In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips!

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Fond Memories of Wildwood Crest, NJ

I love the beach and so do my sisters! It is so relaxing for me to walk on the beach or just sit in a chair on the beach while reading my favorite book. The sound and smell of the ocean have the most relaxing impact on me.

My sister, Diane, is at beach this weekend, with her husband, son and her son's girlfriend. My nephew, Stephen, celebrated his 21st birthday this week so the trip was a special celebration. They live in Pennslvania and keep a camper trailer at a campground near Wildwood, NJ. I am so envious that within a few hours from home they can be at the beach smelling the salt air and hanging out. Wish I could have been there this week.

The beach has always been a special place for our family. When we were young, we would rent a house at the Jersey Shore for just a week. But it was the best week of the year. We looked forward to it all year long. It was a time to leave the day to day behind and live carefree. Within a few years, we started staying at hotels with efficiency units and swimming pools. We have so many fond memories of those weeks at the shore in Wildwood Crest, NJ.

My parents and my sister, Donna and her children still go to the Pan American Motor Inn in Wildwood Crest for one special week every July. My family has been staying at this same hotel for over 30 years! Can you believe it? The Morey family owns the Pan Am and are gracious hosts. They also own various Piers with rides, foods, and games in Wildwood Crest.

Things have changed over the years. It is no longer safe to allow your pre-teens to cruise the boardwalk at night without an adult. The boardwalk is a little worn out but still has a special aura or shops selling trinkets, restaurants, and carnival games. The cost of renting a bike for 2 hours has increased from $2.00 to $6.00 or more.
One of my favorite activities in Wildwood was renting a bike in the morning and riding on the boardwalk with my sisters and cousins. We would ride all the way to the end of the boardwalk in North Wildwood. Then we would stop for a donut and a drink before heading back towards the hotel. I have even had the opportunity to do this with my husband and son. No matter how old I have become, I still look forward to renting a bike to ride on the boardwalk the next time I visit Wildwood.
I recommend the Jersey Shore for having a great vacation with your family and friends.

Hanging Out at Starbucks

My sisters and I live over 1,000 miles apart. However, when we get together one of our favorite things is going to Starbucks, getting our favorite beverage, and catching up with each other.






Every time I go to Starbucks, I think of my sisters. We will frequently call each other to let the other know that we are in Starbucks. I love the smell of coffee, even though my stomach doesn't. So I am one of those unusual people that go to Starbucks for a "venti umsweetened black iced tea", for the smell of coffee, and for the comfort I feel when I am there. I love to just hang out and read a book or the newspaper. My husband and I also frequent Starbucks on the weekend. It is not too noisy and we can carry on a conversation.






My sisters and I have traveled to New York, San Francisco, Florida, Pennsylvania, Vegas, and Texas and we always look for our favorite gathering spot. We have many good memories made at Starbucks. In New York City, it is a favorite breakfast spot for us as well as place to stop in and warm up on a winter day. It is also the only place I know that consistently may have the Sunday edition of the New York times.






I envy the people who work from Starbucks using their wireless PC's and cell phones. Someday, that will be me. I hope to be writing this blog from a Starbucks location in the near future.

Renewing My Commitment to Blogging

I can't believe that I set up this blog so many months ago and then did not post any updates. I'm wondering if I am like others who start a blog or am I unusual in this delay?


Part of the reason for the delay was some family issues that I was dealing with during the last couple of months. I have been mentally drained and did not think I wanted to use this blog as an outlet for resolving those issues.


The second reason for the delay was just pure fear. What if people don't like what I post? What if my posts are dull and boring? So during this time, I have also spent time researching other blogs. There is so much good writing out there.


So I am reenergized in exploring the world of blogging. I hope you like my postings. I look forward to hearing from you.