28 years and counting

While at Jessica and our son in law's, You know who and I reached the milestone of 28 blissful years of marriage. We got a little crazy, we went kayaking. Jess and Uber were game. We all had a blast. First was learning to coordinate our rowing. We had to unlearn some bad habits we'd picked up oh, about, 28 years ago while using a canoe. That accomplished we went, I think, about 6 miles to the ocean and back again.
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Look, we are totally in sync..... my paddle is backwards. Maybe that's why it was hard....
This guy understands the word relaxation.
To the ocean and beyond.......

Beautiful scenery and strange birds.


Jess and I were just talking about how strange it is to enjoy doing something for fun that is such hard work. I think that's the way most of our lives should go. Work hard at what ever you do, fun, family, friends, you appreciate it more, it makes it special.
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Hey Babe, here's to 28 great years and hopefully at least that many more.

Gigging?

To catch flounder from a flat bottomed boat, using a multi pronged spear. Gigging normally starts at sunset. What's not to love about something that starts when the day is this gorgeous?

Meeting Capt. Mac. My wonderful son-in-law, booked us this tour from here. Capt. Mac has been guiding for several years. He is informative and very nice.

We started the trip with the outboard motor and when the fishing began, we were moved through the water with the large fan. I am sure it has a technical name but for me it is known as the large fan.

The scenery is gorgeous. I love the water.

This is the gig. At first Uber and You Know Who called it a trident but then decided that it is a pentadent. They are funny guys. Let me tell you. You'd think with such a large tool the fish wouldn't have a fighting chance. It's not as easy as that.

You stand on the side or front of the boat. You scan the water looking for this elusive shape. When you spot it, you must then thrust the spear and rock it back and forth to really catch the flounder.

The waiting is not a problem when you've got this to look at. I wish I could have captured all of the wildlife we saw. Herons in the water at night are breath taking. We also saw horseshoe crabs, needlefish, blue crabs, sea turtles, a stingray, and a lot of other crazy smaller fish that flew around the boat.

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Capt. Mac can steer the boat, spot the fish, and catch them all at the same time. It's a skill.

Looking through this is a bit tricky at times.

Waiting.

Watching.

Wondering.

In the end, Jessica and Capt. Mac were the only ones that landed fish. The rest of us had near misses. This isn't typical, normally everyone catches one, but that's the sporting part. Just like with other things in life, if it comes too easy you might not appreciate it as much. The whole thing was so much fun. I would do it again. Call Capt. Mac if you're near Amelia Island, FL and feel like having an adventure.

Full on Cute

This is what I did instead of combing my hair this morning. After I made the sailboat top, I really wanted to make the pants. I found some linen in my stash and it was exactly what I had imagined. What little one doesn't need a soft flowing pair of linen pants? I cannot say enough about these patterns. I hope she starts making patterns in my size. Start to finish it took me 2 1/2 hours. I even made it to work on time.........

Why are small things so cute?

I love these patterns. This woman is a genius. Her patterns are really cute and fairly simple. It took me two hours to sew this and I was talking on the phone at the same time. This is the easiest of the three patterns I have tried. I used the chambray we just got in at the shop. It sewed up like a dream. Seriously. Until I wrap it up and save it for an unknown someone, it will be hanging up in the store hoping to inspire.

Letting go

Mom's visit is at an end. So we've been in a quiet funk mood wise. I did what I usually do when I am in that mood, I started sewing. I knew I couldn't make anything, so I just started playing with my scraps. I've been saving them more lately, those little pieces that seem too small to do anything with. I've done a couple of those wonky log cabin squares. Trying them ala Denyse Schmidt and not over thinking the colors or placement. This is called string quilting. You do it on a foundation fabric that stays with the piece. It's kinda liberating. I tend to follow patterns so much. This was an exercise in letting go.