Bel Ami's Neighborhood

OK, so these are not the best pictures that my Motorola Razor phone has taken. Ok, so maybe I had a few too many Buds when I was snapping these pictures. But they give you a general ideal. What's missing are the gila monsters!

10/15/07--Lobster Hunt


Sunday Morning Annie and I went off with "Big Wave" Dave (BWD)and Lynne on their powerboat Sun Chaser. Friends Onyx and Janet were along. Onyx is an avid spear fisherman and lobsterhunter, and got BWD and me all psyched up for the hunt. Anne, Lynne and Janet kept the boat going while we were diving. To make a long story short, I forget to take my camera phone with me to take pictures, so I got some old pictures from BWD, and took some new pictures of their boat Sun Chaser. BWD and Onyx did manage to catch some rock lobsters and a caribbean lobster, and for dinner (after the Packer's squeaked by the Redskins)we had a great lobster zuchinni stir fry!! Anne left this morning and is on her way back to Wisconsin. I return in another week.

Welcome Annie!!!!

At long last, Annie has graced the Bel Ami with her presence! Coming off of a month where we almost sold the house, it has been quite an exciting and emotionally difficult time for us. We didn't get an offer on the house that we couldn't refuse, unfortunately. However, the offer was fair given the current market conditions, and seriously tempting. Negotiations have been protracted, the listing contract has expired as well as the offer. We got awfully close, (only 8 grand apart!) and I left it with Shelly (our wonderful and fabulous realtor--) that we would continue our conversation about selling while floating around in the islands. In the meantime, enjoy the picture show.

Dick and Shirley's Visit to the Islands. They will be returning soon for a house hunting trip!!!

Dave and Sam, the Utah Ladies Guy!


Here is a picture of me and Sam. All I heard about the whole time I was sailing with the Utah Ladies was about this great guy Sam who took care of their every want and need!!!! OK, so he's just a little better looking then I am; he's younger; stronger; smarter; and all that stuff. Sam, you the man!!!!

The Utah Ladies

September 27-28, 2007.

Here I am, playing the accordian at Tickles, minding my own business. Wednesday nite, open Mic, and I'm revving up a fine version of Billy Joel's "Accordian Man" when in walks a group of 4 Ladies from Utah! No, they are not Mormans. Just 4 friends who decided to take a September week's of vacation down in the Islands. And they are charmed by the accordian!









Here they are, from left to right, we got Kim, Sharon, Peggy and Keri (thats pronounced Carrie, like in the movie?)--WOW! They are down for the week, are having a great time, and looking for more fun times. They want to do it all: shopping, swimming, shopping, snorkling, more shopping, dancing, more shopping, drinking, shopping some more, eating...get the picture????
So I take a break, and meander over to my seat at the bar, which happens to be pretty close to where they are sitting. We strike up a conversation, and soon enough they welcome me into their group as one of their own... Ok, sorta. I let it be known that I have a sailboat that is itching to go sailing, and would they like to come along for a day sail and a snorkle. After a moments hesitation, they say yes, and the details are arranged.
Next morning they meet me at Garcigas (formerly known as Bottom's Up, the little bar/restaurant in the Mangroves at the base of A dock in my marina). The've gone shopping, and supplies are loaded on board. We head out to St. John's for an day of snorkling by Watermelon Cay. Afterwards, drinks are served and a day of sailing and snorkling turns into an onboard overnite. Finally, I had a captive audience and I played my accordian to my hearts content on the foredeck under the full moon!!

Next day we pick up a mooring in Caneel Bay, and have an exciting dingy ride over to Cruz Bay on St. John, where the Utah Ladies go shopping till their hearts content. Then its back to St. Thomas for a fine evening of Jazz at the Tavern on the WaterFront, owned by my new friend Slawek, a Polish guitar player who wants to get together for accordian and guitar duets.
Never a dull moment!
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