Thanksgiving 2003
Thanksgiving 2003: Here we are again at a condo in Myrtle Beach for the Thanksgiving week. This is the 5th time that we have come to the beach. After many years at home for the holiday, we decided that we would like to try something different. We have always loved the beach, and so we went looking for a place to stay for the holiday. We found that the condos are being rented at their winter rates and make it very reasonable. The first 2 years we stayed in a 3 bedroom condo, but on our last stay we decided that we would look for something different. The realtor suggested a 4 bedroom on the top floor of a 9 story building. We went in to look it over and decided that this would be great. So here we are in our 3rd year in the "Pent House" with a great ocean view. Mom and I got here on Monday afternoon and have settled in and are now waiting for the Hess family to arrive. Steve has been able to join us in the prior trips but was not able to get the time off this year. It has been a different but enjoyable experience. We cooked the turkey on the grill at home and then put it in the freezer along with the stuffing. The rest of the things we brought with us or bought at the local stores. Most of the time the weather has been very cooperative and we have been able to get out and enjoy it.
One of the challenges that has developed over the years is the elevator - stairs race. Some would take the elevator and others the stairs. Nine flights is a challenge. Especially the first time we tried and found that upon arrival at the ninth floor the door was locked and we had to go back down to the 8th floor to get on the elevator to continue the trip. We also had some unscrupulous runners, who in past years, found that they could win if they got to any of the upper floors before the elevator and pushed the up button, forcing the elevator to make multiple stops on the way. This tactic gave the runners plenty of time to make their ascent. It seems that this trick was not forgotten, as the elevator again this year had to make multiple stops and the runners had a very easy time on their ascent.
As I am writing this, I am standing in the kitchen with the deck door open and the sun and ocean noises coming through. The ocean is calm and there are a few people in the water. Today, Friday, has been a great day. We spent time on the beach walking, boys in and out of the water, digging in the sand, etc. The boys did get into the water up to their waists. Later in the day the wind picked up and the temperature started to drop. The low tonight is predicted to be in the low 30s. I guess that winter has returned.
Well, it is now time to get ready to head home. It has been a great few days. The weather has been very good for this time of the year. On Saturday the wind was too strong to spend much time on the beach. We decided to go to Broadway at the Beach (a fancy shopping complex). We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and then spent the rest of the afternoon at the Ripley Aquarium. It was one of the best that I have seen. Then back to the condo for the evening and another Thanksgiving beach week is over. It's time to pack and head back home until next year.
