gameboy. Anyone else got some traditions they only do in certain places? Thought this might be a fun topic. We'll see.
With the passing on of my Mother and as a result my Step-Father and Sister moving to a safer environment, coupled with my moves over the 30 years, I have just realized I have broken from all traditions. About the only thing close to it is if I am staying near the Philadelphia Airport I like to sneak off to the the Heinz Nature Preserve for a few mile hike.
When the teen and I go to Ft. Lauderdale we always go to Dolphins Plus in Key Largo and swim with the dolphins. We've been doing it since she was ten. We stay in a hotel, jump on the beds (only for a short time one night) and order room service one night. We have a blast. When I go back to Alabama I visit my great grandfather's home place, skip rocks in a creek, watch dragon flies, sit on an old bridge my grandfather helped build and think about the history of the land. I can spend a whole day by myself on that property listening to nature. Thanks, Kent, Sherry
Sherry, enjoyed that post. It somehow reminded me of the thing my teen age daughter and I still do only at home. At bedtime, she often requests to "ride the old mule" to her bed. Well, I'm the "old mule" and my daughter is a lot heavier than when she was a little kid, and now taller than her mother. But, it's something we both enjoy and get a big kick out of. Hopefully, the "old mule" will not be put out to pasture for a few more years.
When my husband goes out of town, I make sure to sleep in the center of the bed. Before I go to sleep, I'll stretch out as far as I can and waller.
When I used to visit my best friend in Wilmington, I would go by the Krispy Kreme and pick up fresh donuts for the ride home.
Thanks, Kent. I think the "old mule" will be around for a long time as you are one heck of a guy. Liked your story as well. Sherry
When I go back home to the farm where I grew up, where my Dad still lives, I make it a point to walk down "the lane." That was the dirt path out to the fields where we learned to ride our bikes. That was where my now DH wrecked my brother's dirt bike with me on the back. He still has a scar on his face from getting tangled up in the barbed wire. It was where I used to go my myself (Insert Air Supply or Bread music here) to clear my screwed up teenaged girl head. I can't wait to be back there again, and I'm extra sentimental because the love of my life just surprised me with tickets to get back there next weekend. Is that what you had in mind?
These are exactly the type of anecdotes I was hoping to get. Great stories, everyone. A Bread 8 track tape was a constant companion in my 68 Mustang along with the Supremes, Percy Sledge, and the Beach Boys. Peaches, this is for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hSydUKfG5U ponychick: love those Krispy Kremes, too. Sometimes when we're going to Wilmington, my wife would request to swing by Paul's Place for some of their hotdogs w/relish. It was a place where her family often went. link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/pauls-place-famous-hotdogs-rocky-point MisunderstoodMind: we just got our first king-size bed and still get tickled at all the "real estate" we have. Plenty of room for both of us to "waller"!
My kids bedroom. My daughter grew up and moved out. Thought it was great at first, but when I'm feeling a little lost that she's not around anymore I go into her old room, lay on the bed and remember the good times when she was a kid. The room brings back all the good times. Bed time stories, ICBT's (Inter Continental Ballistic Ticklers), back rubs, boy problems, etc.. The Conch Republic my dream retirement spot. Isn't Dolphins Plus a great place!!! You brought back a memory with that one. My daughter, 11 at that time, took the Trainer Course for the day while mom and I cruised the islands. We came back and watched her work in the show and the two of us did the dolphin swim.
Dolphins Plus rocks. We try to make a trip once a year, if possible. They are rated number 1 in the world for the care, instruction and swimming with the dolphins. We tried that place in Orlando and it was a rip off. The time we spend at Dolphins Plus will last with us forever. My dream...retire in Key West. Memories, Sherry
Time is passing fast and before I know it my teen will be at college and I am sure I will do what you have stated above. They just grow up so fast. I love that Kent started this Thread. I hope that my teen's memories will be as good as mine. Sherry
Kent, That makes me feel so young and so old all at once. I can't wait to see my daddy on Saturday. Thanks!
