It's been a crazy few days with Maryvonne's illness and Vickie and Chantal flying off to France.

I went out on the balcony to relax and saw this thing on the fence - sure enough it was our tree frog Sandy. Sleeping away, so he can fill up on insects at night - then it dawned on me, the night that we saw him, he was returning from the light on the balcony - heading home.

Vickie's Mom - update

I have some strange, just a little hopeful news. I just got back from Vickie's house. Due to her Dad being so upset and some static on the line from France, there was a miscommunication. Her Mom is in a coma, on life support. Her father was able to give her CPR right away and her heart started again. They won't know till Sunday what the damage to her brain is because they need her heart to be more stable before they can run the tests. Vickie and Chantal couldn't get a flight out until Sunday morning. I apologize for the misinformation, but am glad to have at least a bit of hope for Maryvonne.

life (north)

I found a kayak off Craigslist, very happy about that. Very sad to hear the news today that an old friend from my days in California passed away last weekend. JB and I tended bar together in the wild and wonderful 80's. Would appreciate it if you could send a loving thought his way.

South

It's extremely odd, not having Susan around - I really miss my Sweetie! After 8 years of being together, it's very strange to be apart. Tonight we had a SKYPE date.

Susan's brother Bob told us about SKYPE probably over a year ago - it was a free way to call the Irvin clan as we were so separated geographicaly. We started using SKYPE to connect to Bill and Pam - in Richmond, Mom Irvin - in Richmond, Nancy and Bob- in Austin, Tex, and Bob Irvin - somewhere in the mountains of Costa Rica. We connected via microphones or cameras, whatever the parties had. The one's that didn't have webcams could see and hear us in a real time video feed; but, we could only hear them. SKYPE is free software - Wikipedia's description: peer-to-peer Internet telephony network founded by the entrepreneurs Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, also founders of the file sharing application Kazaa. All you need is a camera or microphone and of course speakers. SKYPE does help to make the distance seem a bit more tolerable when you can talk and see the person. The problem we were first experiencing, involved Susan's laptop that she took to Hampton. It was loaded with Microsoft Vista as an operating system and there are only a few cameras that support Vista. (Geek Talk - sorry) Susan and Steve (our neighbor and friend in Hampton) went looking for a webcam that functions on Vista. After installing the camera, I saw my Honey's face this week and we are now having SKYPE Dates!

Let us know if you get a camera and get SKYPE downloaded. The big SKYPE thing to remember when contacting us: put on your clothes.

still north

I tried Craigslist, now I'm down to begging.....does anyone have a kayak to spare that I could use while I'm in Hampton???? I could buy, rent, or borrow.....

north

Perhaps we'll have a north and south blog for a month? I got back this afternoon at 2ish. Our wonderful friend John Cox picked me up at the airport for which I'm so grateful. It is the one year anniversary of his dear sweet ladyfriend's (Pat) passing whose company we always enjoyed, and it is a rough day for him. The flights were okay, almost got bumped off the first one and the second one was sort of bumpy!!

I was feeling like I needed to reconnect here, so I had Mary Lou and Wayne, John, Steve, and Willis over for wine and cheese. Mike and Kate stopped by briefly. It feels good to be back to the familiar, yet I miss Wayne, the warmth, and the beautiful colors of the sky, water, flora, and fauna. I especially miss the palm trees (but not more than Wayne)!

Looking forward to sushi with "la belle jeune fille, Vickie, demain"

Bon soir!

heading north

Wayne's fallin' down on his picture posting duties! I took some shots of the yard the other day so that I can look at the blog and see them while I'm back up north. He'll probably put them up later. We had way too much fun on St. Patty's Day, missed being with everyone up at Nathan's though. I guess the bartenders thought they were doing us a favor by pouring a strong drink, but my head and tummy say differently today!

They closed Atlantic for a parade and during the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, the cops will look the other way regarding on the street drinking, only on St. Patty's Day. It was crazy! We just went to the beach for awhile, I wasn't ready to start so early and I wanted one last beach day till I get back. Around 5 we headed up town to see Nick, our favorite Delray bartender, at the Colony Hotel. As a bonus, we got to meet Candace, his girlfriend, who was helping out behind the bar because it was crazy busy. Things got off to a rocking start as Nick poured us all shots of tequila! Then we headed over to a local Irish pub, people were dancing in the streets, and all decked out in costumes, it was awesome.

The last stop was a British Pub here that is quickly becoming a favorite, the Blue Anchor- http://www.theblueanchor.com/. They disassembled the building in England, shipped it over here, and rebuilt it two blocks from our place, just over the IntraCoastal. These two pictures are from their website. We finally had something to eat there, fish and chips, what else? But I'm afraid it was a bit too late as we were pretty snockered by then! So we get home and Wayne crashes, and I do the obligatory drunk phone calling....how special....

After lolling around feeling bad in bed till almost noon, we just got back from a wonderful hangover cheeseburger at Boston's and then a stroll on the beach. There have been shark warnings all week as sharks migrate down the coast and no one was swimming. Then we saw a group of folks standing on the edge of the water. Of course we had to see what was up and it was SHARKS! Yes, Carly, real live sharks!

Back in Hampton tomorrow, looking forward to seeing everyone, but will miss my honey, the kitties, and the warmth!!

all set

Okay, I just got back from Fort Lauderdale where I got a queen mattress for the second bedroom and two very simple platform frames. So, make your reservations and come on down! I'll be coming back to Hampton from 3/19 - 4/19 to teach and Wayne'll be coming back for Easter, so plan accordingly! I know Wayne would love some company while I'm gone. As you all well know, he's not the loner like I am...

Scooter Pie

So, Scooter Pie has been topless for a week! No, not me, the real Scooter Pie, but the awesome Jeep ScutrPi! And as this is my first time trying to upload pics, sorry if it goes awry, but here are some from our first paddle and our first Florida party!! Our new friend Scottie Eggs, who you see

in the kayak pic next to Wayne, came to Wayne's birthday party tonight with his gal, Melissa. Scott took us on a great paddle, albeit somewhat like the first time Jimmy and Jay took us cross country skiing...we were so ready to be back...I made some awesome mango margaritas, if I do say so myself... the reason we're here, Shane the 6'7" dude in the party pics is the recruiter that found Wayne, our wonderful realtor Julie Evans, JEvans520@aol.com, came over with Tony, a very personable private investigator, our terrific neighbors Pete and Carol came over...sorry I got these way out of order, but I'm pooped...Will fix tomorrow if I've left anything out...nite nite

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contest

Okay, now I see what it takes to get you who are keeping tabs on us, but not posting comments, to post! So, maybe we should start a contest, whadyathink? For the most prevalent poster (I think Vickie is winning so far, but to be fair we'd have to start counting from now), how's about a plane ticket to come see us?? Haven't really run this by Wayne yet, so it's not official, just in the idea stages ; )

Going kayaking for the first time today. Have to take the Trooper to a public landing, but I can't wait! I'm having withdrawals....Wayne checked for me yesterday, alligators do not like saltwater. YIPPEE!! The IntraCoastal is gator free!!

We are having the three people we know over for a Birthday Party for Wayne this afternoon!! Won't be like our usual parties at Georgetown or the beach, but it's a start. Will take some pictures and post them tomorrow on his actual day!

Have a great weekend everyone! Color me on the IntraCoastal....

Another Theory - Jazz Theorem

Another of my Observational Theories in human psychology, is the Jazz Theorem.

Jazz Theorem: Anyone who really loves Jazz - and listens to a lot of Jazz - cannot sing very well. As a matter fact, the empirical evidence I have observed over the past few years indicates that a hard core Jazz lover cannot carry the proverbial "tune in a tin bucket". One exception, this theorem does not apply to the professional Jazz singer -

Give me your thoughts on this and help this study continue.

Surf Report - Yikes!!

Susan and I took a walk on the beach yesterday afternoon - water temperature and air temperature was 75 degrees. We wanted to go for a swim, but a quick glance at the life guard shack told us that was not a good idea. A red flag and a purple flag were flying. I questioned the Lifeguard as to the danger represented by the red flag - "Sharks" he said, Hundreds of them following the King Mackerel that are migrating - Bull Sharks, Reef Sharks, Hammerheads, and Spinner Sharks are airboarne! Purple flag for the Portuegues Man-of War that are "littering" the beach. This is the time of year for the "little blue bottles" to blow into shore with an East Wind.

Daily Commute to Riviera Beach - Lockheed Martin

My morning begins very early, waking at 4:30/5:00 am. Since we have flex-hours at Lockheed, I have chosen to work from 7-3. That works for me, since I'm a morning person. MyHoney, Susan is not a morning person and neither is my Sister. I have known both types, and through the years I have formed a theory of how a person becomes one or the other. I have been conducting this Socialology Investigation for the past 10+ years. It also incorporates Metaphysical and Biological sciences. My theory in a nutshell: A person's biological clock starts at the time of birth. I was born at 4 in the morning, and I'm a morning person. Susan was born around 5 pm and she is not a morning person. Give me some feed-back if you don't fit the pattern.

Each weekday after checking email and breakfast, I leave the house at 6:00 am, hoping to be at work before 7:00am. I could get there quicker if I took I95 - but, it's like a video game on the interstate- wrecks every morning, stop and go- overturned vehicles - vehicles on fire - you won't believe the caos. The drivers in South Florida are completely insane! I've never experienced anything like it. Then I discovered a beautiful little highway 3 blocks East of our townhouse . . .A1A

Now, I take A1A all the way to West Palm Beach, then pop over to Riviera Beach to the Lockheed facility. A1A ribbons along the edge of the Ocean. I watch the sunrise, check out the waves, no stress! It takes longer because the speed limit is 35; but, there are no cars - just me.

When, I arrive in West Palm Beach, I cross the bridge over the Intercoastal Waterway, and ride along Flagler Street which follows the western edge of the Intercoastal. I pass marinas and boats and parks - very beautiful. Just north of West Palm Beach is the town of Riviera Beach. Lockheed is located on the Intercoastal just over the town line and adjacent to the Port of West Palm Beach.

A1A. . .all the way . . . that's all I'm going to say!

Bowfire WOW!!

Susan discovered the art and performing arts center in Delray. It's called the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center - It was the old high school, the last graduating class was 1949 - the county abandoned the facility as newer schools were built - the citizens of Delray turned it into an art center. It houses a museum, classes, and theatre. We saw an amazing group last night - Bowfire. Susan told me that she had gotten us tickets - the group consisted of Celtic, Mediterranean, Bluegrass, Classical, Asian, Canadian style fiddle players - a continuous show weaving all types of fiddle music, and dancing. One of our favorites was a composition of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page's classic Kashmir - Of course it was really fun to jump from a Scottish jig to a classical piece to jazz to the Orange Blossom Special. It was in the genre of Riverdance except with fiddle players - After the performance, we went across the street to a really cool place called Dada - tiki torches guide you into the outside dining and into the restaurant/bar which displayed well known reproductions of Dada art- we had a glass of wine and cheese plate. Best part to this story, is we walked there from our place!

Unexpected Visitor

Last night, Susan was sitting on the balcony, and had an unexpected visitor - A tree frog came up to welcome her to the neighborhood. Still had bits of sand and debris from his day snooze in the fauna below attached almost like jewelry. "Sandy" seems to be quite happy and I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him.

1st week at Lockheed

The photo above is the corner of Atlantic Ave and A1A - 3 blocks east of our new place.

The first week of work was really good thanks to Michael Jackson (yes that's right-I said Michael Jackson). My liaison, Michael is really a great guy: Pratt Institute NYC, Excellent Grapic Designer/Technical Illustrator - Photoshop wiz, as well as accomplished in all digital media. Excellent Photographer, Diver-on the dive team at work, artistic and creative. Michael gave me tours of all of the areas, introduced me to many new colleagues, and introduced me to new aquatic life indigenous to Florida waters. Michael has been an inspiration to me - a fit young guy, always exercising and very active as well as cerebral. He has inspired me to start walking after work with Susan.

I've been taking highway A1A home, because 95 is a deathtrap! Although the speed limit on A1A is only 35-it is so scenic. It ribbons along the edge of the Ocean - I open up the truck and put on the tunes - easy drive home. As you can see from the map, we are 3 blocks West of A1A. (map is oriented N at the top - blue on the right side of map is the Ocean and the blue to the left is the Intercoastal Waterway)

Another thing that made the week really great, Susan bought a king-size mattress!!! What a good night sleep will do for you - our place is starting to feel more like home because we don't have to break up the sofa and convert into a bed. Our mission this weekend, is to find a place to launch our kayaks on the Intercoastal.

ups and downs

Hey there. Typically, adjusting to a new place has its ups and downs. Wayne's job is going well, I'll let him tell you about all the new marine life he's checking out up there at Lockheed in Riviera Beach, which is actually where he is, just a bit north of WPB. I get a bit lonesome here during the day, but am staying busy catching up on movies I've missed (Babel, Departed), sitting on the deck, and exploring the town. I know it sounds like paradise, which it actually is, I just miss my honey!

We've been going for long walks in the evening, checking things out and enjoying the weather. We stopped by the local wine shop for a tasting this evening, which was very fun. Only came home with three, taking it easy on a school night ; ) We stopped off for an appetizer at a local restaurant and caught a few minutes of the UVA/Tech basketball game which of course made us think of Bill, Pam, Billy and Suzanne!

By the way, we're in a book! It's called "Sailing Away from Winter" by Silver Don Cameron. It's really weird to see your name and words in print, but it's awfully cool! Check it out if you can.

We have a bed! Well, actually just a mattress, a king size, which was kind of hard to get up the stairs, but me and the boys (two young 20 somethings) managed somehow and we don't have to sleep on the futon another night!

So, miss you all! Come see us! That is if you don't mind futons!

Susan