On the Horizon

There is always something new on the horizon.  Yesterday morning when I looked out the balcony, this unusual structure was in place, directly in front of the condo, appearing to be floating in the air.  I had not seen it before then and wondered if it had arrived overnight.

Martha, who is a regular follower of “Friends of Atlantic Beach” on Facebook, learned that it was the Bravos, an offshore barracks and supply vessel supporting the dredging and beach nourishment, which has now almost come to an end.  “You can see the body is suspended off the water by spuds to keep it steady,” the helpful Facebook friend added. 

I wondered if the Brazos was occupied or not – he had used the word “barracks” – and if so, if those “spuds” helped to keep it from blowing away or capsizing.  The wind has risen to nearly 30 miles per hour and is expected to remain that strong for the next three days, and the ocean is a wild sight, churning white with foam leaping into the air.  We were hoping to complete one or two nice runs on the beach before we left here next week, but now it doesn’t seem like that will happen, even for those of us officially diagnosed with NRITH syndrome (Not Right in the Head). 

While the Brazos is on one horizon, we can feel the pull of Home on the other horizon.  We have stayed here longer than in any previous year, thanks to the generosity of Martha’s Aunt Lizette.  But we have found ourselves discussing home more and more, making plans for planting the garden, pruning the apple trees, seeing friends and brothers and sisters – all of the elements of our life in Highlands that we enjoy so much.  And with our second Covid shot behind us, we are looking forward to brightening expectations. 

We have had a good Sabbatical.  That tall stack of  books that we brought with us to read, posted in this blog way back in December, has disappeared, and we have read many more besides those.  

I have gotten some good writing done and managed to learn some new music on the keyboard we brought with us.  Martha has enjoyed preparing seafood and has learned some new recipes.  And we have both enjoyed so many good runs and hikes that they cannot be counted.  Although the wind continues to howl as I write what may be my last post before we return to Highlands, we will carry with us wonderful memories of this place and time.