Snorkling in Florida

Took the family to Pompano Beach, Florida. Cousin Jamie was there working as a deckhand on a yacht, docked for repairs. Not that we know the first thing about the mechanical workings of millionaire's toys, but everything seemed to function just fine for us. Thanks, Jamie!!!! Incredible experience, exploring life of the rich and famous.

(Jamie's productivity was a little side tracked by his southern kin folk.)


Went on a snorkeling tour,

AND according to the guide, the huge shark swimming just below us was a nursing shark, ... not to worry, he said, they're not interested in people.



Ummm... sure put a lot of faith in a complete stranger!!!!!

Sky Diving

Always wanted to be as free as a bird. So, took to the skies and tried our hand at sky diving. Tandum of course. Really liked my instructor, she constantly checked my harness and connectors during the entire climb to 14,000 feet. Stan's on the other hand, was sitting right in front of me munching on a burrito. (Didn't have the heart to warn Stan.) But, as you can see it was all thumbs up. Even bought jump day 1/2 price opportunities for a second jump!

And we just thought the sky was the limit!!!!!

White water rafting - Class V style

White water rafting --first through Edge of the World in Banner Elk, NC. See the smiles. Well, they made it look easy, so bring it on... From there we ventured to The Upper Gauley River, West Virginia. Oh, did I mention that it's ranked 3rd in the world due to five- class V rapids!!! Awesome experience. A once (or maybe twice) in a lifetime adventure.

Life is worth living!!!!!

Chicago by Segway

Visited the windy city of Chicago and toured around town on segways. People of all ages were hopping on board this new and exciting contraption while trying to judge the probability of NOT making a fool of one's self in front of a crowd. A little like Star Trek if you ask me.

Still standing... at Grant Park in front of the incredible Buckingham fountain. Going to Chicago? Worth a look, link below:

http://www.city-discovery.com/chicago/tour.php?id=2821

The Best Job in the World-Queensland, Australia

The adventurous side of us is hoping that Tourism Queensland, who is seeking an island caretaker for a six-month contract, based on luxurious Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, will realize the benefit of having a somewhat middle-aged couple who are ready to really start living life to the fullest and who are not afraid of trying something "new." If you would like to see more about this opportunity, check out www.islandreefjob.com.

The Virginia Creeper Trail

Awesome Bike Trail...

34 miles of rail running between Abingdon and Damascus, Virginia turned into bike trails!!!! Been described as the best biking trail in the east, the Virginia Creeper Trail. A must for all families. Bring your own or rent a bike, plenty of small businesses available to haul you and your bike to the top for a minimal fee, then it is all downhill from there. Took mom with us this past year, at 78 she rode the trail! Absolutely beautiful in the fall. And, while you are there don't zip pass the Creeper Trail Cafe located along the trail. You can't miss it, just look for the numerous bikes parked outside. We took a picnic for all the extended family members who went with us, but couldn't resist stopping in for ice cream.

Thanks Virginia, we'll be back.

Skiing in Vermont

We married in March 2004 and honeymooned in Vermont, home of Ben and Jerry's ice cream!!! We found our way to the slopes and a kind hearted person recorded our moment. Wonderful time in Vermont--definitely worth a second look.

After a bit of self confidence building, we took to the open water, earning our open water scuba certifications. Haven't found buried treasure, but opened an incredible window to a whole other world sharing the space on our planet.

Stan and I love to experience life, not watch, but rather get out there and live life to the fullest. I have started this blog as a way to capture our escapades for someday we will reach a point that our bodies will not allow us to do some of the things we have enjoyed and this is as good as a book of memories. Reminds me of the book, The Notebook.

All started on a weekend camping trip--they had a ropes course and a pampered pole. Understand the ropes part, builds a sense of confidence in one's self. But, please tell me, climbing a telephone pole 25 feet into the air builds WHAT???? Then someone said, "Jump to the trapeze bar." I'd still be up there, except I am kinda accustomed to food and no one was going to serve me up there.