Tuesday Already

Hmmm...

Just finished filling out the paperwork to refinance our home. Hard to argue with Today's rates. Unlike yesteryear, I also will have to give a pint of blood with each inquiry.

We are so very fortunate to have what we have and I know there are others who are struggling.

My daughter is very homesick. Washington DC is not the South and while you can find nice people up there; it is not as easy to make new friends. She came home this weekend and insisted that I go running with her every night. Her speed has returned. My speed? HA!!! Ask my heart. Anyhow, I have registered to run two races with her before years end. I think we are doing a biathlon (Run,swim, run) this summer too...

My parents are coming for Thanksgiving and staying through the New Year. I am very happy about their visit. They are in the twilight of their lives. I miss them terribly.

I always recommend you pick up the phone and call someone who loves you when you feel the blues. My loved ones help me out everyday and they don't even know it.

I make the most of each day but confess that Fall and Winter are not really my friend.

Our Exchange Student(Jovana) is going on a trip to a remote Island on the Chesapeake Bay to study the environment. The house is built on stilts and is ON the water literally. Solar powered!! You have to ride a bicycle to pump water...Gonna be lots and lots of fun for the kid. No, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone wanting to vacation. Jovana, has signed up for the swim team too. She has never participated in a team sport ever!!! This will be fun.

What is it with people? I have seen more stupid email drama than imaginable lately. All of it coming from residents in our neighborhood. Stressful times. People are crazy, especially if they have some kind of weird agenda.

We have a surprise birthday party/Oyster Roast This Saturday. Should be fun. While you might not like raw oysters, I just can't get enough of the things...

Tonight? I'm going for a run on the beach. Yes, in the dark...The moon gives you plenty of light.

See you on the beach!

Peace be with you,

Bobby

I played this gig the day my splints were removed from my left hand. Fortunately, my buddy sat in with another guitar and we had a good time. From the stage there were about 800 people and all kinds of beer/food/wine concessions. As you can see in the pic someone had a news camera up in my face...

Thoughts

I like to post several times a week. I don't know why I like it. I miss it like crazy.

I suppose I can be a little quirky and reading my posts solidifies my thoughts about who I am relative to the world.

To some folks I am a big part of their world. I am a son, husband, brother and father. To others I am a businessman, landlord, Vice President, Board member,musician, coach etc.

Someone tried to explain to me last night that I am powerful within the context of our community and business world.

I really don't see it. I do not seek power for the sake of having "power". The whole notion is ridiculous at best.

I'm involved in our community because I care about it and think I can make a difference.

We make choices in life.

Perhaps my motivation centers around my family. I protect that which matters most.

I have been called many things.

My most important title(s)?

Husband and Father.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Me and my girl on Hatteras Island. The waves were triple overhead that day. Insane.

Who'll stop the rain?

Wow,

It sure has been awhile since I have posted. Sorry for the absence. My life has been so busy that all I have time to do is read your journals and that is about it.

I miss this place more than you realize.

We are all doing well. My kid is away to college. We have an exchange student (She is having the time of her life). My wife is about 1 year away from her doctorate and I am the same only slightly older...

Life moves pretty fast doesn't it?

I have rehabilitated my broken fingers and am playing the guitar with very minor amounts of pain. Pain is a reminder as to how much I love music.

Let me hear from you.

Peace,

Bobby

Hatteras Bound

Hurricane Bill looms between Bermuda and the Southeast.

Hopefully, it keeps a track that does no harm to any of the inhabitants of Bermuda.

Now, if you were a surfer and the chance of having an absolute brain bash of big surfing the coast of Cape Hatteras was certain; would you go?

Yes. Oh my god it could be fantastic!!!

I have rented an efficiency apartment for Friday and Saturday and am taking the whole family down.

Would I recommend it to everyone?

No. Um, make that hell no.

The rip currents during hurricane driven tidal shifts are very strong and seemingly unpredictable. You can't get past the breakers without a rip current however so that is where we put our boards into the ocean.

Kelly loves Hurricane boarding even more than I do. Mind you the hurricanes are several hundreds of miles away but rest assured it has a massive effect on the surf conditions.

Don't try this at home.

Yes we will be fine. No worries. If it is too gnarly we will figure it out pretty quickly.

See you on the beach!!!!

Peace,
Bobby

Alive

I'm still alive and kicking.

As mentioned, I have spotty internet service when I am working so it is difficult for me to post to my blogger account.

I have FINALLY been cleared to use all of my fingers when playing the guitar. I sound like a very slow intermediate guitarist. Residual self image is something that plays with your mind.

One of the hallmarks of good musicians is that they play their instruments accurately. In the interest of accuracy I have to play slowly (or slower songs). I am relieved that I will not have to switch to playing guitar as a lefty.

I have a new found respect for those who have to rehabilitate their injuries. I have nursed small nagging issues before but have never repaired something that required so much work.

Our exchange student arrived on Saturday. She gets along well with everyone in the house thankfully.

Summer has been fun for the most part. This year has been relatively mild in terms of heat. I already sense the days growing shorter.

You know where you can find me.

With my family, on or near the beach.

Peace,

Bobby

Back From Vacation

Well,

We are back from vacation. We had us quite a good time. Some surfing, some seadoo riding and lots and lots of beach and sunny weather. We spent three days in Ocracoke and for some HUGE reason I am glad that we did. Normally, we watch the fireworks down there every year but this time we stayed home.

I'm glad we missed it because 4 people were killed unloading the fireworks for the display this year. Tragic to say the least. Ocracoke is very sleepy and if something happens, usually someone dies.

I also spent a little time at home wandering the beach and participating in the local festivities. I did manage to make it to Greene county for 2 days as well....The hell with the mountains in the summer. Yes the mountain is nice but if you aren't covered in salt and sand and water then you can forget about it.

Next weekend we will be surfing in Hatteras so watch out!!! Buxton, Avon or Rodanthe you just never know where the surf will be best.

Our exchange student (Jovana) arrives on the 18th of this month. Boy, she is in for a surprise. We are throwing a beach party that very same day. I can't imagine what she will think after being on a 20 hour plane trip.

Hmmm, I think I'm gonna teach the little Serb to surf.

Moving on....

This rehab of my guitar playing hand is going slowly. I have to *literally* learn how to play the guitar correctly again after using this odd technique for the last two months while my fingers were splinted. Lets just say my bandmates laugh a lot at my expense.

Speak of the devil, my little brother is joining the band after Ronin leaves. I'm stunned. I'm amazed and I will believe it when I see it. The boy is an amazing singer/keyboard player.

He has a new girlfriend by the way....He seems much happier. Time will tell.

Ronin and Nurse Ratchet are in DC getting Kelly all signed up for her college classes today and tomorrow.

I miss them both very much.

I know I haven't been posting as much. I have been working like a dog and when I am in survival/recovery mode I can't make it to the keyboard like I once did.

I do read your journals however and am keeping an eye on all of you.

Peace be with you,
Bobby

Yes, that is me on the beach late spring giving a Teevee interview. Business casual but check out the shoes.... I would give you the archive but I'm very shy....

posting at KCL

I have been posting on Keepconnectedlive. It has all the familiar symptoms of the old Jayess although there are bugs that will continue to work themselves out.

I'm ready to take a vacation next week. Normally we rent a house in Ocracoke. This year we are staying for just three days. We are going to spend time in Stanardsville touring Virgina Wine Country. I just need a mental and emotional break.

Rehabilitation on my broken (healed) fingers is going well. I was actually able to make a few chords the old fashioned way yesterday. I can't make a fist or grab stuff like I did when these bad boys were in prime shape.

Anyhow, it is a challenge and I am up for the challenge.

I love the summer. The days are long, bright and beautiful.

The sand, salt, surf and sun give me strength that I cannot describe in these pages.

Perhaps you didn't know this, but you have started walking a new path with me. I am 45 years old and in pretty good shape for my age.

Now you get to watch me grow old right before your very eyes.

I promise it will be slow and subtle.

I just know it is the path I am walking. Please join me. It will be an adventure at times. I promise.

Peace be with you,
Bobby