Voyage 2012: Chapter 5

16 Jul 2013, Dirt Dwelling for a Bit, 34 02.628 N/ 077 53.484 W

The boat is unpacked for the summer and we have moved to our house off the Cape Fear (not on the water). We have lots of activities planed with family, friends, and the boat. Before we know it, it will be time for Jule's next season. Plus, we have lots of house projects. Busy, busy.

Of course we had to make several trips to visit the family. Fortunately, the whole Todd brood is within 6 hours of Wilmington, so we can do it relatively often. When we come, the grandkids usually make out toy-wise. Lilli is wearing her Levi hat which looks remarkably like our departed husky, Levi.

We are sad that we missed Easter this year as we were getting a transmission fixed.. The kids had a really good time getting the eggs ready. It rained Easter morning so the Easter Bunny had to collect the eggs and hid them in the house. Worked out pretty well

School bus game is a favorite with G-Po. He waits down at the school bus stop with the either Collin or Lilli. Whoever sees the right school bus first wins. We will not share who the winner was for 2013. And they cheat!

Our Richmond girls our not active school bus player; probably because they always lose. Lauren is the sports girl where she excels in swimming and softball. Emily is the dancer in the family. She has already won several awards Such a talented family. Of course they get it from G-Po.

Bob's parents are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. We try to visit every time we come up to see the kids/grandkids. On this trip, Lilli accompanied us to 'say hi' to her great grand parents. It is a good trip for all of us.

When we are home, we occasionally dog-sit for our neighboring dog, Hunter. He is a sweet boy who loves to chase squirrels, watch TV, take car rides, and not eat until his daddy returns. He and Sammy Jane get along quite well. If Hunter gets too pushy, she lets him know.

16 Jul 2013, 29th Annual Trip to Marco Island, 34 02.628 N/ 077 53.484 W

Our trip, as all of the Marco reunions for the past 10 years have included all of the USA Todd's. Everybody seems to look forward to it. We drove from ILM to Marco via Leesburg FL to visit some boat buddies; Rob and his family stopped of at St. Augustinei; and Chris and his family spent the night in Ocala. Funny, we all arrived at Marco within an hour of each other.

Marco has a beach, pool, boats, and a great view. Lots of the places we loved (restaurants, drug stores, movie houses) have come and gone. Since it has become a city, it has gone downhill. However, our Charter Club timeshare gets better every year. It is really a wonderful place. We own an end unit on the 7th floor and Chris owns the adjoining unit. Not bad.

Last year, Collin could not make it here as he was doing missionary work in Philadelphia. This year, like most, he was here. G-Po enjoyed being with Collin. He is so busy with school and scouts, that there is little free time for them. So this is a good time.

Marco ended too quickly. We were lucky to keep Lilli for another week in ILM. On our way back, we stopped at our friend Harry and his family in Orlando, then we headed for home. She fell asleep on the voyage which is quite unusual.

We did lots of stuff including the zoo, the ferry (which includes feeding the birds), visiting marinas, Jungle Rapids, and who knows what else. Great time! Then she had to go home; and our Marco vacation was really over. The cruising season from hell had a happy ending.