Traffic was stopped on I-95 South.

Unfortunately, this is how most of our ride looked. From the split onto 40, through Benson, all the way to Fayetteville, and then past Fayetteville, lots of bumper to bumper, with no apparent cause. It was a relatively quiet ride, though Julie had to hop from the front to the back more than a couple times to entertain our little monkey.

Traffic was finally clear on I-74 however...

After splitting off 95, the ride on 74 was clear and scenic. There’s a part of me that never tires of driving down country roads. The old farm houses have an egalitarian quality that is difficult to to quantify… there is a feeling of quiet pride, and silent humility. These structures, much like the people who inhabit them, know just where they belong, and they’re comfortable with that.

This was the fantastic view from the Ocean Creek condo (10th floor)

After four and a half hours on the road, this was the view that greeted us from the balcony. A moments walk to the Atlantic, which I have every intention of thoroughly abusing, and more than likely, getting burnt beyond recognition.

The 'Little Italy' was delicious.

Across the street from our place we grabbed a quick, late bite for dinner… Yuengling on tap never disappoints.

The wifi signal was strong on the porch...

Finally, here I am. Sitting on the balcony, listening to the quiet roar of the ocean, with Erynn sleeping in our room and the rest of the family inside. I’d say it was a pretty good day, and with any luck, I’ll have a ton of pictures tomorrow.

Cheers everybody, and if I don’t get another moment tomorrow, Happy Independence Day.

This is the funnest thing I've ever done.

I absolutely love being a father, and a husband. Things have been so crazy, and busy that I haven’t even found the time to blog about it. I hope to find the time over the weekend to write something extensive on the last nine months. In the meantime, I had to share this image.

Here are the previous babyBlogs for your perusal: Arrival, Visitation & Recovery, and Acclimation. Much love.

You don’t have to have a $5,000 camera setup to create images. You don’t have to travel to Europe or South America to find beautiful scenery. You don’t have to look far at all to find beauty. There is beauty in simplicity and it doesn’t get more simple than a camera phone. See. Create. Slow down.

In the past couple weeks I’ve stopped when things caught my eye, and snapped a pic. Some of my favorites are below.

Trees over Lawrence Road

Erynn enjoying some breakfast with daddy

Erynn loving our new shag rug with her stuffed friends

Alyssa looking all cool after a Big Ed's breakfast

Today We say Goodbye, to a Dear friend

Mr. Coffee Pot died at approximately 6:30 A.M. Tuesday morning. Mr. Pot leapt to his death in the Land of Pantry, giving no warning and leaving no note.

Other members of the Braun family state that Mr. Pot was, “Worried about that Bodum lady…” Coffee was referring to recent speculation that Mrs. French Press would be taking over Mr. Pot’s position within the Pantry Cabinet. Recent accusations of poor taste and incompetency, have not been formally addressed by the current Administration, but there have been several recent closed-door meetings between the Bodum family and the President of Pantry.

Due to the nature of the accident, there will be no public viewing. However, friends and supporters of Mr. Pot are encouraged to make donations, in his name, to the ‘No Architect Without Coffee’ campaign. The nonprofit was a favorite of Mr. Pot’s, and he was known to volunteer many hours of public service to the institution. He leaves behind two cousins, Mr. Food Processor, and Mrs. A. Blender.

No word on a time frame for the filling of that Cabinet position at this time, and the Executive branch could not be reached for further comment except for this press release issued earlier today.

The Executive is deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Pot, and our hearts are with the Braun family in this difficult time.

Today, we’re all Coffee Pots.

Recovery

I joke a lot about coffee, and my love for the stuff… but on a more serious note, I really do love my morning cup, and the occasional fellowship that comes with going out and having a cup with a good friend. So, what is a guy to do after such a thing? This $30.00 coffee maker had a really good run, but it’s time for an upgrade.

Before we get to that, I’d like to take a moment to revel in my temporary solution, a Bodum travel press purchased for a camping trip a couple years back. This wonderful device lets you make a great cup of press coffee  anywhere that you can get a hold of some hot water.

I love it dearly… and in  fact, had forgotten just how great a cup of coffee this little gem puts out! With that said, I plan to move onward, and upward toward a full eight cup Chambord French Press by Bodum. Hopefully, at, or around Christmas.

I’m still weighing the pros and cons of this versus other models. It’s not the cheapest press on the market. IKEA, for example, sells one for $12.99. Also, I’ve heard some horror stories about these being easily broken. Bodum puts out several other designs, but there is something about the original that I just can’t shake. I think it’s the simple, functional, clean lines. It’s everything it needs to be, and nothing more. No hi-tech impact resistant rubber surround, no polycarbonate outer shell to keep you from breaking the glass… Just glass, steel, and the perfect cup of coffee.

I’d also like to throw in a milk frother to match if possible.

Alas, for now these are just dreams. We shall see how holiday budgets shake out, and if these tasty little indulgences fit within said budget. If not, I will continue to thoroughly enjoy every cup of coffee made in my little travel press…