Pandemic Weeks 107-108: Spring Break in Charleston

Isle of Palms Beach

 For the first time since the pandemic began, this is a combined blog post.  Does this mean the pandemic is winding down or does it mean the author was having trouble doing a remote blog post?  Perhaps it was both.  

The last week of March was the end of the quarter for Anna at school. This meant a big push to complete outstanding homework.  Let's just say it was not particularly pleasant and Anna was very happy when the week was over (so was Theresa for that matter).  For spring break this year, the family opted for a drivable location and decided to head to Charleston, SC for the week.  Storm got to join in on the trip and as always, he was the most enthusiastic.

This was the first trip to Charleston for Anna and Theresa.  The family found an Air BNB on the Isle of Palms, an island off the coast that happens to be 20 minutes from Charleston.  The island was lovely.  The drive was long (well over 8 hours).  The house was within a 3 block walk to the beach.  Actually, the entire area was both walkable and bikeable.  The weather was in the 70s all week with some storms in the evenings.  Theresa got a work call on Tuesday evening, which was immediately followed by a tornado warning (maybe it was a sign).  There was also a big storm on Wednesday and a lot of wind on Thursday.  On Monday, Theresa and Anna did a walking tour of Charleston.  Actually, Anna only did part of the tour after complaining of a knee ache.  She joined Joe on various park benches as he is still not up for any walking trips.  Theresa had a great tour and learned a ton about the colorful history of Charleston.  The rest of the week was spent at the beach, touring local historical sites (we visited Fort Moultrie one day) and enjoying fresh shrimp.  We saw our Vienna neighbors one day quite by accident as we were driving to the fort.  It turns out they were also spring breaking on the next island over.  Aunt Gayle came down from Myrtle Beach on Friday for a visit, which was a nice treat.  As always, it was nice to get away.

Aunt Gayle & Anna

We returned on Saturday and Theresa remembered that she had opera tickets for Sunday at George Mason University.  Klara invited the family to join them for the Virginia Opera Company's production of The Marriage of Figaro.  Klara loves the opera and was taking her boys.  Anna had never gone to an opera before and was happy to join in (her voice teacher happens to be an opera singer).  It was a great, albeit long, performance that both Anna and Theresa enjoyed.  Klara's boys were not so enthusiastic, leaving Klara to conclude she may have found a new form of punishment for them ("if you don't listen, I'm going to take you to the opera.").

It is back to school and work tomorrow.  The other big event for the week is the painter that is coming later this week.  This will be the first time Joe has not painted the inside of the house.  Stay tuned for more details on that one.  In the meantime, happy holy week!






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swimming with the Lakevale Dolphins

Image
The Swim Gang - Leo, Aidan, Megan & Anna Tonight Anna completed her third season with the Division II Lakevale Dolphins.  It was a great season for Anna as she improved her strokes and her times and made it to the "A"team to compete at Saturday meets.  It was an educational season for Joe and Theresa, who learned the ins and outs of life as swim team parents. The neighborhood swim team is the hub of neighborhood social activity in the summer.  There are events throughout the season, including Friday night pep rallies, and Sunday night fund events that include such things as the neighborhood scavenger hunt, laser tag night, bingo night, and even a team night at the Washington Nationals game.  In between the fun is the seriousness of the swimming, and there are definitely some top notch swimmers on the team. Anna with her lollipop for getting a "personal best" time Kids are motivated by different things. Some kids love to race.  Other kids try to b...
Read more

Camp Coles Trip & June Birthdays

Image
Anna at Girl Scout Camp Anna just returned from a fun-filled week at Girl Scout camp.  This year she was old enough to go to Camp Coles Trip, which is on a bay area off of the Potomac River.  This is a water camp, so she spent her days on the bay learning to paddle board and sail along with kayaking. Girl Scout Camp is definitely roughing it.  The camp is in the woods and girls stay in platform cabins with screens.  Anna shared a cabin with 4 other girls.  Mosquito netting is very important at night.  The only electricity is at the dining hall, health center, and activity building.  The girls are also responsible each day for doing "kapers" or chores.  They take turns helping serve meals, cleaning the bathrooms, and general clean-up.  They are also responsible for keeping track of their own things and carrying their bags. Anna had a fantastic time, despite the lack of modern conveniences, and is already planning her return next year....
Read more

The End of 1st Grade

Image
Last Day of 1st Grade Pool Party Anna is officially a "rising 2nd grader."  She was quite excited to celebrate her last day of 1st grade on June 14. She learned a lot this year, including great strides on reading, addition, subtraction, and writing. Anna kept a writing journal during the school year.  Below are some excerpts: If I had a pet I would choose a dog.  I would feed him, walk him, play with him, and a dog would keep me company.  PS, i atcally want one these are the things i would do One day while I was driveing on the road a deer was in the way.  My dad honked the horn.   self-control is keping your self in control.   Peace is when you are quiet.   I can respect others by bringing over plates afer diner.    The last week of school included a field trip to Frying Pan Park, a working farm in Fairfax County.  Anna, upon recounting the details of her trip, stated that they learned how to do farm chores from...
Read more