Almost December - Fernandina Beach

Another two weeks has passed and it’s time for another posting. The last two weeks have seen a flurry of activity around our place. To bring everyone up to date I’ll highlight happenings.

1. As I have reported, we have been preparing for the Photo Show here in Fernandina Beach. The art that had been on display in the Intercoastal Wine Company store was to have been up through Thanksgiving. Thus we would have had only one week to get everything hung. Although we were sure we could get it done in that time (almost all prints were made and framed), it would be have been a busy time. As it turned out, the previous artist took her stuff down the week of November 11th, so we had almost 3 weeks to work with. Good thing as we were tweaking (rearranging) right up until Wednesday (27th). But we’re good to go – only 6 days from now!
2. Our daughter Carol will be arriving Wednesday (Dec 5th) to help with the show and visit with her web business associates in Orlando while she’s here. She will drive down for the day on Sunday – we may or may not go with her.
3. As I reported last time, Margaret had a good report from her doctor regarding her neck / nervous situation. She has now been on the new medicine for almost two weeks. So far / so good.
4. Although we didn’t have company for Thanksgiving dinner (we ate at a very nice restaurant on Amelia Island – Horizons), Margaret has been busy cleaning up (still) from the mess made by the protracted repair activities. At the moment we’ve decided not to proceed to repair storm FAY’s damage until after the new year. A chance to live in our house without noise, disruption, and workman going and coming.
5. We put up our Christmas tree today. It’s one of those made-in-China, artificial jobs with the lights pre-installed. We’ve had the same problem we had last year. We can’t find all the right plugs from the different sections – so we still have one whole row of unlit bulbs. It should be easier than this; can’t figure out why it’s so hard!
6. Finally, in the middle of all this, I have been trying to get a web-site up and running. It was supposed to be easy – at least that’s what the company told me. I’ve been struggling with it for several months now and it’s still not what I want. But I had to press to get it “UP” because I have been labeling all my photos with the web-site name. You’re welcome to visit but I have to warn you it’s not what I was expecting or what I want. I hope to “FIX” it so it will do what I want. If not, I”ll have to pull the plug and try something else. Oh yes, the web-site is: http://wwwaMUSEingJourneys.com.

We are looking forward to another busy two weeks. After the photo show, Carol will return to California on the 10th. A few days later we will move the RV to Ft. Clinch for a week of beach camping. Wish I’d of thought of this earlier. I’ve mentioned several times how close Ft. Clinch State Park is to our home. The distance is measured in miles (less than 2 miles); but in terms of atmosphere and ambience, it’s world’s away. It will be a chance to relax and get out of the house before diving into Christmas.

Today’s photo is miles and years away. It is one of the photos I am showing. It isn’t nearly as impressive on the web as it is in a 16x20 print; matted and framed to 24x28”. We took it back in 2006 during our first visit to Banff / Jasper. The waterfall is located on the Icefield Parkway about 20 miles (or so) north of Lake Louise, AB. While we were parked at the falls (taking the picture), a couple approached us and asked if we were Florida Gators (saw the license). They were and wanted to meet us. Small world.

Ft Clinch State Park - beach views!

It’s Monday and I missed my Saturday “dead-line” for getting out another blog. But I have a good excuse, at least I think so. Margaret and I spent all day Friday and Saturday hanging photos for the show. Although the “show” will be on Friday night, Dec. 5th, the photos will be hanging for two months. Originally it was to be just December and January, but the previous artist pulled her stuff out last week on Thursday so we were able to begin putting pieces up on Friday. Fortunately we were almost ready to start. Glad we didn’t have to wait until the last minute to begin.

I had concerns about the “size” of our hangings. Although a 16x20 print, matted and framed in a 24x28 frame seems large to me, when it hangs on a dark, brick wall that is over 10 feet high, the piece seems tiny; well at least too small. Part of that is because most painters feel comfortable spreading paint on a larger surface. They don’t have to worry about “sharpness” or pixels. Getting a large photo from a small image is a daunting task. But we’re happy with the results.

We had really good news today. Last week Margaret spent a couple of days in Jacksonville being poked and prodded for the same symptoms she had seven years ago. Those symptoms resulted in neck surgery for her; surgery that required a neck brace and 4 months of pain and discomfort. Anyway, today she met with the neurologist and he said that after looking at all the test results, he felt they could combat the symptoms with medication. The medication doesn’t fix anything, but it allows Margaret to suffer less. The problem may get worse and eventually require surgery, but for the moment, it’s two pills a day! Margaret is very happy and relieved – me, too.

We had an inspiration last week. After we return(ed) from our RV adventures the last 3 years, the camper sits in storage for 4 – 6 months before our next outing. As I have mentioned on several occasions, we enjoy visiting Fort Clinch State Park. While it’s less than a mile from our house, when you’re back in the trees or on the beach, it’s another world. So we are going to try staying in the RV monthly for a week (more or less) at the beach. It will be like having a beach house – but one that cost just over $10/day (not counting the RV itself which costs no matter whether we’re using it or not!) – and is only a 10 minute drive away! Our plan is to live “normally” during the day, but retire to the RV for the night and enjoy the evenings and mornings at the beach. Should be fun!

The five photos are from a recent outing to Ft. Clinch beach – the beach that is beside the river flowing from Cumberland Sound to the Atlantic. Margaret loves looking for shark’s teeth. I like finding the interesting shapes of driftwood. Plus a few ripples and a passing sailboat. Now you see why we like going there!

November already?

It doesn’t seem like two weeks have gone by, but time does go quickly when you’re busy. I thought retirement would be quiet with nothing much to do. But depending on how you measure it, we have been “retired” for about 5 years and if anything, we’re busier now than ever. Lots of fun (usually).

Today, Nov 1st is the annual Univ of Georgia and Univ of Florida football game held in Jacksonville. Located so close to Georgia, Fernandina Beach is the destination of choice for many of the Georgia Dawgs (football fanatics for those of you unfamiliar with Geogia football). We try to grin and bear it – it is only once a year.

After thinking about the last posting, I decided to include some more photos of cars – and trucks – from the Amelia Car Cruizer’s show from two weeks ago.

We are in the final stage(s) / countdown to the photography show to be held on Dec 5th. I realize most of you couldn’t come because of the distances and other commitments but please accept this note as a firm invitation. I’d like to see you there but I appreciate your thoughts and best wishes.

For those keeping score, we are in between house-work / repair. We had damage from tropical storm FAY (back in late August) and have filed an insurance claim. Based on preliminary comments, we are optimistic that some of the repairs will be covered. Another wait and see, but at the moment the East wall of our house (2nd and 3rd floors) is covered with TYBEK (a plastic tarp-like substance) to keep more water out. Will it never end?

I received a call last week from the Amelia Island Chamber singers. They are short of tenors so even though I have missed most of the rehearsals, I have agreed to give it a go. Fortunately, I have sung 8 of the 10 pieces they’re doing – of course it’s been almost 20 years since the last time! Should be fun. The concert(s) are on the weekend we were going to take the RV to St. Augustine for a Holiday Rambler club outing, so that had to be canceled. Maybe another day.

There are lots of things to report, but better to leave them for later.