More Habitat for Jay's Pics

So we had a blast as Kathy said, working and hanging out. I hope you are resting that knee today Jay! Well here are a few additional pics, and a short video...
Enjoy!
~ Vickie ~

HABITAT FOR JAY A HUGE SUCCESS!

What a great experience this was for a bunch of us to get together, help out our dear friend Jay, learn a new craft, and have so much fun, all at the same time!! It felt like one of those old time barn raisings! And the delicious food that Mary Beth created was a delight for the palate! I thought I took more pictures than this, so Vickie, please help me out here and add more pics to share with the group. A huge thank you to every one who came out and shared in this great day! By the way, whose butt is that up on the roof?? LOL!

Marge's 90th!

You guys rock! My mom loved the birthday card from you guys. She could not believe that you all took the time to send her that card.... martinis on the cover, no less! She did miss Peter's note because he always would go into her little place and gas with her. She LOVED that! We miss you Pete!

She had NO idea that we were bringing in her brother, who she thought she would never see again, from Florida and her best friend/first cousin from upstate NY. (in addition to all the grandkids and great grandkids.)

We partied down for 48 hours!! Thirty of us eating and sleeping mostly at MY house!!!! What a great time.

First picture is Marge seeing her brother for the first time in two years.

Second pic. Just the immediate family..... several missing due to military duty.

Thanks again guys. Carolyn, there is definitely a place in Heaven for you and yours.

Regina/Jeanne

Marge's 90th!

Alien?

Kathy always said I came from another planet.

Maybe she's right.

Events

Ok, 2 things.
For the designers/artists of the goup interested, there's a very cool presentation coming up in VAB organized by AIGA.
Yes, the grand Stephan Sagmeister in person will be at the Contemporary Art Center, Friday, April 18th: http://www.aigahamptonroads.org/events/34
Really not to miss if you are in the graphics industry. Vickie's B&B opened.

Also, for those interested in meating the yaking clubs out there, there's a picnic this Sunday organized by the Appomattox River Company, info here http://www.paddleva.com/demodays.htm

I've put those events on the calendar. Sorry for any delays...
~ Vickie ~

Florida Paradise

So the weather kinda let us down but we still had a chance to play pool, soak in the hot tub and chill with Erik and Karen at this really cool restaurant on the water. Yeah, Wayne and I started partying Friday night and just stopped today... rough week-end... The only sad part was the fact that Susan was in horrible pain with her tooth, she's been running a fever due to the infected nerve and will be getting the full root canal tomorrow. Unfortunately no partying for her with the meds but don't worry Susan, we'll make up for it next time, I promise. I'll definitely go back down again, this place is the bomb, 1 million $ view, just perfect. When you live in a place where the condo fees alone are almost $900/m, you can say you've got the Palm Beach lifestyle... LOL They thought of everything, all the way down to the shopping cart to bring up your groceries... Thanks a gazillion to the both of you and to Emma and Lili for having me. Heading to the airport now... L8tr
~ Vickie ~

Caption contest

Here's your chance to put words in my mouth.

The prize will be me NOT showing up looking like this at your house.

The Jaybird's Lair Ready to Repair!

The Kryptonite has him down now it's time for the the Super Friends to come to the rescue!!
This Saturday at 10:00 AM. Bring a hammer and a tool belt if you got it. All of the other tools have been figured out. We'll all just stay in touch and watch the forecast. If it is just scattered storms we may be able to still get some things done?

WHAT'S THE PLAN, MR. FOREMAN?

Habitat for Jay next weekend . . . . . what's the plan, Mr. Foreman? Haven't heard a peep out of you on this since you went to take instructions from Hudson and Jeni! LOL! Let us know what supplies, tools, food, entertainment, etc., is needed and what time you want us on the job, sir. We'll punch the clock whenever you say, Boss.

MENTAL MASSAGE THERAPY

They say that in order to prevent dementia, you need to exercise your brain often, so here is a guessing game for FOJ members. What do you think this is? Those who attended the last First Friday Artwalk cannot participate in the contest but can add comments, if you want, as long as you don't give away the answer. Knowing Nathan Arizona well will give you a clue to the answer. The first person to guess correctly in a comment to this blog will win a very nice dry bag from the Appomattox River Company for use in future FOJ adventure trips! So put your thinking caps on!

Ladybird bugs

Hey, here's an idea! I saw this at the Maymont Garden Show a few weeks ago.

Siding Expo

OK, visited with Jay this afternoon and took some photos while he was doing some of his therapy stretches. Believe me he's working hard at it and it is pretty painful to see him dealing with the pain (think Joe Cocker singing) but he's sticking with it and maintains a positive attitude.

The sill still needs work so that may be an issue on that end of the house. There's still some walls that need both sheathing and tyvek and as said before the dormers haven't been touched. There is a fair amount of straight runs with just windows to deal with so good time could be made on a lot of the job.

Asian Beetle Infestation!

Hey, this is kind of random, but our house is being overrun by those little ladybug-looking Asian beetles that our neighbor says they introduced to take care of the aphids and pine beetles. Nothing eats them, and so they are everywhere, and they're so small, they get into our drafty old house too easily. Does anyone know anything about how to get rid of them? (I wish Pete were here). HELP! I feel like I'm stuck in a really crappy B-grade horror film!

In Memoriam of Our Friend, Zip

I was just told by Bill that our dear friend, Zip, passed away last Friday. Zip and Linny Lancaster did all of the renovation work on my house, and was a very close friend of Linny and Marian's. He was a great guy and friend and excellent carpenter and renovator as well. There will be a wake at Bill and Nancy's house tonight, Friday, after 6:30 p.m., 2318 W Grace Street in Richmond. Those of you who used to go to Pam and Jay's parties out in King & Queen probably remember him from there, as well as any parties that Bill and I had at our house. Peace be with you, Zip. We will miss you!

Free Massages

As some of you know already, my sis started Massage School here in VaBeach. I am getting spoiled with free massages every week... Well the school requires that she massages different people so anyone who wants a free massage, feel free to come down to the beach! She says to remind you that she is only a student, not certified yet. But I'm telling you, she's good... Obviously Vickie's B&B is available for those who want to stay.
:)
~ Vickie ~

Habitat For Jay Weekend!

I got the word from the arterial source... (Mary Beth) The last weekend of March would be the best weekend on their end for any Habitat For Jay workers to chip in on some siding fun , drinks, good food, and sleep over! Jay&MB need to know who will be staying over/eating and some idea of food prep! Sounds like Jay will be involved so don't plan on goofing off! He is trained in the Art of of being an arm chair Bandit! I think Mary Beth will be there so I think??? food might...? taste good??? That is the tail end of my Spring break so I plan to be there with the truck and and a miriad of tools- including the miter saw for the vinyl! Let us know if anyone is game??? I think MB will be checking the blog to keep up with people numbers? I don't know exactly what her directives were from Jay!? :) Who can hear he keeps ringing the servant bell!---We love you JayBird!!!!!!

Billy, let us know what to bring individually that might help?--You have been there several times! We need your advice!???

Happy Birthday, Uncle Wayne!

59 years ago today, in a Richmond March blizzard, Wayne Alan Baker burst into this world kicking and screaming. Happy Birthday, Wayne.

Spring/Summer Calendar of events

Good job Keith on the kayak buy. You're set for Memorial Week-end (May 24-26)!
Everyone, don't forget the Blackbeard Festival in Hampton the following week-end (May 31st - June 1st).

I'll post a poll soon to find out when you guys want to come down for the Beach Week-end. I spoke with a co-worker this afternoon who told me about a cool spot at the border of VA & NC. I will go and check it out before hand and that may be a cool day trip, either during the Beach week-end or later in the summer.

Nate mentioned there'll be a Lex Vegas Float this year. Start sending me your dates if you have an event in mind and know the dates so I can get those in too and avoid overlaps. I'll also check for Hampton Bay Days and other festivals and events we have here.

I think that's it for now! Cheers,

~ Vickie ~

Sign of Spring, Jay Bird sighting.

Cheryle, Nick, Jim & I were in Joe's Inn on Shields this afternoon. Cheryle said, "There's Jay!" Jay and Mary Beth had been picking up a stationary bike for part of his physical therapy. They saw our 4-Runner w/ FOJ sticker, so knew we were at Joe's. Jay was operated on LAST MONDAY!!! We were in awe!!! He is using a wonderful woodland stick as a cane. He looked fantastic. You could tell he was in pain, but he is such a positive person, he never compains. Send good vibes.

MARCH FIRST FRIDAY

Yes, a fun time was had by all at the March First Friday Artwalk in downtown Richmond. Carroll and Barry performed beautiful music at the Metro Space Gallery, and the hospitality at the Stewart Flat was impeccable, as usual. The damp weather did not dampen our spirits at all, and I must say that the entertainment provided at the Flat by Bill Rice was a laugh-till-you-cry performance bordering on risque.

Appomattox River Co.

This Saturday I am heading for Farmville to shop for my first very own Kayak. Spring has sprung and can't waite until the first FOJ's afloat adventure to decide what to do. If anyone is interested in going along or if you want me to look into something for while out that way give me a call(c#1>804-832-5686, C#2>804-543-8402 or home #1 and only 804-694-0599). I have never been there so if you have any tips of things to see along the way drop me a line.

If we don't see you at First Fridays I hope it's soon.
Happy days!
Keith

Floyd Fest, Anyone?

Howdee, friends!

Jeni and I are planning to attend FloydFest this July, and would love to take in some good tunes and camping with any of y'all who want to come. It is scheduled for Sat.-Sun., July 25th & 26th in Floyd (Chatham Co.), but ticket prices will go up after March 31st, so I'm posting now. Check out the website for more info and ticket purchase:

http://www.floydfest.com/index.php

Jim and Carolyn, Crooked Still is playing this year!

I hope to see some of y'all there. You can set up camp as early as Thurs. July 24th, fyi.

Cheers,
Hudson

Six Million Dollar Jay

Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic JAY!... Bwaanannana!..Bwaanannana!...

Carroll and Barry at First Friday?

Yes,
It looks like it is going to happen. I asked "Where?" Carroll say "Idunno" Actually, he thinks it is a place called the Metro Gallery? ring a bell? Anyway, they are going to give the information and I will post. for those of you who did not see the earlier post, Carroll and Barry are playing music at one of the galleries.

Carolyn and Kathy: I haven't talked to my Mom yet, but I think I might pass up MY first Friday activities and join you all. I would love to be there and see it. I will see how it goes with my mere.
Regina

Update

It was a long day for Jay and Mary Beth. At the hospital around 10 AM and home about 6 PM... pretty much under his own power but on crutches. I went over as back up in case he lost his balance but, unlike in a canoe or the slopes, he managed very well if a bit slowly. He has a little meds device that delivers pain killer directly in his system and a way cool chiller device like an astronaut would have. It uses a small cooler of ice (just about a 6-pack in size) and pumps chilled water around his knee. He had a fair amount of discomfort but once in bed he was well on his way to relaxing. No worries with Nurse Mary Beth in attendance.

Good Luck

Jay's headed for surgery this morning. He was pretty optimistic when I visited with him Thursday evening but figures he'll be slowed down for a while. Nurse Mary Beth is on duty so he should be well taken care of.

Crab Louie

Today I went up to Midlothian to pick up a downhill set of skis/poles/boots I found on the internet for $40... yep, super deal, they are in excellent condition, only saw the slopes a couple of times. I can't wait to try them out!
Since I was up that way, Kathy met me and we went to lunch to this really cool place called Crab Louie's. I highly recommend the Seadfood Latke! The food was fantastic! Thanks Kathy! It was a really nice break before driving back home!

~ Vickie ~