August 7 - “acrobatically, sillily”

We had some “hotel issues” with our room. Josiah was assigned to our sofa bed for the night. And the first issue came to light. There was a leak in the ceiling right above the bed when it was opened. But the scarier issue was happening in one of the bathrooms. 

The bathroom connected to the master bedroom had a toilet in it. I know. What’s so special about that? Well … Chris sat down and down and down. That thing had to have been cast for Munchkins. But that wasn’t the issue. See, as she sat down, the entire toilet shifted.  Not just the seat, now. The bolts were not holding anything  steady at all. The whole fixture shifted. Yikes!  

We reported the issue to the front desk. To our surprise, they comped one entire night. And meanwhile … we were careful. 

We pulled out of the hotel parking lot right at 10:30. On to Six Flags over Texas … in Virginia. 

In a word, it was hot out there. I think the kids rode every roller coaster in the park twice. Even Ezra. He was amazing. 

Chris and I made our way to the show. It was indoors, of course. A bunch of goofy acrobats, one girl who twirled hula hoops with her hands and feet as well as her hips and knees, two guys roller blading, and one guy who did tricks on his bicycle. There might have been more, but we had to leave early. I got a FaceTime call from none other than Cailyn. We hurried to the foyer, as did one of the ushers. She pretty much kicked us to the curb. Not that we argued. We’d much rather chat with Cailyn than watch people do things acrobatically, sillily. 

All was OK with her, by the way. She just wanted to show us her senior shirt that she is personally sewing. Wanted to check in with Nana to make sure she was doing it right. She’s also sewing one for a few of her friends. Proud of that girl. 

I did stumble upon a totally amazing creature as we were leaving the park. I noticed the bright yellow color from afar. I thought first that it must be Snoopy’s friend Woodstock, but as we go closer it became apparent. There before us was an actual giant yellow slug. Sadly, the poor thing was locked in a huge cage of glass, watched over by four rotating guards. We tried the door to no avail. Visiting hours were over. 

But suddenly, Kel got the attention of one of the young guards. He approached us and cautiously opened the cage, just a crack. Kel indicated that we were willing to pay the ransom/“fine” on the Yellow One. “Where can we do that?”  Glancing over his shoulder to avoid detection, he slid the cage door open just far enough to allow me in. I made my way to the Yellow One and took him into my arms. 

The ransom was paid - accepted in full by that young guard who just happened to be named Josiah. Hey. It was destiny. I just hope young Josiah doesn’t receive repercussions for his act of kindness. 

On the way home I got to know our new charge a little better. His name was Sasha. Sasha Slug. Most recently transferred from exile in Siberia. He complained a little about the extreme heat he had been experiencing of late, though it was better than the opposite extreme cold in Siberia. Just wait until you get to Galveston, Sasha …

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭3‬ says, Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

Father, thank you for all the fun these guys had at that park. And thanks for protecting us from that heat. Amen. 

August 6 - “Shark eats cat”

I have been pondering the tiny little critter I found on the floor of the baseball stadium last night. Best I can tell is, a shark swallowed a cat which the used its evil claws to pierce the shark’s body which left it in quite the predicament as it peers out through the shark’s mouth. Either that or it’s a philosophical rendering of the supposedly cute kitty’s real shark-like nature. You have to see it to believe it. Frightening, either way. 

We loaded up the van at or near the appointed time (some nearer than others). Then it was time for the amazing hotel breakfast. Except … those little waffle makers that virtually every hotel has? Well both of these were not working properly. Even with a hefty dose of the anti-stick spray, they stuck. Bad. Top and bottom. Then they shredded when we tried to scrape them out. Fortunately, they also had greasy, skinny bacon, sausage patties, and those pre-packaged cheese omelettes. Enough to get by. 

So on to … a gas station. We had to drive three or four twists and turns and even disrupted a sun-worshipper with arms uplifted at prayer on the sidewalk. But we found the perfect one. Right off the freeway that we needed to enter. Filled up and on to Virginia. Richmond, here we come. 

Well, after a stop for lunch in Gaffney, South Carolina we went to a place called CookOut. Not bad. Chris had a burger. I had a BLT with fried okra and cole slaw. I would go back. 

North Carolina snuck up on me. I didn’t get a picture of the “Welcome to“ sign, but we’ve been to Kings Mountain, so we knew it was North Carolina. That and the mountains started showing up. 

Burlington, North Carolina. Target. The older guys got some of the Magic cards they collect. No idea what those are about. None of the creatures on them can hit a curve ball. 

Oxford, North Carolina. Pizza. Nuff said. 

Sometime after 9:30, we finally arrived in Richmond, Virginia, our home for the next two nights. Today we are going to Six Flags. Not over Texas, of course. But an amusement park, nonetheless. It’s been a while for us, but these kids we are with have never been to one before. Adventure. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ says, Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

Father, that was an awfully long van ride yesterday. Thank you that the kids did so well. Bless them.  Amen. 

August 5 - “Identity theft?”

Well, here’s a wake-up call for ya. Or rather a “good night, sleep tight” call. Just before going to bed I checked my email. I have to stay on top of it since that email account was hacked and everything gets sent to my trash folder. In those late-night emails I received were two from our bank. One indicated my name had been added as a payee in our online banking app. Why I would add myself to be paid by myself is beyond me. The other indicated that my online banking had been frozen because of too many attempts to withdraw amounts above the limit. I checked the accounts themselves, and sure enough, they indicated that some large amounts had been marked “approved.”  Like amounts greater than I have in the bank. I waited for them to open so I could call and make sure the accounts stay frozen at least until I can change whatever I need to change. Ain’t identity theft grand?

So back to our latest journey. We slept somewhere in Mobile, Alabama last night. Very nice hotel. Well, except that “the breakfast lady is running late and we don’t know when she’ll be here.” At least someone made coffee. 

Once we had breakfast, I called the bank. The plot thickened. Yes, money had been transferred between my accounts. But none had actually left the bank. And here’s the really crazy thing. After this apparent hack, we now somehow have more total money than we did before all this started. The bank has put a stop on everything related to our accounts until we get back into town. I told you it was crazy. Crazy weird. 

We finally got back on the road before 9. The goal was to reach the Atlanta hotel by 4 so we could unload the van before heading to the baseball stadium. Atlanta Braves baseball. 

But first … we made a quick stop for lunch somewhere in Alabama. Well, I knew where we were - Wendy’s. I just didn’t know where we were. It sure is fun to think and exist like a kid. 

We hit Georgia about 1:30. At least our clocks mysteriously changed to 2:30 about then. New state unlocked, Ezra. We stopped briefly in Peachtree City. Just a Walmart run for bathrooms. Oh, and bottles of water for the baseball game. And a Lego set for Jachin. And a hot wheels car for Ezra. And some M&M’s for Nana. Whew! “Just a bathroom stop.” Walmart strikes again. 

Atlanta was a nightmare of traffic. Totally warranted all of our years of avoiding it like the plague. But we had to wade through it get to our hotel. 

At the game we started off with about a mile hike after parking. All uphill (it was easier on the walk back). Our seats were a real surprise. We were in the Atlanta version of the Astros Crawford Boxes. Right behind the bullpen. 

That’s where Ezra spent the vast majority of his night. He stood at the edge of the seats gazing down at the relief pitchers. And lo and behold, after the game one of the pitchers tossed a ball up. Ezra had to struggle a little with the lady next to him, but he came away with the ultimate souvenir. 

Speaking of souvenirs, Jachin did his best to find one specific cap he really wanted. Sadly, they were all sold out. He settled for the newer version. Micah got a hat, too, except he didn’t have to pay nearly what Jachin did. He just got one of those orders of nachos in a plastic batting helmet. He was just as proud. I’m not sure if Josiah got a souvenir, but I did see him with a tasty looking slice of pizza. I think Noa settled for the experience. 

Oh! I forgot to add that the good guys won. Astros 7-2. The Braves won, too. 

‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ says, Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.

Father, thanks for the Braves adventure. Ride with us on the next leg. Amen. 

August 4 - “FIL H2O”

We got up early (4:30 for me. 6 for Chris ) so we could hit the ground running, loosely in the direction of Virginia. However …

I tried to make some coffee. All seemed OK for about five seconds. Then I was introduced to a brand new error code: “FIL H2O”. Hmm. All my grandkids were still asleep, so my go-to number one was unavailable. 

So then … I did what every tech savvy grandparent would do. I watched a you tube tutorial. Didn’t really help. Well, until the “last resort” page. That’s when they said, if all else fails, unplug the machine and shake it. Yep. Shake it. Believe me, I did that. Haven’t you always wanted permission to shake an errant mechanical beast? Didn’t help. That’s when I noticed the fine print. “If shaking is unsuccessful, parts for this model are no longer available. We recommend upgrading to another of our fine Hamilton Beach products.” Great. 

Meanwhile, up in LaMarque …

 

The van Kel and Christina rented had so many issues that they had to have it towed back to the dealer. There were no other identical vans available, so they gave us a full size 15 passenger one and told us to take out the back seat. Problem number two. Kel couldn’t get the bolts off. Guess that was a good thing for safety. Not so much for luggage. Back to the Hobby Airport  location for a third try. Oh well. I guess the kids enjoyed the extra sleep. 

We made our way up north and got as far as Buc-ees in Texas City. I know. Not very far, right? Well, after the coffee machine debacle, I figured I deserved a sip or two, even if it was industrial strength. So coffee at Buc-ees. Oh, and one of those biscuits. Bacon, egg and cheese. Chris had a breakfast taco. We were all set.

We finally hit the road at 10:45. We’re off! Aaand first stop? Rest stop. Potty break. Somewhere in some bushes. Had to switch buildings to wash hands. Odd. 

New state unlocked, Ezra. Louisiana. And first stop there? Walmart. Why not? It was lunchtime. We strolled around a bit, then gathered back at the van to have our sub sandwiches. And while we were eating, a huge alien, bug-looking creature appeared next to my coffee cup. It was quite grotesque. The kids told me a life-sized version of the critter had served as the mascot for the U.S. men’s soccer team in the World Cup. I’m surprised that thing didn’t scare the other teams into submission. Being the kind soul that am, I adopted it into our family of ramshackle critters. Welcome … Bug. I think it had a different name at the World Cup, but no. Bug. It’s gotta be just … Bug. 

Next stop - Loves in Baton Rouge. It was under construction, so the bathrooms, and the cashier and snack area for that matter, were temporarily housed in three temporary buildings. Didn’t take us long. It became a real “temporary” stop. 

But we did make a “real” stop up the road a ways outside of Covington, Louisiana. We lit in the parking lot of Target at a Chik-fil-A. 

A few unlocked states later we arrived at our hotel in Mobile, Alabama. Had to get some sleep. It was on to Atlanta, today. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ says, Many 

adversities come to the one who is righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

Father, thank for a safe and effective first leg of our journey. Join us again today. Amen. 

August 3 - “Mysterious Midnight Movements”

Zak and Lindsay came to Seaside for church. The pastor greeted them with one of his longest sermons ever. Not just because of them (At least, I don’t think it was directed at them, was it Lindsay?).

After church we took them out to eat. Literally. Outside. We walked across the street to the Shrimp n Stuff food truck. Fried shrimp for three of us. Chris had grilled shrimp tacos, her favorite. 

After getting our final hugs and last “I love you’s,” they drove off into the wild northlands. Glad you two stuck around for an extra day. And Lindsay, thanks for sweeping!

Finally, we turned our attention to trip preparation. Virginia looms in our headlights. That meant a trip to Walmart, of course. We needed some snacks and Chris was looking for some shorts. We also picked up a new box fan for our bedroom. 

The other one just quit on us the night before. Sigh. I’ll miss its mysterious midnight movements. It had a way of slowly creeping away from its starting point and making its way all the way to the bed. Never actually saw it move, though. Hmm. I think I saw this episode. Any “Doctor Who” fans out there?

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ days, He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Father, thanks for our extra time with Zak and Lindsay. Take care of those kids. Amen. 

August 2 - “A Bucketful …”

Yesterday was our second  annual Vaughan/Castiglioni family reunion. This time every cousin of my generation plus some of their kids came. We countered by bringing a bucketful of grandkids as well. Josh’s crew joined us, and at least some of them seemed really excited to get to meet a part of their family they have never met. And it didn’t hurt that the location was a beach house on the West End.  Great food. And of course it was really good to see everybody. Thanks, Linda, for putting everything together. 

Josh and Christi left in the afternoon. He had to be back to preach this morning. Zak and Lindsay, however, stayed another night. They wanted to go out to eat seafood last night. They started at Katie’s. Two hour wait. Tried that seafood chain down the block. Hour and a half wait. Can you say, “Welcome to a summer Saturday in Galveston?” They ended up at Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse. We haven’t been there yet, but they spoke very highly of it. Put it on the list. 

Oh, and they also are joining us at Seaside for church. I guess grandkids grow up to be adults, too. Sigh. 

One last thing before I sign off. If you received what appears to be an invitation from my account, don’t open it. I got hacked. No idea where it came from. Sorry!

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ says, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.

Father, thank you for the chance to see all those family members. Bless them. And ride with Zak and Lindsay when they leave for home. Amen. 

August 1 - “Those were the days”

Yesterday was another day for fishing. At least it was for the guys. We got up at 4:45 and lines hit the water well before 6. The weather was perfect. 

However … not so much the water conditions. It was really still, with barely any discernible tide movement. And without that, the fish just stay home. 

The boys did catch their share of fish. Owen (the friend of Caleb’s) caught the most - four. None were keepers, though. The only two we kept were Luke’s black drum and Josiah’s nice spec. Good job, guys. 

Jachin came by in the afternoon and hung out with us before work. He brought his youngest siblings for the return to the beach afternoon. Yep. They still had enough energy left for some more swimming and football and soccer. Ah. Those were the days …

Chris and I left before everyone else. Chris called dibs on a shower before the onslaught of sweaty, salty, sandy bodies arrived. We had a surprise waiting for us. Kel was at the house when we got back. He was diligently working on his sermon, so we didn’t bother him too much. 

Once everybody got back and got cleaned up, we made another trek out to see Micah at work. Ice cream. I tried the house special, Lemonade Day. Not bad. 

And after that great dessert, we returned to the house for some grilled hamburgers. Kel did the chef honors, and the burgers were nice and juicy. Well, except for the ones that were requested well-done. But I think those three (Chris, Christi, and Micah) were just as pleased as the rest of us. 

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ says, Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Father, please be with us at the Vaughan-Castiglioni reunion today. Then give Josh and his crew a safe trip home. Amen.