A Family of Mermaids

Last year, Conner, Hugh and I joined 97 other Patriotic Americans and marched naked down Orient Beach wrapped in red, white and blue ... body paint. It was Conner's idea that we celebrate his birthday this way. Hania and Patty wanted nothing to do it with so we went without them. I grew up on the Stand Up for America Day in Port Wentworth, Georgia but celebrating Independence Day in St. Martin was a lot more interesting. Carlos, my friend and manager of Papagayo's, put on a French version of an American meal. Hot dogs with creamy cheese glaze, french fries (because they're already French), Chocolate Mousse and bottles of Pouly Fousse wine. I love Carlos because he tries so hard. It was as American as the French can do. I don't remember who drove me home that night. Home is a fifteen feet walk from the restaurant on a sandy road covered with Palm Trees. Conner has no idea who drove him home either. The last thing I remember was Hugh dancing with his hands over his head ... which is never a good sign. It was also the last time I was in St. Martin alone. This year, I'm back doing it all the American way. After grilling hamburgers and hot dogs last night, Sarah and the kids walked with me to the beach for the fireworks. In spite of the City of Tybee's front page announcement that anyone visiting the island would be ticketed, a decent crowd showed up. Entrepeneurs were selling Glow Sticks while people sat on their coolers. In typical Tybee fashion, the fireworks were late. It didn't matter. The rising full moon erupting from the ocean put on a better show anyway. Afterwards, we all walked home holding hands talking on a paved street lined with Palm Trees. Neighbors threw their arms around us saying how good it is we're back. Goddess and Winston, the little gay dog, welcomed us into our new home. Over the past few weeks, we've redone mostly everything about it. It is now a simply elegant Beach House that you can wash down with a hose if it gets too dirty. Later, I texted Conner and Hugh trying to make plans for another adventure. The Carnival of Friends have suddenly become strangely conservative and Prudish. Jeremy and my brilliant daughter-in-law Marie are laying low. Kristen is too. Chelsea and Sam are working away in Atlanta which is a horrible way to spend the 4th of July. As the night moved towards day, I sat on the Beloved Back deck with my feet propped on rail and Goddess laying at my feet. Cassidy walked out in a pink bath robe with Winston, the little day dog. "Mike," she sweetly asked, "Can I sit with you? Because I always sit with you." She crawled in my lap and propped her feet on my feet which were still on the rail. She asked me if I wanted some of her bubble gum. I asked her if she wanted a sip of wine. Laughing, we both declined. Today, it's back to the beach with this family of Mermaids that now surround me. Friends are making plans to visit. The grill is begging to be used again. Fran's thousand shades of green are dancing in delight. A Palm Tree with oyster eyes, a coconut bra and a grass skirt is smiling with the sun in its hair. I had a blast last year being an expadriate on the 4th of July and will likely do it again before I die. But this year is better. Happy 4th everyone! Oh ... and Conner ... Happy Birthday.