Playing catch-up...not ketchup

Just like getting back up onto the horse after being bucked off...I guess it's time for me to get back to doing the blog.

We met Karen and Herb Seil last year...running into them (not literally, of course) last year. We came into one of the bays and noticed that they had a boat just like ours, so we decided to meet and greet them. They were kind enough to invite us aboard and share some snacks and ideas they had for their boat upgrades. We continued to see them occasionally throughout last years' sailing season, and met up with them again this year.
Recently,

Karen and Herb Seil

Karen and I were invited by the Seils to join them on a snorkle trip just outside of Benures Bay on Norman Island. We think this area is, without a doubt, the nicest reef we've seen here in the B.V.I. We spent a really nice time visiting with them and they were able to continue to guide us in the use of our boat and our shared lifestyle.

Staghorn Coral among fan coral




Trumpet fish in center of pic



Later on in early March, we traveled over to St. Thomas, USVI to pick up my cousin, Steve Loges. He came down to the islands for a week-long visit. We had a great time, visiting various islands and seeing many cool sights. One of these was the "required" visit to The Baths. There was also a visit to "Foxy's" on Jost Van Dyke. Unfortunately, we had to leave him on the boat early while Karen and I flew back to Oregon to visit Mom while she was in hospice. We have such wonderful friends here...Sue, Toddy, Brendan and Phil...that helped us out while we were gone. They kept Steve entertained, including going visiting with friends, sailing and snorkling, providing transportation, etc. He even got to meet Dee and Martin...other friends we know...that have plans to visit the US this summer.



Snorkling at The Baths with Steve Loges



Some of the large granite boulders at The Baths




Along the trail that winds its way through The Baths




It's not that deep...he's on his knees



We took lots of much-needed breaks from all of
fun we were having

Hmmm...I'd better not say anything

Karen, Foxy and Steve

Pronounced "Yost Van Dike"

We are back online

Well, it's been a long time since I've written on the blog...I just couldn't get my motivation back to work up something to talk about...I miss Mom so much! Karen and I are so thankful we were able to spend a couple of really good weeks with her before she passed away. She lived to see her 75th birthday and 56th wedding anniversary with Dad. Dad and Mom raised 4 boys and enjoyed the births of 8 grandkids and 10 great grandkids.


She was a lung cancer survivor but died from emphysema. Her every breath was a struggle. Please, don't start smoking...if you already do, quit. You owe it to everyone around you that loves you and wants to spend time with you.


I often wondered how I was going to handle the death of one of my parents, and I can tell you that I have not gotten over it yet. The grief and tears are always right under the surface of everything I think and do. There seems to be such a giant hole in my life where she was...kind of like an emptiness that I can't seem to grasp myself or explain well to others. She meant so much to me, the family and all of her friends.We all came together in Yakima, WA to celebrate Mom and her life...she would have been very happy to see all of us together and healing.


Anyway, Karen and I are back on the boat in the islands. The weather has been the same old boring stuff we've noted before...temps in the 80's with occasional light breezes. Our sails were up for the first time in over a month as we traveled from Peter Island to Norman Island.


I will be posting some pics on the next blog, but wanted to share with you some of the new stuff on the side bar of our blog: there's an updated book list we've been working on. Additionally, I've posted a link to access a gps mapping location for you to look at...SPOT Satellite service. There is a scaling function on the LH side of the map that allows you to zoom in/out from the locations listed. Clicking on one of the pin points will give info for that spot. Lastly, I updated some of the side bar pictures.


You are all in our prayers for a healthy, happy life




Sandy and Karen

At Aimee and Nolan's wedding, 7/12/08

Opal Ann Loges Shelton

February 18, 1936...April 5, 2011

Mom passed away to the next adventure of her life.

We will miss her so very much.

(this stunning photo was captured at the beach by our niece, Aimee)

Karen and I have been to Oregon to spend time with Mom, once in early March while she was in hospice, then again starting last week after she passed away. The family is still grieving, but all know that she is having the time of her life in heaven.  Her sisters Winnie and Orean, plus all of the other relatives were there to welcome her home.

Please keep all of our family in your prayers, especially Dad.

Thanks,

Sandy and Karen