Thursday, July 30, 2015

Day 6, Day 7 and Day 8 - playing catchup with my blog!

Today is your lucky day - go with it.... You get a three for one post!  
I'm catching up on my blog posts but I'll try to keep it brief. 
Day 6 we spent in Wilmington, NC touring the downtown area. They have a wonderful assortment of older homes. Some of the streets have the cobblestones peeking through from under older pavement. The town has an unhurried air about it. The people are friendly and take the time to answer any questions you may have about their city. As we strolled down the streets viewing the Grecian and Italianate architecture with American flags fluttering from the cornices it was easy to imagine a bygone era.  And FYI - The Bellamy Mansion is a must see as a great example of an antebellum home. 




Day 7 had us visiting Wrightsville Beach.  And what a great beach!  They have accessible portions of the beach either via beach wheelchairs or beach mats. It's pretty cool!  Of course we had to take a picture of the end of the road...


We then toured through Roanoke Island, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devils Hills. The Outer Banks are a must see!
We ended our evening by arriving into Norfolk. 
Day 8 (7/31/2015) - Yesterday was one of those days that brings a huge smile to my face as I reflect on the day's events. Yesterday morning we had the distinct privilege of attending the retirement ceremony for a TX Legend. The ceremony was a beautiful event.  It was held in an auditorium at the Norfolk Naval Base. It was a retirement ceremony and a change of command. We arrived about 20 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and were greeted by Justin (I think that was his name) who was kind enough to escort us to our seats. Shortly after our arrival, we were joined by Virginia and John.  Side note: every time I see them I think of their Halloween costume "deer in the headlights". Classic. 
This was the first naval ceremony I've attended and it did not disappoint. Every detail was perfectly planned. From the reading of their orders, the recitation of Old Glory, the passing of the flag, and being relieved of duty. This was the culmination of his 25 year career and I am in awe of his accomplishments. I am equally in awe of his family's accomplishments. TX Chick is one of the women I met while our husbands were at War College who can singlehandedly run a country.  How many of us can imagine our husband meeting his first child at two weeks of age and the second child at twelve weeks of age?  How many of us would have the fortitude to raise four young children while our husband is deployed overseas?  Suffice it to say, this TX Chick is one tough bird and she has my respect. 
Afterwards we joined the Mauk's for a late lunch at Watermans Restaurant in Virginia Beach. We walked along the beach afterwards and spent some time getting caught up with these two delightful people. Thank you to both for a lovely afternoon. 
Then it was on to the after party!  
A big thank you to TX Legend, TX Chick and their family for the invitation.  It was a special day filled with friends who I feel have become a part of my extended family. Much love to you all. 


TX Legend with his bear made from his old uniforms. Virginia Mauk you are one talented lady!
Thanks for reading folks!


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