Hard to believe, but this month I began my second full-time year out here on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore. I haven't done as good as job visiting and taking in the cultural and historical sites nearby as I could or should. But that's changing.
It took the influence of a young woman from the Czech Republic, a Cultural Care Au Pair, who stayed with me for two weeks, to remind me of why I moved here permanently. She dragged me out of the house the last day she was here and insisted I spend my "lunch hour" taking a walk on the beach at Assateague Island National Seashore Park.
It was an overcast, windy and foggy day; but, the view, as we walked onto the beach and toward the sound of breaking waves, was breathtaking when the mist broke. I only took this short video because I was afraid I was short of space on my camera's memory card.
There are better and longer videos on YouTube.com and on the park's website photo and multimedia page so take a look.
The park was virtually deserted except for the two wild horses we encountered as we walked the paths. Some surfers showed up as we were leaving. I left there grateful that something so wonderful was a short drive away (if I were ambitious and in better shape, I could probably bicycle there -- yes, Katka made me buy a bicycle, too -- so maybe by fall). Yet, I was also a little down because I realized that I have been here almost a year and have not really taken advantage of all the wonderful experiences nearby.
April has been and will be a busy month. Last weekend I was in Dayton for WGI's World Championships. This was the fourth year I made the trip with Ms. Jane. Some of the kids I've spoken of in previous entries were competing at the World Class level. (See: WGI 2007 Part 1, WGI 2007 Part 2, and the Dayton Diaries 2008 --I'll just put the first link to the 2008 series here and you can move through them if you choose).
I think this will be the last trip I make; but, I say that every year, so don't hold me to it. Our kids came in 6th in World Class finals, which is not too shabby. They are all so grown up now. Julie (whom I mentioned in last years entries) is making choices between masters and Ph.D. programs for next year. Brian and Sean have been in Kentucky teaching guard units of their own and performing in Onyx.
This weekend I hold a meeting for au pairs in the area (some of you know I'm involved with Cultural Care Au Pair supporting au pairs and host families). It's nice for this empty nest to have young people in it from time to time. On the 18th, Ann, one of Ms. Sharon's friends will be married. Their senior prom doesn't seem that long ago. And then, the last weekend in April I will fly to Hollywood. Hoping to see my niece and nephew for lunch or dinner while I'm there. Guess I should call them.
In the meantime, I'm still enjoying myself out here. I haven't made the best use of my solitude but have worked toward that slowly.
All in all, I'm happy. I'm adjusting. I'm excited about the future. Can't ask for much more than that.
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