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!

Getting acquainted!

So we made the trip and all is well. Over the next few weeks we became acquainted with Tim; a local mechanic who is very knowledgeable when it comes down to all of the little details and quirks we encounter as we get to know Anticipation. We will likely put him on speed dial just for comfort!

The Wharf Marina is very nice and comfortable, staff are friendly and helpful...It's starting to feel like home. We enjoy meeting our neighbors and it is great to meet the network of friends Jimmy already has established here. Our time with Anticipation is precious and it remains difficult to leave at the end of each week. However, we do look forward to our time with family and friends back at our land based home.

Just when we think our life will start to settle down and relaxation will prevail our social life kicks into high gear! A wedding here, conference there, cruising with precious family, and another wedding all wrapped up into one very short week! Whew!!!

My son married the girl of his dreams...they are now one big happy family...not quite the Brady bunch but full of love for each other anyway :)

You may now kiss your bride!

Their first dance!

A very happy little family

Can anyone tell that we are all very happy about this union!

Due to circumstances the honeymoon was short and as close to home as possible...luckily we were near by and able to take the newlyweds on a sunset cruise that included a steak dinner, a little wine, and even an opportunity to cast a time or two although nothing was biting! I must say it was quite an honor to know they enjoyed the cruise with Anticipation and spending the day with us...did I say he makes me proud to be his mom?!?

Brooke & Cody Reed

Yummy!

I love our life!

Part two of the journey to Orange Beach, AL

Monday August 29, 2011
We spent our last night at Seabrooke Marina in New Orleans where Anticipation had a little paint and pampering done to her bottom.

Tuesday August 30, 2011
We head out of New Orleans East bound through our Louisiana waterways. Enjoying the beauty and serenity along the way. My mind is flooded with childhood memories of spending time on the Mississippi when dad was a river boat Captain...all so long ago. I must admit that I never expected to be able to enjoy this lifestyle on the water and I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful dream come to life with my husband. I am amazed at how compatible we are...and look forward to many years with Anticipation!

Just before sunset we arrive at Pass Christian Yacht Harbor where we will spend the night. So far in this journey we somehow manage to be a little too busy to kick back and enjoy the setting sun completely...no worries! Our time is coming!

With confidence we put Anticipation into the dock slip (yes I am proud of myself for being comfortable as 1st mate!)

More friends come by to greet and welcome us into the "boating community"...or should I say "family". I am starting to realize that boaters are very special people and more than willing to go the extra mile to assist in any way!

Shaggy's for dinner...yummy! Great staff and friendly service...seared tuna bits and fried fish were great...pretty good margaritas also :)

Day two:
Fueled up at Point Cadet, it was quite convenient; David and .... Were very helpful and the tiny store was packed full of fishing stuff, caps, and T-shirts...yes we left with a few goodies!

Into the Mississippi sound and we are rocking steady all day long!

Wait let's back up a little...we stop to take care of necessary things, shut the generator and engine down in order to hear the macerator...clear things out...umm...generator will not start! Did I mention it was another hot day? Therefore, no spending time cooling off inside! Still no worries just more time spent together.

Cruising right along and all of a sudden I look over to port side and see two dolphins swimming in our wake! I was able to get a couple of cool shots and video clips, they are amazing and fun to watch.

As we enter into the canal at Orange Beach the sun is once again dropping into the horizon painting another beautiful skyline. This time of day is surely one of our favorites.

The new Tacky Jack's is open and looks great from the water...hope the margaritas are as good as the original restaurant so we can add it to the margarita run...hope Reece & Scarlett are ready for the event!

Wharf Marina here we Come! Ahh...shore power and a/c...life is cool again!

Bon Voyage - Leaving Morgan City, LA

Monday August 15th, we unloaded many of the previous owner items and loaded her up with our personal belongings. Mid-August in South Louisiana...the temperatures are close to triple digit, combined with the humidity levels and we were almost to the point of melting. Hot as it may be, we were ready to discover all there is to know about her as we prepare for the first leg of journey...As we worked diligently to get everything in it's place, the sunset grabbed our attention as always so we paused for a minute as if to pay tribute to Anticipation's final sunset in Morgan City.

Tuesday August 16th, we were hoping to get an early start...Scarlett and Bonnie B. arrived bright and early to taxi us off to Morgan City...well, 2pm and we are underway, heading to New Orleans, LA where Anticipation will have her bottom cleaned, painted, and waxed!

Did I mention it was HOT! However, we were having the time of our lives. Within the first hour of getting underway we were going through the first of four locks and a couple of bridges! Needless to say, I was a bit intimidated at first but all is well and I am no longer intimidated by locks or bridges! Jimmy is not only a wonderful husband but a great Captain and gentle instructor also!

Here are a few pictures of our trip from Morgan City to New Orleans. It was a priceless time. Jimmy and I enjoyed being together creating more wonderful memories...

So long Morgan City!

 My wonderful husband and Captain

 love our Louisiana wildlife and landscape

 peaceful reflections

 our first sunset underway

it was a long hot first day and we are proud!

We spent our first night in Houma at the city dock. The dock and park were very nice and clean. Staff came out after hours to set us up with water and power without hesitation and with great hospitality! We were excited and exhausted at the same time. Mexican and Italian were the menu selections (TV dinners actually...lol) paired with one of our favorite bottles of Red Rock!

0400 Wednesday morning...in less than technical terms: a circut breaker tripped...co2 alarms went off and we were scrambling to see what was going on! Fortunately, Jimmy knew exactly what the issue was and resolved the matter quickly...whew! A few hours later we are up and ready to seize the new day!

ready for departure!

Anchored out in Harvey, LA right outside of Boomtown Casino

It was another hot day but we enjoyed our time together doing what we have been looking forward to for so long! Setting the anchor was a bit of a challenge but after much effort and a little help from a dear friend Marty dropping by to say hello we were all set...great timing Marty!

A nice dinner at Boomtown and back to Anticipation we go! Here is the tug boat we were anchored next to...

View of Anticipation  from the shore as we are anchored out.

0400 Thursday morning...a tug boat goes by and pardon the expression..."waked us" out of a deep sleep! We can laugh about it now...so two nights on board and two nights of rude awakening! We are off to a great start ;-)....and still loving every minute!

We make it to New Orleans and another great friend provides a car for us to run around town...Jimmy Q....

Did I mention we have great friends!!!

Visiting with our family and friends the following two evenings were wonderful even if we did not leave the marina.

 Jimmy & Dana

Jimmy & Kell

Leo & Tiffany

Shelley & Kell

 Steve & Mary Ann

Me & My Captain

The following week Anticipation gets a new bottom paint job and hull wax! The staff at the Seabrook Marina were excellent and did a great job! We appreciate the accommodations, they provided us with power and water at no additional cost.

To be continued...