The Mariner

[Beach Boy]

My daughter, son-in-law, and grandson stayed at the Mariner condominiums last week. The wife and I spent two days and one night with them. We really enjoyed our time spent with the them.

I want to comment about the Mariner, but first I want to comment on condominiums in general. I don't like them especially the high rises that block the view of the beach and, in some cases, the sky but the Mariner is an exception. The Mariner is three stories and shaped in a semi-circle. Within the semi-circle is a big grassy area with a pool. The grassy area allows kids to play like kids. I saw kids and some adults playing kick ball, wiffle ball, soccer, football, golf, lacrosse, etc. My three year old grandson spent most of his time while we were there outside kicking his soccer ball, kicking his Nerf football, and practicing his golf swing with his plastic golf club and balls. When they got hot, the kids jumped in the pool. With the exception of the pool, this is how I spent my childhood.

I loved the family atmosphere. Because the kids played together, the families got to know each other. My daughter said that after we left she and my son-in-law got to know several of the people in the complex and really enjoyed talking to them. This is the way it should be.

Oh, I failed to mentioned -- there is a beautiful beach. To me, the beach was an afterthought. I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the beach which is a big thing for someone nicknamed Beach Boy.