What took you so long Mr. Dave?

We took many trips to the beach with a group we all named RPM2. This group included 8 adults with 9 children with an additional friend or two for the lone boy in the group and the older girl. 

On the way home from dinner one evening with the whole group, kids included, we decided to stop at the grocery store.  (I should tell you that this is the way I remember the story—RPM2 may contradict some of the details) Mr. Dave volunteered to go in and get ice cream for the group while the rest of us waited in the cars, with the kids.  Mr. Dave was smart that day-he’d rather shop that sit in the car.   I don’t know why we all waited in the parking lot for Mr. Dave.  Why didn’t some of go on back to the condos?  (Again—this is how I remember the story) 

It must have been a challenge for Mr. Dave to figure out which ice cream to buy for the group because he took an unbelievably long time getting back out to the car.  Just before we were about ready to file a missing person’s report he came out of the Harris Teeter laden with bags filled with all kinds of ice cream. 

Those of us adults in the car were giving him dirty looks for taking so long leaving us confined to our cars with sleepy, sunburned children crying out for ice cream.   We wanted to firmly reprimand him with some choice words but we had to keep our mouths shut—little ears were listening. 

Almost in perfect harmony and pitch the kids sang out “What took you so long Mr. Dave?” This question continues to follow Mr. Dave around whenever he meets up with RPM2

Why do I mention this memory of great times with friends? 

I’ve been asking myself the same question “What took you so long to get back into writing?”   I have many excuses and a few legitimate reasons.  I won’t list the excuses because my excuses are probably very similar to anyone else’s for putting off a myriad of tasks. 

I very much enjoyed writing about the sights along the intercoastal waterway and sharing the photos of these places with our friends and family. 

Things change.  Change is not bad, it is just change.  After 5 years of almost constant travel we saw that it was time to stay closer to home.  Time did not stand still while we were away.  We now have the sweetest cutest grandson.  Spending time and watching him grow up is a priority for us.  Spending time with our parents at they get older is another priority. 

I found it difficult to switch gears from travel writing.  I struggled with topics about which to write and honestly didn’t put much effort into finding topics.  I was too busy reconnecting with old friends and making new friends and yes playing a little tennis- ok-more than a little.

This crazy virus that has condensed our world has given me the time and desire to write again.  It has given my mother who is 80 years old time and desire to learn how to have Zoom meetings.  We could not be prouder of her.  Mr. Adventure has cleaned out his closet, organized his clothes and gotten the boat clean and ready for time at the lake this summer.

What are you doing with this gift of time? Are you learning how to bake your own bread? Learning how to crochet or knit? Cleaning out your closets or going through photos? I’d love to know!

Joy