Tuesday, October 17, 2006

MY ONE TRUE LOVE

Ladies and gentleman, please allow me to introduce...

Mr.Darcy
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He's a '99 Honda Shadow 750 and he's the handsomest thing I've ever laid eyes upon. I met him last week (through the classifieds) and the moment we met, well...I just knew. He was the one for me. Incredibly good-looking. Large and powerful, but smooth. Utterly reliable. And just so. much. FUN!!!! What's not to love??

Together, we've toured the Parkway and enjoyed the incredible display of fall colors. We've enjoyed the winding curves and hills of backroads through the mountains. We've braved interstate travel, cold, wind and even a bit of rain together. He has lent a spark of joy to the running of tedious, routine errands.
I couldn't be happier with my new love. We just get along so well.

On sunny days he sits proudly in my driveway, for all to admire.

On cold or rainy nights, he sleeps in my living room (no garage here). Mr.Darcy is a perfect gentleman, of course (**BLUSH**)

I think his name speaks volumes, no?
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I will have better pictures of him,later. I just couldn't wait any longer to introduce him!!!!

And to respond to Dy's remarks over at Melissa's blog, the camera gear fits nicely into the saddlebags and in my backpack.:0) I don't think I'll be roaring up to any Garden club meetings (tempting as that might be, LOL!!), but I may actually ride it to outdoor portait sessions with select clients--those whom I know it won't frighten, anyway!!

Actually, I'm thiinking of doing a really neat self-portrait of me and Mr Darcy and then using it as a marketing tool at local bike shops. People drop big bucks on their rides.What better way to forever capture and glorify their investment than with a really awesome portrait?? I'm thinking fine art with just a touch of bad-a**!! LOL!



Sunday, October 01, 2006

Emerald Isle '06

I just got back from the beach. I'm sitting here thinking about how very blessed that my life is. From the cool, green mountains to the warm, sunny beach and back again. God is so good to me.

The beach was, of course, just great. The weather was completely and absolutely PERFECT. The ocean was calm, until the final day of vacation, when the waves picked up and gave me and Race and the kids an awesome day of bodysurfing and boogie-boarding. I'm still sporting the bruises, quite proudly!!

I kayaked for the first time. That was tremendously enjoyable. Melissa and Race rented the two-seaters and Race kindly took me out and showed me the ropes. DEFINITELY seeing a kayak in my future (waaaaay distant future---got a motorcycle to buy!).

I worked really hard on my tan (it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!) and have managed to carry home a lovely golden glow. It'll be gone by Wednesday, but hey, I'll enjoy this fine 4 days of healthy color!

There was also shell-hunting, frisbee tossing and dolphin chasing. Those darn dolphins. They always stay JUST far enough off-shore that you're not quite comfortable swimming out there. Next year, I'm bringing fins and a snorkel, man. What can I say? I think I've got a little of that Steve Irwin spirit!!

The first night I arrived, a huge bowl of Dad's famous beach bisque was awaiting me. This creamy, seafood-filled chowder has become a staple of our family's annual beach trips.
It is worth driving to N.C. for that alone!

Tuesday night, Dad prepared a most succulent rib roast with au jus, and whole green beans sauteed in lemon butter. For a starch, I fixed twice-baked potatoes with fresh oregano.It was all SO good!

I harvested a huge bunch of my basil plants before I left home and on Wed night, made a batch of fresh pesto. A trip to the seafood market for some fresh crabmeat and shrimp, a little linguine, toss it all together with a homemade Parmesan cream sauce---you get the picture.

Friday night's entree was the biggest tray of buffalo wings you've ever seen, coupled with three different homemade sauces for your dipping pleasure. Alongside this, a giant pile of FRESH fried oysters and cocktail sauce.

All of the above entrees were, of course, accompanied by an array of adult beverages including hard cider, microbrews, wines and an assortment of hard liquors and mixers. Happiness runs.

I haven't even mentioned the beachfront MANSION in which we stayed. No expense was spared when they put the place together. Flatscreen TV's in every room, the whole place wired with speakers for the stereo, the whole downstairs is a home theatre, an in-ground pool lit up with fibre-optics, hot tub, absolutely AWESOME contemporary decor and lighting.

I give ALL credit to the bookers of this marvelous abode ( I believe it was Mom and Melissa).They researched and found a luxury house newly placed on the rental market and jumped on it while the price was right!

I have pictures of the house and all of it's occupants, but at the moment, Blogger is being rather uncooperative in allowing me to post them. I'll do a separate Beach Pictures post another time.

The annual Beach Treasure Hunt was a success. Clues were hidden, to be found and deciphered by eager little hands and minds. Austin helped me again this year, by posing as the EvilSpirit Who Guards the Treasure and chasing the younger ones all around before being struck 3 times with the Sword of Truth (wielded by the fearless Jackson, of course) and being forced to reveal the location of the Treasure (ye ol' big sack o' candy!). A is such a good sport and always ready to lend a helping hand. Jack and Savannah are an excellent team of slueths with S providing the calm reasoning skills to carefully decipher the hidden notes and J the energy and bravado to carry the instructions thru. I love seeing them all in action!

This was Q's first time participating. He seemed to be torn between fear of the dark beach and mysterious notes and what he KNEW to be the truth (it's all just Aunt Thomasina, not REALLY an old Sea Hag!!) and eventually joined me in helping to plan adventures for the other two young'uns. He's just so SMART. He actually helped me come up with some ideas. Those big blue eyes and that little sense of humor just kill me. He's such a special little fella. And of course he got a share of the booty, at the end of the hunt.

Walker has become just the cutest little thing you ever did see--adorably chunky in that 3YO way that just makes you want to scoop him up and squeeze him!! Add his chatty, fun-loving little personality to that package and MAN what a dollbaby!

Tiny E has grown so much since I saw him just a couple of weeks ago. He can already lift up his little head and he looks all around and is amazingly alert. He actually rolled over for the first time while we were on vacation!!! He's such a cute baby, too. I can't wait to see how that little personality develops.

The final night of vacation, I spent by myself in the hot tub with a glass of Chardonnay, a nice cigar and a book. You could hear the ocean in the background and the half moon was reflecting off of the water. I got out of the hot tub and sat on the observation deck and watched the ocean for a while and prayed. Then I wrapped up in a blanket and sat by the pool and read for a while. It was incredibly relaxing and pleasant. I am so thankful for the whole vacation

Check this place out!!!
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Mom and Walker
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In the Hot Tub
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Dad Overseeing the Prime Rib prep.
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Miss Savannah, of the Golden-Sunlit Tresses
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A Group of Weary but Happy Beach Combers
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Austin tossing the Ball with his Uncle Todd
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In the Theatre Room
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Jack
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Jack and Race heading out to Sea
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Mom's Big Kayak Adventure
How we talked her into it, I'll never know!!! But look how much fun she had!! :0D
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Wish Em and Todd and the boys were in this one, too!!!
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FYI, Race's face is blocked out of these images for reasons of security, NOT because of any personal grudge! LOL!!! ;0)