Monday, May 31, 2010

They're here!!!!

Yes, they are here and I couldn't be happier. The official start of the summer has begun on Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast. It all started about Thursday night when the traffic started to back up and the lines were longer in the grocery store. By Saturday morning it was full blown and they were everywhere. It is a wonderful sight for us, being that we are in the Vacation Rental business.
Based on my info we had only 41 units of our 1000 not rented for the week coming. That is a goal for the company, to have nothing available!! Luckily there is something left for those who didn't make their plans until late.
After running errands and hanging around the house on Saturday, my daughter and her fiancee' came for the day on Sunday and we went out to the "little island" to hang. We found some old friends and caught up as well as catching many rays!! Many more than the sunscreen could handle. Needless to say the water stung a little when I got in the tub later. We celebrated my daughters birthday since we will be leaving on Saturday for our cruise.
Did I mention Cruise??? Yes, we are going on the Oasis of the Sea's. Royal Caribbeans newest 250,000 ton ship. I can't wait to spend 7 glorious days in the Western Caribbean with my hubby. This will be an experience, as this is the largest and newest ship that they have in the fleet. They launched it in December so we will certainly have a wonderful time.
Today Memorial day we didn't have any picnic but spent it with my son Pete and his girl Shannon. Again out on the boat hanging out on a sandbar just chillin. I love doing that and just catching up with whats going on. They both are military folks so it was nice to talk to them and see how work is going. Pete is getting ready to take his LSAT so he has been studying hard.
One other thing I was thinking about here on Memorial Day is his friends he lost in the Horn of Africa when they were deployed. They gave their lives for us to have the freedoms we have today. One of the friends was a Major from Hershey, PA just down the road from my home. He even shared a bag of Middleswarth Chips with him over there!! Brandon his other friend left behind 5 children and loving wife. I don't know where they are today, probably back in LA but I pray that they are doing well and pray to the Lord for their safety and that they have been able to move on with their lives. If you haven't prayed for our military families and service members please do so today.
One more thing that really irritated me today was that our President didn't think that is was important enough to be in attendance at the Memorial Day services in Washington, DC, at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. Instead he spent the holiday with his family in Chicago and sent our VP to do the job. Wonder if he would send the VP to make major decisions about our country and our position in the war? I hate it that he just didn't think it was important. I don't remember as long as I can remember that the VP did that laying of the wreath instead of the President. Oh how times have changed in our world and the attitudes of people in office have now.
It makes me wonder what we have gotten ourselves into? (this can be a separate post in itself)
Either way, tomorrow is a new day..... I hope it will be sunny and our visitors will have a wonderful time here at our little piece of paradise. The weather report is for mixed skies, is it partly sunny or partly cloudy?? Guess it depends on whether or not the glass is half full or half empty?
Let me know your thoughts.....

Sunday, May 2, 2010

May......

The first of May better known as May Day has come and gone. Where did April go? I am not so sure what happened but we have been blessed with so many lovely days with a few chilly ones mixed in, but I believe that Spring is here to stay. We have enjoyed a beautiful weekend here in Coastal Carolina. After taking Sawyer to play his soccer game I went to lunch at the local Andy's. Andy's is a kind of 50-60's type restaurant in the Emerald Plantation that has the best Cheeseburgers and fries. Of course I have become a fan of the grilled chicken but even better than that they do the hand squeezed Lemonaide and Orangeaid. I again am good most of the time and choose a diet drink. Anyway.... it was wonderful of course. As things start to progress at the beach so does the Traffic. Did I say traffic? Yes, many of you live where there is a commute to work that involves that dreaded traffic. My thoughts of dealing with traffic is having to cross the two lane span bridge between the mainland (where I live) and the island (where I work). Of course when you least expect it there may be a wreck on that bridge. Most of the crashes are rear enders on the top of the bridge. This is because most people get up the speed to get up the bridge and start looking at the breathtaking view at the top and then "wham" someone in front of you slams on the breaks and "crunch" it happens. In an instant you have pushed about 3 people into each other and the view now is dollar signs!!! :( My daughter got a new car for her High school graduation and within a month she got into a fender bender on that bridge!! I remember the day, she called me and I was in another town shopping. My husband happened to be on the water under the bridge but neither of us could get to her there. Luckily it wasn't a bad accident but I am sure she is always more careful when she crosses that bridge.
When you head over that bridge, to see that view of the Intracoastal waterway, you know that you are going to experience a "little piece of heaven" when you get to that beach.
Truth be known, I can't tell you how long it has been since I actually went to the beach via the bridge. We usually take our boat out to one of the islands and park and relax. It's a different way of life to be able to go to one of the little islands and be on "Island time". If you ever get this way I will gladly take you out via boat or Jetski and show you the world from a different view.
I know my sister Jaye would love to get her hands on that Jet Ski we have outside and take it for a long ride. Maybe when she comes this summer she can do just that, I know she would love it. It is like riding a snowmobile on the water and it gives you the freedom to go and ride for hours. Of course with a couple of stops for some gas may be needed.
Today I sat out on my deck, got some sun and watched the grandsons Sawyer, Connor and Ben play in the pool. Oh to be 5-6 and 7 once again. Cannonballs galore!!! They had a blast. We picked two of them up on the boat and Sawyer had to help Pa drive. He is doing so much better this year. He has finally realized how to turn and not get to the shallow water. It's so cute to see him there on Pa's lap with his Sunglasses and ski vest, navigating the boat in the water! I can't imagine what my life would have been like without these little boys here playing swords and hide and seek.
Dinner tonight was at the famous T&W Oyster Bar. The popcorn shrimp is my favorite and we enjoyed the hushpuppies they have as well. Check them out on Facebook and stop in for some seafood as well as other features they offer. Its worth the trip!
I'm not sure but I believe the storms of this past weekend are suspected to come our way tomorrow, so I am sure that we will have to find some indoor things for the next few days. If we could have weekends like this every week, I will deal with the rain during the week with no complaints.
So, May is going to be busy and June too, then we have the Wedding in July and August school starts again...... maybe I will just think about this week now and the other things next week.
Happy Mothers day to those who are moms and if your mother is living with God then know she is looking down on you, knowing you appreciate what she gave you in your life.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Spring!!!!

Spring, a time of new birth! Thats what I say when I think of Spring. New everything.... new clothes (get rid of the old winter ones for another year), new flowers, trees and POLLEN.
Pollen, yes that yellow stuff that is currently floating around in the air so thick that you can't tell if its foggy or its pollen. Yesterday it suddenly appeared in all of its glory. Here we have Pine Pollen where the little pine pockets fill up and suddenly they let loose. Seriously, here it is so thick that you can see it floating in the air and when you are driving down the road it is everywhere. If you never experienced it you have to at some time just to see it. I find it everywhere. Your car is one place that gets covered by it, most cars right now are a pale shade of yellow. I had a party at my house yesterday for Easter and had to spray off the deck and in the puddles was the film of pollen, on the surface of the pool was another place. Imagine if you were swimming and had to dive thru the pollen surface. The one thing that really imazed me was that I had black flip flops on and they were yellow and I had pollen up my legs above my ankles. This was because I was running back and forth from the gazebo to the house in the grass!!!
Now the professional doctors say that you should always take your shoes off before entering your home to keep the pollen from your shoes from entering the house. They also say you should change and launder your clothes immediately upon entering. Here you would be doing wash constantly and then putting your shoes on and off. I just washed my feet when I got back in the house. Its everywhere......
Thank goodness for Claritin D because I wouldnt be the same if I didn't have that stuff. Its just a necessity here in these parts.
I washed my car today.... just because it needed it but before the day is over I will see that thin yellow film coating it again and in a few days I will need to do it all over again.
It's been beautiful on the Crystal coast, all worth the cold winter days we had to experience to get to this point. We have a lot of visitors here on the island this week and once again we have to be glad that we have them here. It's a wonderful business to be in, and having the ability to help people enjoy their vacation on our beautiful coast is a blessing.
If you haven't booked your vacation to the NC coast yet, check us out at www.bluewatergmac.com and let us show you how your family can enjoy the wonderful crystal coast. Look me up if you make it this way and I will be sure to give you the insiders tips to day trips and dining.
Til I see you all again, I will try to keep my eyes from itching,my nose from running and the cars clean!!!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Living on the Coast

I wanted to write something about the coast today, as we have finally seen the break of Spring here on the Crystal coast. This weekend starts the official "rental" season but it also brings back the locals too. When I refer to the locals I mean the people who own homes here on the island that come to open their doors for the first time since Thanksgiving. They come down, especially since we are supposed to get some 80 degree weather this weekend and break the winter seals off their windows. We also will have lots of vacationers from everywhere here to visit and check out our area. A lot of people who may be in the military and are to get transferred here to NC are coming with the kids to find a new home. I have a client that will be heading here from PA to look for a retirement house for years down the road.
I guess I will have to go to the grocery store before they get here and stock up, because that place will be packed starting Thursday night. I don't mind the traffic and the activity, because it won't be long before the days get short and we head back into winter again.
I am also planning a wedding for my daughter in July and so I am very excited that the sun is starting to shine and I can get my yard in shape for the outdoor wedding. We had a lot of snow this year and it really harmed the Palm trees in my yard. With the advice of my yard guy he believes by July they will be in full bloom and no remains of the strain will be visible to our guests.
In addition to that I will also have all of my family here in one place at one time. This will be a first as my step-sons have never met my sisters and brother. It may not be a big thing but trying to blend two adult families together can be stressful. Plus this is the big summer for my 50th birthday...
My son Pete is turning 30 and I am turning 50 so maybe we can have a big party for the two birthdays.
The waterslide will be opening soon and the bumper boats and mini golf have cleaned the winter soil off their seats so they are ready to go. I noticed the other day that Frans Beachwear and the Island Golf have opened as well. All is good, the weather is warm, people are appearing and living on the coast is good.
Full moon was last night an driving over the Emerald Isle Bridge was a beautiful sight as the moon in all of its glory was shimmering over the Bogue Sound with a glow!!
Whatever you may be doing for your Easter holiday, please remember the supreme sacrifice that Jesus Christ has given for you. Get yourself to church, anywhere, somewhere, just get there and celebrate what blessings you have!!! Happy Easter,

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Oscar night!

Oscar? Why do they call it Oscar?? I guess I ought to google that answer and see why it is they call it by that name. Why not the Fred or the Ralph, but no its Oscar!!!
I find it amazing that these people you never really have heard of become experts on dresses, hair and tuxedo's. Ever since we were in Los Angeles and we went to the Kodak theater, I have been interested in the Oscar ceremonies. I guess cuz I can relate to where its all going on and the excitement.
I know that it really doesn't matter who wins, but with all the hype I guess you get drawn into the entire excitement. Not to mention a friend of mine is actually living in LA and is working the liquor table serving at the "Elton John Oscar Party." Oh yes, and I have asked her to please take just one shot for me to have to hold and forever keep that isn't a pic in a magazine. Many of you know Leslie Barclay who went to high school with me and was my partner in crime a lot of the time during the last 2 years in high school. We got up with each other on Facebook last year and when we went to Hawaii last summer we had dinner with her on Santa Monica pier. So, officially I have a "contact" in LA!!!
U will post the picture if she sends me one.
Again this weekend gave us another sneak peak of what we are longing for, warm weather. Yesterday as well as today the temps were above 60 degrees and we can expect to see more of it this week. Of course, there is probably another week or so of the cold stuff, but hopefully more warm will present itself than cold.
Also can you believe that daylight savings time is starting again next week? Already I asked??? Seems like we just turned then back on Halloween weekend. Kids are out playing soccer and baseball and before we know it we will be in full force of playing softball and boating on the weekends.
Its been kind of slow this winter so we havn't done the travelling as much as we had before in the winter but planning for a wedding can make things kind of tight!!
Never knew it would be so difficult to find the perfect "MOB" dress. Better known as Mother of the Bride dress. I have tried a few on but it just doesn't seem to look that good with a pale body and knee socks!!! Maybe I could get a spray tan and then start looking again!!!
I wonder how many people have thought about going on vacation this summer? Have you had a chance to check out our vacation rental properties??? Go to www.bluewatergmac.com and see what is avaiable. From all parts of the east coast we are less than one 8 hr trip away!!
If you know why they call it the Oscars, then leave me a note and let me know as well.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

March.... in like a Lion or Lamb???

Well yesterday was March 1. Everyone was saying that it came in like a lamb. The weather was somewhat warm, high 40's. Today it is much cooler, cloudy and the possibility of snow this evening. So, did it come in like a lion or a lamb? Either way with the events of global warming I don't think that the old saying of March coming in like a Lion means that it will leave like a Lamb or if Puxatauney Phil see's his shadow means more winter.
It is what it is people!!! We take each day and deal with it and when the sun begins to shine more and the wind turns a sweet warm then spring has arrived.
Until then, we will be able to complain, analyze and predict what the weather will be like.
Here in Emerald Isle, NC we hope that the weather will improve early in the season since our company works in the vacation rental industry. In early December the phones wake up and once the people get their new catalogs for the season they start to call. Usually the bookings begin in January and they continue thru December. I listen to the reservationists as they talk to the people on the phone. Most of them are living in the North, dealing with feet of snow at their feet! I think that snow up north helps our rental season, because people are so sick of the cold and snow they are looking for a place to go for vacation.
Once they arrive they see the beach, the pools and the waterslide and the visions of the 2 feet of snow they got this past years are just a memory.
Check back her because we will feature different restaurants and places to go while here on your vacation.
For more information on planning your vacation to the beach check out our website at www.bluewatergmac.com .

Today we will see the Lion in March as we see snow and sleet and maybe some snow, who knows which will show up for tomorrow!!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Time, time, time.....

Time. Have you ever really thought about that word?? I think about different things that pass with time. The seasons, the holidays, how fast people age. Just a few weeks ago it was the holidays. We had Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as New years and we are now past Valentines day heading strong into Easter season. We just let the days pass and I like to think about what all has passed. Time passes so quickly these days. I am moving strong toward my 50th birthday and it seems not too long ago I was just turning 20,30 and 40.
Time passes and we go with it but I think it is important that we have been given the time to spend with our families, or with a loved one who is sick and may not have much time.
Recently a co-worker passed away and it just seemed like a short time ago that she was diagnosed with this disease. Well it was in a sense because it wasn't more than a year ago, a short time in the scheme of things. I am sure to her family and friends it was way too shor of a time to have with her and to say goodbye.
I think often of how grown my children are and that we will be having a wedding for my baby girl. She just started school a short few years ago and now she is getting married. When she has a child I am sure that I will comment on the fact that it was not too long ago that we had the wedding!!!

Hopefully the thing that we want to pass quickly is Winter.... about 3 weeks ago we actually had 6 inches of the white snow here in Eastern NC. Of course being from Pennsylvania, I was overjoyed because of the last time it actually did snow enough to enjoy it was years ago. We played in it, took pictures of it and then told it to go away!!! They are saying that we may see some more of that white stuff again this week. I was sitting in my car on friday afternoon and it was coming down pretty good for about 2 minutes!!!Just enough to get me excited and then it was gone again!!

I noticed the other day that Daylight savings time is only in 2 weeks. Is it just me or are we changing the dates or has that much time passed this quickly that we have been doing that 3 months already???
Well, I guess it has.
The beach locations are getting ready for spring, and we at www.bluewatergmac.com are starting to finalize a lot of vacation plans for this year. I heard the other day that we are getting full for the July 4th holiday and hopefully for much more this year.
Let me know what your plans are for this year's vacation. Whether or not its out of town or out of state, would love to have you share with us where you and your family may try to hang out together this year. I believe my family will be hanging out here at Emerald Isle, planning a wedding and then seeing all of our families at the big day in July. I cannot wait especially since my family will be coming.