Thanksgiving

We spent our second Thanksgiving in Orange Beach together with Reece & Scarlett. It was hard to fathom a year had gone by so quickly...returning to Fort McRee; the memories of our first trip here seemed to be created just yesterday.

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner and sunset spending time with family.

Reece & Scarlett... they are not only family but great friends as well!

Courtney & K K.. two fun & beautiful girls!

Satisfied and relaxed!

You gotta love that smile!

another beautiful Fort McRee sunset!

Jimmy & I shuttled everyone back to shore then returned to Fort McRee and anchored out for the night! It was a great night and the water tapped gently against Anticipation as we drifted off to sleep!

For those who know me well this next event will be difficult to believe. However, I promise to tell the truth!

Jimmy woke during the night and quietly left the state room careful not to wake me...a few hours later he returned to bed and snuggled in...not anything unusual you might say. We drifted into a wonderful sleep once again...then, just before daybreak the most remarkable thing happened....I was lying in bed wide awake! Unable to sleep, I slipped out of bed, slipped on something warm, grabbed the camera and went out to watch the sunrise! Now that is incredible...me watching the sunrise, the Queen of sleeping in!!!

I didn't realize how much activity goes on so early in the day! It looks like this bird caught "the big one". There were so many Cranes, Pelicans, & Seagulls hunting & fishing I was amazed watching them swoop and dive for the catch.

Ahh...so that is what a sunrise looks like!

Later in the morning we took the dinghy for a ride and pulled onto shore for a walk on the beach. It was breathtaking to realize that the only footprints in the sand were the ones we were making! So peaceful...so intimate...so refreshing!

some sort of sea urchin fluttering along the calm waters edge

         Do jellyfish sting if they are washed ashore?

what a gorgeous morning!

            Peace and contentment...feels so good!

The love of my life!



We have so many things to be thankful for in our lives! While we are not without the little everyday challenges; we are blessed with unconditional and unlimited love for one another; we have great friends and a wonderful family and we are building magnificent memories!

We hope everyone enjoy their Thanksgiving as much as we did!

Weekend with the Remkes'

November 7 - 13

It was another great week in the Bower life! The combination of cruising with Anticipation, time at the condo, and great friends made for a wonderful week. The drive over was peaceful and the Suburban was jam packed as usual. Tuesday was a day for accomplishments, new anchor chain was installed, a little housekeeping was done, a bit of decor adjustment and all is well!

We were finally in town (Orange Beach) for one of the wine dinners put on by local restaurant owners. This one was at Zen Restaurant on the corner of Hwy 161 and Perdido Beach Blvd. We met a couple in the parking lot; Busha & Dave...turns out Busha babysits for the restaurant owners and one of the chefs. What a character! We shared a dinner table with them and laughed the entire time! Dinner was fine, wine was great, and the laughter was priceless! The wine dinner concept was interesting and I look forward to doing it again sometime. Check out Villaggio Grille, Ginny Lane Bar & Grill, Zen Restaurant, and Elli Bistro on line for dates and details, they usually have something happening every month!

We made the move from Anticipation to the condo Thursday afternoon and my wonderful husband sent me out with the camera to capture God's artwork as he unloaded the car! This shot is one of my favorites, it truly depicts the peacefulness we experience when we spend time at our home away from home.

It's Friday!!! With great friends aboard we took Anticipation out for a short run to the new Tacky Jacks accross from Lulu's for an array of appetizers and a couple of Rum drinks :-)

The wait staff at Tacky Jacks use duck tape and markers to create their name tags...we just had to get in on that action!

Meet Bob & Beverly Bacardi...aka Kell & Shelley Remkes

Here we are incognito as Rachel & Robert Rum....Can you see where this day is going?

Back on board for a little cruise!

As usual, I enjoy the natural beauty of our waterways

My handsome captain and wonderful guests

Cruising with the Remkes'

Back to the condo...refill the Rum drinks for a beach walk at sunset...photo time!

I am exrtremely grateful to be spend my life with this amazing man!

Great smile Kell! Nothing like a little Rum to loosen you up! lol

Love those seagulls! However, beware not to feed them if you are planning to lay out in peace!

I will never grow tired of the beautiful sunsets, I am in awe every day!

Amazing sunset.... Amazing couple!

Saturday

It was difficult to top our Friday with the Remkes' but we really enjoyed another day of cruising! Dolphin cruisers attract lots of action! I have to wonder if they feed them in order to get the dolphins to follow... this boat must have had 8-10 dolphins swimming behind it. I was lucky enough to snap at just the right moment to capture one jumping!

Always a tug boat and barge or two in the area!

Looks like someone will be bringing dinner home!

To Kell & Shelley...we always enjoy your company & look forward to more cruising with you guys!

The Birthday Week

October 11 - 16

Well this was one of those "milestone" birthdays for me...30...I mean 40...OK 50! Whew, that sounds a lot worse than it feels thankfully! In spite of my sisters being absent for first time in 7 years :( it was a beautiful week with my wonderful husband.




Our first order of business was to take care of the bow thrust, so off to Barber Marina she went! She spent the night in a sling and repairs were taken care of the following day.

Barber Marina is a beautiful place, the grounds are well maintained and very nice. However, if you are attempting to get there by car it can be a little time consuming. I'll just say they are very well tucked away!

Wow she looks so little!

patiently waiting for service

Whoo Hoo! Back in the water and back to the Wharf we go!

Our very own dinghy


October 15th

On Saturday the Reed clan came aboard for a little cruise.

While we were anchored out for the day Cody took Seth & Aidan for a little excursion to one of the small islands. The boys were able to run around a bit to use up a little energy!

Bailey's turn for a little adventure, it sure makes our hearts happy to see her radiant smile!

Brooke & Cody introduced us to ribeye sausage....yum yum ;)

The newlyweds...

Aidan

Seth

winding down a little

My wonderful husband and handsome captain!

I am always in awe of the beautiful landscape

AidanSeth

While the boys were on their excursion we tried to catch the "BIG ONE"...oh well, it was a good thing that Cody & Brooke provided steaks for everyone!

The anxiety level was slightly elevated as Bailey was transferred into the dinghy but with Mom at her side all was well.

Isn't she adorable?!?!

Our turn to take the dinghy for a ride :)

Cody was itching to get at the helm!

I love love love my daughter-in-law

Taking us home! Just a little different than driving a bass boat Cody!!!

hey I thought I was the one with the camera!

the other newlyweds ;)

We enjoyed the evening ride back to the marina...just felt a bit strange that neither of us were at the helm, but we were in good hands to say the least!

Another gorgeous sunset on the canal

So we arrive at the Wharf and my darling husband/Captain Jimmy tucks us back into the slip for the evening...steak & potatoes are consumed with pleasure!

What a great day, the kiddos are mellow and ready to head back to the condo...Jimmy and I are ready for a little Grand Marnier and time to reflect on our day....

October 16th...

Another sweet surprise! I am married to a wonderful man!
Nothing like walking in to the condo to hear the kids singing happy birthday.

We were not only celebrating my birthday but it was also the anniversary of our decision to begin our relationship. So many great memories in one short year!