Sand, Surf and Cerveza

Once in a Lifetime

2011-11-15T15:46:00.000-06:00

Our bromeliad plant finally bloomed. We got it as a housewarming gift over four years ago and we have patiently waited since then to see what its flower would look like. Bromeliads and pineapples are part of the same plant family and they only bloom once in their lifetime. Our bromeliad came in a pot with three others and within a couple of weeks of this bloom, the plant next to it also bloomed. I'll definitely be sad when the other two plants have given up their blooms, but hey, there's a pineapple plant sitting not far away and it's still got a once in a lifetime ahead of it.

It's Blooming November

2011-11-14T16:14:00.000-06:00

It's well into November now and the cooler temps and shorter days are quite the downer. However, I'm pretty sure there are folks in some parts of this country that would pretty much do whatever to be dwelling in our upper 70's climate right now. This is that funny time of year around here when hibiscus are blooming beneath autumn colored crepe myrtle leaves and people can be spotted in board shorts, hoodies and flip flops.

OOH-RAH!

2011-11-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

Today we celebrate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Without the Marines we would all be speaking a different language and sleeping with one eye open. They keep the big bad guys at bay. So thank a Devil Dog today.
Semper Fi!

November

2011-11-09T08:18:00.000-06:00

It's been four long months since I've updated our little blog. Not even sure anyone still checks in on it..... We spent the remainder of Summer and the beginning of Autumn completely consumed with friends, neighbors, wods, home improvement projects (the friends and neighbors constantly interrupt these), BBQs, tubing trips, and pool time. I decided to get back at this with some photos of one our most favorite spots- Navarre Park.

Drift Away

2011-07-18T16:52:00.001-05:00

"The light was leaving
in the west it was blue
The children's laughter sang
and skipping just like the stones they threw
the voices echoed across the way
its getting late

It was just another night
with the sun set
and the moon rise not so far behind
to give us just enough light
to lay down underneath the stars
listen to translations
of the stories across the sky
we drew our own constellations"
~Jack Johnson

Step On It

2011-07-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Navarre Nature Walk is a program of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Bricks on the pathway are available for purchase, can be personalized and are only fifty dollars apiece. The proceeds contribute to improvements in the park. It's a great way to become a permanent part of the waterfront walkway.

Blue Angels

2011-07-11T15:02:00.000-05:00

We just wrapped up Red, White and Blues weekend here. It was a great three days at the beach and we can't imagine missing it. The Blues are a locals and tourist favorite and as usual, they did not disappoint.

Sunday, Soundside

2011-07-06T09:57:00.001-05:00

We spent a recent Sunday at Paradise Bar & Grill enjoying shrimp, beer and another stunning sunset. Paradise has a regular rotation of live bands and a delicious seafood menu. It's an excellent place to meet up with friends and watch the day turn into night.

Paradise in Pink

2011-06-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

The sunsets here are always beautiful. However, on this particular evening, it was especially stunning. Everything and everyone was suddenly drenched in a watermelon color. It didn't last very long, but it was a wonderful end to that day.

Tourist Factory

2011-06-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

The clouds in this photo remind me of the smoke stacks above industrial buildings.

It's Not Easy

2011-06-22T08:29:00.000-05:00

"It's not that easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold
Or something much more colorful like that

It's not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky

But green's the color of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why
Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful
And I think it's what I want to be"
~Kermit the Frog

Time Well Spent

2011-06-21T14:09:00.000-05:00

Margaritas don't make you fat, they make you lean....
Against bars, tables, chairs, and poles.

Empty Nest

2011-06-20T16:56:00.000-05:00

A mockingbird bravely built a nest on the side of one of our palm trees. We wondered how safe the hatchlings would be on such a precarious perch and sure enough, it wasn't long before one of them was on the ground. He seems to be quite close to taking flight and it was difficult to take his photo because his mother remains nearby at all times, feeding him and attacking anyone who dares to approach him. I can't imagine trying to 'rescue' him. We'll just continue to feed her so she won't have to leave his side and hopefully he'll be able to take to the skies on his own very soon.

A Little is Better Than None

2011-06-16T11:23:00.000-05:00

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

Some Like It Hot

2011-06-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

We're fortunate to have a backyard that is full of tropical plants and flowers. They are thriving in this heat and humidity and even though we water them regularly, I'm sure they would love some rain. Hopefully, we'll get a little or if we're lucky, alot of it soon.

Shoo Fly

2011-06-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

It's been hotter than I don't what out lately so most of our outdoor time has been in the evenings. The days have been pretty unbearable unless you're actually up to your neck in the water. However, the nights have been great for firing up the citronella torches and the grill and just chilling on the patio with a cool glass of wine. One of the best things about Summer in Florida is the dark blue night skies and the warm breezes that last until morning.

Nice Dreams

2011-06-13T11:58:00.000-05:00

The sky revealed the rumor
In a misty gray cocoon
Some angry baby-boomers
Stole the everlasting moon
They found a new location
Clear and poison free

In a distant constellation
Oh, they called it lunacy
Hangin' in the sky
The perfect alibi
Baby come outside with me
There's a moon you've got to see
~Jimmy Buffett

Number VI

2011-06-10T12:28:00.000-05:00

“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves build" ~Ronald Reagan

Cash Cow

2011-06-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

Living in one of the most beautiful places on the planet definitely has its advantages. We never have to worry about where to go for Spring Break; we already live there. There is always something to do; the beach is right there. We're the first people in the country to sport a rockin tan every year. Locals always have their favorite spots to hang out at the beach..and it's usually not too far away from the tourists. It's always interesting to watch them enjoying the beach, some for the first time, with their brand new umbrellas, buckets and swimsuits. And of course, we all love their money. When your hometown thrives on tourism and is dealt a devastating blow such as what happened here last year, it's absolutely awesome to see the tourists coming back the way they have this year. We can't possibly thank them enough.

Crikey!

2011-06-08T11:53:00.000-05:00

Lizards and frogs have invaded our backyard. They're all over the palm trees, the patio and much to our Tuxedo Man's delight, the windows.

"I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it." ~ Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter

Pinch Me

2011-06-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

While dozing on and off at the beach recently, we noticed this not so small sand crab working on a new cave for himself. He was able to haul quite a bit of sand at a time. It took a while to get this shot because if he saw any movement at all, he would quickly retreat into his hole in the sand. Wonder if he knows our friend from last Thursday in the park.

Green Flag Day

2011-06-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

"It is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears.
We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea--whether it is to sail or to watch it--we are going back from whence we came." ~ John F. Kennedy

Theme Music

2011-06-03T08:48:00.000-05:00

Last night was another great one in the park. Chronic Jester plays alot of reggae and rock/blues. Their music, mixed with the salt air and wine, made for a great evening hanging out with friends and family. Skye even found a wayward crustacean to join our group. If you get the chance, go to a Thursday evening in the park. You won't regret it.

Summer Springs Up

2011-06-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. ~Henry Beecher

It's been too long...

2011-06-01T09:55:00.001-05:00

We finally got a new camera and I finally found some time to get back at this blog. I've really missed it and with Memorial Day already behind us, it's definitely a perfect chance to get back at it. I took these two photos at bands in the park a couple of weeks ago. We see views like this every day, yet they never get old.

Tropical Bird, Minus the Rum

2010-11-10T23:17:00.000-06:00

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
~Chinese Proverb

One year ago.

2010-11-09T21:25:00.001-06:00

Look what November was doing last year.
Click to play this Nov, 2009 video.

Fiery Night

2010-11-09T08:11:00.000-06:00

During our visit to Cozumel, we were fortunate enough to catch a Fire Dance performance. I believe the tradition has Aztec origins. The show was incredible. We could feel the intense heat from several yards away. I can't imagine what it's like for the dancers. They put on quite a show and we'll definitely see them again if given the opportunity.

Senor Dragon

2010-11-02T17:47:00.000-05:00

These guys were all over the resort we stayed at in Mexico.

"Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee"
~Peter, Paul & Mary

Last Light

2010-10-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

Sunset in Cozumel.

“I didn't ask for it to be over, but then again, I never asked for it to begin. For that's the way it is with life, as some of the most beautiful days come completely by chance. But even the most beautiful days eventually have their sunsets.”
~Author Unknown

Distant Shore

2010-10-27T08:21:00.001-05:00

It was my first look
That's when I swallowed the hook
On my first look
Around

Amor a primeira vista
Voce nao, quer que o insista
Amor a primeira vista
Reacao quimica quimica

Now it's time for siestas
And a belly full of rice and beans
And figure if I'm brave enough
To repeat the whole crazy scene
~Jimmy Buffett

South of the Border

2010-10-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

My camera recently took a quick dip in the pool and never recovered. As a result, this blog has been quite neglected lately. So, when we went to Mexico for a few days, we took the big camera with us for a change and ended up with a ton of photos. I love Cozumel. Always have. It's full of beautiful people, incredible views, delicious food and great shopping. We had an awesome trip and can't wait to go back.

Opa!

2010-09-09T14:20:00.005-05:00

We went to the Greek Festival at the Emerald Coast Conference Center this past weekend. The theme for this year was "Our Big Fat Greek Festival" and it was definitely a great experience. There were lots of local artists there and the food was AMAZING! These photos are really dark and the only explanation I have is that we attended this immediately after that McGuire's brunch I mentioned earlier and I might have 'forgotten' to use a flash.

Irish Patience.

2010-09-08T08:09:00.005-05:00

Recently, while waiting for McGuire's to open for brunch, we took a stroll along Destin Harbor. It had been a while since we'd been there and it was just as beautiful as ever. Also, surprisingly, it was bustling with tourists and they were throwing money all over the place. That was almost more beautiful than the view. It's been a rough Summer around here and it was nice to see a little normalcy before the season closes.
On a side note, if you look just beyond the bridge, you can see Crab Island, a local favorite.

Up in Navarre

2010-09-07T16:28:00.006-05:00

“I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”

~ Abraham Lincoln

Clear Skies

2010-08-18T13:26:00.001-05:00

"What we see depends mainly on what we look for"
~ Sir John Lubbock

Wind Blown

2010-08-17T15:46:00.003-05:00

It's been several years since Ivan then Dennis blew through here and it's almost hard to tell anything so devastating ever occurred. However, every once in a while a sight like this catches my eye and I'm reminded of how powerful storms can be. We're now at the height of the storm threat for our area and I hope we get by with another uneventful year. After all, the ONLY good thing about the end of Summer is the end of hurricane season.

Beachin It

2010-08-05T05:54:00.004-05:00

"May you always have a shell in your pocket, sand in your shoes, waves to play in and friends around you."
~Author Unknown

Full of Surprises

2010-08-04T08:02:00.003-05:00

I took this photo because the sun had just set and I really liked the way the sky looked. When I downloaded it later, I was surprised to see the moon hiding behind the clouds. We had been in the park all evening and not seen it once.

"From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon. It's not a miracle; we just decided to go."
~Tom Hanks

Go Take A Long Walk...

2010-08-03T12:10:00.004-05:00

The new Navarre Pier is wide open for business and it is amazing! It's the longest pier around and it offers great fishing and stunning views. At the base of it you'll find a wonderful shop full of local wares, a place to eat and a great little bar. For more info check this out : http://navarrepier.com/

No Place Like Home

2010-08-02T15:48:00.001-05:00

I wanna back to the island
Where the shrimp boats tie up to the pilin'
Gimme oysters and beer
For dinner every day of the year and I'll feel fine
I'll feel fine
Yeah now, the sun goes slidin' 'cross the water
Sailboats they go searchin' for the breeze
Salt air it ain't thin
It can stick right to your skin and make you feel fine
Makes you feel fine
~Jimmy Buffett

Jardin Nuevo Mexicano

2010-07-23T11:46:00.006-05:00

One of the reasons I love staying with my in-laws in Albuquerque is that the guest bedroom we stay in overlooks their beautiful garden. They are excellent gardeners and always have lots of intriguing plants that are indigenous to that area. This time of year the yard is teeming with wildflowers. There are so many that they seem to hover as if stemless. I have no idea what the 'bloom' in the last photo is and neither did anyone I asked. It has a hideous plant at the bottom of it and my sister in law said that large blossom shot up out of it in 3 months time.

The Lake

2010-07-22T15:10:00.004-05:00

"Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy. Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance. Look at the flowers - for no reason. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are." ~Osho

Land of Enchantment

2010-07-20T09:56:00.003-05:00

We spent the weekend with family in New Mexico. I'm always struck by the stark contrast in the landscape there compared to Navarre. Everything from the architecture to the food is completely different. It's dry and brown and full of creatures like prairie dogs and road runners. It is also incredibly beautiful.

Hope

2010-07-15T17:06:00.003-05:00

We finally got the news we've been waiting 85 days to hear. The oil leak has been stopped! We're told not to get our hopes up, but it's really hard to not celebrate. Hopefully, this is a permanent end to this devastating crisis and we can focus solely on the clean up effort.

"So tell me all your troubles
I'll surely tell you mine
We'll laugh and smoke and cuss and joke and
Have a glass of wine
That's where it always happens
The same place every year
I come down to talk to me
When the coast is clear"
~Jimmy Buffett

Salt, Limes and Tequila

2010-07-14T16:19:00.007-05:00

We recently spent quite a bit of time at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Hotel out on Pensacola Beach. It's incredible. It has an air coastal Florida sophistication to it and at the same time, a kind of come in and put your feet up feel to it. The high rise views are from rooms 606 and 700. They are really comfortable with very large bathrooms and every other amenity you could want. The pool and its large deck are definitely the best spot to watch the Blue Angels show and I'm sure it will be the place to be for years to come.

Parrotheads Unite

2010-07-13T14:02:00.007-05:00

We watched the live broadcast of the Jimmy Buffett and Friends concert at where else, but the new Margaritaville Hotel. It has a really fun outdoor bar called the Land Shark Landing where we had incredible Pina Coladas and Margaritas, of course. The weather, the drinks, the crowd and the music combined to form an idyllic afternoon.

Fat Albert and Friends

2010-07-12T16:31:00.007-05:00

Red, White and Blues Weekend ended yesterday and it was, as usual, a great way to spend the some extended time with your toes in the sand. The Blue Angels put on a loud, fast and awe inspiring show. The crowd was definitely smaller than in years past, but the locals came out in droves to show their support. The water was beautiful and with the exception of some June grass floating here and there, it was quite clear. For a couple of days, life on the Gulf Coast felt normal again.

Vacancies Abound

2010-06-25T16:09:00.004-05:00

We need tourists. Badly. The seagulls are actually having to fish for food instead of being fed greasy potato chips by out- of- towners. We have miles and miles of soft white sand that hasn't been affected. In fact, the majority of the areas affected in the last few days are now clean and open to the public. Check out the pier cam: http://piercam.net/.

No Swimming Allowed

2010-06-24T09:53:00.004-05:00

The day we've been dreading has finally arrived. The beautiful powder white sand of Pensacola Beach is now covered in thick nasty oil. It's as far as the eye can see and still rolling in from the Gulf. A beached baby dolphin was rescued but later died as a result of her ordeal. It was heartbreaking enough watching her being pulled from the water. I can only imagine the emotional impact the coming days will have on us. The beach is still open. However, only above the high tide line. The water is closed. Navarre Beach is still clear of oil as of this morning, but with our sister beach so badly hit, we know we won't remain clean for long. I've heard the cure for everything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea. For now, sweat and tears will have to suffice.

All Clear

2010-06-22T15:57:00.003-05:00

"Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it."
~Tori Amos

Town Picnic

2010-06-12T11:20:00.004-05:00

We finally got to have a Thursday night in the park. The last two had been rained out. Local favorites The Rowdies were there and they always put on a great performance. Maybe it's just me, but it sure seemed like there were alot more people than at any park night last year. It's a fantastic way to watch the sunset with some great music every Thursday night from 6-8 PM right behind the Navarre Chamber of Commerce.

Morning Glory

2010-06-11T10:30:00.004-05:00

One of our Star of Texas hibiscus blooms finally opened. They are huge blooms and the plant itself grows quite tall. I'm looking forward to when our other bushes start blooming, but they don't even have buds on them yet. It was a really rough winter for them but luckily, they all came back.

Favorite Song

2010-06-09T06:12:00.001-05:00

Looking Ahead

2010-06-08T13:41:00.003-05:00

“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky”~Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism

Do You Juana?

2010-06-07T09:50:00.003-05:00

Heavy storms came and ran us off the beach on Saturday. Luckily, Juana's Pagoda is nearby. We spent the rest of the afternoon alongside other drenched beach goers and enjoyed a bushwacker or two.

Swamp Grub

2010-06-06T09:53:00.003-05:00

We went to the crawfish boil on the back deck of D'wons yesterday. They have one every Saturday at around 1. The price and the food are both excellent. For us, some spicy crawdaddies and a long island iced tea were an awesome way to start an afternoon at the beach.

Violets are Blue

2010-06-05T09:39:00.003-05:00

It's been a difficult couple of days around here. From what I've noticed, people are grieving and adapting in their own ways. For some reason, I had an urge to take pictures of flowers...

Sound Check

2010-06-04T10:06:00.003-05:00

Thursdays in the park started up again last Thursday. We were at a wedding so we couldn't attend. We were really excited about going last night. When we got there, there were no concessions and no band. We were quickly informed that due to bad weather, the concert had been cancelled. Ironically, it had stormed off and on yesterday, but it was beautiful the entire time we were at the park. Most people who showed up did the same as us and just enjoyed whatever was in their cooler and a nice evening by the sound.

Shattered

2010-06-03T09:44:00.002-05:00

According to reports, we are mere hours from complete devastation. Our goal is to keep this blog as upbeat and positive as we can. However, we are grief-stricken over what is happening to our beautiful home. An entire ecosystem is on the brink of complete annihilation, not to mention the livelihoods that will never be recovered. There are dolphins that have lived in the various coves around here for generations. It is not the oil that will kill them, but starvation due to their food supply being destroyed. That is just one example of the sickening events that are in our near future. We will continue to do what we can to help in any way possible and also to pray and hope for any recovery that may come our way. We wish all of our neighbors the very best outcome from this tragedy.

Breaking Waves

2010-06-02T16:26:00.001-05:00

"Surfing, alone among sports, generates laughter at its very suggestion, and this is because it turns not a skill into an art, but an inexplicable and useless urge into a vital way of life." ~Matt Warshaw

Liberty

2010-06-01T06:51:00.005-05:00

We met up with some friends last night for a sunset dinner at TC's Front Porch. We had a great meal, a couple of nice cold beers and some great conversation. Thanks to the very brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, we have the freedom to enjoy such an evening.

No Shirt, No Shoes... No Problem

2010-05-31T17:04:00.006-05:00

Our really good friends got married.... on the beach, of course. As inspiring as the churches around here are, they can't compare to the natural beauty of our beaches. I can't imagine a better place to make the commitment of a lifetime. Our friends chose a pavilion at Navarre Beach State Park. It's located just across the Causeway and to the east. There you'll find several places to gather with clean restrooms, showers, grills and quick access to the water. Each pavilion is for rent for the day for a small fee or you can take your chances that none are already reserved (which is often the case) and grab one for your party. It's a great way to enjoy a day at beach.

After the Rain

2010-05-29T07:35:00.001-05:00

We went to a wedding recently and everyone got drenched. It was a fun afternoon anyway and when the rains finally stopped, we were blessed with yet another stunning Gulf Coast sunset.

Night and Day

2010-05-25T16:22:00.003-05:00

These are a couple of pics of Navarre Beach from the back deck of Boondocks. There's always a really great view of the sound from there, but it's especially good at night. Sometimes when I see out-of-towners enjoying the beauty here, I wonder what it'd be like to see it all for the first time. Every time there's an exceptional sunset or even if it's just a regular day at the beach, I'm still awestruck and this is my home. It must be really spectacular for those who've never been here.

SPF 100

2010-05-24T08:06:00.004-05:00

I've never used an umbrella at the beach, but they really do add color to the shoreline. Sometimes I wonder what they look like from overhead. I'm thinking maybe like brightly patterned buttons scattered along the sand.

I gotta to fly to Saint Somewhere

2010-05-21T16:29:00.002-05:00

This craft was abandoned a long time ago and from what I've been told, the man who left it behind faced criminal charges. I often wonder what will eventually become of it and every time I see it, I hear:

"Boat drinks
Waitress I need two more boat drinks..."
~Jimmy Buffett

Shade

2010-05-19T07:39:00.001-05:00

"I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree." ~Joyce Kilmer

Don't be Crabby...You're at the Beach

2010-05-18T12:42:00.004-05:00

I love how these steps into the sound look like they're headed nowhere or are some kind of strange invitation to mermaids. They make for an easy way to retrieve crab traps or just go for a quick swim.

Rain or Shine

2010-05-17T10:49:00.003-05:00

We got record amounts of rain yesterday. We made the best of it by having brunch overlooking the sound. Once it finally stopped pouring, the waves were good and we got a spectacular sunset.

This pic isn't great. I shot it out of the car window while cruising the beach road between Navarre and Pensacola beaches. You get the idea of how pretty the colors were.

Water and Sand

2010-05-15T09:42:00.004-05:00

"At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun." ~Anonymous

White Spring (so glad it's not snow!)

2010-05-14T15:00:00.005-05:00

The oleander is really beautiful this year. The blooms grow plentiful on the branches and send them bending toward the ground. The oleander in our yard is the fuchsia variety and it is stunning, but for whatever reason, the white has always been my favorite.

The adam's needle is also quite an eye-catcher. I love the American Flag in the distance in this photo.

Line of Flight

2010-05-11T08:58:00.003-05:00

I spotted this gang of pelicans while I was catching some rays. They seemed to be heading to Pensacola Beach. Maybe they'd heard, as I had, that the Cobia fishing over there is really good right now.

Hometown Tourists

2010-05-10T07:12:00.002-05:00

I love downtown Pensacola. We were there last Saturday morning and it was beautiful, as always. The trees are full and they frame the old architecture of the buildings there perfectly.
This is the 1832 Old Christ Church, located in Pensacola Village. It is a wonderful tribute to historic preservation and is one of the oldest churches in Florida. It reminds of something out of a fairy tale. I'm not quite sure why this photo is askew, except that we had just finished the Five Flags Fiesta Run and were maybe feeling a little depleted.

Reapply Often

2010-05-05T19:36:00.002-05:00

The beach has been pure perfection lately. The water has even gotten to a bearable temperature. As I lounged in my chair and forgot to reapply sunscreen to the point of being completely fried, I noticed this little fellow strolling around. I couldn't help but wonder what the future holds for him. All any of us can do at this point is pray and hope for the best. This area has a long history of strength and courage, even when facing the worst that nature (or man in this case) has to offer. This challenge will be no different. We'll face whatever comes our way with heads held high and hands outstretched, ready to dig right in and do what it takes to put our paradise back together.

Treasures

2010-04-27T20:28:00.002-05:00

I love shelling and after a recent storm, the bounty was plentiful.

Almost There

2010-04-22T16:30:00.002-05:00

There is nothing like a day at the beach, but when you get a perfect day, it's pure bliss. Sometimes it's nice to find your own private piece of paradise for the afternoon. Anyone from around here or any beach town knows that once tourist season hits, private days at the beach are few and far between. We found one of those rare spots recently. We had to hike in the sand for longer than usual to get to the water and just as we reached the break in the dune, this is the sight that greeted us. It's like it was saying 'C'mon, no one else is here. I'm yours for the day.' ...and a perfect day it was!

Fish Out Of Water

2010-04-20T06:54:00.001-05:00

I wanna be where the people are
I wanna see, wanna see them dancin'
Walking around on those - what do you call 'em?
Oh - feet!

Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far
Legs are required for jumping, dancing
Strolling along down a - what's that word again?
Street

Up where they walk, up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wanderin' free - wish I could be
Part of that world
~Ariel, The Little Mermaid

A Quiet Place

2010-04-18T19:50:00.002-05:00

I love the sound. It was especially serene today. The water, the sun, the sand and the palms made for a great start to an ideal Sunday at the beach.

Filled With Good

2010-04-14T19:27:00.001-05:00

“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” -Henry David Thoreau

Perfection

2010-04-12T16:35:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's nice to take a moment and realize how truly blessed we are to live here. Very few people are lucky enough to live inside a postcard.

New and Improved

2010-04-08T08:55:00.003-05:00

The top photo is our Navarre Beach pier after Hurricane Ivan got finished with it. The bottom photo is our new pier under construction. It was originally slated to be finished this month. I don't know if it'll be ready on time or not, but it sure looks close. Rumors abound about an octagon at the end and even an artificial reef nearby for snorkeling and diving. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Whatever the rebuild brings us, the new pier is just another sign of much needed recovery.

Easter Blessings

2010-04-05T16:11:00.003-05:00

It was such a beautiful weekend! We couldn't help but spend a few hours at the beach, capped off with a cocktail at Juana's Pagoda. Just another day in paradise. Lucky us.

The Gulf

2010-04-03T18:31:00.001-05:00

It mesmerizes, calms, feeds, soothes, relieves, destroys, inspires, bewilders, lulls, transports, entertains and surrounds us.

Bird's Eye View

2010-03-31T08:54:00.002-05:00

"Some folks see a birds eye view
Others haven't got a clue
Some will go and some will stay
It doesn't matter anyway
There's an island in the ocean
Where the people stay in motion
Somewhere on the old gulf stream
Do they live or did I dream
They were changing channels
Waitin' for their sails to fill
They'll be changing channels
Always will" -Jimmy Buffett

Showing Off

2010-03-29T17:52:00.003-05:00

That horrible winter is finally behind us and the lazy hot days of Summer are approaching quickly. This time of year is that space in between when the world seems to awaken. It is now that the azaleas put on a fantastic show. Those green bushes that pretty much go unnoticed the rest of the year are suddenly flush with colorful blooms. They truly are a sight to behold. They have a short blossom period so take some time to walk or bike and enjoy one of nature's best performances.

Boondocks

2010-03-25T08:28:00.003-05:00

What a view! This photo was taken from the back deck of the Boondocks where, along with a gorgeous view, you can also enjoy a cocktail and yummy pizza at Helen Back Again or delicious cajun fare at D'wons Bayou Buffet. We've been to both several times and can honestly say you will not be disappointed. The food and drinks are great and the service is top notch. I'm not sure when it is expected to open, but I'm told that the Drunken Sailor Seafood & Spirits will also be at that location. Something like this has been badly needed in our area for some time now. Hooray for a new Navarre business that exceeds expectations!

Impatience.

2010-03-23T08:40:00.005-05:00

Today is the 4th day of Spring and the clouds in this picture remind me of the little bit of Winter that just will not leave our beautiful area. Yesterday, the high was 54 degrees. That's 16 degrees below normal. Today's projected high is 69. Much better! During my run on Saturday I saw a single azalea bloom. It was a wonderful reminder of the warm days ahead. Soon the cold lonely beach in this picture will transform into a coastline full of lounge chairs, umbrellas and sunbathers. I will be there too.

Summer is coming.....

More Fruitstand

2009-12-02T19:18:00.000-06:00

Too bad I didn't have an actual camera with me... this stuff was beautiful

Fruitstand

2009-12-02T19:17:00.000-06:00

The strawberries were amazing.

Point Mugu

2009-12-02T19:16:00.000-06:00

This is Point Mugu rock... You should recognize it from car commericals.
(Taken while on TDY)

Eglin Sunrise

2009-11-12T20:23:00.000-06:00

I hope to pick this blog back up again. That said, I took this photo this morning with my cell phone as I drove into work. I wish I'd had a real camera.

surf's up pal

2009-08-27T19:04:00.001-05:00

Navarre Skim Invasion Pro/am from Systematic Media on Vimeo.

five and six

2009-07-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

I was hoping to post some film from "bands on the beach" (thursdays in navarre), but I forgot my camera so here's one more from the blue angels show.

everybody out!

2009-07-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

All these people at the beach, but nobody is in the water. It might look odd if the Blue Angels weren't about to fly!

sand fleet

2009-07-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

I noticed the small fleet of dump trucks lined up just as we were getting ready to leave the beach after the blue angels show. I'm not sure why, but it really intrigued me. Why were they lined up? Why is there one truck that is completely different? Who did they belong to? Did they have 1 owner or was there some mysterious beach store that was having a sale on these things? If so, were these dump trucks used to form a new friendship (after they hauled sand and whatnot)...

Sea Oats

2009-07-17T17:26:00.000-05:00

Pensacola Beach - magical, as usual.

This shot was taken as we left the beach today. It's a great reminder that we truly do live in paradise. Don't know where this quote came from but it seems appropriate to post it here: "The Gulf Coast, where thousands live the way millions wish they could"

To all of our Gulf Coast friends, cheers and much love. Yall are the best.

spanish royalty or a wierd version of 'phantom of the opera'

2009-06-09T21:35:00.001-05:00

fiesta of five flags

2009-06-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

I meant to start posting these sooner. The Pensacola Five Flags Fiesta was loads of fun this weekend. I really liked this ship. It had more flags and decoration than any other ship. I bet that its crew is really fun.

another day in paradise

2009-06-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

I had to run a quick errand after dinner and noticed that there was a double rainbow when I got out of the car. Pretty amazing, don't you think?