Camp

The great thing about a personal blog is you can write what you want and how you want. After being passively-aggressively told by a certain person who shall be nameless but who can barely spell that my writing wasn’t compelling enough, I thought I’d give myself a boost and catch up on the ol’ Grendel’s mom blog. There have been so many interesting things happening in the world and funny jokes to share, but oddly enough I’m sitting here with nothing to write about. Hmmm, let’s see what’s been going on…

I went to a fantastic B2B marketing conference in Boston. I’m writing blog posts at work about all the new technology and trends out there. The kitty wanted to come—she got herself all cleaned up and was packing herself in there but alas, she had to stay at home.

Iz cleanin the coat before packing it!

My beach house managed to survive Sandy. One of God’s continuous blessings is that our house is in this bubble of safety—it’s kind of like the opposite of the Bermuda triangle. Maybe we should call it the Bethany Rhomboid. I have an Aunt named Sandy. The similarities are striking and I was imagining her sons, whom she lovingly refers to as “little shit” and “pagan,” teasing her relentlessly as the news media talked nonstop of the impending doom from Frankenstorm. Of course my heart and prayers go out to the people who were devastated by the storm and don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for my blessings and luck.

What else. Well, my brother’s birthday (and mine) came and went and that was kind of sad. However, it was Halloween and the plethora of Luigi, princess, and spiderman costumes were enough to bring smiles throughout the evening. I even won a contest at work for best pumpkin.

But now in the Virginia Crowe household, it’s time for a purge. Whenever I get to the point where I feel I’m bursting at the seams (yes I am trying to work out, but in this instance I mean my house), and I start thinking about how I need to buy some storage item or furniture to contain the mess, I know it’s time for a purge. So I’ve been going through all the closets, drawers, and shelves and tossing. Eight trash bags so far to the dump (those floppy discs, VCR tapes, manuals for appliances long gone, and Internet for Dummy’s books have worn out their welcome). In addition to the trash and recycling, I’ve got another huge pile for a yard sale I’m sure will never happen. If anyone wants a fish tank, wet suit, new lampshade, baby scale, giant teddy bear, or a VCR, come on over.

Bear can go. Cat stays.

It’s also been fun going through all the letters and photos I keep. The art work from my nieces when they were little, the young me—thinner, with longer eyelashes and tight skin—forever captured on film, the diary of a kid who was a boy-crazy and a stupid brat (that would be an even younger me), and notes from loved ones were a delight to go through. That pile was kept for the next purge when I need another reminder of what’s important to hold on to. So while the beautiful leaves on my street have to go each year…

…good friends stick around!

My neighbor John and “mini me” Carter.

With that I say adieu. To you and you and you. To all my friends—I will be scanning some of those old photos and letters and posting them on facebook for the benefit of me getting to laugh at you 20 or so years later. Oh what the heck, here are a few…

: My neighbor John and “mini me” Carter.

: Bear can go. Cat stays.

: Iz cleanin the coat before packing it!

: Bob Tuttle. With really curly hair and a mean tan.

: JAXON! The hair, the shorts, he’s got it all baby!

: The family camp crowd at the Legion. Note: photographer was most likely looking through a pitcher of Old Milwaukee and therfore had the camera focused a bit off center.

: Me, Kristen and Shannon Roanoke graduation. Finally.

Unexpectedly (and with big smiles), I ended up spending the Fourth of July weekend with my friend Wendy at our old stomping grounds, Camp Tockwogh. Tockwogh is truly a magical place. I started going there when I was a pre-teen camper, then became a CIT, then a staff member, and now I’m back to being a camper again. I still delight in the open fields, the fun songs and games, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, and most importantly—the people.

Camp has changed over time—more big boats and some nicer accommodations—but one thing always remains constant—the people. My best friends today are the people I met at Tockwogh. And whenever I go back, the staff and alumni have that same spirit of fun. There is a definite bond between anyone who has experienced Tockwogh.

This past weekend I mostly hung out on the beach and by the pool but I did take part in the Fourth of July theme day parade. And afterward, went to a fun place called Jellyfish Joel’s—a tiny redneck / boater’s oasis—where we enjoyed the brilliant fireworks (and a few burning ashes that fell with them). As much fun as it is hanging out with the kids, our nightlife provided relief and some fun adult time. Aside from the occasional all-you-can-eat crab feasts, it mostly meant going to the American Legion Post 246. Yes, you read that right. If you’re ever in Betterton, MD (the Jewel of the Chesapeake) go visit the Legion. Just turn right on 6^th street and when you see two missiles in front of a brick building, you’ll know you’ve arrived. The Legion has gone through some transformations over the years but the heart of it never changes. Below are some photographs. Enjoy.

And if you have kids, or know others with kids, or want to take your family on the best vacation you’ll ever experience, then check out the Tockwogh Web site. There is still room this summer for both kid’s camp and family camp and they may negotiate if you want to go fewer or more weeks. When you get back, give me a call and we can chat about the ropes course, the horsey’s, the waterfront hill, the gorgeous sunsets, the softball games, the sailing, the waterskiing, arts and crafts, archery, and more!