I'm Your Captain...

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking...

On behalf of my wingmen, Randy and Hazel, welcome to the road trip home.  Islamorada to Harrison Twp. with two hotel scheduled stops along the way (Hey! We know we are wimps!) with the estimated touchdown home by Saturday assuming the tailwind is good.  I have booked 'first class' accommodations for the ride and will have my 'softee' and pillow at the ready and the massaging, heated seats on.

As the 2019 Sloth, Indulgence and Debauchery Tour wraps up, Randy and I will look back fondly on the memories we have made.

We hosted 15 (I think) guests as well as hosting many other work customers.  I had the privilege of visiting Marco Island and then having my Mom and sister here.  We spent hours and hours boating and fishing and then eating a ton of fresh caught.  We 'discovered' a new Tiki Bar and I met some stars of  The Deadliest Catch-Erik and Rico Suave'.  We stayed up late-sometimes-and slept in late, too.  I actually threw two cocktail parties!  We did some updating on our bedroom including paint (thanks Mom and Lisa!) and new furniture and artwork.  I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

As usual, I am ready to come home and get back on a realistic schedule of sorts.  I miss my friends, Berry Manilow, my gym, and Bath City Bistro.

Till next year, goodbye Keys and Hello Michigan!  I can hardly wait. XO

Someday Dream...

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.  Although my heart is up north with my family, the Keys celebration is verrry cool.  I love the symbolism of Easter and the story of Jesus appearing to the non believers.  I always feel relieved to realize that his suffering is over and look forward to the fresh, renewed faith that it inspires.  Easter is not about eggs, bunnies, and ham for me.  Rather, it's about family, love, strength and faith.  I pray for the ease of all of these things as well as peace, compassion and forgiveness for all-it's truly the reason for the season.

Love from the Sandbar Bunny! xo

Ave Maria...

It's with a heavy heart that I follow the details of the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral.  It has been a dream of mine to attend Mass and view the art at this icon, on my 'someday' visit to Paris.

Much like the changed skyline in NYC, I can only guess that the skyline in Paris, too, is forever changed.   Unlike NYC, at Notre Dame there has been no death or injuries and all of the art and iconery is intact.  Thank God.

The question of religion as a formal practice has been pondered for years.  Most churches are experiencing a lack of vocations as well as attendance in the masses.  I cannot totally explain this trend, but I view it as just another way our society is changing.  As a child, I received all the sacraments and had a solid religious background.  As a divorced and remarried woman, I have had to bend my own rules to remain a Catholic.  I strongly identify with Mary the Mother of Jesus and collect rosaries.  But I rarely attend mass, and I can't truly explain why.  When I DO go-with my Mom, the ceremonial celebration washes over me in a way that is as familiar as my morning shower.  It is comforting as well as humbling.  I remain reverent.

As the holiest week in the Catholic church begins, I will pray for the grieving Parisians.

Can't Stop the Feeling!....

Meet my sister from another mother!  Did you ever just 'click' with another couple?  We have lots of good friends but there is always room for more!  Monica and Doug are our 'March' neighbors, but we really just got to know them better this year.  We have plenty in common and are all fun lovin', boatin', foodie fools!  AND..BONUS...they live in Michigan!  We look forward to hooking up back in the mitten.  How cool and wonderful is that?

In other 'news', is anyone else having the feeling that someone is listening in on our conversations?  Lately, it seems that some things I say prompts an ad for a similar thing.  For example, if I say Nordstrom Rack, ads appear in my facebook feed and email offering sales or whatever!  It's a little disconcerting to say the least.  I know I'm a little slow with the 'Alexa/Hey Google' thing but it just creeps me out a little that 'someone' is listening.  Anybody know anything about this phenom and are  you comfortable with it?

Heading to Key West today with friends, Tom and Jen-a day that always promises a good time.

Have a fabulous day and I hope you have friends that make you feel blessed.  It's simply the best!

P.S. I'm so lonesome for my workout buddy!  K? Are you there?  XOXOXXOXO

Ship of Fools...

Happy April Fools Day!

I have to admit; this day has absolutely no significance for me.  I  simply do not have the spunk or creative energy to fool anyone any more.  As a child, I would plan ways to fool my siblings and be at the ready for the tricks they had ready for me.  Later, Dane would delight in fooling my by pointing out that there was an elephant/giraffe/monkey or whatever in the yard.  I would have to look out the window, and be 'fooled' every time, while he shrieked with laughter.

I love watching and hearing others stories of foolery-specially Ellen DeGeneres who is the queen of such nonsense.   It's all yours girl, so get at it!

However; one of my very all time favorite quotes is one by Alexander Pope:  "Fools rush in where  Angels fear to tread."  The quote has been speculatively pondered and it's meaning has many different interpretations.  Personally, because I tend to act first and think later, it totally hits home with me.  I like to think that my impulsive nature ( maybe I'm a fool?) as a risk taker and chance maker is fun and exciting.  Jumping into situations with both feet can be 'foolish' or wonderful.  Who's to say?

Here's something I can say for sure:  3 chickies had a ball cruising the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.  Turquoise water and a cobalt sky is beauty that has no compare.  Pina Colada's and the sun in our faces. Tomfoolery DID abound, as we celebrated the last few days of my Mom's vacation.

Hope you enjoyed some type of foolery that brought a smile to your face today.  XO