Post Spring Break!
In an effort to get back on track in our (Kathy & I) writing sequence, I will continue to “sass” some more this week about Spring Break in Savannah with the Girl Scouts of Troop 18013, of which my daughter Robyn is part, and my “tagalong” son, Jacob.
Last week I wrote to you from the road in the midst of all the activity in and about our escapades in the historic city but this week it’s from the “rear view” perspective.
The kids and I are pretty familiar with the coastal city. We lived there for a few years and we visit often but undoubtedly we discover something new each time whether it’s a new business opened or an old fact we didn’t know.
For instance, on our most recent trip I learned that Tomochichi, the Yamacraw Indian Chief that assisted Englishman James Oglethorpe upon his arrival from England, was buried “under” the monument and tomb of William W. Gordon on Wright Square in Savannah. Tomochichi also gave the land to Oglethorpe on which Savannah was built.
Apparently when Tomochichi died in 1739 he was given a proper Indian rock burial on Wright Square, not near his huge rock monument situated on the rim of the square, but in the center. Well when Mr. Gordon, a local businessman, died in 1842 town folk though he should be buried on one of the squares so they removed the rock mound from Tomochichi’s grave and placed Mr. Gordon there. Interesting, I thought.
As I said before our last Spring Break was shared with the Girl Scouts (of another troop) as well without my little tagalong which is such a fitting nickname for him because like his favorite Girl Scout cookie he is chocolatey and gooey. This year I was prepared to opt out, let Robyn handle this one on her own while Jacob and I headed to Florida.
However, he very much wanted to visit the Gordon Low Birthplace since his class had just wrapped up a study of the Girl Scout founder. And to be quite honest, if ever a boy deserved to be an honorary Girl Scout and do the tour it would be my son. He has been immersed in Girl Scouts for the last six years attending meetings, even earning badges, and working cookie booths like he baked them himself.
Quite honestly he has probably sold, and eaten, more cookies than some Girl Scouts. For years he has hustled selling cookies by his sister’s side and even in her absence. So you are probably thinking why not Boy Scouts? Well we approached the idea last year when he became eligible and he waffled back and forth. He asked if Boy Scouts sold cookies to which I said no they sell popcorn.
And then I explained the Pinewood Derby which he has experienced somewhat with the Girl Scouts Raingutter Regatta which he has done several times. He never seemed real enthused about the concept when he learned of no cookie sales and we were supposed to do a couple of trial meetings last Fall but life has kept us pretty busy and it was not one of his priorities so we will shoot for sometime this year.
Anyway, after a very active beginning to our break with at least seven downtown tours, he and I were ready for some down time so we departed their scout activities on Tuesday to rest up for the beach and science center on Wednesday.
All in all it was a good break for all. They got beach time, despite the chill and rain showers. We all ate at our favorite local seafood restaurant while discovering some new ones and I added a new Wet Willies cup to my collection.
Whereas I am usually overwhelmed on Sunday from our breaks this time was not the case. I had washed up most of our dirty laundry in Savannah so there was no loads of laundry to sift through when we got back. And usually our trips back are stop-and-go with pop in visits to family and friends along the route but this time there was none of that because no one was available during our drive time, so we got back during good day light hours with time enough to prep for our back-to-normal Monday morning school routine.