Joined the Senior Ladies of Wilmington meetup group at Panera Bread yesterday morning and met some more fabulous women! Then caught up on some "chores" during the afternoon. One (of the many) joys of being retired is being able to do chores anytime I want to.

I discovered that the shrub behind my deck is a gardenia and the flowers smell better than any perfume I have ever owned (not sure if that is a compliment to the flowers or an insult to any perfume I have every worn).

Since I didn't get to the beach yesterday morning, I went back up around 6:00 and walked my two miles. Then picked up my camera at John's.

This morning I joined the Audubon society for a tour of Mason Inlet. This was my third try. First time Buddy Cat was sick and I spent the morning finding a vet, second time No Show Earl had created a surfer's paradise and there was no parking. And today I met even more great people, but it was high tide and we could not get all the way to the end and there were very few birds. Still I discovered another entire part of Wrightsville Beach that I look forward to exploring. Stayed on the beach until noon.

This afternoon I am going to drop off some things at Goodwill... and I thought I had gotten rid of unwanteds before I moved! See my delightful new insurance agent/friend Gina (a friend of John and Jess's) to get car insurance. Go back to Circa 1922 from 5-7 to sample their bar/tapas specials and then go to see Shadowlands at the Big Dawg Theatre downtown.

I am excited about heading to Shackleford Banks tomorrow. It is about 2 1/2 hours north so the group will be leaving at 6:15 a.m. The trip is to be (and I quote the Audubon Society) a ..... Special outing to Shackelford Banks with expert birder author, John Fussell. Peak migration! Marbled Godwits, Wilson's Plover, possible Long-billed Curlew. Fee for ferry. Carpooling encouraged. Bring water, food, sun protection and insect repellent. Be prepared for a two-mile walk.

Although featured as a birding trip the island is also known for the wild ponies and excellent shelling. I hope my camera and I will have lots to share in my next blog!