I don’t know about you, but this time of the year I feel as if God has blessed me with all the good that He has created – just for my enjoyment. As the summer season slowly ran down, my husband Neil and I were able to get back out on our bikes for some lovely morning trips. We exercise in the summer, but most often indoors because of the temperatures and humidity. It is such a fantastic feeling to get outside in the drier and cooler air and to breathe in the sweetness of the ocean and bay.
We also took a day to investigate a few blocks of Ocean City’s downtown shopping district, and we have made plans to go back soon to cover what we missed. The weather was lovely, and we went midday while our visitors were enjoying the beach, so we very much had downtown to ourselves – and quite possibly a few hundred other shoppers spread around. The fun was in finding and looking through stores we had not been in before and meandering through those we always enjoy. We blessedly reached home just in time to avoid an unpredicted downpour.
Our part of the world here in Cape May County is so very special. I know that I am not the only soul to feel blessed to live here full time because when I meet up with any friend those words most likely will be in the first sentence we speak to each other. It always goes something to the effect of, “Isn’t is wonderful that we actually get to live here.”
The abundance of produce in my prayer partner’s garden is also a special fall blessing. We have been eating delicious home-grown tomatoes for a few weeks now, and loving each bite. One of the best gifts in the world is knowing a gardener who will share the bounty of their hard work with us.
Neil’s two younger sisters are coming from Seattle for a week-long visit, and we are planning many fun events, from the Cape May MAC trolley tours to a ferry ride, Sunset Beach and, of course, a look at every boardwalk between Ocean City and Cape May. This is the very first trip to the East Coast for Mary, so everything will be new and exciting, and we want to show off the richness of our area to both of them.
While my summer was wrapped in the loving and losing of a dear friend, I am looking forward to God’s healing of our hearts and souls as we head into the beauty of falling leaves, quiet walks and chats with Him, and there is no lovelier place to do it than in Cape May County.
One year Neil and I made a pledge to hit all of the county fairs within 70 miles of home, and it was a fun adventure that you might put on your calendar for next year. It is too late in the season to share that fun with his sisters, but there are so many other events coming up that our touring schedule is overflowing.
Thinking of Sunset Beach reminds me how many adventures we have had on the Delaware riverfront. There are beaches, lovely sunsets and even fun. You might have had the to opportunity to sail on the A.J. Meerwald while it was based at the Ferry Terminal this summer, but did you know you can visit at its home port, the Bayshore Center in Bivalve, near Port Norris? There they have the delightful Delaware Bay Museum which, through photos and exhibits, explains the once-abundant oyster harvest that the river produced.
A few years ago we took a sail on the A.J. Meerwald with friends on a soft summer evening. The ship was staffed by interns who heartily sang sea chantey songs and then taught us some. It was a great evening, and I have sweet memories of our time onboard. If this sounds like something your family might enjoy you can check their webpage at https://www.bayshorecenter.org.
So many things to do and so little time, Neil and I will have to carefully pick and choose which events his sisters will enjoy. Always, food in a seashore setting in the open air is a favorite, and I know that will be high on our list with so many opportunities still available.
We have three full months of fall before us, so we will plan well and enjoy God’s blessings to us. I do hope you will also have an opportunity to revel in the slower fall pace and the fun festivals as well.
God has graced us with this beautiful Cape full of His wonders, and for that I am very grateful.
ED. NOTE: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
