If you have been following my Twitter feed or Facebook page, you would see my morning updates from The Beach.

I am happy to report that despite three days of forecasted thundershowers we have yet to see rain.  The clouds dispersed each morning enough for us to get plenty of colour and warmth and then alas Thursday was our first full day of sunshine.

The Beach (as I just found out is what you say if you are from Delaware, “I am going to “the Beach”, unlike those from New Jersey who say they are going to “the Shore” apparently each state or area says something different) well it hasn’t changed much since last year. A few new stores, but the sand, water and sunshine are still the same.

The kids are getting old enough to spend more time in the water, which is good for Hubby and I and thank goodness they aren’t afraid of the waves, even when they get tossed around a bit.

We are looking forward to the second half of our vacation, in the meantime, “Happy Canada Day!!!”

We arrived at my Aunt’s house in Delaware around 10:30pm on Wednesday.  We had a great ride, no snow or rain and surprisingly very little traffic.  The kids were great in the car and it was a rather lovely trip down.  True to form, my Aunt had made a Lemon Meringue pie and saved it for our arrival.  My Aunt has been so gracious to have her older brother come and live with her so My Uncle was waiting ever so patiently for us to arrive so he could have his pie.  Hubby and I jumped right in and devoured the first of our many treats over the next few days.

Thursday morning, the kids were up early and I think they may have woken Aunt Joyce, which was fine because she needed to get the Pecan Pie and dinner rolls ready for Thanksgiving Dinner.

I would like to introduce you all to my Aunt Joyce.  The second eldest of seven children, the eldest daughter.  This photo best represents my life of visiting Aunt Joyce.  She still lives in the home that my Uncle built back in 1964, he dug and laid the foundation himself knowing that only he could do the best job possible for his family.  I have spend many mornings talking to Aunt Joyce exactly where I stood and took this photo.  Whether it was peach pie, strawberry jam or carving a turkey, this is where she works and this is where we have enjoyed many conversations.  I remarked to my cousin-in-law when I was digging around for foil to wrap the pie, that nothing has changed in the kitchen so I know where everything is.  I feel very much at home here.

Because I was feeling nostalgic and because we sometimes fly in and out at odd hours and I don’t get the chance I went around and snapped some photos in the house.  Things that are always there, things that you would miss if they were moved.  Some things over the years have changed for obvious reasons, my cousins all got married and moved out but some things are exactly as I remember from when I was a little girl.

You will see Apple and J waiting for breakfast.  Buddy, my cousins Boxer that was visiting my Aunt and Uncle, but when my Uncle passed away he just stayed and kept Aunt Joyce company.  My cousin played football for Salisbury State and there is the photo of him and my Uncle after they won the championship.  There are tidbits of the Dallas Cowboys my Uncle had to bring a little bit of Texas with him to Delaware.  And otherwise, just little bits of this and that.

Enjoy a peek into one of the reasons we travel South so often.

Giving Thanks.