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I joke that I'm neither a morning person nor night person, that I'm more of a mid-afternoon person. The fact is, I'm a poor sleeper and usually very conscious in the pre-dawn and late-night hours.

But as frustrating as it can be to wander the house wide-eyed as my wife and kids slumber peacefully in their beds, these moments of silence can be wonderfully enriching. They're great opportunities to read and reflect and sometimes just blankly stare at the wall. You might say they are gifts to be treasured, coming as they do before and after the flurry of email, the family's mad scramble to get ready for whatever it is we're doing, and the noisy routine of life.

Would I rather be sleeping in these odd hours? Absolutely. But since that doesn't happen as much as I'd like, I'll take solace in these fleeting slivers of solitude and try to use them to my advantage.

"Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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A relaxing spot along the Manteo waterfront
The sea spray and blustery breezes of North Carolina's Outer Banks mixed miraculously with family and friends to create a Thanksgiving holiday Guitar Dad will never forget.

Everything was perfect ... the hospitality and generosity of family members who welcomed us into their stunning home on the Manteo waterfront ... happy kids playing with happy grandparents ... an afternoon drink and some laughs with an old friend I hadn't seen in a decade.

As a younger man, I ventured to the Outer Banks frequently, relishing the sun and sand of Nags Head and carousing with buddies at assorted watering holes, including the wild and woolly and now defunct Mex-Econo in Kill Devil Hills. The last time I'd set foot in these parts, however, was some 15 years ago.

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Bodie Island Lighthouse
While the 200-mile string of narrow barrier islands may be on the verge of over-development, its history and charm and beauty are firmly intact. Making our stay especially delightful was our home away from home, the First Colony Inn in Nags Head. I can't recommend this bed and breakfast enough for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in an old-style Outer Banks vibe, with wonderful accommodations and service. I actually visited the inn 20 years ago as a newspaper reporter, to cover its "re-opening" after the circa-1932 property was preserved and and brought back to life. My old article from the High Point Enterprise is here.

After such a moving and meaningful trip, I pledge never to let so many years slip by before I return to this special place, this magnificent seaside locale perfectly positioned along the coast of my native state.
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It's always a pleasure sipping an ice-cold Cheerwine. Only trouble is, I've had to be two or three states away from home to enjoy such a delightful interlude. This cherry deliciousness had never been conveniently available in Florida, where I live – until now! My wife was shopping at the nearby Publix supermarket this morning and, lo and behold, spotted a stack of Cheerwine 12-packs in the soda aisle. She even snapped a photo of the display and emailed it to me at the office. Can you tell we're excited? Now, it seems, this North Carolina-based soft drink maker is expanding in a big way, and in the process giving me unlimited access to this tasty, highly carbonated, high-caffeine beverage. Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most.
 
Here's what Guitar Dad had to say about Cheerwine back in 2009.
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The other night I caught my kids sharing the couch for a good read before bedtime. I just had to snap their photo. Hope this trend continues, since reading develops their minds and imagination and contributes to a solid sense of wellbeing. It's nice to see my offspring focus on the printed page in between video games and episodes of iCarly and all the electronic screens that seem to ceaselessly draw them in.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." ― Dr. Seuss
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Up With The Sun 09/18/2011
 
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When I was a kid and raced BMX bicycles, I mastered a few cool tricks, jumps and maneuvers. But never in my life did I think anyone could pull off the kind of stuff this Danny MacAskill does. It's totally unbelievable. And he makes it look so easy!
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The kids started school this week, ready and willing and inspired. The doors of summer slammed shut. The homework set in. The lazy days were suddenly over.

Their transition back to bookbags and busy schedules reminds me of how fast the years are passing. These annual milestones come around all too quickly. How can this summer be over? How can my little ones already be in first and third grade? How can they already be so damn tall?

It makes me realize the value in appreciating the moment, embracing the journey and not wasting any time with disappointments or complaints. Let the new school year begin with triumphant applause. And let us boldly move forward with the milestones, as fast and fleeting as they seem.

It’s all good.
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As the temperature headed into the mid-90s today, the rascals and I made a beeline for Twistee Treat. She enjoyed the strawberry-vanilla swirl in a cup while he chose the cookies-and-cream shake. I stuck to a chocolate cone. It was an experience far more valuable than the five bucks I handed over.

"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy the ice cream while it's on your plate." - Thornton Wilder
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