It’s amazing what a 3-hour drive will do to calm your tensions and anxieties. When we left Baltimore around 3 p.m., each of us was a little stressed about getting ready for the trip, packing, and taking care of last-minute needs around the house. As we headed toward Ocean City, MD, however, we could feel those tensions falling away with each passing town. By the time we reached the Rte. 50 bridge over the Isle of Wight bay that serves as the gateway to Ocean City, all of us had long-forgotten those worries that plagued us 160 miles to the northwest.

We are here in OC thanks to a most gracious gift from a family back home. I have had the honor to teach their children for the last 7 years, and they offered their condo to us in appreciation for the work we’ve done over the years.  To say we are grateful is quite an understatement; they have given a great gift to our own children, and we thank them.

After we unpacked our bags, I immediately set up the laptop to tap into my beloved world and friends across the globe. What shocked me most, though, was that I learned on Facebook that a wonderful friend, whom I have not seen in 10 years, was down here as well. Thanks to iPhones, Blackberries, and Facebook, we had reunited within the hour on the boardwalk at 8th street.

Andi and I have known each other since our awkward days in elementary school. She is absolutely one of the most wonderful individuals on this blessed earth, and I am so happy that we were able to see each other, even if it was for a few minutes.

As we walked along the boardwalk, Amy took wonderful pictures along the way with her brand new Blackberry Tour. Here are just a few pictures that captured “opening night” of our vacation in OC…