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Greetings from the beach.

20 years ago

Hello everyone! From reading some of the posts today, it seems everyone is doing well and had a good summer. I've been offline for quite some time due to, moving(again), puter puttering out right after we moved, getting a new pc,and so forth.

Since I don't have my old email addy and couldn't get my password for di, I had fun with a new handle.

Geewiz, I think it was late spring/early summer, the last time I posted here. May, I think.

As some of you may remember, mr di and I restored that old house this time last year, sold it and moved to DE. Some of you may remember that we also didn't have concrete plans. Good thing too,lol. Mr di and I consider ourselves to be very postive people and honestly did our best with our move but we have never been so unhappy. So, we put that house up for sale and bought a different one. Costly mistake? Yes. A mistake that we we're willing to lay in our bed and stay there? Nope. Life is too short. We needed to correct our error.

We've had that house listed since late may and haven't gotten a nibble but on the good side of the coin, we found a new house in June and love it! A 3 bdrm rancher, roughly 1100sq ft, no basement or garage. Last week we put up a 10x10 shed. It's nestled in a very densely wooded lot. I was mentioning on Marda's quote thread today that I have 97 trees and 76 Mountain Laurels on a small lot. Not one blade of grass but I'm anxious to learn, experiment, fail and succeed with new and old favorite shade loving plants. I guess I could describe it as saying I have multiple tree clusters that can become many garden islands with tiers, a literal sea of Impatiens, for instance, could cover the many areas under the Laurels and plenty of space for hydrangreas, malllows, azaleas and rhodies which thrive in this enviroment. Since I don't have grass, this yard lends itself to the multiple gardens with pine needle pathways look we all love to ooo and ahh over. Even though that takes years, this lot was so neglected, just clearing it and the begining plantings would be satisfying. It's so wooded and natural looking as it sits, any phase of a gardening plan couldn't look undone. No nagging feeling of, "Oh I wish I made time to fill in that area. It looks so empty." These conditions are so exciting to me and I look forward to gardening with such a forgiving pallete.

Our house is located about 5 miles from the Atlantic at Ocean City Maryland which for less of a better term, is a 13 mile long, 1 mile wide barrier island. Heading away from the ocean, one crosses over a small bay called Assawoman Bay to a very tiny island then over the St. Martins River, where we are located. Again, 5 miles from the ocean but not a lot land in that stretch. Obviously, this is a huge boating community adjacent to a bustling beach resort which is becoming busier off season more and more every year. We love being very close to as much craziness as we need but have our peaceful refuge in the woods. Being the extroverts that we are, Mr. di and I need/want this level of activity and stimulation around us. I'm not too keen about the 400,000 or so bikers that will be decending on us this weekend for the annual bike week, but hey, only a biker could love that.

Instead, we get the grandson this weekend and it continues to be a joy teaching him how to build sand castles, watch him smack his lips when he tastes the salt of the sea and learning important words like "beach", "sand", "wave" and "boardwalk".

Mr. di and I really lazied it up this summer and became bronzed babes,lol. We renovated enough, moved enough and took ourselves a hiatus. We're getting back in gear now that the weather is changing.

I wanted to thank you all again for your kind words when I last posted in may over our ailing old lab, "Summer". Hands down she was Mr. di's dog and I knew it was his call to say when she left us. As most of us do, we hold on as long as we can, which he did. Our Summer-girl, named that since she was a birthday gift given at the begining of summer, was with us until the last day of summer. Summer's last day was labor day, the last day of summer. Mr. di cried and wailed like I've never seen him before.

It's great to be back, to re-connect and I look forward to catching up with everyone.

~di

Comments (14)

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Di!!!!!! Mr. Di!!!!!!!!!!!
    I have missed y'all so much!

    It is so good to see you back here.
    There are no words, just know that I have
    a great big smile on my face.

    Jan

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Di! I was just thinking about you the other day, wondering what you've been up to. All I can say is that you'll never get old, you don't sit still long enough for age to catch up to you!

    Your new home sounds wonderful. I hope you'll be wonderfully happy in it!

    Maryanne

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Out Opal Dragon has returned! Yay! Good to hear from you Di. Sounds like you have been having some adventures.

    Opal Dragon
    In the war between good and evil, Opal Dragons take the side of the noble and good.
    When it comes to the powers of Chaos vs. those of Law and Order, your inner dragon is a risk taker and answers to no one.
    As far as magical tendancies, Your inner dragon has the ability to conquer the world of magic, but it will not be easy.
    During combat situations, whether by spells or by claw, your inner dragon will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
    The Opal Dragon is smaller than most other Dragons but does not allow this to get in it's way. It's speed in the air, on land, and in water make up for the Opal Dragon's smaller size. It's scales shine with a soft silvery glow that flicker with the deep colours of the energetic flashes found within this Dragon's body. The Opal Dragon is secretive and nocturnal in nature. Though this dragon is not fond of being seen in it's natural form, it's curious nature cause it to often shapeshift to look like other Beings and walk the world seeking wisdom.

    The Opal Dragon will make it's home anywhere but travels often. This has earned the Opal Dragon it's reputation as a nomadic creature. This Dragon is quick to defend any who are being treated unjustly, regardless of species, though it will always attempt a non-violent solution before resorting to bloodshed. However, if a peacable solution cannot be found then watch out...the Opal Dragon has earned the title of both the bravest and fiercest when forced into battle and nothing can stop this dragon from destroying those who would cross it in this way.

    The Opal Dragon is a contradiction. It loves the presence of others as long as the presence is sought by the Dragon, itself...if an Opal Dragon does not seek you out first, it is unlikely you will find one. All in all, this Dragon is honourable, protective, magickal, and wise...just don't make it angry or hurt those few this Dragon is close to.

    This Dragons favorite elements are: Opals, Wisdom, and Justice

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    So glad you are back! I've missed your postings. Your new home sounds great... it will be fascinating to hear about your adventures in shade-and-sand gardening.

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    What an adventure the two of you have been having. I know the area where you are living and it's a wonderful place Di. You can't be too terribly far from the grandkid and it's convenient to a lot of places. It's so good to have you back. PLEASE keep checking in with us from time to time. We are kind of set in our ways around here and when one of the flock leaves, they're really missed.

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thank God you checked in. I was about to come looking for you. LOL.

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    It's good to see you back! We need all the beach bums we can get in this juke joint....

    Elia

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Glad you returned, we need as many people like you as we can get. I remember your last posts from your new home, and had a feeling that wasn't the final abode, you were a bit underwhelmed by that move.
    Happy you found an ideal place to make your own.
    Visit often, will you?

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    My goodnes Di you are a brave soul to move 2x in one year. Glad to see you showing your face here again. Im going to love hearing about you converting the woods into a shady woodland garden. Think hostas!!!!

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Glad to see you back, but I'm sorry you've had to move again. The last time we moved I swore it would be the last time. However, now that the "big city" of Tyler is encroaching on us, we've started to talk about it. LOL! I'm hoping common sense will take over & make us stay put hope that you sell your house soon.

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Holy crap, Di! It's YOU!!! I didn't even open this thread because I said to myself "Meh, I don't know a 'sun_n_surf_chaser,' so why would I care if he/she were greeting me from the beach!" Just goes to show that such small-minded thinking will only make me miss out!

    I confess I'm not shocked to learn your new neighborhood is not for you. I remember your house was differentiated because it was the one with a tree. Sounds like a pretty radical departure from what you had grown to love.

    Please give Mr. Di (and yourself) my condolences for the loss of Summer.

    I'm so happy to hear from you again. Please stick around and post often.

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    There you are!!! The prodigal daughter returns.

    I'm sorry to hear about Summer. She was not doing well the last time I saw her. Give J a hug for me, and one for you too.

    Don- Where did you get the Opal Dragon description? You can't imagine how true that really is.

    I'm glad you've finally landed in a good spot. Remember how you sold the Maryland house? I'll be meditating again directing the energies towards Delaware this time. Let's see if it works again.

    I hope you find much happiness in the new place. I admire someone who can cut their losses and move on.

    Hugs girlfriend.

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    A thread from last December where we found our inner Dragon.
    Di is an Opal Dragon and a good one. ; )

    Here is a link that might be useful: Dragon quiz

  • 20 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Welcome back Di !
    Sincere Condolences to you and Mr Di regarding the loss of Summer.

    Good to hear from you and will be looking forward to the tales that I'm sure will be forthcoming as to the taming of the land around your new home.

    Your Friend and fellow "Opal Dragon" in Florida,
    Lee

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