What We’ll Be Doing Tomorrow May 3, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Special Events, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Anna Maria Island, Fun & Games, Special Events, Travel & Leisure
29 comments
Aah . . . that’s better!
How about you? Any fun plans for the weekend?
Emerson Quillin grew up in a small town in the southwestern part of Indiana called Bloomfield. He found out early in his teens that he could do three things well: shoot pool at Elmer Pool Room, hit an accurate 20-foot jump shot and doodle with the best of them. He doodled his way through Bloomfield High School. The doodling became his penchant and he perfected a very casual style of art that he still maintains today.
For more fun and funky artwork by Emerson: Emerson’s Humor
Paradise Found April 18, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Humor, Nature, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Anna Maria Island, Beach, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Leisure, Travel
36 comments
WARNING: Postpone reading this post if you are:
(1) nursing, pregnant, or about to become pregnant
(2) overworked, over tired, or just plain cranky
(3) in the middle of changing a smelly diaper
(4) prone to fits of jealousy
Still here?
Okay . . . I warned ya!
If you’re planning a warm weather get-a-way in the not-too-distant future, pour yourself a drink, kick back, and I’ll tell you about an island just off the coast of Florida ~ a multi-faceted jewel which has garnered well-deserved recognition from travel agents, travel writers, and travelers due to its wide sandy beaches and laid-back tropical atmosphere.
Located forty miles southwest of Tampa and just north of Sarasota, Anna Maria Island (AMI) is paradise found ~ a sleepy barrier island filled with wonderful nooks and crannies and more than a few fine dining establishments.
The NY Times Travel article, “A Florida Island, End to End, Table by Table, highlighted the wide variety of dining options available on this blissful island ~ from burger joints, surf bars, and bistros to waterfront restaurants and Zagat-rated fine dining.
But eating a Cheeseburger in Paradise while sipping a refreshing tropical drink is far from the only appeal offered by this gem of an island:
* AMI offers rooms with a view ~ vacation rentals, inns, and small boutique hotels cater to island tourists.
* A free trolley, turquoise to match the Gulf of Mexico, runs the length of the island from first light to late night, allowing tourists covered with oil to hop aboard and leave their cars sitting idle for much of their stay.
* Fishing piers at three distinct bay side locations offer gorgeous and expansive water views, along with waterfront dining, birdwatching, boating and fishing.
At the AMI City Pier, visitors can browse the Pine Avenue Shops, buy provisions for a picnic on the bay, or enjoy lunch on the pier or at the nearby Waterfront Restaurant.
Rod and Reel Pier offers a rustic bar downstairs and amazing views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and surrounding waters from a 2nd floor dining room.
At the Historic Bridge Street Pier, mid-island, eclectic shops offer island art, apparel, souvenirs, and beach gear. Hungry? Enjoy waterfront dining at Rotten Ralphs, the Bridge Tender Inn, Sun House, and Island Creperie.
* Boat launches are available at several points on the island, as well as on the causeway leading from the mainland.
* Island businesses offer parasailing adventures, bike rentals, charter fishing and sailing excursions, as well as Segway rentals.
* White sandy beaches provide picnic tables, palm trees, playgrounds, and shaded parking to beach goers.
* Beachfront cafes at the two main beaches, Coquina and Manatee, sell seafood, sandwiches, and sides to sun worshippers. Wine and beer are available on the deck ~ alcohol is not permitted on the beach.
* At Manatee Beach, the Beach Cafe offers live music daily from 4-8 pm with a Drum Circle at sunset on Friday nights.
* Small boutiques dot the island, offering island apparel, original artwork and jewelry, seashells, beach needs, and tropical souvenirs.
* Nature preserves on and off the island offer trails for kayaking, canoeing, biking, hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Of course, once you arrive and unpack your bathing suit and flip flops, you may decide to ignore everything but the sun, the sand, and the surf.
We get that.
Relax. Bury your feet in the sand. Enjoy our island ambiance beneath swaying palms. Allow warm gulf breezes to whisk your cares away.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Island Trolley and Sun House by Barbara Hines ~ Island Gallery West
Never Confuse An RV With An ATV April 8, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Life Balance, Travel & Leisure.Tags: ATV, Camper, Dirt road, Humor, Recreational vehicle
55 comments
Once, while driving our camper van down a dirt road in North Carolina, the shoulder of the road gave way.
Our top-heavy camper started to topple over the embankment.
ACK!
Before executing a full somersault in pike position, the rear-end snagged a barbed wire fence post and held on for dear life.
We stopped. Mid-air. And breathed.
The passenger door was out of commission, resting inches from the ground.
The van rocked, at a 45-degree angle, each time we shifted our weight.
To get to safety, we clambered out the driver’s door and jumped 3-feet down to the crumbling shoulder.
We stopped. On terra firma. And breathed.
In my haste to evacuate before the camper continued its off-road adventure, I had not grabbed my purse from the bunk over the cab.
Now, back on solid ground, BFF said, “Hey, where’s your purse?”
I pointed at the top-heavy camper cantilevered over the fence post. ”In there. In the top bunk.”
“Think you should get it?”
I stared at our RV, masquerading as an ATV, and shook my head. ”You want it, you get it. I’m NOT going back in there.”
“What if you need it for identification?”
“As long as I’m still alive, I can tell them who I am.”
Aah . . . that’s better!
Rock Climbing in Yosemite April 6, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Books & Movies, Humor, Nature, Travel & Leisure.Tags: El Capitan, Humor, Nature, Travel and Tourism, Yosemite National Park
50 comments
BFF and I have decided NOT to climb the cliff face of El Capitan on our next visit to Yosemite National Park in California.
We reached this decision last night while watching National Geographic’s Secret Yosemite.
This decision has nothing to do with advancing age.
(Except as it relates to the acquisition of wisdom and common sense.)
Our thinking is three-fold:
1. The granite stone acts as a lightning rod when storms roll through with majestic fury. We have no desire to be lit up like Christmas Trees.
2. The climber we watched spent 3 full days in the assent . . . enjoying a two-night stay in a hammock/sling perched a full 2000 feet above the valley floor. That’s the height of a 200-story skyscraper. T~A~L~L.
3. Bathroom breaks. Enough said.
We’ll confine our hikes to terra firma where we can bury our business if nature calls when no stalls are available.
Aah . . . that’s better!
How about you?
Does scaling 3000-foot granite cliffs hold any appeal? Or would you rather watch others attempt the ascent . . . from the relative safety of the valley floor?
I say “relative safety” because when chips fall off the old block, they crash to earth with immense power . . . creating wind gusts of 300 miles per hour which can knock down trees in a half mile radius like a bowling ball takes out pins.
Happiness is . . . April 3, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Books, Happiness, Leisure, Life Balance
64 comments
a warm day
a cold drink
and a good book
Aah . . . that’s better!
A Peculiar Party Under The Palms March 22, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Fiction, Fun & Games, Travel & Leisure, Word Play.Tags: Cocktail party, Fiction, Food & Drink, Leisure, Naples, Party
42 comments
An old friend invited me down to Naples for a Garden Party at his estate. I accepted, of course.
When I arrived, the place seemed deserted. Overgrown. Neglected. Untidy.
I called out and heard my words echo around the fountain, bouncing off the stones before sinking.
A few minutes later, my friend appeared in the garden, dapper and distinguished as ever.
But he seemed distracted.
Worried.
Ill at ease.
A bit green about the gills.
After greeting me with his customary cold-blooded warmth, and inquiring after my journey, Freddie called for Teddy, the Butler.
Aah . . . good old Teddy.
I’ve known Teddy forever and wondered, given the odd appearance of the garden and Freddie’s apparent distress, whether he had been let go.
But no.
There he was, looking much the same as usual.
Oddly enough, he offered me a drink from an empty tray.
I accepted, not wanting to appear rude.
“Thank you, Teddy. It’s . . . um, refreshing. And quite light.”
“Hoppy to hear that.”
While sipping my non-existent beverage, I scanned the garden for Freddie’s wife.
Betty was nowhere in sight.
Until I blinked.
She popped into view, with strobe-like stealth, behind Teddy (still proffering libations from an empty tray).
How curious!
Like Freddie, Betty seemed flustered and self-conscious.
I noted that she had one eye in the mirror as she watched herself go by.
She seemed to be admiring her hat.
Or its feathered plumes.
Or both.
I couldn’t decide.
I felt dizzy.
The garden spun round like a carousel.
Faster and faster.
Perhaps the cocktail had gone to my head.
Betty patted her bonnet, with all the frou frous on it.
I gasped for breath, gulping like a guppy.
What was going on here?
Where were all the other guests?
What had happened to Freddie, Betty, and Teddy since my last visit?
Why were my thoughts echoing round, bouncing off stones, before sinking?
To Be Continued . . .
If you missed any installments, the entire story can be found at the Short Stories tab . . . or just click HERE!
You might also enjoy Kate’s post: Amphibious Action Hero.
Betsy McCall and (Bald) Midge March 20, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Fun & Games, Humor, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Betsy McCall, Humor, Midge, Paper doll, Toys and Games
38 comments
Growing up, the two dolls I played with most were Betsy McCall and Midge.
Starting in May 1951, McCall’s Magazine printed Betsy McCall Paper Dolls in most issues. In August 1966, Betsy went to a Beach Party:
A few years later, Betsy went Inter-Galactic!
Betsy McCall Paper Dolls became so popular that various sized vinyl dolls were produced by Ideal and American Character Dolls.
Each month, I raced to cut out the printed dolls and clothing from mom’s issue of McCall’s. In time, tired of having holes cut in her magazine, mom bought me a “real” Betsy McCall doll.
So. Much. Better. Than. Paper.
Betsy McCall’s vinyl version had move-able joints, allowing her to bend at the waist, hips, knees, and elbows . . . making her the perfect guest at tea parties, dinner parties, and trips to the movies.
In contrast, Barbie’s best friend, Midge, could only sit with straight legs splayed out in front of her.
No amount of coaxing caused her to relax this stance.
In retrospect, Midge would have been ideal for cocktail parties where everyone stands around stiff-kneed and stream-lined, afraid to rumple or crumple their gowns.
At that time, cocktail parties were beyond my ken.
Due to her rigidity, there wasn’t much to do with Midge other than changing her outfits. Which gets old . . . fast. (Unless you’re a budding fashionista.)
One day, bored with Midge’s inflexible sameness, I cut her hair . . . revealing a previously invisible but now quite noticeable bald patch on the back of her head.
Oops!
I studied Midge from different angles. The bald patch looked rather like an atoll. Or a bad case of ringworm. Or . . . a monk’s tonsure!
That’s it!
Midge’s bald spot was a symbol of her renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem.
Despite her inability to perfect the full lotus position, Midge had never given up her childhood dream of becoming the next Dolly Lama.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Retired post: A Paper Doll To Call My Own (Life in the 50′s)
Anticipation March 16, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, People, Travel & Leisure, Word Play.Tags: Amsterdam, Anticipation, Fokkens, Prostitution, Sex industry
52 comments
Have you ever anticipated having a ménage à trois?
With twins?
How about with twin prostitutes?
In Amsterdam?
What about a ménage à trois with 70-year-old twin prostitutes in Amsterdam?
Sorry, Charlie!
While you engaged in fantastic anticipatory foreplay, you missed your chance.
The Fokkens (no, not the Fokkers . . . the Fokkens) are now retired after 50 years “in the saddle.”
(In the saddle. On the saddle. Under the saddle.)
Nothing lasts forever.
Not even a S~L~O~W R~I~D~E.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related post: Sidey’s Weekend Theme ~ Anticipation
An Island Shuttle February 13, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Fun & Games, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Anna Maria Island, Gilligan, Intracoastal Waterway, Taxicab
36 comments
Anna Maria Island has a new taxi plying its waters . . . the Island Pearl.
The just-initiated shuttle service is FREE on Mondays this month.
So we hopped aboard to see the island from a different perspective.
We crossed under the Cortez Bridge as it yawned to admit a sailboat.
First shuttle stop, the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
The pier houses Rotten Ralph’s where beer is always FREE . . . tomorrow.
From the pier, we continued south through the Intercoastal Waterway.
Next stop, the Mar Vista restaurant on AMI’s sister island of Long Boat Key ~ I half expected to see Gilligan and the Professor counting coconuts on the sand.
On the way back, we swung in close to the southern tip of the island.
Where fisherman fish and families enjoy picnics in the pavilion.
We caught sight of our neighborhood as we headed north to Holmes Beach.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Would You Answer THIS Ad? February 9, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Nature, People, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Antarctica, Ernest Shackleton, South Pole, The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
64 comments
The year is 1914.
Sir Ernest Shackleton needs a crew for an expedition to Antarctica. To entice able-bodied men to join him, he places the following ad in the London Times:
Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.
Due to his stellar reputation, Shackleton received 5,000 applications from would be explorers. From that number, he chose a crew of 28.
As expected, the journey hit a few rough patches. The Endurance became trapped in ice which crushed its hull. The crew had to abandon ship, taking as many supplies as possible. For the next five months, the crew camped on an ice floe next to the sinking ship . . . until the ice started to break apart.
Evicted from their frigid campsite, the crew spent five grueling days in three lifeboats to cross icy seas to Elephant Island, a barren and frozen rock.
From there, Shackleton, with a crew of five, navigated another 800 miles of stormy seas in a single lifeboat to seek rescue from a whaling outpost on South Georgia Island.
After landing on the far side of the island, 3 of the 6 hiked 32 miles and 36 hours in sub-zero temperatures over frigid mountainous terrain to reach the outpost.
Finally, on August 30, 1916, after almost two years in Antarctica, Shackleton arrived at Elephant Island to rescue his crew.
All twenty eight crew members survived.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Now that you know they all survived, want to change your answer?
