08 August 2009 STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA

After what seemed like three weeks of anticipation
the day arrived for the 5.5 hour trek from Boynton Beach to
Steinhatchee, Florida. Howard and Gail invited us to join them there
for an adventure in the Gulf. They drove up from Georgia with their big
boat planning to do some scuba diving and snorkeling. Diving for fish, snorkeling
for scallops. How could we decline such a "sweet" invitation or the opportunity
to spend some quality time with very dear friends?

We arrived later Friday evening than anticipated to the wonderful coastal atmosphere
of the Gulf coast and the wonderful aromas of gumbo cooking in the kitchen! What a treat! Fortunately time to eat was not far off and the taste of the perfectly seasoned gumbo was the perfect accent to the trip and our evening. Not long after the meal and a little visit..well, bedtime for a busy day in the water the following day.

We were not disappointed with the boat ride out into the gulf or the location we
chose to harvest scallops. It was a totally amazing and fantastic experience. Personally, I've snorkeled many times, but I've never harvested scallops at the same time. The water was no more than 5 feet deep and the scallops were often resting on top of the sea grass that was very thick in the area. Clear sandy spots were dotted with them as well, but offered the little guys a chance to escape the hands headed
for them. They move rapidly by clapping their shells together..and anything that happend to be between the shells when they snap together.. too bad! They don't let go either! I think all of us felt the shock of a clamped shell on our fingers, but only once! After that all were careful to avoid the opening.

Enjoy the pictures that follow. We had a blast and plan to do it again in the near future!

Clicking on the photos enlarges them to full size so the detail is much better!

July 3 Boat Trip To Blackbeard/Sapelo

May 31 Honolulu Peal Harbor and USS Missouri

June 2 Hilo and Volcanoes National Park

June 3 Kona and the Coffee Farms

June 4 Kuaui Waimea Canyon and Dukes

June 5 Leaving Kuaui North Shore Cliffs

June 6 Honolulu/Waikiki/North Shore

MORE THAN "JUST A DOG"

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, IT IS A TRUE STORY.

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ...

CHRISTMAS 2008

JUST A DOG

Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it's just a dog”, or, “That's a lot of money for just a dog”. They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a Dog”. Some o f my proudest moments have come about with “Just a Dog”. Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a Dog”, and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were comforted by the gentle touch from “Just a Dog” which in turn provided the purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think its “Just a Dog” you most likely will understand phrases like “Just a friend”, “just a sunrise”, or “just a promise”. “Just a Dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a Dog” brings out the patience and compassion that makes me a better person. Because of “Just a Dog” I will rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it's not “Just a Dog”. It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a Dog” brings out that which in me is good and thankfully diverts me from myself and the worries of the day.

I am hopeful that someday others can understand it's not “Just a Dog”. It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man”. So, the next time you hear the phrase, “Just a Dog”....smile...because they “just don't understand”.

DO THESE LOOK JUST "JUST DOGS" TO YOU?

18 SEPTEMBER 2008 IN OCHO RIOS JAMAICA

Tami, the guide for Dunn River Falls gives us the basics before we begin the descent to the base of the falls...beach front...where the fun begins. We were warned that everything would be wet before we began...last chance to leave valuable things behind...not one person was willing surrender purse, camera or jewelry. Idiots all! The climb; irregular, wet, slippery, wet, deep, wet, a little dangerous and, did I mention....WET?

Everyone is already wet, and we've just begun! Finally the idiots are surrendering cameras and other valuables that they don't want to get drenched! The cool water was a refreshing relief to the stifling humidity and heat, and the water laden heavy bags and purses tended to slow the climbers. Fortunately, only one ship was in port today...can you imagine this crowd multiplied by 6. Let me point out that climbing hand in hand as instructed was not only impossible...but not a good idea! One numb skull could bring the entire group..down...down..and under!




The line of climbers did tend to slow things down a little at various points; this being one of the slowest portions. But the bit of rest was appreciated for as you can see...we are all a bit out of "climbing condition" and all deserve credit for giving it our best! The Meadows family was with us at almost every turn. We entered together and stayed together, lending each other hands up when needed and moral support to boot!



Ah, yes! At last, the end is near...at the top...and another pool...but the last is always the best, the biggest and of course, the most challenging! We're all exhausted, and with all this water around..(none to drink)...even though Jamaicans drink this water all the time..and further up stream..bathe in it too! I've never been to Jamaica and not seen a naked Jamaican in the stream with a bar of soap for a nice refreshing bath! Keep in mind, that after working on a cruise ship and visiting this part of Jamaica about 70 times...that's a lot of naked Jamaicans!

This, finally the last pool. The end is just a few steps away...we think! Or is it?
Wow! What an adventure! The new friends we made along the way were terrific too! We all had a good time...at the falls and at Mystic Mountain, where we took the bob sled roller coaster down from the top of the mountain through the rain forest canopy! But first the sky lift to the top! That was the scariest part of the journey, but the views of the bay, our ship in the harbor and the dense foliage below remain unphotographed and indescribable!

Back to the ship for formal night...and dinner! After all the exercise, we were famished!

Here is a slide show that was prepared for the Meadows family. They were with us for almost the entire climb.

17 SEPTEMBER 2008 IN GRAND CAYMAN

ABANDON SHIP!

Stingray City, the place where we swim with the stingrays, was not as remembered either. Only a few rays showed up for the tour guides to feed and the masses experienced previously never materialized. It was however, a beautiful day and exciting the see the rays swimming beneath the snorkelers.

DOUG IN A GROUP OF RAY WATCHERS

DOUG, ALONE, RAY WATCHING

15 SEPTEMBER 2008 IN COZUMEL, MEXICO

Disappointment would be an understatement! Cozumel has become much more expensive since my last visit. Not sure if it is because the repeated rebuilding due to hurricane damage, increased tourism, greed or some other vile reason. We did manage to rent a jeep for the day and travel around the island. Road construction grately impacted the viewpoints along the beach drive. Also, eating at my favorite lunch spot, Ernesto's Fajita Factory, went a long way to wiping out the bank. Two mixed fajita meals, once 6-7 u.s. dollars each, went for 36 dollars this trip. The taste was exactly as delicious as remembered...and for that price..it's a good thing.

Blake and Doug enjoy Ernesto's fajitas