Tomorrow I start my actual classes, but I thought since I had a moment I would give you an update on the trip. First up we flew first class. Thank you Bj for being a frequent flier! I was very comfortable and got to move around a lot (per the midwife’s orders). The first night we spent in Raleigh because we got in pretty late. I was so surprise to see these on the counter of our hotel:


My all time favorite smell in the whole world is this lotion, and I thought it was no longer made! I’m going to track down the big bottles, yum. I knew we were off to a good start. And there’s nothing like a little road trippin’ to put Bj and I in a good mood. I mean the sights are always amazing:


Karen that is for you.

We got to our hotel in the evening before the sun had set (which does not happen on the beach here… werid) so we took a walk. We went along the beach and out on the pier where people were fishing. And saw a shark! An honest to god shark. I could not believe it. But even after checking with the guide person it was still a shark. I think it was eating the throw back fish. I don’t know, but crazy. It was wonderful to hear the sounds of the ocean while we slept.


We got up early (still getting uesd to the time change) and drove down past Willmington to catch the ferry over to Bald Head Island. We’re right on the beach here too. Have you ever seen cockroaches in the wild (like garages and driveways)? They have them here and they are big and freaky. I think I’ll survive though. My classes start early tomorrow.

In real life news our house should be getting started while we’re gone, things look to be on track. If nothing else we’ll have a big pile of supplies and lumber in our yard upon our return. Grandpa has refused his feeding tube, and is living off of thicken milk and Boost. We’ve talked to him on the phone, hopefully he will continue to try eating the things he’s allowed. He’s on morphine again, which we don’t like. It makes him forgetful and seems to slow down his mental processes all together. I know that he is getting great care. I was telling Bj though that guilt has to be the worst emotion. I want to enjoy this vacation but our minds keep going back to grandpa.

And suddenly not so bad! Grandpa was just moved out of the ICU. He’s still got a nasty cough, but off most of the monitors. He’s getting a rub down to get the iodine off his skin, and getting the first shave in a week (grandpa: “I look like a god damn bum!”). So Bj is playing around with his glasses while we wait for the results from his swallow test. Grandpa is already asking for his diet coke :). Also I’m starting a new pair of socks. Universe thank you.