Living the life most people just dream about~

Started the day out by meeting a couple of buddy’s out at Cane Bay this morning for a refreshing and enjoyable way to start the day. We met at 09:00 and by 09:20 was wading into the water for a small surface swim out to the dive spot. We went out to the edge of the wall and started our descent. There was some confusion on my weights and I wound up having to improvise to get weighted enough to sink. I managed to get down and started working toward the wall. Beautiful fan and Elkhorn corals everywhere. Visibility left a lot to be desired…. down to 30′ in a lot of places, which was a little depressing considering less than a week ago I was in 100′ visibility water….. sure would like to have had that on this dive. Finally made it up to the edge of the wall. Kind of an intimidating sight as the edge comes into view. We were at 85′ and over the wall drops off to about 1300′.   Would really like to see it in good visibility water. I took some video to show you, but it’s to big to put on here, so you’ll have to go to FB if you want to see it. I did manage some nice pictures to share with you though. Because of the weight issue, I was forced to surface a little sooner than I would have liked, but it was still a nice dive and a good time. I headed on back to the shore and took my gear off while I waited for the other two. We chatted a little bit as the gear got put away and I was soon on my way back to the condo.

Once here, I had a beer and showed my bride my pictures and told her about the dive. We are expecting a couple of deliveries, so we was going to just hang out for the rest of the day waiting on the deliveries. I then got a notice from a person on FB for an item I was looking for here on the island to fulfill a promise to my damn neighbors (who are going to be here Thursday~!!!!!!!!!!) I decided to take off and hunt for that item while Angie stayed and waited for deliveries. I took off, and after 4 stores and 2 hours of pure aggravation later- I have what I need to fulfill that promise. (can’t tell you what it is right now – but I’m sure you’ll hear about it.)    😉

Finally back to conditioned air and a couple of drinks and I’m good as new. Well, not good as new….. why do people say that..?… if you’re new, wouldn’t that make you a newborn??? So – not good as new, but calmed down. My Queen is off to an early bed time and I’m sitting here writing you. Hope you enjoy the pictures~!

Good night Ya’ll —– Thankx for stopping by~!

 

Sunday was mostly a lay around and not do a gosh darn (trying to clean it up for Grandkids reading this) thing for the entire day. Watched a handful of movies….. none of them noteworthy…..

Today we got motivated to get the joint cleaned back up and ready for our next visitors this Thursday — our Damn Neighbors~!!  WOOO-HOOOO~!! We have already alerted the Blues Crew to stock up the bar and keep some extra cash on hand in case we need bail. 😉  Should be an EPIC visit~!!

We gathered up all the bedsheets, beach towels and took them to the laundry to be readied for the next round. We stopped and got a box spring for the second bedroom as I found out the bed in there was ‘noisy’.  Box springs should be here tomorrow and hopefully will solve that issue.

Realtor sent us a copy of the inspection report for our ‘pending’ house sale. Good God Gerty did anyone tell this guy the house is 130 years old ???  He eat it up pretty good, but nothing I don’t think we can’t resolve – so more on that later.

Stopped at Blues for lunch and a handful of drinks, came home and watched another non-noteworthy movie, a couple of episodes of Judge Judy and it was time to go get the laundry. Got it, made the bed and put everything away and settled in for a couple more hours of non-sensical TV.

Pretty boring compared to the last week – but I’m good with that~! I have a dive scheduled tomorrow morning with a friend at Cane Bay. The urge to get wet and salty was over whelming…. kind of like my sky diving days….. thankfully, I’m at the point now where I’m making $15 dollar dives, so I can make more…… and working on getting that down to $6 dollars a dive….. woot-woot~! I’ll be sure to get some good pictures for you. Until then…………….

Good night Ya’ll —– Thankx for stopping in~!

My Honeybear leaves and almost on cue – the Sargassum comes rolling back in 🙁

This morning

This afternoon

New Lilies off of our back porch

My lunch…. Wa-Hoo fish sammich and cold Budweiser~!

IMG_6710 <—— Video  15 seconds of AHHHhhhh….

 

 

 

Got side tracked from writing yesterday due to unexpectedly passing out on the couch…… more about that later.

Yesterday the crowd rolled out fairly late again and there was a calm slow move to get people fed….. boys doubled up on breakfast again 🙂 Everybody fed and the dishes done…..we just sat around a bit. I think everybody was a little bummed it was ‘going home’ day…… the boys finally decided they wanted one more dip in the pool before they headed back for Indiana. I went up with everybody while Oma hung back and took it easy while straightening everything up a little bit. I got to spend some time chatting with my Honeybear while the guys tried to wear out the pool. Kylen finally winding up bailing in the deep end like his big brothers. Won’t be long before that little turd is doing back flips off of a high dive… he’s a regular little water bug. Time finally came when we had to head back to the condo and start getting ready for the drive to the airport. Finally all packed up – we got to the airport and started the painful good byes. Lots of tears and hugs and our baby and her babies were walking through the gates. Sure hated to see them go………..  🙁

After they went into the gate area, we moped back out to DD and started a quiet lonely drive back to the condo. We weren’t even off of the airport grounds before we starting missing them. Only bad part of a family visit, is having to send them off again….. I decided on the drive home, that I could not go straight back to the unit – so we stopped in at Blues. I knew Oma’s favorite band was playing and I wanted a drink….. a strong drink. Eddy was bar tending and already hand me a Budweiser when I walked up, so I ordered a shot of Crown to go with it and we toasted to our Honeybear and her family. It didn’t take long before we had multiple friends talking to us asking about the visit and what all we did – which helped take our mind off the pain of them leaving a little bit. Time wore on, the beer was cold and the band was on point. Before we knew it, it was last call, so we got ‘one for the road’ and came on back to our once again quiet little abode. It dawned on me I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and needed a little bit of something to help soak up a whole bunch of alcohol….. so I nuked me up a couple of piece of left over pizza. Full belly and about a half of a ‘snoot full’….. I stretched out to relax and watch a little bit of the idiot box (It was only 7:00pm)….. Next thing I knew, I heard my Queen shutting the place down and it was going on 11:00pm…… I guess, a long busy week, some alcohol and food in my belly caught up with me…. I had full intentions of getting up and writing a little bit for you – but I just couldn’t make it happen. I went out for a quick smoke and then joined my bride in bed……… A bunch more pictures for you from the previous days will hopefully make up for the missed post.

Good night Ya’ll —- Thankx for stopping in~!

A nice easy start to the day today…… I think everybody is starting to wear down a bit as almost every one rolled out a tad later this morning and slowly eased into breakfast. The boys did a dually again this morning with early waffles and then joining in again on the eggs breakfast with the adults. Them boys are some eating machines~!  😉  With bellies all full we started getting ready for our next beach. There is a place me and Angie had found a while back when we were scouting out new places. This one was out on Veterans Drive heading toward the back way to Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge. We drove out the highway showing off the long stretch of beach. We were going to show them where the road was removed by the hurricane and low and behold — the road has now been repaired, so off we went. Honeybear and family got to explore some new territory that WE hadn’t even seen yet. Drove on out the road and came upon what used to be an [apparently] really nice water park with a massive pool. The place was decimated by hurricane Maria. It’s a shame, it looks like it was a real nice place at one time. I sure hope they rebuild it – it would be a great place to take the Grandkids if we’re lucky enough to have them visit us again. We drove as far as we could and found a spot to pull up close to the beach — and Oh what a beach it was. We picked out a nice spot, unloaded all our gear and bailed in. Turns out we were butted up to the Wildlife refuge. I don’t know if it was because that area hasn’t had swimmers there in a good while or what — but the visibility in the water was mind blowing. Under water visibility was 100′ if it was an inch. Absolutely breath taking~! I have lots of photo’s for you too prove it. We got sprinkled on a couple of times…. but the clouds that sprinkled on us, help knocked down some of the suns glare and heat. We spent the better part of 3 hours there, before everybody was spent and ready to call it a day. We loaded back up and headed back for conditioned air and some chow.

I suspect a whole bunch of tired had something to do with the fact no body wanted to go out to eat – so we opted for some Domino’s. In true form, they were not delivering this particular afternoon – so I jumped in the bus and a short half hour later was back with boxes and boxes of good stuff. Bellies full, everybody settled into game and phone time while I sat here and battled some kind of gremlin that wouldn’t let me do anything on here. Not sure what I did – but it is working now……. yay~!  My Honeybear and crew fly out tomorrow back to the land of good roads and well stocked grocery stores….. while I admittedly look forward to the quiet here in the condo – It’s gonna hurt to watch her and the boys walk through those gates tomorrow. Hopefully it’s not another 10+ months before we get to see each other again.  🙁

Good night Ya’ll ….. Thankx for stopping in~!

Woke up this morning bright and early and came out to a quiet house… walked out on the patio for the first smoke of the day and was greeted by [what I hope] is an awesome sight. The digging from an apparently good size turtle~!  When you see the pictures, you’ll see what I mean. I was a little dismayed at the fact the ‘nest’ was left open, so I eased out to the digging, only to see several footprints in and around the nest. I’m afraid one of these jug headed transients we have staying here, saw her and went out and messed with her until she left. I am hoping she comes back tonight to finish what she started….. and God help anyone I catch messing with her. Fascinating to see something like that in your world.

Crowd got up and moving shortly after I came in and before long the boys were gobbling up chocolate chip waffles. After getting in some wake up time – the adults sat down for a nice breakfast as well – with the boys jumping in to score some of that breakfast as well. I guess they are working up quite the appetite with all the swimming and snorkeling their doing. Everybody’s bellies full, we loaded up drinks, snacks, towels and snorkel gear and headed out for yet a new beach. We went back out to the East end today to check out Cramer Beach. We had the place to ourselves when we got there and it was only a matter of minutes before we were all in the water. We had several other groups of folks join us out there as the day wore on, but the beach is big enough, we never felt crowded. Swimming, snorkeling, snacks and shade breaks sprinkled in there and 4+ hours later we were tuckered, spent and hungry.  We loaded the bus up and off we went, stopping at Cheeseburgers in America’s Paradise to check out their fare. We had burgers, popcorn shrimp, cold boiled shrimp, something that vaguely resembled a Burrito and chicken fried steak with smashed taters and corn. Of course there were cool adult beverages to help wash things down. The boys all had Sprite. Bellies full, we all crawled back into the bus to head back for some conditioned air.   Back at the condo,  showers were taken to wash away all the salt and now the young-uns are heading for bed (this old one ain’t very far behind them)  😉

Tomorrow, another new beach and whatever adventures we can put ourselves into….. but for now………..

Good night Ya’ll —– Thankx for stopping~!

IMG_6710

 

 

Nice easy start to the day and greeted with an almost cloudless sky…. folks started rolling out and breakfast soon followed for hungry little boys and followed by the adults. Wasn’t long before we were gathering up the necessities for another day at the beach. It was decided Rainbow beach (next to Rhythm’s bar) was the beach of choice for the day. It is located on the west end of the island so calm water is almost always guaranteed.  Rainbow beach drops off fairly quick, but it didn’t slow down this little herd of snorkelers. Even my little bitty buddy. He’s not much on the snorkel, but once he got his mask figured out – he was on it. He holds his breath for a freakishly long time and anxiously scoops up bits of coral and shells for his ‘collection’. Really proud of the job he was doing. Carter and Kayden are naturals in the water…. taking to it like they were born here. I can’t wait until they calm down a little bit and really get into the snorkeling part of it. Right now they are just wound up to be in that gorgeous water…. once they learn to slow down and how to look for sea life – you’re gonna have to pry them out of the water.

We spent all morning and a respectable part of the afternoon, swimming, enjoying some snacks and more swimming before finally packing it up and heading back to rinse the salt off and getting ready to go out to eat. Finally decided it was time to check out Oma & Pa-paws favorite place (Blues Backyard BBQ). They all got to meet Mr. Jim and Miss Debbie and Tim and Daniel. Even scored some time with the local entertainment. Miss Debby gave the boys each a cool Blues hat. There was lots of food eaten and some drinks to wash them all down with while we listened to Alex play the guitar. Bellies full, it was time to head back for some shut eye.

I have lots and lots of pictures from today – so will load some and save some for later. I hope you enjoy them.

Good night Ya’ll —– Thankx for stopping in~!

Another day started off a lot earlier than I personally think it should have – but again, excited boys and a Mom that stays right after them….. I get it. The rest finally rolled out and got to the business of waking up and before long little bellies were growling. Boys all had cereal this morning while my Queen whooped up a right fine mess of biscuits and gravy….. Hmmmm good stuff~! Bellies full and everybody ready to go – we loaded up the bus and headed for Hotel on the Cay (pronounced Key). Arguably one of the prettiest beaches on the island and perfectly suited for kids. The water is always crystal clear and calm, the shore tapers off nicely so even little fellers can get out a ways from the shore. Lots of small fish to look at – and when you have Dad’s and Pa-paws diving for you – you get to see some cool crabs and conch shells and stuff. We spent the whole morning out there watching boats go by, and just having an outstanding time. We had some snacks to keep the energy level up a little bit and some water to stay hydrated. We spent the bulk of the morning and the first part of the afternoon out there, before gathering up all of our stuff and taking the boat ride back to the boardwalk.

We came home, got showered up and headed out the door for supper. It took several attempts before we finally found a place – but wound up at Over the Edge and they did a great job for us. There was roast beef sammiches, chili dogs, hamburgers, pizza and calzones. There was a fairly rousing game of BINGO going on while we were there – and while we didn’t play – I did manage to win a free drink for being able to be the first one to produce a PADI card….. Yay me~! Pizza toppings were really good, but the crust left a lot to be desired — so I’m still on that search for the best island pizza…….  😉  Bellies full, we loaded back into the bus and enjoyed a cool evening breeze on the drive home. Kiddlies already in bed, others watching the idiot box – and I’m here regaling you of our day. ( I secretly think they are all worn out – they just don’t want to admit it….. it’s all I can do to keep my eyes open) — So I’m gonna get some pictures put up for you from the day and hit the sack.

Good night Ya’ll …… Thankx for stopping in~!

A lot of early risers this morning – but I guess it is to be somewhat expected from a bunch of little guys, in a new place, new beds and new environment….. early risers all up and running amuck….. we finally got some breakfast made….. waffles for the little guys and standard fare for the big folks…….. bellies full and plans laid out to go into the board walk and do the touristy thing….. checking out the shops and all the fun things they have to offer….. we burned up a pretty easy 2 and a half hours checking out the various shops on the boardwalk in downtown Christiansted. We got on the web cam and waved to ‘the world’ — we fed hot dogs to a very hungry school of Tarpon – which also had some Sergeant Majors and one very aggressive Tuna in it. It was really kind of cool and fun for all.  We decided we were going to check out a new place Pa-Paw wanted o scope out….. Called Island Bites for some mid-day nutrients. Fun little place where we got burgers, chicken nuggets, roast beef, tuna sandwiches and French fries, washed down with lots of cold drinks…… oddly – no alcohol…… Dammit Emmit — I honestly think this is the first place on the island we have found that did not sell alcohol….. what the hell ?????   😉  We sat through a small rain shower while we finished our wonderfully delicious meal….. we wrapped it up with some scrump-dilli-ious ice scream….. good stuff~! Kids were reasonably quiet so we took a scenic route back to the condo to enjoy some views of our beautiful island from almost a 1000′ up. Finally headed back to the condo….. we had intended to head out to another beach…but it was fairly late, so we opted for more pool time instead. A solid 2 hours in the pool and everybody was ready for a bite to eat. We came back, showered up, played a few games on the idiot box and then cleaned out the fridge of leftovers from the last 2 days…..   Bellies full, games played on the TV —- the little ones are now snoozing soundly and the adults have sunk into some liquid libations and enjoying the remainder of the day. I think the plan tomorrow is for a nice long day at Hotel On the Cay….. can’t wait — always a fun little beach.

Good night Ya’ll —— Thankx for stopping in~~!!

 

My Grandson Carter wanted to go to a beach that had that had some waves today – so after a hearty breakfast , we loaded up into the temporary ‘bus’ and headed for Cane Bay. Arguably one of the most popular beaches on the island. Getting there nice and early we had our choice of shady spots to set up camp and wasn’t long before we were all in the water. There was swimmin’, snorkeling, boogie boarding and just fun in general. After an hour or so we stopped for some shade time and a smoothies break from one of the local food trucks camped just across the road from us. The adults all had a Mimosa~!  😉  Cooled off and refreshed we all bailed back in for some more of that fabulous water. Another hour went by and everybody was about done with salt water. We loaded up and came back to the condo, got a bite to eat and headed for the pool. Really breezy and definitely cooler than the ocean – we wound up spending about 2 and a half hours there. Thoroughly worn out from sun, wind and water….. we came back – showered and settled in for the evening. I filled the grill with hotdogs, burgers and wings and had fresh hot French fries going in the kitchen. Bellies full – showers taken, the boys (Grandsons) are all in bed snoozing……. my happy a$$ ain’t very far behind them cause this old man is pooped~! Haven’t did much discussion on tomorrow yet – but am sure it will be a fun full day.

Good night Ya’ll —– Thankx for stopping in~!

 

Long wonderful day with my Honeybear, Michael and our Grand sons……. we started the day off with a good breakfast that Oma whooped up for us…… went out and saw Point Udall and then came back for some serious ocean swimming……. tired, mildly burnt and hungry….. We came back, showered up….. and headed out for some Italian. A lack luster meal……. but filling and now back getting the kiddlies in bed. I suspect young and old will sleep the sleep of Kings tonight…. Haven’t planned tomorrow because we want to see how ‘pink’ folks are in the morning…. quitting here and leaving some shots from the day…….

Good night Ya’ll —– Thankx for stopping in~!