Today’s word is “rest.” How can we slow down enough to let it go and put work aside to be present? I had to make a choice to do this. To not keep checking work emails and worrying about all the things undone.

Our place has a porch and deck. We would sit outside and listen to the birds. A memory came up of my dad shading his head from the sun while reading the newspaper. We were also reading the newspaper and reading the comics together. Something my mom and dad would do together when he was alive. We laughed at one that reminded us of Spencer, Jr. because just the other night, he karate-chopped Parish in the leg. Parish made hats for us to remember Dad with a laugh. We found a great app to identify birds called Merlin Bird ID. The one we used to have updated their app, and it was not as user-friendly.

The Lambs and Valentina went to the beach today.

Parish and I rode bikes around Southport, visited the artisan fair, and toured a local church. The church had a lot of history and great stories. For example, the pews and floors were made from the wood of ships that had wrecked many years ago in the 1800’s.

We also loved seeing our fresh produce family at the fair and enjoyed a homemade pickle from his jar.

I love it when Parish and I can rest from an activity and enjoy lunch together. We rode our bikes to Moore Street Oyster Bar. We took an adventure and got the Oyster Sampler, Crab Balls (THE BEST), and the collard greens.

They had food trucks; however, we wanted to sit and be in the shade. The hostess and waitress kept watching families walk by with their funnel cakes, and they kept saying, “We want one!” Parish ran around the corner to purchase one for them, and they were joyfully surprised!

We had dinner as a family at Shagger Jacks, then went to The Point (7001 W Beach Drive) for the sunset and family pictures.

We got there right as the sun was setting. Parking can be limited arriving this late, so to guarantee a spot, get there a little earlier.

Lastly, for all the local things to do on the 4th, ensure you get the local paper! They celebrate all week! So many local things to do.