Every year, the 3rd weekend in September, 3 things happen: My David has a birthday, it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day and it’s the Wings & Water Festival in Stone Harbor. It is the 3rd which has become an annual Facebook Adventure with Michelle.
Michelle and I went to high school together, and to be honest at best didn’t hang out together. All I really remember about her is she hung out with the brainy kids, which equals she was one of the brainy kids in my memory. Facebook is an amazing thing. We have become buds on FB and in real life. Michelle is a hoot. She always makes me laugh on FB. So now she has become part of the Wings & Water weekend.
This year Chef was working and “5 Star” (son #1) is off to college so “Mini Einstein” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” came along. I will freely admit, a full day with kids can some times be trying. Especially when they are whiney little brats. That being said, it just wasn’t the case. Michelle’s spawn are both delightful and well behaved. Last year “Daddy’s Little Girl” came a long and we had a good time then too. Even when Michelle and I spent almost an hour just chatting, both kids didn’t make a fuss or whine or even get restless. They must take after their father (JUST KIDDING!).
Mom & I have been coming to the Wings & Water Festival for years. And it’s fun to have someone my own age to hang out with and have fun. This year the W&WF was a lot smaller than previous years. They really don’t advertise like they should. But the Wetlands Institute is a neat place, and every year I find something that I didn’t see previously.
Michelle is the proud Dog Mom to Lily. Lily is a retriever of unknown linage. She could be full bred. Perhaps not. But every year there is a Retriever Demonstration. The dogs are put through their training paces. I love it. And it’s now part of the FB W&WF tradition. Just to compare what Lily COULD do if she weren’t spoiled rotten. And of course there are the cinnamon almonds. After that it’s up to the group to what we do and see. Except for the quilts. Mom didn’t have one in the show this year, but “Mini Einstein” & “Daddy’s Little Girl” seem to like them anyway.
Then it’s off to Springer’s for ice cream. Another part of the tradition. This is the last weekend Springer’s is open. And they have the BEST homemade ice cream (they were voted #2 in the country in a poll, but I think it was rigged and they should have been #1). In the summer they are so busy it’s hard to get in, but with this being the last hurah – it’s not hard to get in to get a cone, or a cup or a cone in a cup.
And so, that has become the FB W&WF tradition and I know I will get to see Michelle at least once a year.