Virginia Beach

  • Saluting All Military Children

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    Recently I learned that April is the Month of the Military Child and I wanted to write about this before the month ended. The Defense Department reports there are more than 1.6 million military children who face challenges because of their parents’ service. I never really thought about this before but it’s come to light…

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  • What Makes Summer So Special?

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    Why is summer so special for some of us? I say “some” because I know not everyone loves summer as much as I do. Many people prefer Fall, some Spring and the occasional oddball looks forward to Winter every year. What’s wrong with some people? Kidding. I’m kidding. This week brought the arrival of summer.…

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  • When One Door Closes

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    This past Friday my son, Matt, and I did the final episode of our podcast. I guess I shouldn’t say “final” because you never know. We started the show two years ago, June 1, 2021. The show was actually Matt’s idea. I had been in Virginia Beach providing daycare for my grandson Liam. If you…

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  • Thanksgiving Changes Through The Years

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    When I think back to Thanksgiving Day when I was young (yes I have a few memories from that far back), I seem to remember each Thanksgiving being about the same. My mom would cook for days. We would all eat with me and my cousins sitting at the kids table. Then we would play…

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  • When Is It Too Soon To Decorate For Christmas?

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    We just might be in for a battle here at Braley Manor. In case you don’t know, my daughter and grandson are living with us for a few months while her husband is away on deployment. It’s really been wonderful having them. I get to spend a lot of time with my grandson and I…

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  • A Busy Boy in Massachusetts

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    Hi everyone! It’s me, Liam, reporting from Massawhoosetts….or Massawhatsits…well…Grammy’s house! I thought we were just here for a sleepover but this has been a wicked long sleepover. (Grampy told me to use the word “wicked.” I don’t know why.) Mommy told me to remind you that my daddy is away on that big Navy boat.…

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  • Once The Weather Turns All Is Forgotten

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    I was thinking about this the other day, as I sat in the yard in the sun: Once the weather turns all is forgiven. In case you’re a new reader I’ll say it again… I hate March in New England. I’ve written a few blogs about this in the past. You get all excited because…

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  • Do You Believe In Signs?

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    Red Cardinal

    I come to you from Virginia Beach again on this Sunday. Kind of feels like my home-away-from-home after spending so much time here with Liam a year ago. I’m happy to say that we seem to fall right back into place when I see him. I’ve left some clothes and toiletries here so it makes…

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  • Raising ”Bitty?”

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    Hi everyone! It’s me, Liam, and I feel like I haven’t talked to you in a forever! I just had a great visit with Grammy and Grampy, even though I prefer to call them Bitty and Betty. More on that in a couple of minutes. (Bitty tells me that’s a tease. Hee hee!) I think…

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  • And They’re Back!

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    January 23,2022 by Pete Braley Yes it’s true: They’re baaaack! What’s that, you ask? Well that would be the winter blues! I wasn’t here for the blues last year. I was still in Virginia Beach playing Grampnanny for my grandson Liam. Not that they have tropical winters and actually, they had 4 or 5 inches…

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