Faith, Family, Food and Dogs

My neighbors from Stokesdale came to Florida for a week's vacation and we made it a point to get together in St. Augustine. I had not seen them since November of 2015 and was really looking forward to spending time together. We agreed to meet at the Castillo de San Marcos National Park. As I walked up towards the fort I saw several boats moored out. The rush of emotions was incredible. I clearly remembered the several days that I spent anchored here on Hale Kai, back before the mooring balls were put in. Having been raised near and on the water, there is a very strong pull on me. If I won the lottery I would buy another boat and head back out in a heartbeat. I wonder how many people just look at the boats and think it is a pretty picture but never really grasp that a boat can take you to so many magical places, and nothing, and I mean nothing, beats being gently rocked to sleep on a boat. The St. Augustine inlet was relatively calm on this day. It has a reputation for getti...

I recently had a birthday. No big deal, every living person celebrates a birthday. But this was the best birthday I have had in years, and I do mean years. My friend Terri and I made plans for a Girls' Weekend at her condo in Welaka. Her and I and our 3 female dogs. Since we are coming from two different parts of town, Terri came by the office and gave me a key to her condo. Actually this is the second time. I didn't know I was supposed to keep the key the first time. Hence the "Key to a Great Birthday Weekend". Once parked and unloaded I put up the sun screen for Nohia's dash. I would not be driving her for 48-hours. In the morning before I hit the road I had made a batch of fudge with macadamia nuts in it for us to snack on over the weekend. It was really good. I love the view out her sliding glass doors. The huge Live Oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss, the river in the background, the inviting pool. Ahhh,,,, Kele loved laying and looking out the s...