Girlfriends at the Beach - Days 5-8

 It's Day 5 and this morning is gorgeous.   

We have to say good-bye to Sharron this morning and that's always rough.  She's one of the few "original" beachgoers.  We're down to just five of us now.  We also had a group picture taken but for some reason, it has vanished.  Literally.  Not on my phone - not even in trash.  Poof - gone.

A beautiful day once again.

A group of us decide to go into Dickinson and visit Teo's as it is going out of business.  I did a post on Teo's a few years ago and if you want to check it out -- here is the LINK.  They will still be in business until the end of the year with some fabulous sales.  Give it a try.  I did find a few items to bring home --- okay, more than a small amount.  The three bolts are cork.

On the way home, Lana requested a stop at the Buddhist temple we saw on the way again as we were heading out of town.  I'm always happy for stop.  Come along with us on our walkabout of the grounds.  First up is the bell in the bell tower.

Lana loves elephants - 

Sherri in the background - 

The pond - 

Laughing Buddha

Love this turtle (or, more precisely, tortoise) -

The girls and the Happy Buddha - 

Outside the temple - 

A peek inside - it was not open today.

The bell tower from various angles.

Reclining Buddha --- look this one up.  It's meaning is quite significant.

Lana found more elephants - 

About this time, the mosquitos decided to feed and we were off to the car as quick as can be.  As we are leaving, the golden statues that we saw from the road are up close and personal.

Meanwhile --- while we were running around Texas, Lori built herself a sandcastle, with some help from Stephannie.

The sunset is even showing near the house tonight - the tide is out and storms are on their way.

Porch time - 

A nighttime TA-DONE to finish out the day.  Congrats Sherri.

Day 6 and I'm up in time for some of nature's wonder -  

You can see the storms starting to appear in this next pic - 

A little porch sitting before the day really begins -

I'm on for lunch today -- it's a charcuterie board.

I've managed to get Long May She Wave cut for an upcoming mystery that starts next week.

Lana has a yo-yo towel TA-DONE - 

Sherri and I decide to go walking on the beach.

We did find shells all along the way - 

And a jelly fish - 

It's not looking good - we've almost made it down to the house we used to stay in, but we both realize that we're going to get caught in the storm.  Two rather wet girls arrived late for dinner.

Evening TA-DONE for Sherri - 

Jennifer has a block TA-DONE and that's it for today.

16th - Day 7 and our last full day at the beach.  After the storm last night, everything has a different feel this morning.  So, so serene.  The clouds almost look like there is a larger being doing battle with a shorter being.

A good book and a fabulous view.  This IS beach life.

Eveline has her Yo-Yo towel TA-DONE

Sherri with her coerced table runner TA-DONE.  IYKYK

Scenes around the room --- people are packing up sewing areas and settling in with just hand work.

So - why not a puzzle?  Sherri and I start building borders at the coffee table.  However, we soon discover that that is a really bad plan and make the move to the main table.

It's harder than we think as the cuts have to be PERFECT and they are all the same shape.

More help arrives.

Making progress.

So close now.

We DID it.

This was a gift from MSQC during my visit last month.

Lori would like a picture of herself along with Stephannie and I.  This is our attempt.  Must redo.

Lori with her Summer Moon TA-DONE.  I'm still working on November blocks.

Pelicans!!!

Lana has a bead and embroider TA-DA -- isn't this just cool?

17th -   Well, drat is anyway.  The day of departure has arrived, but I'm still going to soak up as much as I can.  I'm awake in time for the Golden Hour and I have a TON of pictures, but will only share a few here.  When I say "a few," well about half a dozen.

Just a little bit to take back home with me.  I LOVE the sound of the ocean -- so calming.

Walking back to the house -- I'm reminded that "life finds a way."   Name that movie.

Just a few birds out this morning  -

Retake of the pic --- Is it better?  One never knows.

The four of us are not in a hurry to get out.  All the work is finished and we're just hanging a bit.  Who in their right mind wants to leave here?  My only solace is that I get to return next month.

But, all good things must come to an end.  Same with this gathering.  Surfside Out!