Friends of Jay

MERCHANTS MILL POND...

2009-09-23T07:43:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks.

Sorry I booked late (thanks to Regina, who reminded me) I called today:

We have two campsites booked at Merchants Millpond for the weekend of Friday, Nov. 6th and Saturday, Nov. 7th. Campsite one was taken, so we grabbed campsites two and three. It is done differently now, and online. I had to put me for one site, and Jim for one site. It is now generic, $24.00 per group site (unless Rangers tell us differently). Anyhow mark it down, spread the word, definitely tell friends and family to conceal alcohol or we could get kicked out, and some could get a big fine. (Friends Of Jay did not work w/ the computer payment.)

I wanted to do FOJ for one site and Gallery 5 for the other, but because of the online booking (this year, unless I figure it out for next year) The sites are Jim Stewart and Carolyn Stewart. Whatever...we can spread out.

Please pass the word to mutal friends and canoeists/kayakers.

ALSO... Mark your calendars for a party for Regina's 55th birthday party, Sunday, January 10th.

C&J

Watermelon Park Festival 09

2009-08-17T09:43:00.002-04:00

Thursday, September 24th through Saturday, September 26th. Tickets are $50. for all three days. After August 31st, tickets go up to $70. The Green Boys are playing in a contest. Should be a fine time.

http://www.watermelonparkfest.com

More Pics from Jay & Mary Beth's Wedding

2009-08-06T23:11:00.001-04:00

Jay and Mary Beth's Wedding

2009-08-05T11:15:00.007-04:00

Kyle Endicott's new life is about to begin...

2009-08-04T13:44:00.003-04:00

Kyle completed all of his high school requirements with flying colors last week. We wish him luck as he goes in to the Marines in a couple of weeks. Come back unharmed, Kyle, and catch us some fish at Mobjack!

Delta Dark - Tigerlily!

2009-07-27T14:17:00.002-04:00

Tigerlily: Delta Dark

2009-07-25T09:02:00.001-04:00

Carolyn on the Lady Slipper Batteau

2009-06-24T22:52:00.003-04:00

I drove up to my favorite little town of Scottsville to take pics and welcome the Lady Slipper, a batteau that is manned, by WOmen. It was a beautiful site to see it come in so easily. Carolyn was adorable in her period outfit. The weather was stunning with blue sky and big puffy white clouds.

I saw young Ned Nelson who spent his childhood with us on the Va Creeper. I waited forever for the Dreaming Creek batteau as BIG Ned and Robin and Sandy and Bob and Bobby Shortridge were all on there.

I had to leave because I had a date with my good buddy Kathy Rice for some serious catching up and hot tubbing. We had a blast.

I looked for you Bill and Luz and Jim but could not wait any longer. Girl talk prevails!!!

NON HOUSE TOUR IN CHURCH HILL

2009-06-19T09:12:00.001-04:00

...from the Jordan/Cooley Clan

FOJ Upcoming Events...

2009-06-12T11:28:00.003-04:00

July 11th
TigerLily CD Release Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Bel Rio
Street:
407D Monticello Rd
City/Town:
Charlottesville, VA
(This is the band that Hudson is in!)

FOJ Upcoming Events...

2009-06-12T11:26:00.002-04:00

July 18th
Newpoint Comfort Campout
Mobjack Bay

Happy Times for the Jarvis Family

2009-06-07T00:17:00.002-04:00

Sooo much going on in the Jarvis family! Cheri is getting married on July 4th, and what a beautiful bridal shower it was! Cheri (in white dress) is holding cute little Georgia, who is Kendall's baby. An adorable picture of Whitney and Hennessey, Jason's wife and new baby girl! Linda is enjoying it all! Some of you have met Linda, who is my friend, neighbor and long time work-out partner . . . sweet gal.

Happy Belated Birthday, Keith!

2009-05-18T08:30:00.002-04:00

Hope you had a fun birthday last Saturday...and many great adventures ahead of you.

Another adventure to add to your calendars...

2009-05-11T12:24:00.001-04:00

Dana and I were discussing dates for the Capahosic Campout on the York River. For those who can make it: the second weekend in June.

Costa Rica Outdoor Adventures

2009-05-10T11:05:00.005-04:00

Carroll and I had the best spring break! We certainly were representing the outdoor adventure crew. Costa Rica is the most earth sustaining country in the world. It is beautiful, and clean and the people were so accommodating. I was glad I took the adult ed. class in Spanish at the high school prior to leaving on our trip. I certainly used it and Carroll was quite impressed. The people in the resorts spoke English but the people NOT in the resorts did NOT!

Pictured is Carroll zipping on a mountain with an altitude of 5000 ft., a Costa Rican squirrel... as it were, the FOJ signature shirt and a beautiful sunset on the Pacific in a catamaran, which took us to a beautiful spot for snorkeling and kayaking. The waterfall picture is of me at the natural hot springs formed by the volcanic ash from the Arenal Volcano which was spewing the whole time, and always in our view.

Pura Vida (the pure life)

newest Friend Of Jay...

2009-04-02T09:40:00.002-04:00

...even though he doesn't know it yet:

William McAllister Urry was born yesterday, though he is NO APRIL FOOL, to Kate Exley Urry and her husband, Robert.

Can't wait to meet the newest Exley grandchild. Onin is his young cousin, and is a handsome young Exley. Would we have expected any less???

Jessica Jordan's sister

2009-02-23T22:41:00.002-05:00

Jo passed away Saturday...passed into the Light as Jessica posted on facebook.

There is a gathering at the Cooly-Jordan house Tuesday evening 6:30 - 8:30.

No flowers but food is OK...

TigerLily Website and Upcoming CD Release!

2009-02-19T12:02:00.003-05:00

Hey there FOJ-

Wanted to give you all a heads-up about my band's new website
and upcoming CD release. Check it out...

Cheers,
Hudson
-------------------------------------------

Hey Folks,

On behalf of TigerLily, we hope the new year is bringing each of you much joy and peace.

This past October, "Friends of TigerLily" hosted a fantabulous fundraising event on our behalf. Much excitement and financial support was generated to help with the production of a brand new TigerLily CD!

Since that time, the band has been creating beautiful music together in Bobby Read's Batesville studio, Small World Audio (http://www.bobbyread.com/discography.html). Bobby produced our debut TigerLily CD and we are enjoying his touch on this second collection of songs...we're certain you will too and we can't wait to share it with you!

TigerLily continues to evolve with the addition of new members, Trey Mitchell on bass, and Hudson Heatley on fiddle, mandolin and guitar. They each bring unique and varied gifts to our sacred trio. Hence, we are no longer a trio, but a band!

Check it out!

http://www.tigerlilytheband.com/

We're launching our new website to share with you a window into our world and to say, thank you for supporting us!!!

Come meet the band, pick up a new TigerLily T-shirt, or support our CD release by putting something in our online tip jar. You can also reserve a copy of the soon-to-be released CD or place an order for the original TigerLily CD with FREE shipping. Peruse our new studio pics to see what we've been up to over the last several months. Also, please note our new Band@tigerlilytheband.com email address for future mailings.

We would love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave us a note on the new website, also let us know if you have any ideas for a CD release location. Where would you most like to see us perform?

Thanks again for your continued support.

Love and Light,
TigerLily

A Tribute to my Friends!

2009-02-06T21:24:00.002-05:00

Hudson's Many Alter Egos Over the Years-Happy Birthday Hudson! (Feb.5th)

2009-01-27T20:24:00.032-05:00

WonderHud

SuperHud

AquaHud

HowdyDoodyHud

NerdHud

MonarHud

OcraHud

Andrew Wyeth's Helga

2009-01-26T09:51:00.002-05:00

For your enjoyment...we were talking about the Helga series...

Jonathan Endicott is 15 today!

2009-01-24T07:28:00.003-05:00

For those of you who have not met Jonathan, nor eaten his BBQ ribs and chicken (Jonathan cooked for us at Frank's last Cape House weekend), Jonathan is Keith's younger son and a great guy. Happy Birthday, Jonathan! See you at Blackwater.

Billy and Rick Share a Birthday Today!!!

2009-01-23T08:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Boys! Wishing you both a fantastic year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEE SHULEETA!

2009-01-22T19:41:00.003-05:00

Hope you have a FABULOUS time on your Special Day! ENJOY DAHLING!

Andrew Wyeth's work

2009-01-21T08:41:00.002-05:00

If I'm not mistaken, Frank has signed prints of the first two of these. He met Andrew Wyeth several times. I met him once with an art group who toured his studio in Chadds Ford, PA. He seemed to be a gentle and humble man.

Andrew Wyeth Dead at Age 91

2009-01-18T00:27:00.001-05:00

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=26bae51e-9e66-4ab5-80c7-dc04d703bb01

The Green Boys

2009-01-13T09:23:00.002-05:00

For those of you who remember the little Green Boys running around the island at Mobjack, they are not so little anymore. They are very talented and entertaining musicians. They write their own music and with their unique style and voices, listening is easy and a total treat. Their Mom is so proud, wherever she is. Ryan is on stand up bass, Sean on guitar, their good friend Michael Emmons is on Dobro. Michael Green still lives out west.

January birthdays!

2009-01-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

Nathan and I have shared birthday weeks for 38 years but did not know it until last year! Happy Birthday Nate! Happy birthday also to Theresa! I want to see you soon! The attached photo of me was from the early 70's. I asked Adam about five years ago, when I showed him this picture, if he could believe I ever looked like that and he said, for those of you who REALLY know Adam,

" No, M'AAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMM! ugh! Anyway, I still love you Adam.

Regina

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN ARIZONA!

2009-01-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

Random FOJ shot

2009-01-07T21:50:00.002-05:00

No lie,

I am like, not cooking dinner and walk into the kitchen and both of my men are cooking whatever they are cooking..... they are both in FOJ shirts, both wearing Khakis, and I am thinking... this is a photo op. What great guys! I love them! I love YOU guys too! Looking forward to Blackwater Falls for those who plan to attend!

Regina

2009-01-07T19:55:00.001-05:00

Granny Dana here with pix of my new grandbaby just wanted to share with the crew. She was born New Years Day, her name is Savannah

Cool Photo and Christmas Night

2009-01-07T10:36:00.002-05:00

These are not related... Photo is one of Nick LaFone's newest. His latest passion is taking close up shots of water and what's under it. He was standing in a creek (while sick, I might ad) to capture some cool stuff. Art Over Health!

Following the creek photo are a few shots from Emrick Flat #37 Christmas Night 08. What is Carly trying to prevent Uncle Wayne from saying? Don't know if she was successful...never worked for anyone else. Love you, Wayne Alan!

2009-01-07T10:32:00.000-05:00

Visit to Nick's Place

2009-01-05T11:56:00.002-05:00

Jim and I took off to see our buddy Nick LaFone in Asheville, NC on New Year's Day. We had no idea that Asheville was such a big place for art and artists! We spent one day touring galleries. As Nick put it: it gets overwhelming. I don't think we saw a tenth of what was in town. We did not even get to go in the places in the River Art District. We drove through it - old warehouses along the French Broad River. Jim & I were pretty impressed with Nick's artwork. He is making pottery using a method called saggar firing. He puts stuff like copper wire or masking tape on it prior to firing to create designs. He has also made pots out of large gourds with pine tag rims. In one of his bedrooms, the wall hosts a large drumming indian (minus the drum - it is not finished) made of stretched canvas. Saturday we needed to get back in touch with nature, so Nick took us to Dupont State Forest. We were all taking photos and were in awe of the waterfalls. We hated to leave Asheville Sunday. There is so much that we did not see or experience. Next time!!!

2009-01-05T11:52:00.000-05:00

2009-01-05T11:47:00.001-05:00

The Mill Pond

2008-12-30T20:06:00.003-05:00

There was a slice of heaven the weather gods sent Dec. 29 and 30 so Jay suggested we take a run to the Mill Pond for an overnighter. The skies were blue and the air just a little crisp with no wind. We had the whole place virtually to ourselves both days. We found Lassiter creek/swamp and paddled in there a bit. A relaxing way to shut the lid on 2008.

Photo album on Snapfish (account needed but it is easy to create)

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=275831497/a=134794933_134794933/t_=134794933

HEY, ALL YOU SHUTTERBUGS!

2008-12-29T14:05:00.003-05:00

Does any one have any pictures to post of the fantabulous Christmas Party and Brunch? I feel so lost without my camera! All I know is we had a great time but want to see some pics, please!

NY NY

2008-12-14T21:03:00.004-05:00

As some may know I took a trip on the cheap to NY City this week. I rode the "China" bus and stayed at the Carlton Arms Hotel (http://www.carltonarms.com/) located in the center of Manhattan. When I arrived at the hotel I had my choice between 1-B and 15-D...I chose 1-B. Visit the website and click the "rooms" tab - you can see photos of all 58 rooms and several of the hallways. Art as you've never seen it! Total price for transportation and two nights lodging was $237. I walked most places but did take the #1 subway north to Central Park and then south to catch the Staten Island Ferry. I like the city more than I expected. People were friendly and every turn brought new sights and sounds. The park was pretty incredible and seeing the city from 70 stories up on Rockerfeller Center was an awsome sight at sunset. I've posted 36 photos (with captions) on Snapfish. You'll need an account but it takes less than a minute to set that up: http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=999141229297016489/l=455189477/g=134794933/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Cherry Knoll Rain Chain

2008-12-10T21:22:00.003-05:00

Though few would argue that downspouts effectively direct water from the gutter to the collecting tank, would we agree that they add to the aesthetic appeal of a landscape? Probably not. Fortunately, for people who wish to transcend function for form, there is another option.
Rain chains ('Kusari doi' in Japanese) offer a highly attractive and unique alternative to traditional downspouts. They are hung from the corners of your roof or canale to guide the flow of water into large barrels to catch the water from the roof for household purposes and gardening. They have been used for hundreds of years in Japan, and are a perfect expression of the Japanese knack for combining aesthetics and practicality. I had a major problem with water drainage from my upper deck onto my lower deck and came across this fascinating solution to the problem. With the help of my friend, Reed, we installed a gutter along the upper deck of my house and then added a copper rain chain to direct the water down into a beautiful ceramic pot. The water is then drained under my deck to a nearby flowerbed. A perfect solution to a very annoying problem! You'll have to check it out the next time you visit, and hopefully it will be raining so you can get the complete effect. It's absolutely mesmerizing, and I love it! Now I can't wait for rainy days, and the harder the downpour, the more beautiful the effect!

Richmond Christmas Parade

2008-12-10T13:07:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was a cold day for a parade, but it was loads of fun and laughter. We all got a big laugh over Odie licking the pavement as his handlers lowered him under streetlights. Typical of a dog! Jim got some great shots with his new SLR digital camera...

2008-12-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

Carly and Jason's Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-12-03T11:05:00.003-05:00

Here are some pics from Carly and Jason's Thanksgiving Dinner. Jason's sister, Holly, and her boyfriend Jeremiah came over and some of Jason's other friends did too. The food preparation was a family affair. The turkey grease dripping spill was also a family affair, ending with Jeremiah's paper towel grease dance. Everything was delicious, fun, and memorable.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-27T01:40:00.003-05:00

I am so thankful for all of my Friends of Jay friends and family and for all the momentous times we have shared together through the years. We are so blessed to have each other and the opportunities to do the amazing adventures and the fun times that we have shared. May we have many, many more in the years ahead! Love you all!

And to Frank, a very happy Franksgiving to you! LOL! There's a story that goes with that that I'll share with you all soon.

Hokie MADNESS at its best!!

2008-11-23T16:24:00.004-05:00

If you have never had the Hokie experience, you have to try it once. It is like a cult following! It doesn't matter the age or anything for that matter. It is all about the TAILGATE!

We had our FOJ outdoor adventure on the coldest night on earth (Sat night, in the mtns) and it was glorious! These people are serious party folk. We were welcomed as Adam's parents to a Hokie nation tailgate party. We did not have to pay for food or drink and were wined and dined by his friends!

Yes it was cold.... the room was expensive.... (but Adam chose to stay with us so we had him all to ourselves..... )

memories?

PRICELESS! Yes we DID have an outdoor adventure... ten hour's worth but worth every memory!

Regina, Carroll and Adam

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!!

2008-11-17T18:08:00.001-05:00

I AM SO SORRY for not posting it yesterday or calling. Happy Belated B-day Jimmy! I hope you had a fantastic one :)
Luv,
Vickie.

The Ghost of Jerry

2008-11-15T12:07:00.001-05:00

Some of Jimmy's Pics

2008-11-13T21:38:00.014-05:00

Jimmy took TONS of really cool pics with his new camera! I'm afraid to say he took more than I did... Obviously, it's impossible to post them all but I'll post a few! I can only wonder where Lauren and Seth disappeared when we took the group photo... :)

Merchants Mill Pond 2008 Edition

2008-11-09T15:27:00.018-05:00

We had a bit of rain on Saturday which cleared up within 4 hours so can't complain! The pros got a bunch of tarp up for shelter and the party never stopped or changed anyone's good mood! We had some great paddling expeditions and the annual toast at Pete's memorial. We also had an awesome announcement: Jay and Mary-Beth are getting married next summer!!! CONGRATULATIONS! That's a perfect match :)
So here is a sample of pictures. Thank you all for sharing your delicious foods!
Luv,
Vickie.

Friends of Count Dragula

2008-11-03T13:19:00.002-05:00

Jay called and wanted to bar hop. We began at the Galaxy Diner, because that place is always happening. The kitchen crew and wait staff were bloody messes. Jim was Roadkill Chef, complete w/ menu that served entrees such as Center Line Bovine and Slab of Lab. I was a deer in the forest. Morticia Beth and Count Dragula soon arrived (that was Dracula in drag). Goth Luz told us about a friend's party in the fan so we met she and Zorro there. Then we headed to another party that we had been invited to in the same area. When we got there, the apartment was dark and nothing happening. There were kids hanging on a porch across the street at a party. We told them that we were going to Sam & Ryan's party. They told us their party was scheduled for Saturday night. They invited us in and even though we were twice their age they made us feel like part of them. Jay's red nightie was a hit everywhere we went!

Friends of Count Dragula

2008-11-03T12:53:00.002-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T12:54:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone has a fun, spooktacular, safe night! Legends Brewery is having a Halloween Bash tonight and costumes are encouraged! The Manager and his wife are medieval re-enactors, so I'm sure their costumes will be amazing! Hope to see you there!

Boo!

2008-10-31T10:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!!!

2008-10-30T18:43:00.006-04:00

Yep tis Susan's BIG Birthday today!

Have fun at your party! I so wish I could hang out at the Tiki Bar with you all! It's COLD here!

I hope you had a very special day :)

Love ya!

~ Vickie ~

More Shenandoah

2008-10-27T21:27:00.010-04:00

Whiteoak Canyon Falls

Exploring the Shenandoah

2008-10-27T18:09:00.029-04:00

Ah, yes the lure of the Mountaintop

What a beautifuld day we had on the Shenandoah. Plenty of Sunshine and plenty to explore. We were fortune enough to hit the peak fall colors. Brilliant leaf colors and hawks in large numbers flying down the ridges of the mountain.

After we visited with my son at JMU, we went on the parkway off of 33 and up to Big Medows on a 1.4 mile trail to the Dark Hollow Falls. Then another Trail 2.4 miles to Whiteoak Canyon Falls.
What a day! Hope you enjoy the Pics.
Can't wait to hang out with you guys again at Millpond.
Miss you all,
Luv,
Luz

Jim doesn't dance?

2008-10-22T18:40:00.005-04:00

Kathy,

You know what I think when I see the pic of you and Wes dancing, huh? guy.......

Carolyn, I want your legs!

Jim, you DO dance in public.

What a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regina

Jim doesn

2008-10-22T18:40:00.000-04:00

POWHATAN FESTIVAL OF THE GRAPE!

2008-10-22T12:04:00.002-04:00

Yep, it's that time again! The Powhatan Festival of the Grape is happening this Saturday, 10/25/08. It's a wonderful, fun, huge event with wine tastings from many wineries, vendors, fabulous musicians, such as Janet Martin and Steve Bassett and others, good food, etc. Hope to see my FOJ friends there!

Kelly Hart marries Clinton Dearborn

2008-10-19T20:39:00.009-04:00

The first of our Friends Of Jay "kids" got married. Gorgeous Kelly Hart married her long time best friend and soul mate Clint Dearborn. This was a beautiful Catholic Wedding. The bridesmaids' dresses were all the same shade of red and were the same length, but were all different styles. They were given the freedom of choosing their own style. Kelly's gown was trimmed in red to match. Exquisite!!! I have never seen that. Kelly's best friend, Katy Cunningham was not only Maid Of Honor, but was Pastry Chef. (I was so relieved and impressed that the Bride and Groome did not smush cake in each others faces.) Regina's brother was the perfect DJ and dancing was so fun, especially watching all the post college kids.
Happy wonderful life, Kelly and Clint! We love you.

2008-10-19T20:31:00.003-04:00

2008-10-19T20:21:00.001-04:00

Carly Poo is 21!!!

2008-10-17T12:34:00.001-04:00

Airstream Girls' departure

2008-10-17T12:22:00.004-04:00

It was a sad day for Jim & me. I compared it to Carly Poo's first day in school. I was nervous and anxious. I wanted to call Lauren & Deb all day and see where they were, but did not want to be a bothersome mother. They are grown women with really good heads and hearts, so they will do great at whatever they choose to do. They have been jewels in our New Kent home and we love them very much. Jim & I have been the lucky ones.

This is Lauren's Dad, Mark, and step-Mom, Gay. They live in Washington state. It was our pleasure to meet them.

P.S.: The cats are still looking for Buddy & Idgy...

My Town

2008-10-17T09:15:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I'm just so darned proud to have come from the East End....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESTHER!!!

2008-10-15T17:46:00.002-04:00

Wishing you a fantabulous day!
Cheers!

Vickie.

Richmond Folk Festival

2008-10-14T10:25:00.004-04:00

The first Richmond Folk Festival happened this past weekend. The past 3 years was the National Folk Festival, which started us off. What beautiful weather we enjoyed, along with some enlightening and exciting acts. For those of you who don't know, this is a multicultural event. My favorite may have been the Japanese Drummers, though we did not get a photo. A Mayan group performed a sundance from the top of a 90 foot pole. They spiraled down from ropes tied to their ankles. A 72 year old man stood atop the pole playing flute. Then he slid down one of the ropes. Amazing!

The Cree Indians were pretty cool. The main guy was a stand up comic. He had the audience rolling when he talked of all the stereotyping of indians in old movies. He said in all movies you would hear the same drumming: BUM bum bum bum, BUM bum bum bum. That would mean indians were approaching - no matter what tribe, they had the same drumming.

Luz and Waldo did some terrific Salsa dancing to a Puerto Rican band. They are really in tune with each other.

We enjoyed Kathy's company Friday night. She had to work a wedding for Lee's company, Freeze Frame, the next day.

We saw Bill a couple of times. He was working and was hosting the Dan Tyminski Band. He had a pretty hectic first night with Dan having his guitar broken just prior to his performance.

We kept catching glimpses of that illusive Jaybird.

more Cape House pics

2008-10-10T13:49:00.002-04:00

More Cape House pics

2008-10-07T12:55:00.003-04:00

Vickie pretty much captured the description of the weekend. Thank you, Frankie and Friends for more great memories!

more Cape House pics

2008-10-07T12:49:00.003-04:00

Cape House 2008 Edition

2008-10-06T20:56:00.017-04:00

Frank spoon-feeding the crowds with the carrot cake he dropped on the deck... Yummy!
Yep, Nathan found a pal, Drag officially joined his clan of the "Waterproof Socks"!
Carolyn concentrating, it's pumpkin carving time!
SO FRANK!!! What was that crawling up your leg again??? Well you'd be surprised to know that Frank can scream with a higher pitch than a girl when there's a spider around... or even when it's just a little branch as a matter of fact...
Mary Beth posing for her next cookbook cover...
Huge stump on the beach
The teenage girls quiet... until everybody stops paying attention...
Just chillin...
Mary Beth, Second in Command!
Luz, you look so sad without Waldo...

So here are just a quick sample, I obviously can't put all the picture up there and the videos are just too big. But highlights of this fantabulous week-end, well where to start? We were lucky to have a perfect weather to enjoy boating and kayaking. Of course, the dinner party on Saturday was a huge success thanks to Master of the Grill Jonathan, some serious Salsa dancing on the deck followed, fire in the fire pit and lots of laughs when Frank dropped his birthday cake on the deck but still insisted on feeding everyone by the spoon with what he managed to scrape off the deck... Then, Sunday morning, the teenage girls decided to play a trick on the teenage boys and down went their tent! Thank you Frank for hosting such a great week-end and all for sharing food and jokes! What a great time!

Happy Trails

2008-09-30T13:12:00.002-04:00

Violin crash course

2008-09-28T21:01:00.002-04:00

Yep, there was also violin crash course available, Master Hudson can teach you how to play in about 1/2 hr!!! Ask Lauren!

September Thanksgiving in New Kent

2008-09-28T20:59:00.003-04:00

Gaston Family entertaining large audience at C & J

So we sadly said goodbye to Lauren and Deb this week-end but had such a blast doing it... The party was a huge success and just so much fun! Thank you C & J for hosting such a great event! I think you invited too many mosquitoes to join us though... Pictures coming soon...

BEACH WEEKEND AT VICKIE'S

2008-09-27T09:28:00.010-04:00

Vickie and I had a blast together at her house last weekend! We enjoyed a nice walk down the beach at Chick's Beach on Saturday. This place became one of my favorite places in the world when Wayne and Susan lived there for a while. Then Vickie and I went to work preparing for a dinner party at her house that night, which was quite an international affair. I met some very wonderful, fun people from Germany and Italy, and of course, France was represented by Vickie and Chantal. Chantal's husband and I represented the U.S., and after several bottles of wine and champagne and tiramisu, we came up with a plan for world peace to present to the United Nations. LOL! Ms. Webmistress allowed me to take several pictures of her, so I'm assuming it's ok to post them (hopefully). Nathan, there's one of her happily receiving a video message from you from the Watermelon Festival during our dinner party. The next day we packed up our kayaks (notice our work of art in the pic) and headed back to Chick's Beach for the day. Frank was down at the beach also but was too busy with a harem of girls to attend the dinner party, but he managed to tear himself away Sunday to join us at the beach for a little while. Vickie braved a trick on Frank and dumped him out of my beach chair. I'm afraid she's going to regret that when Frank gets his payback some day! Watch your back, Vickie! The surf at the bay was rougher than usual due to a storm out in the ocean, and I unintentionally experienced a roll in my kayak for the first time. Wow! What a weird sensation! Fortunately, I popped out laughing but lost my sunglasses in the process. Vickie, if you see a dolphin at the beach wearing sunglasses, you'll know where they came from. All in all, a fantabulous time!

Happy Anniversary, Susan and Wayne!

2008-09-25T10:24:00.002-04:00

Nine years ago today we had the BEST beach party ever, to celebrate Susan and Wayne getting married! Reverend Billy Rice officiated, Carly Stewart sang, Pete took photos of seagulls, we danced, laughed, and celebrated this lovely occasion. Happy Anniversary!

2008-09-24T15:24:00.001-04:00

2008-09-24T15:17:00.001-04:00

Jam sessiones in the Tents

2008-09-24T15:06:00.001-04:00

Jam Sessions in the Tents

2008-09-24T14:53:00.002-04:00

More Pics

2008-09-24T14:34:00.003-04:00

Watermelon Park addendum

2008-09-24T13:18:00.002-04:00

Jim thought the flaming a__holes who kept the campground awake fighting all night, and who finally passed out the next morning (only 3 of them), should be added to the photos. There was a large group of them and they were not even camping. They must have walked in the last evening and started a large campfire, burning anything in site: bottles, cans, campers. We considered surrounding them after they passed out and screaming, "Mother____er" a zillion times, like they did all night.

Watermelon Park Festival 08

2008-09-24T12:08:00.002-04:00

Jim, Nathan, Luz, and Waldo attended last weekend. What a lovely, small festival with tons of talented musicians all about! We ran in to Ryan Green (Sean's older/middle brother). That's him and his girlfriend seated with Jim on a blanket. The nights got pretty chilly, hence, the photo of the blanket people. Hopefully more Friends of Jay can attend next year on the banks of the Shenandoah River. AND... hopefully the young, local jerks who kept us up the last night will weed themselves out of society one way or another.

2008-09-24T11:39:00.003-04:00

Jason and Carly

2008-09-22T10:42:00.002-04:00

Carly phoned us Thursday night. Jason had proposed to her on bended knee, on a rock in the James River and gave her a diamond. Jim asked if they set a date yet. She said not yet. He said, "Good, hold off - we're broke!" We are delighted. We love that guy!

Wayne's animations on Discovery Channel

2008-09-16T13:20:00.000-04:00

Sent: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 8:48 am
Subject: Wayne on Discovery channel

"Tune into Discovery USA on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. ET to view a documentary on the Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV). MS2's RMMV will be featured inNEXTWORLD: FutureShips, a new series that explores how our world will change by the year 2030. Episodes discuss the future of cities, medicine, transportation and security. This includes the growth, development and potential for unmanned vehicles such as the RMMV."

This airing involves vehicles designed and built by Lockheed Martin. Wayne's animations will be on the show. Check it out if you can. Please forward to anyone else you think might be interested, my contact list on my laptop isn't very extensive.

Hugs,
Susan

ANOTHER CAPEHOUSE WEEKEND!

2008-09-10T21:07:00.003-04:00

Frank Constanzer is hosting another weekend of adventure at the Capehouse on October 3 - 5! Come on out and have some more fun in the sun before the season's over. Bring your camping gear and we'll have a tent party on the front lawn overlooking the creek. Bring something delicious to throw together for a communal dinner Saturday night and a communal breakfast Sunday morning and, of course, your favorite beverage. Hope to see you there!

Florence Gravellier at the Paralympics in China

2008-09-08T21:28:00.008-04:00

Sat. 12th/Sun. 13th I am very happy to report that Flo won the Bronze medal in both singles and doubles!!!

Just thought I'd share with you something really cool. Today mom sent me the link to blog of Florence Gravellier, a distant cousin I actually never met. She is currently competing in the paralympics in China. Several members of her immediate family are there to support her, especially my great uncle Paulo and his wife Odile (Wayne and Susan, you've met them at my sister's wedding). I thought it was just awesome!
She won today against the Romanian 6/0, 6/0.

THE STORM IS OVER; TIME TO PARTY!

2008-09-07T22:04:00.004-04:00

Derek's 21st birthday party was a smashing success, complete with delicious burger buffet, Mary Beth's tasty cole slaw, guitar cake, and a champagne toast to Derek! Bill was a super help in setting up the party, cooking up the burgers and spinning some tunes. Thank you so much for that! Derek was sporting a new haircut and some new shades, looking like the fine rock star that he is. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time!

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, DEREK RICE!

2008-09-06T13:52:00.002-04:00

The Birthday Party for Derek Rice has been changed to Sunday, 09/07/08, at 1:00 p.m. due to the stormy weather and flooding of roads. We want everyone to be safe so let's do it tomorrow after all this is over. Looking forward to seeing you at my house tomorrow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEREK! WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

more backpacking trip pics...

2008-09-03T13:21:00.003-04:00

Bushwacking through 6-7 ft goldenrod, hiking Bear Wallow Hollow Trail, bathing in Laurel Fork swimming hole, listening, learning, laughing. Beautiful weekend.

Laurel Forks

2008-09-02T23:30:00.022-04:00

Last minute change of plan meant we switched from Dolly Sods to Laurel Forks for our week-end of exploration and nature. Thank you so much Jimmy and Carolyn for guiding us through this wonderful hidden spot! We didn't see anyone else the entire time. Some good hiking, camping, fire and just a great time in the middle of the woods. I know it doesn't give it justice but here's a sample of pics to give you an idea!

Do you mean we may be fighting bears tonight???
Never thought fungus could actually look cool...

Blue crawfish, from what Nathan found out, pretty rare in the area.

Better get the food in a safe place...

Isn't he cute?

Can't believe Carolyn could carry a load heavier than herself...

A little break after swimming through 6 feet tall weed and fern...

Yep, that's some serious beaver's work right there... Just don't camp too close!

Pretty recent beaver activity still...

21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR DEREK RICE!

2008-08-28T19:59:00.003-04:00

Host:
Kathryn Rice (Mom)
Location:
Cherry Knoll Family Home2363 Mill Road, Powhatan, VA 23139 USView Map
When:
Saturday, September 6, 5:00PM until . . .
Phone:
804-305-5723

You are invited to come celebrate the 21st birthday of Derek William Rice! A super burger buffet, Derek's favorite food, will be served, as well as some champagne to toast Derek's passage into manhood. Please bring a side dish and your favorite beverage. We'll have assorted wine and beer, too. You are welcome to bring a tent to stay the night. Hope to see you there!Please RSVP to ksmsr@comcast.net or 804-305-5723

New Point Comfort Shrimp Boil Recipe

2008-08-27T18:53:00.002-04:00

First open a good beer! Drink half, add the other half to the boil right before water begins to roll

Fill a big pot with 3 quarts of water

add one bag of Zattarans crab boil, one lemon quartered and squeezed, 2 cloves of (smashed!) garlic sliced, one tablespoon celery seed, one teaspoon Cayenne, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of sea salt, one teaspoon celery salt, one tablespoon of dehydrated onion flakes, and a splash of liquid smoke!

Bring to a rolling boil. Right before boil add the other half of your beer.

Add up too 4 Lbs. of (Here's the key...) Medium or Large raw shrimp thawed - shell on (more or less and they will suck!)

Boil for a minute and a half or until lightly pink then immediately strain into a colander. Dump the entire contents of the boil into the colander spices and all!

Let cool.

Put one tablespoon of old bay into a gallon Ziploc and empty the shrimp/boil spices into the Ziploc and toss. Refrigerate.

Do not let shrimp cool down in the boil water!!!!!!

Enjoy!

Who Wants Nathan To Post His Shrimp Boil Recipe?

2008-08-26T15:35:00.001-04:00

Vote yes here!

More Mobjack!

2008-08-26T15:15:00.004-04:00

Nathan rallied the troops for a trip to Mobjack Island, on the Virginia coast, where we kayaked, fished and camped for the weekend. Things were glorious and sunny, until we nearly lost Carolyn and Vickie on a perilous night kayak around the lighthouse. Keith saved the night by setting off a flare from the shore, and Jimmy, Frank, Vickie and I returned to find that Carolyn had passed our ships in the night and was merrily drinking a beer by the bonfire. Too bad the flare did nothing to save Nathan, who was felled by Aguadiente, following in his sister's notorious face plant footsteps!

More photos online here.

Mobjack Island

Nathan and Jimmy

Luz y Waldo

George catches a sea turtle

Carolyn's DIY bifocals

See, Jimmy? Having your photo taken isn't so bad...

Fisherman at work

Dennis and George look out to sea

Carolyn & Jimmy

Who is a camera ham now?

Nathan

Vickie

Members of the FOJ Adventure Crew

Watermelon Park Music Festival coming up...

2008-08-26T10:31:00.002-04:00

Anyone interested should purchase their tickets online this week. They go up $20. after the 30th. I phoned today and found out that we can save room at the camp area for friends. Unless others have blocked the area, you can drive up to where you are camping. He said, don't expect to drive out - usually tents will block you in. Sounds open and not too restricted. Alcohol is not allowed in the stage area, but is allowed at camp. You can hear the music from the campsite. All is walking distance, and the river is directly beside the camp area. Jim & I plan to arrive early Thursday, and will save space if you let us know you are coming. Camping will be tight and close. Luz, bring some Aquadiente.

Susan's Mom

2008-08-26T07:00:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to post an update. Susan had to fly back to Richmond this past week-end because her mom had to go to the hospital due to terrible stomack pain. She seemed to be doing a bit better over the week-end with some up and downs but had to have emergency surgery yesterday and had 8 inches of her colon removed. She's in ICU (she's 80, got to be careful). Susan's sister flew up last night and so 3 out of 4 kids are here with her. So I'm sending all the good vibes possible via email and hopefully she will recover just fine :)

That's all for now.
Love,
Vickie.

oops, lost the pics!

2008-08-25T19:49:00.002-04:00

I will try again!

Hey it's good.... to be back home again....

2008-08-25T19:39:00.001-04:00

Ohmygosh, have I missed my FOJ family! Carroll and I have been out of the loop since Blackwater and decided to getterdone and see fabulous friends! It was worth every second! We had just the most fun, the weather and surroundings were like the Bahamas without the palms.

LOTS of laughs!