We took a little trip to spend some time with friends down at the shore. Beach days, barbecues, rides on the midway, walks on the boardwalk. A splendid time was had by all. Like all of life though there were lessons to be learned.

First, if you are going fro three days pack enough for two. This will insure that you only bring enough for four.

Second, children at the beach do not require folding chairs - as they do not sit. Ever.

Third, as everyone knows it is possible to get a sunburn on a cloudy day and you should apply sun-block before heading to the beach. You should also remember that the presence of clouds does not eliminate the need to reapply at least once during the day.

Fourth, spending many hours standing in a pounding surf watching the boy child digging away at the edge of the tide, and the girl child trying to master body-surfing will wear out your legs.

Fifth, after trying for many hours over several says a six-year-old boy will not learn on his own that it is impossible to hold back the ocean with a pile of sand.

Sixth, there are many distractions to the the father standing watch in the surf - some lesser some greater. The lesser include the occasional plane flying by with a banner, or the life guard blowing his whistle at someone breaking some rule. The greater distractions come in one-piece or two.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 05:00 PM | No Comments | Add Comment