The purpose of a vacation

Did you ever go on vacation and catch a cold and then spend three precious days medicating with hot tea, aspirin and a lay-down while the rest of the family cavorted on the beach and at the fun park? I had a similar moment on my recent trip to Maine. While driving on I-95 at around 80 mph - with other cars passing me as though I was standing still, I took to biting and chewing an apple and damn near bit the side of my tongue off. I mean the teeth on my left side did a job on my tongue. If I had not been driving, I would have found an ice cube and put it on my tongue.
After a couple of days of living with a tender tongue I went to a drug store where a friendly pharmacist sold me some child's allergy medicine and a bottle of antacid liquid. "Mix them together, one for one, and swish it around in your mouth." I did that for a day or two but on the trip back to South Carolina my tongue still hurt and I stopped at the University of Connecticut medical center to get a doctor's opinion. He told me to buy a mouth wash and swish it around. So much for the second opinion.
So what is the point of all this? When you were on vacation and got sick, you sucked it up and at the end of the vacation period you went back to work. That's the way it was and is. But NOT FOR SPANISH WORKERS.
The European Court of Justice recently ruled that a Spanish employee who got sick while on vacation was entitled to another vacation period to cover the days when he was under the weather. The purpose of a vacation, ruled the Court, "is to enable the worker to rest and enjoy a period of relaxation and leisure," something the worker cannot do if he/she is under the weather.

 
 

Trailside Anniversary - 5 Years On

Yesterday the residents of Trailside Apartments celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the opening of the second apartment house at Franke at Seaside,Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Two residents actually moved in on May 29, 2007, but the real intake began in June.

These are some snapshots taken at random of the wonderful residents. Most of these are unposed pictures and presented to show people enjoying themselves, each other and the happy occasion. (The pictures may be enlarged by clicking on the Slideshow link in the left corner of the site.)


We paid our respects to those former residents who have gone on but who were once part of our family. We acknowledged those who have arrived recently to bring new life and new ideas to the residence. 

Many of the families and the individuals living alone made and brought covered dishes. No one eats better than when a number of women put their hands to the skillet and turn on the stove. A bit of wine and adult beverages were enjoyed by most. Deserts were plentiful and delicious.  


Whether it is an apartment house in a busy metropolis or a quiet place like Franke at Seaside it is the residents who make a house a home. It is the spirit of camaraderie, of working together and simply being a good neighbor that makes the Trailside Building such a special place.

We give thanks to the women and men who organized the party (it is always the women, God bless 'em, who take the lead) and we look forward to the 10th Anniversary of Trailside. And we hope all the current residents will be on hand for that joyous day.
 

Reunion of Anna's Children - 2012

I want to share some pictures taken on the trip to Maine. Suffice to say I had a good time when I got there, but the devil was in the getting. I will never drive from Charleston to Maine again. It has changed 1000 percent from years ago when we used to make the trip and Mary kept a jar in the car for the boys to pee in so we wouldn't have to stop. Now stopping was a way of life. The traffic starting about 25 miles South of Washington is insufferable and I do not know what keeps New York people mentally sound. From now on I will forgive anyone who has lived there and has a "New York attitude." 

My siblings, Walter, Barbara and Carol, all looked fine and are in good health. Walter and Carol had their "Charlie drama" stories, which they can laugh at now but were not a laughing matter when they were lived. My only regret is that I could not have been of more assistance to them last year in Charlie's final days, but Mary was my first concern for a long time. I believe they understood then and now.

The Haven by the Sea in Maine was the same fine place we have been before. John and Susan are outstanding hosts. While we were there an association of B&B owners sent a check team in under cover and it was not until the next day they revealed themselves. Walter had saved the day the evening before when he showed the check man how to turn on the fireplace. He said John had told him how to do it. This was a very good sign as to John's efforts on part of his guests. The Inn received a rating of 198 out of 200 points. Two points were lost because of plastic glasses in the bathrooms. These are individually wrapped. John uses them because all the bathroom floors are stone and a broken glass would pay havoc with guests feet. He took the loss of 2 points with a grain of salt.

I enjoyed the trip and got to give my 2005 BMW a good workout. It performed most satisfactorily. This was the first time since I bought it last fall that I took it on the road any distance and wanted to see how it would perform. It rode silently and smoothly. A couple of times the speedometer was hitting 100 mph. I slowed down. The car just crept up on me without any exertion. Anyway, after a couple of those experiences I tried to keep it around 65-80. Many times others past me. I like the laws in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and all the New England States. They prohibit trucks buses and trailers in the far left lane and this makes driving safer and smoother for auto drivers. All things considered, it was a good trip and it felt good to see my sisters and brother again. We are going to try and stay in touch a bit more in the future. All in all, a good reunion of Anna's Children. 

Family reunion

I am excited to be traveling to Wells Beach, Maine, this coming weekend to visit with my two sisters and brother. It has been a few years since we have been together. We will stay at Haven by the sea on Church Street. This is a delightful bed and breakfast where we have stayed before and is always a joy. Along the way I will visit with two sons in their homes. Will see you all when I return.