Lovely Cruise

By: johnathan baham
1977

Drink it up, this one's for you
It's been a lovely cruise
I'm sorry it's ending, oh it's sad, but it's true
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise

Chorus:
These moments we're left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
There's wind in our hair and there's water in our shoes
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise

Chorus:
Ohhh, these moments we're left with
May you always remember
These moments are shared by few
And those harbor lights, lord, they're coming into view
We'll bid our farewells much too soon
So drink it up, this one's for you
Honey, it's been a lovely cruise
Yeah baby, it's been a lovely cruise
Oh darlin', it's been a lovely cruise


So now that we have that unpleasant business addressed. . .hahaha

I wrote this blog for my Father. At first I didn't believe this. But my disinterest since his passing it is becoming increasingly obvious. I wrote this for my Father.

I believe it's highly probable he's touring with Buffett or the Beach Boys in the spirit world now and doesn't have time for reading such drivel anyway.

Besides, we always have that third star. . .

And Baltimore.

And frankly, foul mouths as needed, bad habits as desired, and hearts and dreams as big as the sea.

Which is exactly what I'm working on.

Thank you for your patience. I have so many photos I'd love to post. I have some projects going on. Times they are a changin'

I will def continue to post occasional content, and will keep you informed til the new and improved HomeEckWreck is up and running.

Until then, please check Twitter. Please check the Design Blog. Please brace yourselves for the HomeEckWreck Hon!!! Rumor has it she's not your Mother's maid; She's BETTER!

Lots going on here. I call this one Fat Cast and a Skinny Cat. 

This?  Every Dog Has Its Leg.  C had a mishap last Sunday and it's offering a great deal of inspiration this evening while I tip toe around the house trying not to disturb him.  More to follow. 

Lots going on here. I call this one Fat Cast and a Skinny Cat. 

This apparition?  The sweets n treats for the block party next weekend.  Dad's birthday was barely yesterday. It was great. I'll post more about it soon. Suffice to say I felt a lot of love from friends and family. It is appreciated so much.  I hope I have a great dream about him this evening!   Thank you! 

PARTY!!! Part I

Thursday marked the evening of what my Father would have started celebrating of his 63rd birthday. (I'm alive. I'm alive! He started screaming that at 40).

He used to tell me with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye, "Aw dl, how did these sons of a bitches get so old?" After class reunions and so forth.

His birthday is Monday. We have a big day planned. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, I'm up late listening to Buffett playing Starlake in Pittsburgh earlier this evening. I swear, Pops joined a few bands when he kicked it. He seems to have all of our fave songs played.

Or perhaps we just had a lot of favorite songs?

We did have a lot of favorite songs. We shared a lot of favorite songs. We shared a lot of favorite books, and stories, and dreams. We shared a lot of challenges too.

I can only smile thinking about our marathon Friday night telephone discussions when I was older. Thinking about our Saturday morning cartoon and pancake breakfast and snooze when I was a kid. Thinking about every moment we spent.

I'm certainly going to miss him screaming "Touchdown State" into my answering machine come this fall. (Ah dl they tied it up!! Touchdown State!!! Here we go Lions, Here we go!!!!)

But it will forever make me smile. He did good.

So many happy memories. And I'd like to say he created some kinda' lovely princess of a daughter and yet. . .

From earlier this evening a text I sent:

"Don't pick friends that will suck u dry. A heart is like a vagina - too much random shit in there and it gets all crusty and u end up uncomfortable and frustrated."

I sound EXACTLY like my Father.

And you wonder why I have tears in my eyes?!

Imma Dick and I Admit it. . .

In case you haven't met him, my Husband C, is pretty handsome.

At least his MOTHER and I think so. . .

We shared an excellent blueberry pancake brunch. My Mother in Law makes beautiful firm-fluffly pancakes. I didn't even want sauce or syrup. I merely wanted to appreciate the firm and fluffy goodness smothered in butter, , ,

And then I caught her looking at me.

Perhaps she was looking at me with sympathy knowing she just handed off clone of her husband?

And I wondered if I could offer her a grandchild?

Perhaps she understands more than I will ever understand - until I have my own children?

I love my in-law family. . .More and more. . .

Restless. . .Relentless. . .And More. . .I Know

I walked out on my husband last night. Not out of anger, frustration, bitterness or any other negative reason. I just felt a wandering in my heart.

I didn't get all dressed up in order to troll for men or anything that exciting or dysfunctional.

I just wanted to be left alone. And I wanted to be alone. And I wanted to drive around looking at the stormy sky looking for photographs. And I wanted to go to Macy's or Walmart or Goodwill or Michael's. . .Alone. But with me.

And when I arrived home two hours later, I still felt not quite myself. But I'm ok with that. . . .

If you always felt like yourself how could you possibly learn, grow, change, enjoy life?

And like an angel or perhaps a very wise fellow, my husband breathed barely a whisper. . .

Somewhere in the Middle

So today is an emotional day for me for a variety of reasons. Part of my heart - yes. . .I have one. . .Is with Captain Phil Harris because he reminds me a lot of my old man. So watching Deadliest Catch was particularly difficult for me.

But there's more. . .

Apparently my sisters aren't seeing eye to eye. I wasn't aware of their conflict until this evening.

Sisters fight. A lot. Sometimes for sport.

But when I have to play dummy in the middle for real this time to text messages like "Her life isn't more important than mine."

I need to check out.

I can't get in the middle of that stuff.

For the better part of my life I've been silently pleading with Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother to STOP!!!

Just STOP damnit.

Stop yelling.

Stop resenting.

Stop thinking you are "right"

Stop thinking about yourself.

Stop thinking about how your are a victim.

Stop making me feel as if I should save, fix, do, help, offer. . .It positively crushes me. . .

Start loving, giving, owning, offering. . . listening. . .

Silent pleas fall on death ears. And sometimes screams fall on death ears (in the case of my Parents.)

Either way, the message is the same: Life is precious and time is fleeting. You have the power to decide what is important. You have the power to figure out how you will spend your time. You have the power to build bridges. You have the power to be an example, an inspiration, a hero.

So get humble. Give love. Try a little empathy.

Try actually picking up the phone and hearing a voice on the other side. Try actually writing a note. Try. . .

TRY.

It feels as if no one in this world takes any pride or heart in trying any more.

I'm officially old. And if I'm ever fortunate to parent children, I worry about what they will learn about how I interact with my family and how they treat me. I worry that they will only be able to text message their aunts. I worry that they have an Uncle in Texas that seldom shows - but that they would adore. I worry about what a child would think. I worry.

And every so often. . .in a quiet, wicked-selfish immature voice, I wonder if anyone ever worries about me?

Fourth of July Weekend 4

Last night C and I enjoyed some of our haul from the winery tours a few weekends ago. We watched the fireworks and some of the televised Boston Pops special. Later that evening it appeared our neighbors had their own little fireworks display - but it wasn't really that "little." They had some serious fireworks!

Fourth of July Weekend 3

Allister and Edison spent quality time on the un-made guest bed. Who am I kidding? We all spent time on the un-made guest bed this weekend. This weekend wasn't just low-key. Parts of it were downright lazy.

Fourth of July Weekend 2

Dexter clearly can't wait for fireworks.

Fourth of July Weekend 1

Pretty low-key long weekend for us.

General's Ridge Vineyard 011

General's Ridge Vineyard 010

This place is so peaceful and beautiful!

General's Ridge Vineyard 009

The leaves on the sunny side of the vines need to be thinned and pruned so that an equal amount of light hits the shady side of the vines. I'm not sure if Larry told us why but I presume this allows even growth and ripening of the grapes.

Thinning and pruning, like every step of the process is done manually. Wine probably should cost more. . .

General's Ridge Vineyard 008

Larry said the leaves need to be meticulously maintained. They are prone to mold and insects. I asked about deer. He said they aren't so much a problem as smaller critters. I believe he mentioned turkeys. He also mentioned there are some coyotes in the area that keep populations in balance.

If the leaves stay free of pests, sooner or later they're going to need some pruning and thinning. . .

General's Ridge Vineyard 007

According to Larry, grapevines grow rapidly but need a lot of attention. Each April, the vines are cut nearly to the ground. So all the growth you are seeing in these photographs happened between April and mid-June.

General's Ridge Vineyard 006

We had the pleasure of meeting the vineyard's Foreman, Larry. Larry was spraying some of the vines early Sunday morning. He said they stopped Saturday afternoon because it was 100 degrees in the fields! When we met Larry, he was on his way home to get ready for church but he was still kind enough to stop and chat with us for a bit.

It is immediately clear that Larry is a gentle and affable fellow. Living on the Northern Neck his entire life, he has the weathered skin and calloused hands of a man that physically labors for a living. His eyes twinkle. They hint at wisdom and knowledge and ingenuity that might be missed if one was to focus only on his nearly toothless grin or his blue collar attire.

Larry speaks confidently but softly - his drawl smooth and sweet like honey. He laughs easily during our conversation and kindly entertains and engages our inquisitiveness.

Northern Neck Wineries 007

Our last stop was The Hague Winery. All the wineries were great but this one was probably my favorite. The tasting room was in a big old barn that was painted in raucous citrus shades. There was a respectable amount of space for lounging inside and out. I felt as if we could order a glass of wine and linger at this place without being in another parties' way. Also, the gentleman that hosted the tasting - whom I'm guessing was owner Stephen Madey, took a great deal of time explaining his entire operation. He was very low key but the passion he has for his work was obvious.

Oh yeah, didn't help he had my most FAVORITE wine possibly EVER!!!! The Hague Winery Chardonel is exactly the wine I attempt to describe to waiters when I want a white wine: citrusey, crisp, not too dry. . .Love, love, love!!!!! I could have lingered for quite a while at this place.

http://thehaguewinery.com/

Northern Neck Wineries 006

This is NOT one of ours. . .And yet he seems to be entertaining the option. . .

Northern Neck Wineries 005

The tasting facilities at Vault Field Vineyards.

Northern Neck Wineries 004

Physically very impressive. This vineyard appears to be meticulously maintained. Couple notable things about this tasting:

1. The owner told us they are building a new home on the property and the existing structure will become the tasting room.

2. The dogs are very cute.

3. Purchased: A white called Conundrum. . .It's a blend of mystery whites.

4. Also purchased in copious amounts: Red and the espresso infused dark chocolates that are AMAZING with the wine.

I know very little about wine and I'm certainly not snooty about it. If it tastes good to me, I have no qualms about how much it costs, how it's packaged, or where it's from but EVEN I know this red/chocolate thing is pretty great.

http://www.vaultfield.com/index.html

Northern Neck Wineries 003

Yes. That is a gigantic stuffed catfish on top of a wine barrel. Yes. I find this hilarious for some reason. And no I didn't ask why it was there. I'm sure the answer is way more boring than what I've imagined.

At Belle Mount the crowd favorite wine seemed to be almost a picnic red called Workboat Red. The woman hosting the tasting raved about what a wonderful sangria you can make with it. The promise of sangria sealed the deal.

http://www.bellemount.com/

Northern Neck Wineries 002

I see a little too much of myself reflected in this sign!

Northern Neck Wineries 001

If it's hot and humid, how better to spend the afternoon than hanging out in cool climate controlled tasting rooms?

Our first stop was Belle Mount Vineyards. . .

The Mooring Restaurant and Kinsale Marina 006

I love marinas and boat yards.

The Mooring Restaurant and Kinsale Marina 005

The skipjack Virginia W

The Mooring Restaurant and Kinsale Marina 004

The Skipjack Virginia W.

The Mooring Restaurant and Kinsale Marina 003

Where was the skipjack?!

The Mooring Restaurant and Kinsale Marina 002

This is the Lucky Lady. She's apparently now part of the outdoor deck bar at The Mooring Restraurant. The menu indicated that the Lucky Lady is a 50 year old Henry Luhrs The Luhrs name has been synonymous with fine pleasure craft for generations.

The Mooring Restaurant and Kinsale Marina 001

One of THE. BEST. BRUNCH. BUFFETS. EVER.

I'm not sure how they do what they do, but it was pretty freaking magical. Lots of seafood, none of it rubbery or dry. Excellent fresh ingredients in every dish. Plus, how can you go wrong with extra large mimosas?

After we had brunch, we explored the Marina for a little while. Their website indicated they have nearly 100 year old skipjack berthed there which I definitely wanted to check out.

C got me a book by Christopher White for my birthday that chronicles the heritage of skipjacks and oyster fishermen in Maryland. Oyster dredging is the last fishery that still works under sail power and it's barely hanging on. . .

It was super hot outside and we explored with some haste. Brutal weather.

http://www.portkinsale.com/

General's Ridge Vineyard 005

The den and bar area in the farmhouse where we stayed.

General's Ridge Vineyard 004

C and I got up early Sunday morning so we could do some exploring in the area. The area is pretty rural. It was so hot and humid but at least we made an early start of it. We really had no destination so our adventure resulted in C driving me around for about 1.5 hours checking out various areas that looked as if they would have waterfront views. Unfortunately, many of the areas are privately owned and hence inaccessible. But we did find a little crab shack/marina where I snapped this dock dog making the most of his environs.

General's Ridge Vineyard 003

We stayed here!!! It was exactly as wonderful as you are imagining! Probably better. . .

General's Ridge Vineyard 002

There are a lot of photographs of this structure. I guess I kinda' experienced a wine-induced photographic crush on it. I'll try to keep it to a minimum.

I'll also spare you the 80 half snockered, blurry, dark frames documenting my attempt to capture heat lightening off the second story veranda in the dark. . .

Anyway, I've been meaning to to a little research on this thing. I saw a good number of them in the area. T and I are country gals but we weren't exactly sure how it functions. I suspect it is tied to the well somehow but I can't be certain.

If anyone knows, please comment.

General's Ridge Vineyard 001

Our friends G&T were soooooo thoughtful and invited us to stay in a big old farmhouse they rented for the weekend at a place called General's Ridge Vineyard. The property is a working vineyard/farm, located on Virginia's Northern Neck close to Hague, VA. The property did not disappoint. We had a wonderful weekend and are so happy we scored such a thoughtful and awesome invite.

Osprey Colonial Beach, VA 002

Here, you can see the little bird a little bit.

Osprey Colonial Beach, VA 001

I really liked Colonial Beach for the two pair of nesting ospreys that were in very close proximity to the beach behind the resturant. One young nestling was visible. The unfortunate part was from my vantage point, a large branch was sticking out from the nest at an angle that made getting a good picture of the baby bird nearly impossible.

Colonial Beach, VA

I sail an ocean.

Unsettled ocean.

Through restful waters. . .

and deep commotion

Sail on Sail on Sailor. . .

Sail on Sail on Sailor. . .

- Brian Wilson

Colonial Beach - BEST HUSH PUPPIES EVER!!

Their salad bar is for shit - not counting the beets. The beets rocked!! The hush puppies are a meal all by themselves. C's fried oyster sandwich - which I'm shocked he ordered on a non "R" month - was sublime.

If you are used to Maryland style crab cakes - don't order them elsewhere. You will be disappointed. (Ding dong D).

This place rocks location, service, and hush puppies.

I loved it! But not for the food. . . .

Fort Washington #008

C checks out the visitor's center at Ft. Washington.

We were so vile sweaty and still had a bit of a way to travel. It was so bad I considered taking a "bath" at the 7 11 with wet wipes and perhaps a shower under the Slurpee Machine.

Seriously, hot and humid.

I swear he does this just to torture me. Because when we finally reach our destination he grabs a beer and relaxes - while I'm unpacking, taking picks, and organizing dinner. . .

Not to demonize C but it does seem shady no?

Fort Washington #007

The vaulted arch and mechanisms for the doors at Fort Washington.

Fort Washington #006

Imagine the steps of militia and a fife and drum corp. . .Imagine the energy and excitement for a fledgling country. Imagine the tenacity, resolve, and ingenuity these patriots possessed. Imagine the sacrifices.

Imagine what you can do. Imagine your potential. If you hear the call. If it sets your heart on fire. If you feel it in your belly. If you believe in it. What can you do?

You can be revolutionary. It doesn't always take material resources. If some little kid can create "Beiber Fever" why can't we come together and fix a bigger problem? Healthcare perhaps?

Fort Washington #005

My Husband loves old forts. I think it's the history that attracts him.

I walk these structures wondering about lives and souls and the people that worked, lived, died at these places.

It's not really a ghost story for me. It's inspirational. It's humbling. Despite all the jokes I might make in hindsight, I walk grounds like these with tremendous respect and reverence.

A civilian will never know or understand completely. But we can respect. And C and I do.

Fort Washington #004

A glorious view on a hot and hazy day.

Fort Washington #003

This part is actually very cool.

1. It's like crossing a moat

2. It's cool and shaded

3. There are vaulted brick ceilings

4. There are very cool mechanisms that used to open and close the doors.

5. It's shaded, there's a cross breeze.*

*This I believe was the only mitigating factor in my chaffing thighs not starting a brush fire at this National Park.

Again WTF?

I'd love my National Park Passport Stamp with a side of errant scaffold. . .In true Ken Burns style, "It's like a cathedral."

Fort Washington #002

Clearly someone in our "party" is more excited about seeing the fort than the other someone. . .

Fort Washington #001

This structure was originally a bell tower for fog warnings. It currently serves as a channel marker on the Potomac.

Dream Northern Neck Winery Tour Starts Where?!

Yup. C won't be happy unless I'm sweating Chardonney. . .Or Baccardi. . .Or Miller Lite! Hahaha.

We started out pretty much on schedule thanks to C's hard work on Friday getting the house in order for a weekend away. We committed to leaving the house Saturday AM sometime about 8ish. We did pretty good. Thanks to his work, I just had to pack and gets the pets in order and make myself look pretty!

We pitted at the Hollywood Diner on Eastern Ave for breakfast and we were off towards Ft. Washington. (This C later admitted was a tad out of our way). However, we weren't in any hurry and I knew I could collect another little stamp in our National Parks Passport!

It was nearly 100 degrees and nearly 100% humidity by the time we hit Ft. Washington about 10:30 AM.

What was I thinking?!

Yeah. . .It was up hill. . .And I think it's been well established, I hate sweating, walking up hill, and pretty much anything that involves both options jointly.

Where Have I Been?!

Trying to knock a few items off my summer bucket list! Granted, playin' peek-a-boo with a groundhog at George Washington's birthplace wasn't exactly on the list but it's very delish when you get a value added experience.

Honestly, I'm not sure this is a groundhog. It looked very light in color. It didn't appear light enough to be a oppossum?

Spent a great weekend with some great friends at a magnificent 100 year old farm house - which smelled exactly like my paternal grandparents house, and had two stair cases just like their house! Between the friends and the location, I felt very much at home. And very much at peace.

The wineries probably helped too!

The Summer Suck it. . .not near a Bucket. . .LIST!!! 1

I have a friend or three that seems to be screaming the same message. . .Find more joy in life.

They speak of art classes, and learning conversational Italian, and vineyard tours.

They speak in some days, and ifs, and maybes. . .

They speak a language I understand far too well. I speak the language of someday fluently.

Let's find more joy in the long lazy summer days! Let's seize the moment. Let's get to living. Life is precious and fleeting. Seize it. Love it.

Offer your best self. Someday is unforgiving in its swiftness.

I'm developing my own Summer Suck It . . .Not Near A Bucket list. . .Please share yours.

C's Grand Canyon Trip #10

Here's a good shot that gives an overview of our hike. The trees in the middle are Indian Garden, where we camped braving the elements (38 degrees and 40 mph winds at night!). The trail veering left is towards Plateau Point. The valley to the right is where Bright Angel Trail heads down towards the Colorado.

Once I took this photo we all jumped in the rental Prius, speed to the hotel, got hot showers and real food.

Did you feel like you were in a cathedral? Yeah, until I stepped off the trail to take a photo of some flowers and looked over and saw a big pile of doody and toilet paper by a rock.

Isn't that against the park rules? Yeah but what are you gonna do?