The 4th of July in Ocean Grove

We arrived at 44 Ocean Pathway around 1 pm on Friday and headed to the beach soon after we arrived. Laura had spoken for one more beach tag at 5 pm the day before so she verified her purchase on her iphone and I was given a bracelet to wear. The beach was full but each group was probably six feet from others. No one was wearing masks. The house that the Conways rented was a historic one with three stories. Jim and I chose the spacious third floor bedroom which was up 31 steps--yes, I counted! With the windows open at night and the ceiling fan on, we were very comfortable. 

 As always, we were fed well. We had mussels the first night, burgers and brats the second, and just before we left we were treated to steak and lobster. It was a busy two days especially with a precious baby. Unfortunately we were not always able to make him happy in the way his mother could so we were not able to give her much of a break. Jim did play a territorial game with Alex with ever changing rules and Ruth and I enjoyed several more chapters of Primrose Day, a book from my childhood.  Jim and Jasper made an early morning bakery run for their sweets.

Sunday morning the beaches are off limits in Ocean Grove--a holdover from the early years.  There was a service in the tabernacle but it was limited to 100 worshippers.  Others were sitting in lawn chairs outside where they could still hear the service.  I didn't hear any music from the renowned organ.  Jim and I  worshipped  with our South Bend Church which was livestreaming from the church parking lot.  Sponge Bob was on TV in the background as we sat on the sofa focussed on my iphone. 

We left early enough Sunday evening so that we could drive in the light.  It was great to be home in a little over an hour instead of a 12 hour drive.  And it seemed very quiet in our second floor apartment after two days with a family of seven!