Tuesday, March 16, 2021

The Best is Yet to Be

Can you believe it’s been a year since Stewart and I said “I do” in front of God, family, and friends? Well it has. We managed to get our vows in before the country locked down for a year. We didn’t know then how fortunate we were to have planned our wedding when we did.

A lot has happened in this last year. I finally finished the novel I was writing, Stewart turned 84 and I turned 80, we got our Covid-19 vaccinations to help stem the tide of this most annoying year-long pandemic, and to top it off, we actually went away for our one-year anniversary!

Thanks to his new Inogen battery-operated oxygen system, we’re no longer tied to the house and his big oxygen generator. We’re free to go anywhere we want to overnight and we can go alone without needing family to come with us to lift the generator. Yahoo!

So, last weekend we drove down to Myrtle Beach for two days. We brought along a fully outfitted picnic basket that Cyndi and Bill had given us for our anniversary. By the time we got to the hotel Saturday night, we were too tired to get back in the truck and go out to eat, so we spread the checkered cloth on the table in our room, lit the candle from the basket, opened up the bottle of sparkling blush, laid out the plates and napkins, cheese, crackers, bread, jelly, cookies and nuts, and had ourselves the perfect little feast.

Our only requirements from the hotel were an ocean view, a balcony overlooking the ocean, and handrails in the bathroom. 😊 We got exactly that and spent a beautiful sunny Sunday morning on the balcony watching the waves and seeing people and dogs enjoying the beach. It was heaven on earth.

We thought about going bowling but didn’t know if they’d allow a walker on the alley! We’re both prone to falling and it wouldn’t be a pretty sight. Funny, but not very pretty. So in lieu of bowling, we opted to go to Outback for our anniversary lunch. And got way more than we planned!

I entered Outback and asked the girl at the reservation station if there was a table for two available. She said nothing, just pointed to her left. I turned to look where she was pointing and burst out laughing when I saw Cyndi and Bill waiting for us. They’d driven down all morning to be there to have lunch with us since having lunch together has become our Sunday tradition. Bill went out to the truck to let Stewart know that, yes, there was a table available, and Stewart was as surprised as I’d been. That wonderful impromptu visit was the highlight of our weekend.


We were happy to get home Monday night, tired but with pleasant memories that will last forever. Now, as soon as the cruise lines open up again, watch out!

Quote of the DayGrow old with me, the best is yet to be. Robert Browning


4 comments:

Tammy Sue Willey said...

The "Best is yet to come" because you optimistically persevere greener pastures! Happy Anniversary to a well deserved celebration! Love you both!

Julie Gilleand said...

I found your blog this morning after having just ready your Guideposts article from the May 2018 issue about moving from your double-wide mobile home to just the perfect house, with a view. I searched for you on Facebook and from there found your blog! Congrats on your anniversary and wonderful trip to Myrtle Beach! I've never been there, but my husband and I just moved back home to Indiana after living a year in South Carolina, near Charleston. I'm a bit behind on reading my Guideposts issues. That's why I only just found your article yesterday. Interestingly, I had on my mind how aggravated I was with how bad things have gotten in our complex since new ownership took over. The maintenance doesn't keep things in good repair, the office doesn't communicate well with us or follow up on things and the rent went up. I just about couldn't bear the thought of having to move yet again, but have to keep it in the back of my mind with things the way they are. Just then, I picked up my Guideposts and read your article. It couldn't have been more timely! So many similarities. Maybe I'll make a list like you did, and turn it over to God and see what happens. Just wanted to say hello and let you know how your article encouraged me! Happy Spring :-)

Linda Loegel said...

Happy spring to you, Julie! I can't tell you how moved I was to read your beautiful comment and know it encouraged you. I wish you the best in your housing situation. God is always bigger than our problems! Linda

Unknown said...

So sorry about your short trip. Barb and I have been to Charleston and will be going back this year in September. Love the place.