the Tall Ships

These photos were taken from Ft. Moultrie on Sullivans Island, SC. The Tall Ships were in Charleston Harbor for their annual Harborfest. Although there were only four of them, they were truly magnificent, as they sailed through the mist in the Parade of Sail. The ship Amistad (the last ship pictured with sails folded) is a replica of an old slave trader ship. These ships brought slaves from Africa to the New World, with most of them chained below deck. The slaves on the Amistad mutinied against their inhumane treatment in 1839. The other ships pictured are the Corwith Cramer, the Spirit of South Carolina, and the Virginia.

The last day of being 56

It's finally here; the last day of 56! Yippee! WhoooHooo!
A ton of stuff happened this year and now it is on to another year in the life of thebankerswife! Lots of picture taking and writing crap in the blog. Going to do some traveling and wine drinking. Not as much eating, but hey...that's ok. I am just going to be more particular of the stuff that goes into this old, er, middle aged body. More fruits and yes, more veggies! Less beef and more seafood. I am really going to TRY to drive the boat more and maybe learn to dock it this summer. More reading of books, perhaps some of the classics I missed in high school and college. I just finished a book, just a mindless "chick book," but a book, nonetheless! I am DEFINITELY planning on spending more time with the grandkids and more quality time with Joe, now that he is retiring again. And more walks with Ivy. Plus, more walks outdoors. I have gotten spoiled with roaming the beach at Sullivans Island everyday, but who wouldn't? It is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen (see pic above). I am realizing that you just have to stop and smell the roses, or at least wiggle your bare feet in the sand every once in a while. My feet both have bunions (thanks, Mom), so flip flops are great! Enough rambling from this 56 year old bankers wife and on to number 57!! Cheers!

Boone Hall Plantation-Grounds and Gardens

Please enjoy my slideshow of Boone Hall Plantation, Mt. Pleasant, SC. And remember to stop and smell the flowers along the way.......

Eight Belles

Godspeed, Eight Belles. Your race into history is not the one I had hoped for. You are in greener pastures now and running free with a good horse named Barbaro......

More Gardens of Charleston

The gardens in the ancient homes in the downtown Charleston are are just amazing. You could, and I have, spend hours just wandering around. Just lose yourself in the magic gardens.....

Tennis

OMG.....I spend the day at a major Pro tennis event, then I write about it........Am I supposed to go back to playing the game? Is this a sign from God? We are planning on joining Greenbrier CC in Chesapeake when we go back in June....guess I need to get out my racquet!! O...WAIT ! I don't have one!! GEESH!! How much are they now? I am a Prince gal.......Do I even have any pics of me playing tennis? BRB........

Serena Williams

Venus and Serena Williams were both entered in the Family Circle Cup, but Venus withdrew because of injury. Serena was easily the crowd favorite all week. She is much "leaner" in person and is a fantastic athlete.

Ave Maria (Sharapova)

I took these at the WTA Family Circle Cup in Charleston. Maria Sharapova is a beautiful young woman from Russia. She is very young, turning 21, and very tall 6'2". Oh.....she plays awesome tennis! Sorry, no action shots.....battery worn down from pics of Serena Williams. Don't forget to check her out also!

Our Day at the Masters-A Photo Story

Marine Corps Recruit Depot-Parris Island, SC

The Marine Corps is still attracting more than a few good men. On a recent trip to Parris Island with my brother-in-law Tony Matzen, a former Marine, and my sister, Mindy, we toured the base and watched the young recruits march and drill. It was VERY IMPRESSIVE! That particular day was graduation day for several platoons of new Marines, so the base was swarming with their families. Most of these Marines will see action in Iraq. God bless them....Semper Fidelis!

 

 

 

 

Charleston, South Carolina - Gardens

We did a self guided walking tour of "Old Charleston" over Easter weekend and were able to peek into some of the beautiful gardens. Smell the flowers and enjoy the tour!

An afternoon walk on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Sullivan's Island is a wonderful beach community about a 7 minute drive from our rental house in Mt. Pleasant. I love walking the beach around Ft. Moultrie. Edgar Allen Poe served in the US Army there and I am enthralled with the idea that I am walking where he walked as a young man. Chief Osceola, the revered Seminole Indian Chief is also buried on the grounds of the fort. The Catholic Church we are attending is across the street from the fort and is also "ancient," as is the Pastor! The church survived Hurricane Hugo and has a plaque at the high water mark to prove it. The beach is awesome and is at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Below are photographs taken on an afternoon walk.

Joe on the beautiful beach (doesn't he look great?!)


Cannons of Ft Moultrie (Ft Sumter in background)


Cannon at Ft Moultrie (I love these big guns!)


Behind Ft Moultrie Visitor Center (Ravenel Bridge-Route 17
in the background)


Stella Maris Catholic Church (shame that the pastor is a bit cranky)


Fisherman (sigh)


A beach pic


Cruise ship out of Charleston Harbor


Wish I lived here

Today I am packing for the move to Charleston, SC. My husband Joe, accepted a temporary job there, coming out of retirement, for this project. We have rented a small, fully furnished, 4 bedroom house in Mt Pleasant. Ivy, our yellow Lab, will, more than likely be undergoing major surgery to repair her CCL in her back, left knee, while we are there. I am pretty nervous about this surgery, as it is very invasive, the rehab is about 4 months, and very, VERY restrictive.
I will miss my kids here, especially my grandkids and my sister, who has cancer. Thankfully, she is winning the battle and is pretty healthy, at this writing. She and her husband plan on coming to visit us in Charleston.
But, I enjoy change, and Charleston is supposed to be one of most most amazing cities in the South. There is a wine and food festival coming up the end of February ( I would HATE to go to that!) and a major womens tennis tournament in April (I love tennis).
Charleston, Charleston, made in Carolina!

Dad

Dad, you would have been 87 years old today, November 16, 2007. A lot has happened since you left us. Pete has now had 2 children! Can you believe it? And Joey has had 2 jobs!! The Red Sox won the series again.....unbelievable!! Mindy has cancer, which she is beating. We are so close; she is my best friend and shopping buddy. And my wine buddy. Joe is my other wine buddy. We are trying to sell our house in Florida and get back to Virginia, but the market is very bad....you would hate it.
So, perhaps not that much has happened, but the things that have occurred have been huge! We are all happy, though, which is what you wanted for us.
Oh, we are having that Whitney Thanksgiving this year at Mindy's. I recall how much you enjoyed those........especially when Mom burned the pumpkin pie!
I miss you, Dad.....yeah REALLY.

You Stink!

You stink! You smokers that are my family or friends, you really stink. Your hair, your breath, your clothes, your skin, and especially your overall attitude about smoking, stinks. Some of you have already lost loved ones to smoking and yet, you still puff away. You, especially, really stink. You are young, some of you, so you are also stupid in addition to stinking. Haven't you heard that smoking can kill you? Oh wait, those of you in my age group are stupid too, for smoking all these years. You super stink. You have to go outside to smoke to avoid offending everybody else inside with your stinking second hand smoke. Then you come inside and think that everyone is ok with your stinking, but, I can tell you that they are not! Your stinking follows you like a cloud of smoke. It is in your car and in your office. Maybe you think it is not in your home, but you are wrong. Ever wonder why no one wants you to drive or why there are no meetings in your office? Or why those invitations for dinner at your home are turned down? Because you stink. Some of you are dealing with spouses or children with life threatening illnesses. You are the most selfish of the stinkers. Some of you have already had medical problems because of your stinking smoking habit. You have had heart attacks, pneumonia, high blood pressure, dental issues, and yes, even sexual problems because of your stinking habit. Some of you have already been diagnosed with emphysema and COPD and you are still stinking up our world. Are you completely crazy? Or just suicidal? Got a death wish? It could be granted, you STINKER!

Ivy at Wythe County, VA

Photobucket Album

College football revisited

OK. I am watching college football again as a casual observer only. No passion. Hope this helps me.......

I have had it with college football. I am done....FINISHED! No more. My teams just keep losing. First it was my beloved Seminoles. Then, my new team, the University of South Florida Bulls lost to Rutgers and last night, the Hokies (Virginia Tech) lost in the last 4 minutes to that damn Boston College. I have folded up my flags and and put away my t shirts. Until tomorrow, when I will sneak at peek at the FSU/Duke game. But, just a peek.

USS Wisconsin

Photobucket Album: See all of my USS Wisconsin pics here!!

Surfin' USA (SC)

Photobucket Album: Surfing in Pawleys Island, SC. Just so you know, I do not know these people.

Keys Vacation, 2007

Ivy's Keys Vacation: All about the dog

Sasha: One Lucky Dog

My good friends, Mary Kay and Bob own Sasha, who is definitely, one lucky dog. We spent a few days with them at Alligator Point, Florida recently, along with Ivy, our yellow Lab. Ivy and Sasha loved the beach, and would spend hours playing in the water, if we would let them. They are buddies. And one thing that they have in common is that their owners absolutely adore them.
Bob and Mary Kay had recently lost their beagle, Patches to cancer. They had thought about getting another dog at some point, but had not really started looking seriously. Mary Kay stopped by Patches' vet office one day to thank him for the wonderful care that Patches had received, as she neared the end of her life. She asked the vet about rescuing a dog and he mentioned that he had a dog at the clinic that he had been treating. She was a young dog that had been accidentally run over by her owner’s own car, on the same day that Patches had died. Her back leg was shattered and her owners couldn’t afford surgery and had asked for her to be put down. The vet asked permission to operate anyway and that he would find her a home. He realized early on that she was a special dog. Mary Kay went home with Sasha that day. But, she was not in the clear yet. Mary Kay started doing a little research to try to figure out what Sasha's breeding was. She knew that her mother was a Shepherd. But, then she discovered that Sasha had a Rottweiler's coloring. So, back to the vet clinic went Sasha. I guess the vet convinced Mary Kay that she wasn't a Rotty and that she would not be a big dog. In fact, she could not get to over 50 pounds because it would put a tremendous strain on her shattered leg, which was held together with pins and plates. So, Sasha begins her life with Bob and Mary Kay.
Sasha lives in a big house in an Atlanta suburb. She has her own bed and lots of toys. She loves dog biscuits and long walks. Sasha’s life is good Mary Kay realizes that Sasha is smart, very smart. She teaches her to let her know when she needs to potty by ringing a bell on the doorknob. An invisible fence was installed for Patches, and Sasha quickly learns her boundaries. All squirrels are fair game until the tone sounds on her collar.
After a couple of years of this idyllic life, Bob and Mary Kay sell the big house and buy a town house on a lake in South Carolina and another town house in another Atlanta suburb. So, now Sasha has two places to call home. What dog wouldn’t love that? She loves to go in the car between the houses. A few days in Atlanta, then the weekends at the lake. Rides in the red boat and more long walks. No more invisible fence.
Sasha also does some traveling with Bob and Mary Kay. She has been an honored guest at our house in Tampa. She has been to the beach rental cottage a few times in Alligator Point. They plan to visit us this summer at our home in Virginia.
Yes indeed, Sasha is absolutely, one lucky dog.

Dominican Republic Vacation

My husband Joe and I have just returned from vacationing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at the all inclusive Ocean Blue Bavaro Resort. We had a reunion of sorts with his sisters, a brother, a nephew and their respective spouses. My sister-in-law, Anne, puts these family trips together and she does a great job. The only rule is that they have to be in the Caribbean and all inclusive, which means that everything is paid for up front, including alcohol. Our extended family enjoys their cocktails, so this works out well for us.
The Ocean Blue is a beautiful resort, right on the Caribbean. There is a huge pool with a swim up bar. The beach is absolutely gorgeous. Get up early and put your beach towel on a chaise or you will not find one. We upgraded our room to the "Elite Club" and it was great when there was hot water. The view from our balcony was of a vacant lot full of trash and some sort of large blue chemical drum. There were several stray dogs roaming around. You could see the Caribbean off to the side, if you leaned over the rail. The food was edible but just about everyone in our group of ten had some sort of intestinal upset. There was a huge buffet every night where you could find something to eat and a few themed restaurants in the complex. My favorite was the Mexican restaurant. Make sure if you are in a group that you make a reservation before 3 pm. The mixed drinks were hit or miss. Sometimes good, if they used the premium alcohol, but they could be really nasty if they used the locally made brands. We liked the Absolute Bloody Mary at the Lobby Bar. But, make sure that you watch the bartender pour the Absolute! There are massages, a fitness center, a casino, a theatre and water sports. If reservations are needed, make them at the beginning of your stay.
Do not, under any circumstances, fly on Spirit Airlines to get there. There is no acceptable level of customer service. They do not even know what the term means. The flight attendants are downright rude. You can only check one bag under 50 pounds and they gleefully charge you for any additional bags. The problem is that they will not guarantee that the additional bag will get on your flight. If your flight is delayed, they don't bother with any announcements. You just wait indefinitely either on the plane or in the terminal.
However, vacationing with my in laws is a riot. We seem to enjoy the same things for the most part. Laying on the beach or by the pool with our drinks. Reading, working crosswords or sudoku puzzles. Taking in the topless tourists. Shopping or fishing. It's all good!! Until next year...great job, Annie!!

Crabbing

They have come to crab.
Men,
women
boys
and girls.
Old
and young.
Black
and White.
Asian,
Indian.
straight
and gay.
And, rich and poor,
I suppose.
They sit,
they stand,
sometimes lounging
in a lawn chair
or on a blanket
or laying on the bulkhead,
waiting.
They have come to crab.
Their children skip.
And giggle.
And play together.
No barriers there.
There are
lots of crab stories
floating around.
Which is better…
the hand line or
a trap?
The round trap
or the square kind?
And the bait:
old chicken parts
or fish heads
or leftovers?
Males are “Jimmies.”
Females are “Jennys.”
Or sooks.
There are peelers,
or are they soft shells?
But, babies
are babies
and are
tossed back
into the canal
to grow into
adulthood .
Their time
in the steamer
has not yet come.
Their baptism with
Old Bay
will not be
this summer.

Pam Monahan

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Florida

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge is about 20 minutes from Florida's capitol, Tallahassee. This is one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. If you are not staying at the Lodge, as soon as you get there, buy a ticket for the River Tour. The day we visited, the Glass Bottom Boat tour was not operating due to poor water conditions, but, honestly, it was very, very clear. You could see fish swimming. The river boat seats a bunch of people, so get in line and sit in the front if you can. This is NOT an air boat ride; it is about 40 minutes long and well worth the 6 bucks a head. You will see tons of birds, ducks, snakes, turtles, and alligators, alligators and MORE ALLIGATORS!! If you came to Florida to see gators up close and personal, this is it!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! So, sit down, shut up, and hold on!
After the tour, go to the Lodge for an ice cream. While you are licking your cone, take a gander at "Ole Joe," a 14 foot stuffed gator in a glass case. Ole Joe was brutally murdered in 1966 and his killers have never been found. Ole Joe never harmed a human or pet and he rests in his first and only cage. If you find this disturbing, it is. Not much has changed in 40 years. Man is still the most dangerous predator to wildlife.