A perfect storm...I do love a perfect storm, as do most people who are spectators.  There's something about seeking shelter and watching nature thrashing about angrily; then gradually the world comes back to its supreme balance.  We had a perfect storm in Coastal NC on Saturday, right after we arrived home from a great day at the beach. 

It was a classic day on the coast, the kind that stops time.  My nieces, ages 4 and 7, were excited about doing all the typical beachy things, and we did!  We built a sandcastle, jumped waves, looked for shells and sharks teeth, and just relaxed.  As the afternoon wore on we noticed the wind beginning to whip up the sand and the big billowy clouds getting thicker and darker.  Not wanting to leave, but knowing the urgency, we picked up our equipment and headed inland.

Traveling on highway 24 we stopped along the way home at the local seafood shop, which is iconic, and I will have to tell you of this treasure later.  Scallops were on our dinner menu.  I couldn't resist snapping a picture of the girls, their hair wild with abandon lingering at the water's edge where the shrimp boats jutted around on the angry water.  The girls did not seem alarmed in the least bit; too young to be aware of the approaching danger. 

While I made a satisfying dinner of shrimp and scallops, the girls played happily, while the torrential downpour occurred outside.  It was a fantastic evening.  Good times with family, good food, and the perfect storm.