Happy 19th Birthday, Girlies!

Last Thursday, the girls made 19! Can you believe it? I can't! Lisa made them the perfect cake again this year, and we celebrated with a little taco salad party at our house ~ Love you, girls! Many, many more!

Can't Get Right~

Years ago, there was some crazy movie, and in it was this character named "Can't Get Right". Over the years, we've often revised his name for various occasions/people for various reasons. Well, for the last 3 weeks and counting, I, dear friends, "can't get right". Since my simple little surgery, I just havn't been the same. I know, I know. You have to allow your body to heal. And that hasn't actually been all that bad. A lot of soreness, etc. But, nothing major after the first few days, or so. However, I've come to the conclusion that it has caused severe hormonal changes that have been more than a little difficult to live with for all parties involved. No one has come right out and said anything, but I get the general feeling I've been a little moody. The next day, I may be as bubbly and giggly as a high school cheerleader. The next, the Coke commercial may make me cry. And the days, it seems, upon days of gloomy depression. Feeling like I just couldn't get out of my own way, and didn't want to try.

Then, last Sunday, Wayne and I had been out in the boat all day, just riding, fishing and piddling away the day. I had been doing fine. I was inside getting a shower and cleaning up while he was outside cleaning the boat up. As I was unpacking the boat bag, I smelled my beach had to see if it needed washing, etc. WRONG MOVE. Apparently it had gotten in the way of the bait. I don't know, but the smell immediately tossed my cookies, and until today, exactly one week later, what I have been able to eat would have fit in that hat. And it seems that it's the smells that bother me the most. I've had other symptoms, etc. but the undaunting nausea has been a real butt kicker. I haven't been this sick for this long since I was first pregnant with the girls. Geez!

Now, I know what you're thinking, but it's NOT possible. Well, let me correct that by saying we've all read the Bible and impossible, I guess, isn't plausible, but at this house, I'm telling you it's impossible without His intervention.  But, after talking it over with some of the girls at work, that's exactly what it's been like. My body has been convinced I've been pregnant. LOL! Little does it know ~

I'm feeling much better this afternoon, and after a solid week of the nausea, am hoping that, at least, has passed, and I do feel a LOT more chipper. But, poor old Wayne has had to handle a lot. He even had to plan the girls birthday supper last week. I just couldn't make muster ~ Thanks, Hon! You're the best, and we will see the other side of this yet!

I'm here ~

Not much to allow, and don't feel like it anyway. Will catch up later ~

Update on me

Had my follow-up visit yesrerday with Dr Gerard, and all pathology came back benign. Yay! Seems my problems are being caused by endometriosis (sp?). At this point, we're waiting to see if things will return to normal on their own. If not, she'll medicate and see if they'll return to normal, etc. I have to go back in November for a repeat pap, and at that point I'm really gonna push for the hysterectomy. She's explained that if the meds dont work, that's the alternative. It would be a total, since the ovulation causes the pain/problems, so there's a possiblility I'd have to be on hormones (or be crazy). But, if you've got to take pills one way or the other, I'd rather take pills and not have to deal with a cycle. So...

The girls are headed to Athens with the Pearce's for their first GA game. Look out Athens! Wayne, Pepe and I are headed to Da's for the weekend. Am SO looking forward to that! So, catch ya'll on the flip ~

Well, yeah...

Same stuff, different day around here. Mostly. Thankfully at the condo most every weekend still. Least till the night temps drop. NOT looking forward to that. What ever will we do with ourselves? Had a crows for Labor Day. The Howards stayed with us, and Jeremy. Met the Baxter's at St Catherine's. And had all over for a low country boil. The girls found a manatee at the beach that demanded human contact. It was super neat. He'd come up under their feet and want them to rub him. He'd float up to the surface, and when they touched him, he'd roll onto his belly for them to rub him. They were thrilled!

Michael, Lisa, Da & Syb came over in Sapelo Sally. The had a little delay and the weather was trying to poo up, so they headed back rather quickly (well, with a stop at Barbour to see Misti's baby). Hope they'll come back soon so we can take them around to Belvedere to Pandy's house. I'm really looking foward to getting to see Pandy's house... LOL!

Wayne's in push mode again (not that he really comes out) about building the house. I REALLY want it, too, but it's SO scary! Especially since my salary keeps going down, down, down. Health insurance is going up another 20% in January, they say ~

I'm home today, drinking the dreaded "clean out" stuff. Having a little surgery in the am. A D&C with hysterscopy and laprascopy. Other than the D&C, it's exploratory. Wayne's not happy. He doesn't understand why my dr won't just do a hyterectomy. She's very holistic, and considers that a last resort. But, things haven't been good for a long time, and if this isn't the answer, and she won't talk about it, I'm probably on the hunt for another OB/GYN. After 26 years with the same one, I'm sure it'll be a shocker. Anyway, it's gonna be a "crappy" day around here. LOL!

Let's go SHRIMPING!

It's getting that time of year! As Da says, "they've got the red traveling pants on"! We made our first trip into the sounds for the "big uns", and in just a little while picked us up 4 pounds or so. Enough for a REALLY good supper after we got back from Da's for our visit Saturday~

Sunday found us back at old faithful... St Caterine's. Jessica has a new friend who's been coming around. Not sure of an official status, but things sound hopeful ~ LOL! Anyway, Trey stays at his grandpa's at Half Moon a good bit of the time, and has his own little Whaler. So, he made the treck all the way to the southern tip of St Cat's to spend some time with us. It's nice getting to know him, and was really impressive to the pops that he could run a boat and navigate himself so well.

Before Trey's arrival, I had some old stale bread and buns to toss, so what better time, right? WRONG! It was just like a scene out of "The Birds"! LOL! But, fun nonetheless! Can't wait for our next trip out ~ Hopefully this next trip will bring in some Baxter's and Harris', and maybe even some Pearce's and Howard's. Holiday weekend and all ~

Go Braves!

Wayne and the girls attended their first Braves game Sunday, thanks to and going with the Pearces (Matt, Jacob & Shelby. Pooh gave up her ticket for Wayne). I think a good time was had by all ~

Vaca - Day 10 - Mon, Aug 8

Last day. So sad. Had an appointment at Dr Cobb's for some bloodwork, so Wayne and I headed out early, got a little Hardee's breakfast along the way. We are so sad... if there is a Hardee's within driving distance, we're on it!

Anyway, on the way home, I told Wayne I'd like to go to Statesboro. I still had my birthday gift card from Hobby Lobby (Ahhhhh ~ heaven's open. LOL!) And, Wayne had been wanting to hit Alltel and maybe get him a personal cell phone. That state Southern Linc stinks! So, off we went ~ very productive day. Got the rest of the stuff I wanted to finish decor-ing my living room. Wayne got his phone, and we hit Chick-fil-A to finish off the vacation ~

Lord, it sucked to go back to work on Tuesday!

Vaca - Day 9 - Sun, Aug 7

A wonderful day at St Catherine's with the Baxter's and Roy, Jr and crew. Roy had called on Saturday while we were at Da's, but we forgot to call him back until Sunday morning. He, his girlfriend and her 2 girls were coming down and wanted to meet up with us at the beach. It was nice meeting the girlfriend, and her 2 girls are DOLLS! Hope we get to see more of them in the weekends to come ~

They pulled out kinda early, but the Mobleys and Baxters held tight. The wind was so strong, and the surf was "narly" LOL! We'd lost our good anchor at the quarantine station Wednesday, so had only the old navy anchor, and it wasn't holding. At one point, Wayne was actually standing on the anchor holding the boat trying to keep it from beaching. No luck! We ended up pulling behind the beach in the creek and still ended up tying to David's boat. Gotta get to West Marine and get a new one before the weekend!

We decided to head on back to Glennville a day early. Needing to prepare ourselves for the week to come ~ So sad to leave!

Vaca - Day 8 - Sat, Aug 6

It was just too unmercifully hot, and hadn't been to see my daddy all week. So, we collected the Baxter clan and set out on a day trip for Sapelo. We had such a wonderful visit! Da and Grandma are doing okay, it seems. I worry about them both so much. Syb and her blood sugar, etc. Daddy seems to be having more of those "spells". But, his pacemaker kicks in and keeps him going. Can't say this is a good thing, excactly. Wish there were just no spells at all. His hip is killing him at present. But, hard head won't even talk about going to the doctor. Says he knows they'll just tell him he's old and his hip is gone and needs replacement, and he's just not willing to talk about that. Love my Da, and just want him happy, so I don't push.

We had decided upon our return to Gould's, we were all gonna hit the Buccaneer Club we thought. Well, on the way home, we ran into 4 guys on jet skis who stopped us asking where they could by gas. They were trying to get to Thunderbolt. Yeah, you read that right. Thunderbolt! Don't know where they had put in, but they had exhausted their on-board fuel, and were getting low in the extra tanks they'd packed. Now, this was about 10 minutes to 6pm on at Saturday night, and we were floating just out from the quarantine station, Blackbeard Island, Sapelo Sound. Closest gas? 20 minutes to Shellman. Reckon Ronnie & Gay-bo will be staying late? NO! LOL! Well, one of the guys had a smart-phone (smartest thing in the crowd, ask me), so he pulled up Shellman Marina, called and told them the story and they agreed to wait on them to get there. So, we lead them in to Shellman and wished them luck. I've gotta get with Ronnie and find out if they stayed the night, or filled up and tried to make it in the dark... Will try to give an update when I find out.

Anyway, in the midst of all that hoo-ha, Brother Dave decided it was going to be too late for him to go to the Buccaneer, so we kinda dogged it off. But, after we hit Gould's, the phone rings, plans commence with the baths (LOL!) and we were at the Bucc before 8:30. It was delish! And enjoyed the company so very much!

Vaca - Day 7 - Fri, Aug 5

Florida bound, baby! Thanks to Carla Rush, we managed to get the girls tickets at Marineland to swim with the dolphins! I know, don't they do that every weekend? LOL! Well, not exactly like this ~ WHAT at experience!

And the end to end all ends.... Making out with a dolphin!

Whoa there, Megan. No tongue!

God's gracious creature ~ thanks, Cokie!

Oh, yeah. The girls are gonna kill me, but, LOL! Objects may seem larger through glass ~ LOL!



Hit the Santa Maria Restaurant (not our Santa Maria, of course) for another late lunch. The Santa Maria is actually on the water, not water front, at the Marina, old downtown St Augustine. What a beautiful area! We've already made plans for a girls trip back down there in the fall for some shopping!

Other than good food, the neat thing about Santa Maria is that the window sills are lined with "flaps", and the waiter brings you baskets of bread. Now, dummy me thought we were feeding birds... No. Catfish! By the bazillion!

While eating and enjoying the activies and view, it did bring on "wonder whose yacht's those are, and if they have sons/grandsons that are single?" LOL! My poor girls... they haven't got a chance with us! LOL!

Vaca - Day 6 - Thurs, Aug 4

Didn't even take my camera! What was I thinking? LOL! A friend of ours owns/lives on Bird Island, an 8 acre island just southeastish of Barbour. He's been asking us to come visit for a year of more so he could show us his island. So, this was the day. Steven is a dock builder by trade, and we really didn't know what to expect, but it was terrific! His description was it was about 40 docks all mangled together. And, while I can see that, it was just facinating! They collect all kinds of "stuff". Whether it washes ashore on their island or beach, or if he finds it in his piling digging, etc. with work. Everywhere you looked there was something interesting! Next time, I promise I'll take the camera!

It was only about 3900 degrees, and I got a little over heated and had to be scurried off the island back to the condo. Crappy end to a great day, but maybe Steven and Mindy will have us back out ~ LOL!

Vaca - Day 4 & 5 - Tues & Weds, Aug 2-3

Tuesday and Wednesday were full of nothing much. Just chillaxing and riding and enjoying. Hit Barbour for some ice (Thanks, Ronnie & Lynn!)

Rode 5 miles off shore. Still can't believe how much clearer the water is ~ We could see the prop on the boat and then some ~

We took our stale bread and doughnuts out (I know, crazy! Who has stale Krispy Kreams?) We usually toss them at high tide at our bluff (to encourage fish/shrimp, LOL!) But, for whatever reason, we had it in the boat, so tossed it out. Way out. LOL! The poor floating KK's didn't have a chance! The ripple hadn't passed yet before... yep, that's a black tip shark nipping him some icing! Okay. I think we've all decided that swimming out there just isn't the thing to do ~ LOL!

You know I love me a pelican. So, heading in, I had the change for a nice shot ~ We certainly live in God's beautiful world!

The girls had picked up some new polish, so had to get shots of that. Yeah, that a bee and it's trail along the other toes. Jessica is getting quite good at designs, if anyone's interested. I'm sure she could be bought. LOL!

What funky feet! LOL! Anyway, we ended up riding over Shellman way. Our old stomping grounds... Thought I'd get a shot of the end of Harris Neck. It's not likely to look like this much longer. There are developers with great plans, it seems. The design plan I've seen looks like another St Simons village. Kinda sad ~

Had some grooming to do ~ LOLOL! (Wayne's gonna KILL me)

Caught 'em a tiny blowfish at the dock ~

And a decent bonnet head in the Todd River ~

Got to witness a most beautiful sunset, also in Todd ~

And an absolutely beautiful night-ride back to the condo ~ Isn't that what vacation is for? Moving at your own pace?

Vaca - Day 3 - Mon Aug 1

I'd picked up a deal on Savannah Hot Deals and we were off to Tybee for paddleboarding lessons. Let me first say, I can't stand Tybee. It's so crowded, and you have to pay to park even at the Arby's. It's just ridiculous! Now, that out of the way, the girls had a GREAT time!

They even picked up a new friend along the way ~ It was priceless! This dolphin (obviously used to humans) followed them along, and even stopped to swin amongst some folks on the beach.

After much ado about parking, and the fact we were NOT going to eat outside, we settled on a late lunch at the Rock House. It was delish! Our vacation goal was to not eat at places we'd already been if at all possible, so this was our second eating expedition of the week, and another success.

Vaca - Day 2 - Sun, July 31

Happy 40th, Chick! Wasn't there, but gave her a call ~ hope it was a great one!

We spent the day at St Catherine's with the Pearce's. Beautiful day! The kids decided to do a little float fishing (yeah, they didn't learn anything from Jessica's earlier experience). Low and behold after a couple of whiting, etc., Megan hooks her a shark. As she's trying to get it in (without it getting her) it manages to bump Jessica on the butt through her float, and brush by JP's legs ~ LOL! You should have seen the activity that ensued! Priceless!

Vaca - Day 1 - Sat, July 30

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 23 years I've been married to that man... wouldn't change a thing! Spent the day wandering around St Simons. Had a late lunch at Barbara Jean's ~ world's best crab cakes, must say. Didn't have room for the chocolate stuff, maybe next time ~

Wandered around some more before hitting Island Cinemas for the new (and last, sigh...) Harry Potter. It was just as great as I expected! Can't wait for it to come out on video, and our collection will be complete!

Catching up... again.

Going on vacation next week, so I decided I'd better catch up, 'cause I'm anticipating some stories to tell ~

Ok. Let's start with last Thursday. Jessica and I were in the living room. She, watching NCIS. Me, reading. Wayne was at the gym, and Megan was in the back of the house. We heard this load noise, and I looked up and asked Jessica what it was. She said, "Oh, it was Megan closing the shower door." Ok. Whatever. When Wayne came in, he was all excited wanting to know what we were doing? Had we called GA Power? Jessica and I just looked at each other, and he said come with me...

We lost one of our beloved Bradford Pears! And it fell on the power line, breaking the service pole on the roof and digging a hole in the roof!  Within the hour, we had GA Power and Lim Waters assessing the damage, and by 10ish Friday morning. Lim had repaired his part, Walter Ray had sent a crew and fixed the roof area, and GA Power had been back to put power back to the house. LOVE that small town life!

Oh, yeah, you read that right. GA Power cut the power off Thursday night due to hazerdous conditions. So, we called in Mema, and she and Tonya formulated a plan ~ Tonya moved over to their house, and left us hers. LOVE our family!

Sooooo ~ got a huge mess to clean up on a Friday. If we wait to do it Saturday morning when it's cool, we'll miss a weekend at the coast. What to do....? My poor husband and girls braved the 240 degree heat (nearly), and heat stroke to get it cleaned up by 4. Now, this is what the end of that looked like ~

Megan stayed home to go canoeing and church with Jeremy. So, Jessica humored the old folks and spent the weekend with us at the condo. And God's place it truly was ~

Yeah, that's a beauty of a storm brewing. But, we got to the condo just as the big fat drops started falling. Not going to complain... Lord, we need the rain!

Sunday, the Baxter's had made their 18 hour trip to the coast (LOL) and we joined them at St Catherine's for a beauty of a day. Ran into some porpoise on the way. Must have been more than 20 in the pod, one even making several complete jumps out of the water ~ LOVE our God's creatures!

Jessica had some excitement Saturday, fishing out of the beach float tied to the back of the boat... She'd caught several whiting and a couple of croakers. And then... she hooked something that had the float pulling this way and that. She didn't think it was very funny, and her daddy had to rescue her from a rather large sting ray. LOL! I think she's re-thinking that float-fishing where your feet and butt are in the water and you can't get out real quick. LOL!

So, then Sunday we were all talking about supper and this place and that. Jessica allowed that the last time just Megan came off with us, we took her to Longhorns. Now, I don't remember that, but with just enough pressure on the old man, and some batting doe eyes... Outback on St Simons was "on our way home". LOL!

The "New" Boat

We've been on the lookout for a small paddle boat or canoe type boat. Something we can turn over and leave on the bluff for easy access when the tide is high. Well, Saturday, before the rain set in, our "new to us" boat took it's maiden voyage from Gould's Landing.

They were a little tenative to begin with, and a trip to Brunswick later for an additional paddle. But, everyone voted it a go. Thanks, Fred!

Paddling Ms Megan? LOL! Pooh Jeremy! Just as the rain started to set in, too...

Even big boy tried it out. I can see a lot of time in that thing with a fishing rod or cast net. Can't wait!

Oh, and naturally didn't have my camera handy, but I actually got to see our dolphin feeding in front of our place on Sunday. What a glorious site. The dolphin, the hawk catching fish, my new swarm of hummingbirds. God is GREAT!

Happy 15th, my Yeah-Yeah!

Masonic Kids Beach Trip 2011

Came off without a hitch. Well, the bus did break down at the beach, but no problem. Da had another one within minutes, and we were off again. Had 19 boats this year, with 29 kids from the home and staff kids. GREAT day. Just as they were leaving the hunt camp for the return trip, caught a nice thunderstorm that just made things interesting, but it had cleared up by he time they hit Doboy Sounds. Got all the buses cleaned and back in their homes. The beach pavillion and cook site cleaned up, and you'd never know we had ever been there. 'Course there's always Bitchin' Bob. This year he's taken it to a new level, and got the kids involved in switching the trip back to Blackbeard. He must not remember the last trip when he had to be pushed up the dune... and he hasn't seen it lately. That back-side dune is 25 feet straight up if it's an inch. Oh, well, we've concluded he has some kind of bus phobia, or something. But, the lodge will make the decision, I guess, next year. Sure did hurt Da's feeling, once again. And superbly ticked me off. Hope I don't see him until I have a chance to simmer down... Anyway, here's some of my favorite pix ~

Whatever he's telling you, Yeah-Yeah... take it with a grain of salt ~ LOL!

And then, this morning, we get this site... Da said this is what happens when gas prices go so high... Yep! That's Michael Sands on a bicycle ~

All jokes aside... I'm so very proud of my sister-in-law, Lisa. She has lost so much weight, and changed her diet so that she is eating so very healthy. She's an inspiration ~ not too much though, as Da had us bacon, pancakes and Grandma's famous grits for breakfast. Da says it took 65 years for that one artery to clog and he doesn't figure he has another 65, so he'll do what he pleases, thank you. LOL! Had a GREAT weekend with Da, Grandma, Michael, Lisa, Stacy, Monica, Dalton and my crew. Haven't laughed so much in a very long time. Thanks! Love you all!