Sabbatical Day 28

July 17, 2004--Day 28
Last night we ate at the Sugar Shack, a Jamaican restaurant, at Ocean Isle Beach. I wasn’t very adventurous… I got the coconut shrimp. It was most excellent. Lois, Mike and I walked on the beach after we got back to the house. I collected shells for a craft project.

This morning we packed and cleaned, a chore I’ve gotten out of most years. I also got an education in “Sponge Bob Square Pants.” It reminds me of “Ren and Stimpy.” Saturday morning cartoons sure have changed since I was a kid. One of my favorites was the various incarnations of the “Super Friends” (Challenge of the Super Friends, etc.) They are beginning to release episodes on DVD, though I’m not sure they will do complete season boxed sets. Another favorite was “The Littles,” based on the books of the same name. That cartoon will probably never make it to DVD…

We packed the car and drove back to Raleigh, stopping for lunch at “The Front Porch.” We stopped at the house briefly, unloaded the car, and visited with the cats for a bit. Then Uncle Mike drove me to the airport. I bought a “Mr. Mystery” invisible ink book (see 06/23/04 entry) at the airport. The flight was short and the two seats to my left were empty. We got limited beverage service: water, orange juice, Coke or Diet Coke.

The Atlanta airport is apparently now Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They are renovating—at least in Terminal B. While waiting for my flight, which has been delayed, water dripped on me from the ceiling.

I enjoyed the week at the beach. It would be nice to go again next year, but it will be difficult. Our summer trip always seems to be the week before, during, or after the beach week. Next year, Grandpa would like to go a week later than this summer.

I am tired of being on airplanes. I think this will be the ninth flight of my sabbatical. I am anxious to get home.