Retirement Day
January 5, 2009

Despite our busy schedule, in honor of Terri's first "real" retirement day (as defined by her first day not going to work) we decided to take a cruise. Here we are pulling away on our cruise liner; uhhhhhhhhhhhh ferry, leaving Cherry Branch to sail the mighty Neuse River.

After lunch at M&M's we came back to our ferry and headed back to reality. It was a nice couple of hours break.

They worked Pop a lot harder today as he took occupational, physical and speech therapy. He is very weak and still a bit confused but we are hopeful he will return to his independent lifestyle with Dink in a few weeks.
Since I discussed Saturday Night Rendezvous and the Fishin Optishin added his comment as to the album title; I thought I would include a picture of the album. As Jackson's friend Reuben would say "that's messed up, man." Wonderful Christmas present, wish I knew how to post the audio.

January 2, 2009

Pop is adjusting to rehab; we've all had the creeping cruds, and we're ready to get to work to make sure 2009 is more successful than 2008.
Got a really unique present from the Highs: a copy of my favorite Mort Garson album from the 60's. Ahhhhhhh, what fishing trip is complete without Saturday Night Rendezvous, "a musical montage of a nightclubbing Saturday night in a light 5/4 jazz interpretation of flute and vibes. The adventurous night life in the big city-flashy evening gowns and liquored swingers-provides a translucent excitement that somehow camouflages the auto exhaust and ugly metropolis monotony." That quote is from the album cover, and I think it pretty well sums up the average fishing trip with me, don't you?

If you grew up in NC, especially eastern NC you'll know that tune from Franc White's Southern Sportsman. Listen for it on all of my fishing videos in the future, no I wouldn't do that, or would I? Probably not as long as I don't know how to put it on this blog; little help Jay?
Happy New Year

Happy New Year
January 1, 2009

It is hard to believe this year is here already. I remember wondering as a kid if I would live to see the year 2000, now that seems a long time ago, well it is. Time does fly indeed.
Pop update: We were fortunate to get Pop into a great and convenient rehab canter called Crystal Bluffs; it's only about a mile from their condo and easily accessed by Dink on her own. It's brand new and clean; while there he will undergo occupational and physical therapy to get him back to his independent way of living.
Highs update: The Durham Highs invaded Carteret County last night for a three day siege. Last night's menu was paella with lobster, shrimp, scallops, chicken and sausage. I kept looking for the spam but none was found. We enjoyed a long night of fun gifts and good champagne. Now back on the mainland we are going to have the traditional New Year's lunch and then go see Pop.
Happy New Year to everyone; and best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2009.

Christmas Week
December 27, 2008

Sorry, no pictures. It's been a different kind of Christmas this year; Pop had surgery Monday morning, came out of the hospital Tuesday afternoon and stayed home for about two hours and had a lot of difficulty swallowing. After he vomited I took him back to the ER and they admitted him and performed an endoscopy late that night. His esophagus was clogged with breakfast items and some of the solids got into his lungs causing aspiration pneumonia. He is stable but very weak from the surgery and compounded problems.

I'm writing this from the hospital on Saturday night and at best he may get to come home on Monday with some home health care. His bladder cancer surgery did go well and although all tests have not been reported, they are confident it is treatable.

Wild one with all that has been going on it has been a great Christmas seeing friends and family, especially Mr. Cooper, who is pretty much running the Sanford show at this point. We look forward to Pop getting better and seeing the Highs next week.

December 19, 2008
Retirement Day

Terri called it quits today after 30 years of teaching NC elementary students. She looks forward to traveling with me and being at the beck and call to fulfill any desire Dink thinks of..............
There was a Middle School party Thursday night, a luncheon Friday, and then a family dinner at one of our favorite restaurants (free plug:Windansea) that evening. All were fun and had lots of good food. I tried to arrange a reception but had trouble finding a restaurant with a room available as it was Christmas party time. A couple of weeks before I decided to have a catered party at the house; thought Friday night might be tough so we could do it Saturday night. I decided to ask Terri about this, since it would involve our house...............good thing, we were scheduled to be in Raleigh that night for a party. If all goes well we'll try to have a drop in during the Christmas season.
Here is a picture of Terri at lunch Friday having her 17th glass of vodka......or was it gin? I forget

The principal asked if any of the teachers had any last minute gripes about Terri and her job performance. Here is a picture of what happened next, some even brought prepared lists. OK, that's not it; they read a poem they prepared especially for the very best teacher they'd ever had
She received lots of gifts, some were chocolate!

And a shot of Kevin bedecked with reindeer antlers on his way to deliver candy to Iraqi children.

Pop came through his surgery and is resting comfortably; we expect him home tomorrow (12/23)
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

December 18, 2008
Jackson passed his BSA Eagle board of review tonight! Please welcome our newest Eagle scout, and stay tuned to this blog, Terri retires tomorrow at 12:00 PM. Film at 11.................

Big things are happening in Morehead City, and this is big Andy, BIG!

The Dawning of the Age of Aquariums

The newly formed Baby Boomers group at church went to the NC Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium Friday night and had a ball! I know, you don't believe I'm old enough to be a Baby Boomer..........and you're right; I went with Terri.....who is! Just kidding, we had a really good time. We've been to several parties through the years there, and one major league wedding reception this past year for Heather and Captain Nephew Kevin; but this party was a little unique; watch the videos and see why.

First up, a shot from the big tank; Terri encourages me to take a pretty fish's picture; or at least I think that's what she meant

This features a nice channel bass with lots of spots

A nurse shark comes by; that is a nurse shark isn't it Heather?

A lionfish and an eel; lionfish are now off the NC coast

In this shot, several sharks, a couple of cobias, tons of jacks and a beautiful tarpon cruise by

Now here is where the evening took a turn; many of you have been to this aquarium, ever seen it from this view? This is the rail above the U-boat display tank. Warning: the noise level is very high due to the water pumps in operation, you might want to turn the volume down before opening.....especially if you are in an office right now.

The last video, again with a high noise level due to the pumps, shows lots of sharks, jacks, and at the end three cobias cruising over the top of the U-boat.
We had a great time.

This week: someone in our family is retiring. Want to see some pictures? Tune in later