Dear Reader:

“Over-easy” was definitely the lifestyle and theme for the week…I was starting a new cancer medication while on the retreat, Brooke was preparing psychologically for her upcoming rotator cusp surgery and of course Libby’s neck/back surgery came with pre-surgery restrictions that forced her to make the difficult decision to stay home this time.

But we found ways to work around some of the restrictions we haven’t had in the past…and one way was to come up with a plan how to “take” Libby with us…if not just in spirit…then, at least, in cardboard! 🙂

I decided that if I could take Eva Cate and Rutledge’s “heads” to Ireland I could certainly take Libby with me to Edisto…every where we went we shared the photos of what she had done that day with her by text…starting with riding to the beach with me.

Next came Brooke’s birthday…blowing out candles and getting a “Bless Your Heart” pillow for the trials and tribulations ahead. *And you were right in the midst of it Libby!

Wednesday when Veronica and the grandchildren came (Brooke’s beautiful daughter-in-law and two precious grandchildren)…we knew Libby wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.

But we knew Libby’s favorite place has been and always will be on the porch in “her” rocking chair….You enjoyed it so much Libby!

Tuesday morning was the catalyst that changed the rest of the week. The cable man came! Suddenly it looked like we had a movie size screen… so with Jackson’s knowledge of Netflix….we started the movie marathon. By sheer luck…we found the best movies ever….some older, some romance, comedy, and mystery…but all mesmerizing. After each show…we would say that was the best one yet….until the next movie. We laughed and wiped tears together.

Even with our movie marathon, however, it is always the porch that “sirens” to everyone….and conversation….that lost art (that when reprised) is the best part of the retreat. Always…hands-down!

This time Jackson and our birthday girl decided we would continue to chill instead of going out the last night…so we called in burgers and sandwiches and I went to pick them up at the SeaCOW Eatery.

On the way home…I decided to make a stop at the beach and I sat on a bench and took in one of God’s most wondrous marvels of beauty…the ocean.

Tommy and Kaitlyn had sent me gorgeous pictures of Ireland as they drove to Dingle, Ireland Thursday…so I returned the favor… the Edisto photos showing how we are all connected by the same beautiful skies …no matter where we are.

Ireland…

Edisto Beach

So until tomorrow…

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Rutledge’s Japanese Maple can now carry the weight of a solar lantern…and I brought an Edisto turtle decoration to put on the top of a hanging basket in the garden…bringing a memory of Edisto back home.