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The church goers greeted us warmly after we heard why Santa do what Santa do. “Y’all come back’” each said, moving on as their curiosity was satisfied.
The Porters, who befriended Admiral during his college days, were there and very welcoming since their last visit years ago. As we followed them up the long winding drive to their home, Admiral said "It's the same house I remembered 50 years ago." Tales of family, friends, funerals and weddings filled the air. Fortunately the chatter was louder than my tummy, roaring to say “feed me.”
Mid afternoon, following the Porters, we took off for lunch about 30 miles down the road in the next town. I did say we were at 40 and plum, didn't I? That's for 40 miles out and plum in the sticks. Enroute Admiral and I searched the car for snacks, only to recall we polished them off yesterday.
Our eyes danced at the all-you-can-eat buffet. Extreme will power and a rational head prevailed to select bits of yummy faves, totally satisfying any hunger pangs that may think about stirring.
All I can say about the drive back to RVA was it was long. "Where did all the traffic come from? Why do they clog up the road I'm on?" I wondered while Admiral napped as I drove.
Christmas plans came, went and made for a fun, very social holiday. At parties we met each other's friends. Admiral was amazed I knew some of his friends. Did he know I went out with one of them? He wondered whom I didn’t know.
There is no place better to end a year or begin a new one than the Hope & Glory Inn in Irvington. The handsomely designed cottages, clever gardens (even in the bleak winter) and delightful lobby with fascinating guests provided stimulating conversations, connecting with ole acquaintances. We had such fun that time slipped away, making us very late meeting wonderful friends for dinner and ringing in the new year.
All too soon the clock struck midnight. Welcome 2011. What would it be like?
When did you get on the wrong bus?
The day after Thanksgiving we were on the road, again. We were taking advantage of two days off from treatments for a holiday.
With half of his treatments completed, Admiral said “I don’t think the machine is turned on. I don’t feel anything. I don’t have any reactions. I guess it’s working. We’ll find out when it’s over, I reckon. I haven’t seen Dr. Roundface since our first visit. I did meet her associate last week. He seems very young. He’s alright since he’s interested in flying.”
The weekend was the big game in Blacksburg between Virginia and Virginia Tech, Admiral’s alma mater. He had planned the trip, keeping details a secret to surprise me as they unfolded. That’s a smart man who knows I love surprises!
On the way we stopped at Auntie Anne’s, my BFF since kindergarten, for a short visit. As we left, she whispered to me “ He’s a keeper. I know something’s up. Don’t let him get away. ”
The trip to Blacksburg was quick, with memories of taking my daughter there years ago. Admiral told tales of his life with his Model A and various roomies during his 4 years.
Tech’s Virginia Inn was comfy, the lobby filled with decorated Christmas trees, reminding us that Christmas was on the horizon. The fire in the lobby’s fireplace was toasty and where we and guests stayed for the greater part of the evening, warming ourselves and chatting about the trip there and tomorrow’s game.
Game day was clear, bright and windy, as only it can be in Blacksburg. Spotting a bus in front of the hotel, we climbed aboard. Everyone wore big important looking badges. As we talked to the passengers, we found out we were on the bus for the Board of Visitors, there for a big deal meeting and to enjoy the game! Of course, the bus ride was fast to Lane Stadium, with all traffic stopped for quick turns and easy access right to the main entrance!
Eventually we found the Engineering sky box on the top floor. It was packed with people of all ages and styles of warm dress. Snacks were plentiful and filling. The game was exciting. The more touchdowns we scored against Miami, the better we liked it and the more we cheered, making strangers more comfortable with each other. A final score of 31 – 17 was splendid, inducing high fives among the crowd.
Fans leaving the stadium always look like how I imagine immigrants looked landing on Ellis Island. We were two of thousands streaming to the parking lots. At the main gate the only sight of a bus was its back end roaring off into the distance. Soon we lucked into a classmate’s tail gate party where we warmed up with a toddy and ham biscuit with classmates and more school day stories. It's a wonder any of them made it to class, let alone to graduation and successful careers.
We said so long and walked uphill to the main road where city buses lined a distant curb. Admiral walked up to a policeman and asked for directions to get back to the Inn. I wasn’t believing this - a man asking directions!
“I forgot what the guy said. Let’s get on this bus. The driver will tell us how to get to the hotel.” Admiral said as we boarded a bus, trusting it was going our way.
Sure enough, when we got off where the driver directed us, the hotel was visible. The driver said it was 2 blocks, looking more like 20 miles to us. We walked fast into the raw wind, Admiral pulling me along to keep pace with his rapid steps. At the hotel, I beat him to the fire.
Admiral’s 4-year college career was varied. He played in the Highty Tighties, managed and played bass in his bluegrass band, and played other musical gigs anywhere he could get paid. The stories of events entertained me for hours. Relationships made then he continues to this day with visits and chats when he’s in the area.
The next day was clear, without wind. Off we went on an adventure to visit places and people Admiral knew during his gigs years ago. “I’m taking you to church today.” he said as we left the hotel. “I can find the little country church, I’m sure. Things don’t change much in the boondocks.” he added.
A twisting road at 40 and plum (40 miles out and plum in the sticks) ended at Mountain Lake Hotel, where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. Admiral rolled in laughter as he relived leaving a gig there.
It was dark and cold. The car was full of guys and instruments, with the bass tied to the front of the car, obstructing his view as he drove down the curving mountain road through snow. He said “I never told Mom about these things. Guess I didn’t tie the bass on very well because it fell off. We looked over the side of the road and never found it.”
“Oh, oh. It’s time for church. Let’s roll.” he hollered as he ran out the door of the resort to the car. I could see him driving that old Model A down that mountain road while he ran it too fast for my comfort. Finally he stopped at a church. It was a typical country church – white, steeple with cross on top, pointed front doors, a few large windows and several cars parked on the lawn around it. Yet it was no ordinary church. It was the one that Admiral had gone to when the Porters befriended him in the last century.
The service was underway when we entered, seeing 25 mostly elderly people scattered about the small room. As heads turned to see who the late arrivals were, we settled on the back row to be unobtrusive.
To the right of the chancel a large screen and the latest projector were suspended from the ceiling. “Hum, the preacher looks to be about 35ish and I guess he’s tech savvy. There’s some high powered tech stuff here. Wonder if he’ll use powerpoint for his sermon. ” I thought.
While I was unwrapping my layers of warm outer wear, I heard Admiral snicker under his breath. He poked me and pointed at the screen. In giant letters were WHY DO SANTA DO WHAT SANTA DO?
With half of his treatments completed, Admiral said “I don’t think the machine is turned on. I don’t feel anything. I don’t have any reactions. I guess it’s working. We’ll find out when it’s over, I reckon. I haven’t seen Dr. Roundface since our first visit. I did meet her associate last week. He seems very young. He’s alright since he’s interested in flying.”
The weekend was the big game in Blacksburg between Virginia and Virginia Tech, Admiral’s alma mater. He had planned the trip, keeping details a secret to surprise me as they unfolded. That’s a smart man who knows I love surprises!
On the way we stopped at Auntie Anne’s, my BFF since kindergarten, for a short visit. As we left, she whispered to me “ He’s a keeper. I know something’s up. Don’t let him get away. ”
The trip to Blacksburg was quick, with memories of taking my daughter there years ago. Admiral told tales of his life with his Model A and various roomies during his 4 years.
Tech’s Virginia Inn was comfy, the lobby filled with decorated Christmas trees, reminding us that Christmas was on the horizon. The fire in the lobby’s fireplace was toasty and where we and guests stayed for the greater part of the evening, warming ourselves and chatting about the trip there and tomorrow’s game.
Game day was clear, bright and windy, as only it can be in Blacksburg. Spotting a bus in front of the hotel, we climbed aboard. Everyone wore big important looking badges. As we talked to the passengers, we found out we were on the bus for the Board of Visitors, there for a big deal meeting and to enjoy the game! Of course, the bus ride was fast to Lane Stadium, with all traffic stopped for quick turns and easy access right to the main entrance!
Eventually we found the Engineering sky box on the top floor. It was packed with people of all ages and styles of warm dress. Snacks were plentiful and filling. The game was exciting. The more touchdowns we scored against Miami, the better we liked it and the more we cheered, making strangers more comfortable with each other. A final score of 31 – 17 was splendid, inducing high fives among the crowd.
Fans leaving the stadium always look like how I imagine immigrants looked landing on Ellis Island. We were two of thousands streaming to the parking lots. At the main gate the only sight of a bus was its back end roaring off into the distance. Soon we lucked into a classmate’s tail gate party where we warmed up with a toddy and ham biscuit with classmates and more school day stories. It's a wonder any of them made it to class, let alone to graduation and successful careers.
We said so long and walked uphill to the main road where city buses lined a distant curb. Admiral walked up to a policeman and asked for directions to get back to the Inn. I wasn’t believing this - a man asking directions!
“I forgot what the guy said. Let’s get on this bus. The driver will tell us how to get to the hotel.” Admiral said as we boarded a bus, trusting it was going our way.
Sure enough, when we got off where the driver directed us, the hotel was visible. The driver said it was 2 blocks, looking more like 20 miles to us. We walked fast into the raw wind, Admiral pulling me along to keep pace with his rapid steps. At the hotel, I beat him to the fire.
Admiral’s 4-year college career was varied. He played in the Highty Tighties, managed and played bass in his bluegrass band, and played other musical gigs anywhere he could get paid. The stories of events entertained me for hours. Relationships made then he continues to this day with visits and chats when he’s in the area.
The next day was clear, without wind. Off we went on an adventure to visit places and people Admiral knew during his gigs years ago. “I’m taking you to church today.” he said as we left the hotel. “I can find the little country church, I’m sure. Things don’t change much in the boondocks.” he added.
A twisting road at 40 and plum (40 miles out and plum in the sticks) ended at Mountain Lake Hotel, where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. Admiral rolled in laughter as he relived leaving a gig there.
It was dark and cold. The car was full of guys and instruments, with the bass tied to the front of the car, obstructing his view as he drove down the curving mountain road through snow. He said “I never told Mom about these things. Guess I didn’t tie the bass on very well because it fell off. We looked over the side of the road and never found it.”
“Oh, oh. It’s time for church. Let’s roll.” he hollered as he ran out the door of the resort to the car. I could see him driving that old Model A down that mountain road while he ran it too fast for my comfort. Finally he stopped at a church. It was a typical country church – white, steeple with cross on top, pointed front doors, a few large windows and several cars parked on the lawn around it. Yet it was no ordinary church. It was the one that Admiral had gone to when the Porters befriended him in the last century.
The service was underway when we entered, seeing 25 mostly elderly people scattered about the small room. As heads turned to see who the late arrivals were, we settled on the back row to be unobtrusive.
To the right of the chancel a large screen and the latest projector were suspended from the ceiling. “Hum, the preacher looks to be about 35ish and I guess he’s tech savvy. There’s some high powered tech stuff here. Wonder if he’ll use powerpoint for his sermon. ” I thought.
While I was unwrapping my layers of warm outer wear, I heard Admiral snicker under his breath. He poked me and pointed at the screen. In giant letters were WHY DO SANTA DO WHAT SANTA DO?
What makes you lose your mind?
Thanksgiving Day is a funny day. As a single woman I’ve done all kinds of things to enjoy a day filled with families coming together, laughing and having a good time, supposedly. For some it’s sad. For others it’s exciting. This Thanksgiving was going to be memorable, as most of my first time events with Admiral were.
His family tradition is for him to carve the turkey and ham at his sister’s annual family feast. I was on review before the family clan of thousands – a true acid test, if ever there is.
Her present was wrapped and ready to go days earlier. Nothing like bringing a nice gift to make a good impression.
With great anticipation Thanksgiving Day arrived and it was a full day. Long before I met Admiral friend Ann and I had committed to be host volunteers at the Community Dinner. Duties there would end about 2 so I’d be free for the rest of the day. Knowing this his sister generously would hold dinner until we arrived about 3ish.
As Admiral and I drove through the woods and over the hills on narrow country roads, our conversation covered tales of being river rats (a term for children from Richmond who spent summers messing about on the water) and names and relations of attendees – his sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and any friends who showed up. I was confident I’d get three names right, especially since one was his sister, whom I’d already met. Coaching, while he hunted for a place to park, about who owned the cars in the driveway at his sister’s house was invaluable.
His sister greeted me at the door with a big hug and “Welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Everyone wants to meet you.”
I replied “Happy Turkey Day. You’re so kind to include me and I really appreciate you holding dinner for us. I have a gift for you and I forgot it. When your brother gets near me, everything goes out of my head.”
His family tradition is for him to carve the turkey and ham at his sister’s annual family feast. I was on review before the family clan of thousands – a true acid test, if ever there is.
Her present was wrapped and ready to go days earlier. Nothing like bringing a nice gift to make a good impression.
With great anticipation Thanksgiving Day arrived and it was a full day. Long before I met Admiral friend Ann and I had committed to be host volunteers at the Community Dinner. Duties there would end about 2 so I’d be free for the rest of the day. Knowing this his sister generously would hold dinner until we arrived about 3ish.
As Admiral and I drove through the woods and over the hills on narrow country roads, our conversation covered tales of being river rats (a term for children from Richmond who spent summers messing about on the water) and names and relations of attendees – his sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and any friends who showed up. I was confident I’d get three names right, especially since one was his sister, whom I’d already met. Coaching, while he hunted for a place to park, about who owned the cars in the driveway at his sister’s house was invaluable.
His sister greeted me at the door with a big hug and “Welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Everyone wants to meet you.”
I replied “Happy Turkey Day. You’re so kind to include me and I really appreciate you holding dinner for us. I have a gift for you and I forgot it. When your brother gets near me, everything goes out of my head.”
When are you dazzled by BSOs?
"You're the first to see it. Admiral just gave it to me." I glowed to my daughter during her birthday dinner. "It's a friendship ring." The BSO (bright shiny object) sparkled in the light.
Girlfriends are the best for sharing yummy exciting things, relishing them over again as you tell each detail of events. Three weeks earlier I called Artsy. When she answered the phone, I blurted “Admiral just asked me to marry him and I said YES! Can you believe it?”
“Were you surprised?” she asked. It’s been 7 weeks and I’m surprised at me! When he asked me, I said ‘I’ll think about it.’ then 5 minutes later I said yes. This wasn’t part of my plan as you well know. So it looks like I’ll get a new plan.” I said.
“I couldn’t wait.” Admiral said excitedly. “I had to give you this.” He handed me an oval highly polished brass box I’d seen at his home. “Oh, geez. What is this. Can I fake being excited about this box?” I thought.
In it was a present, wrapped by Admiral himself. The layers of paper and scotch tape gave way from the little square box, revealing the most beautiful ring. It was gold with a sparkly sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds. It took my breath away.
“I wanted to give you something special. Let’s call it a friendship ring for now. I’ll get you something better later.” Admiral said.
“You know, we’re celebrating my daughter’s birthday tonight. It’ll be a double celebration and she’ll be the first to know about the ring.” I said, surprised and loving the bright shiny object on my hand.
Girlfriends are the best for sharing yummy exciting things, relishing them over again as you tell each detail of events. Three weeks earlier I called Artsy. When she answered the phone, I blurted “Admiral just asked me to marry him and I said YES! Can you believe it?”
“Were you surprised?” she asked. It’s been 7 weeks and I’m surprised at me! When he asked me, I said ‘I’ll think about it.’ then 5 minutes later I said yes. This wasn’t part of my plan as you well know. So it looks like I’ll get a new plan.” I said.
“I couldn’t wait.” Admiral said excitedly. “I had to give you this.” He handed me an oval highly polished brass box I’d seen at his home. “Oh, geez. What is this. Can I fake being excited about this box?” I thought.
In it was a present, wrapped by Admiral himself. The layers of paper and scotch tape gave way from the little square box, revealing the most beautiful ring. It was gold with a sparkly sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds. It took my breath away.
“I wanted to give you something special. Let’s call it a friendship ring for now. I’ll get you something better later.” Admiral said.
“You know, we’re celebrating my daughter’s birthday tonight. It’ll be a double celebration and she’ll be the first to know about the ring.” I said, surprised and loving the bright shiny object on my hand.
How many things go in a ring box?
Artsy and I began a Smart Woman's tradition with the Urbanna Oyster Festival. We invite friends to go with us This year our guys are our invited guests to share the fun. Thousands flock to this waterfront town for two days to devour the featured bi-valve, making good parking impossible. Hearing us whine about parking being less than easy, Admiral, with a quick phone call, arranged prime parking for us in town! Don't you love a man who gets things done!
As things usually go with friends in crowds, we got separated from Artsy and her guy because of the big black monster.
The bus was gigantic and black, like the one Pres. Obama used on his August Midwest tour. Admiral was beside himself with excitement.
“What’s so exciting about a bus? It is chilly and I’m ready to get out of the cold for a while.” I thought as I agreed to touring this black monster. Admiral was quick to point out the differences between the one he owned and this one since this one was glitzy and filled with lights, chrome and mirrors. And that was the inside.
Warmed again and still full of oysters, we walked to the car in the primo place, looking for Artsy and her guy with each step. Of course, in my effort to travel light, I’d left my cell phone in the car. When we got to the car, we found a note from Artsy. “Come on in the restaurant around the corner and get warm with us.” That’s a smart woman!
The drive home was warm and very short as we recalled the best oysters (fritters from the Lions Club, she crab soup from the Methodist church), the people we saw and vows to save the date for 2011.
Over casual suppers and outings in boats, planes and old cars, Admiral and I got to know each other better. Respect deepened as we shared gut and heart wrenching losses of marriages from death for him and divorce for me, dreams gone awry and unplanned successes that took us to mountaintops. We realized how precious our relationship was. To be healthy, acutely mentally alert, totally in charge of ourselves, and to have fabulous resources was a miracle at our age. At times we understood each other better than we understood ourselves.
Birthday dinner with my RVA daughter was another first for Admiral. He was finally meeting a child he’d heard much about. She knew this was special as she’d never had more than a fleeting glimpse of men I dated. After opening her presents, she handed me one. “You gave me a birthday present already. What’s this?” I asked about the ring-box shaped, beautifully wrapped package.
“Open it and see.” she grinned.
“It’s a pacifier. What’s happening? What in the world… I get it! Are you…? “ I asked excitedly.
“Yep. Due in late May. Congratulations, GoGo. Grandbaby #2 is on the way.” she announced. “You’re the first to know so keep it quiet ‘til I can tell the rest of the family.”
Then she said, “Hey, Mom, I haven’t seen you wear a ring for years. It looks like Princess Kate’s engagement ring. What’s that?”
As things usually go with friends in crowds, we got separated from Artsy and her guy because of the big black monster.
The bus was gigantic and black, like the one Pres. Obama used on his August Midwest tour. Admiral was beside himself with excitement.
“What’s so exciting about a bus? It is chilly and I’m ready to get out of the cold for a while.” I thought as I agreed to touring this black monster. Admiral was quick to point out the differences between the one he owned and this one since this one was glitzy and filled with lights, chrome and mirrors. And that was the inside.
Warmed again and still full of oysters, we walked to the car in the primo place, looking for Artsy and her guy with each step. Of course, in my effort to travel light, I’d left my cell phone in the car. When we got to the car, we found a note from Artsy. “Come on in the restaurant around the corner and get warm with us.” That’s a smart woman!
The drive home was warm and very short as we recalled the best oysters (fritters from the Lions Club, she crab soup from the Methodist church), the people we saw and vows to save the date for 2011.
Over casual suppers and outings in boats, planes and old cars, Admiral and I got to know each other better. Respect deepened as we shared gut and heart wrenching losses of marriages from death for him and divorce for me, dreams gone awry and unplanned successes that took us to mountaintops. We realized how precious our relationship was. To be healthy, acutely mentally alert, totally in charge of ourselves, and to have fabulous resources was a miracle at our age. At times we understood each other better than we understood ourselves.
Birthday dinner with my RVA daughter was another first for Admiral. He was finally meeting a child he’d heard much about. She knew this was special as she’d never had more than a fleeting glimpse of men I dated. After opening her presents, she handed me one. “You gave me a birthday present already. What’s this?” I asked about the ring-box shaped, beautifully wrapped package.
“Open it and see.” she grinned.
“It’s a pacifier. What’s happening? What in the world… I get it! Are you…? “ I asked excitedly.
“Yep. Due in late May. Congratulations, GoGo. Grandbaby #2 is on the way.” she announced. “You’re the first to know so keep it quiet ‘til I can tell the rest of the family.”
Then she said, “Hey, Mom, I haven’t seen you wear a ring for years. It looks like Princess Kate’s engagement ring. What’s that?”
A Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I’m not cute or built to suit a model’s fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I’m telling lies.
I say
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
Like a bunch of honey bees
I say
It’s the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say
It’s in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace on my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
It’s in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand the need for my care.
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
by Maya Angelou
I’m not cute or built to suit a model’s fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I’m telling lies.
I say
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
Like a bunch of honey bees
I say
It’s the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say
It’s in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace on my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
It’s in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand the need for my care.
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That’s me.
by Maya Angelou
Up Close and Personal with the Man in the Moon
It was time for the acid test. Girlfriends, cherished soul mates who speak truth, met Admiral. The evening was great fun and noisy, of course, with a dozen women talking at once. Admiral loved every minute of being the only man there and being the center of attention. He grinned from ear to ear, posed for snapshots, and talked easily with all. The next day each friend confirmed what I felt - he's a keeper.
"Let's fly up for the day." Admiral said when I talked about an extreme acid test - meeting my Delaware family. “You set the date and I’ll get us there in time for lunch.” he said.
The flight to Wilmington, DE was easy and scenic. The little 'potato chip' plane flew smoothly under Admiral's control, across the Chesapeake Bay, over farmland, cities and interesting landmarks.
The whole clan picked us up at the airport and took us to a charming restaurant in New Castle. The minute Admiral left the table they were full of questions about this man. “So, are you taking flying lessons?” # 1 Son asked right off the bat.
When Admiral returned, the questions changed. Yummy food was consumed over easy conversation with a heavy helping of check-out-the-new-guy-this-must-be-serious undercurrent for this first meeting.
Enjoying ourselves caused a later-than-planned departure for home. The return flight was expectedly smooth. Colors were brilliant as the sun set. Lights twinkled on the ground below and in the heavens above us. Conversation was animated as usual. Suddenly the plane was in a steep bank. “What’s going on? I’m going to throw up. This is the end.” I thought.
When I felt the plane level, I opened my eyes. We were flying straight into the biggest full moon I'd ever seen! I felt like I could reach out and tickle his chin!
Admiral held my hand and said “Look, the moon’s laughing at us. Do you think he laughs as much as we do?”
"Let's fly up for the day." Admiral said when I talked about an extreme acid test - meeting my Delaware family. “You set the date and I’ll get us there in time for lunch.” he said.
The flight to Wilmington, DE was easy and scenic. The little 'potato chip' plane flew smoothly under Admiral's control, across the Chesapeake Bay, over farmland, cities and interesting landmarks.
The whole clan picked us up at the airport and took us to a charming restaurant in New Castle. The minute Admiral left the table they were full of questions about this man. “So, are you taking flying lessons?” # 1 Son asked right off the bat.
When Admiral returned, the questions changed. Yummy food was consumed over easy conversation with a heavy helping of check-out-the-new-guy-this-must-be-serious undercurrent for this first meeting.
Enjoying ourselves caused a later-than-planned departure for home. The return flight was expectedly smooth. Colors were brilliant as the sun set. Lights twinkled on the ground below and in the heavens above us. Conversation was animated as usual. Suddenly the plane was in a steep bank. “What’s going on? I’m going to throw up. This is the end.” I thought.
When I felt the plane level, I opened my eyes. We were flying straight into the biggest full moon I'd ever seen! I felt like I could reach out and tickle his chin!
Admiral held my hand and said “Look, the moon’s laughing at us. Do you think he laughs as much as we do?”
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