This, that and some other stuff

Warning: only the first couple of pictures are of projects. If you are adverse to seeing me and more of my family having fun, stop here. I'm serious. So, while we were out seeing East Coast family, I did manage to make a few things. So many projects, too little time. This first item is made from "Weekend Sewing" by Heather Ross. Jess had just this much fabric and so we modified them a bit. She also wanted a soft waistband with no elastic. I think the ribbing turned out well. Second project from "Weekend Sewing". Made with Art Gallery Fabrics by Patricia Bravo. I love the hand of her fabrics. We will try to get some for the shop. I made one of these for myself too. Jess is just cuter... I thought of this purse before I left. Got halfway through while I was gone and just finished it last week. I really like it. I think I"ll make another.

The crafting portion of this post has ended. Proceed at your own risk. Thank you.

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When we go to my in-laws, we go to the beach as much as possible. The beach on Topsail island is beautiful. Wide, sandy and full of treasure if you're willing to look. I love the beach. It's loud and peaceful. Sometimes I do silly things, like pretend to fly.

Treasure hunting occupies Jess and you know who far longer than me. They are perfectly content hunting together. For the longest time I couldn't find the silly things then they just start popping out of the sand.

Sharks teeth are what we hunt for. I am not sure why. Their cool and smooth, all worn down by the surf. Some are black, some lighter colors. Some are sharp enough to hurt when a certain someone pokes you with them.

Our first night there we got a record 94 teeth. There are bigger ones out there, some the size of your fist. OH! Yeah, that's why we keep looking......

I love this face.

My in-laws have managed to create a sanctuary in their yard. This is a small tribute to them. They started when they moved in, hmmmm, 6 years ago? Time flies. Over the past few years my brother and sister in law have also helped out. It's just lovely and I had to show it off. Should be in Better Homes and Gardens. There are three levels of decks, the middle made up like a living room.

The pond used to have big fish. Then a heron found out. Heron's apparently are voracious eaters of Koi. They managed to save some and found the survivors a new home.

Another of the outdoors "rooms" on a path out to the front.

Just one of the gorgeous hydrangyas my MIL grows.

These cone flowers are so cool. They bloom again on the top. Unfortunately it had rained, hard, and those were not doing so well.

Needless to say, it is a butterfly haven.

Last but definitely not least, please let me introduce you to Mercede. She is lovely. Next to my own Brinkley she might be the coolest dog ever.

This might be the last "family" post for awhile. I am really trying to get some creative work done. Life just keeps being so distracting.

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.