Today is:
Teddy Bear Day

The "Teddy" bear is named after U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt. The inventor of this lovable toy was from Germany - Margarete Steiff. As a young girl, Margarete was stricken with polio. She spent her life in a wheelchair and enjoyed making toys for the neighborhood children. They were so popular, she eventually started a toy factory. Her stuffed bears had no name until a cartoon appeared in newspapers with Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear on a hunting trip in 1902.

It's horrible here today. Dark and teaming down with rain. Have to have all the lights on in the house. Not looking forward to driving in this. Need a boat I think. Annie B.

Hi Annie, just taking a quick break.. I know, it's a mucky day today.. but good news is that the later part of the week will be sunny and warm (upper 70's).. I'm trying to persuade Hugh to take the day off Friday so as we can go to Brighton for the day.. Chat later then....

Hi Everyone, Hope you all had a good weekend.

Hi Annie B, Hi Sarah,
Nice weather for ducks this morning{
My son was going to play golf today so thats spoilt his plans a bit,
Here's a couple of teddies.
Sarah, Brighton sounds good, such a long time since Ive been there.

Hi Everyone, and Happy Teddy Bear Day

Had a very busy weekend running the first 2 days of a 5 day course. Next 1 day is in 2 weeks. I should have been going to Birmingham, but I am echuasted and decided I need to rest and relax. The last 4 weeks have been a veritable nightmare. Kevin and I have decided not to work on the flats for a few weeks and give ourselves a break.

Weather not too bad up north. A bit grey but was sunny this morning. Clouding over now, and looks like it might rain - which was the forecast.

Unusual for us to have better weather than you southerners

Be good if it looked like this when we opened our curtains in a morning, wouldn;t it?

Morning everyone! Well, what a weekend this turned out to be. My team lost and my @#$%&* strobe wouldn't fire at the dive site-AGAIN! Tried brand-new batteries with the same result. When I got home, the strobe started working again. Are the photography gods plotting against me? I'm wondering if the strobe could be overheating in my trunk on the way to the dive site. Next time I leave it up front with me. Just to be sure, I'm going to bring the strobe to work and clean the electrical contacts. I've never had a problem with it before and need to solve this before Bonaire next month.

So once again, no pics. But the dive was great! 10 feet of viz., plenty of friendly sunfish and largemouth bass just begging to get their pics taken, and I saw the mother of all northern pike. Our max depth was 15 ft. for 1.5 hours (my longest dive to date). I'll try again next week.

RT-When are your Bonaire dates next month? I'll be there Oct. 4-11th.

Take a boat to work, eh. I used to do that!

The last time I lived in Hawaii (aboard a sail boat no less) I would commute to work via courtesy one of the para sail boats headed to the Honolulu hotel strip to ply their trade for the day. They were nice enough to pull into harbor area where all the dinner cruise boats tie up & I would step up & off onto the retaining wall, then walk the last couple of blocks to work for an international architectural photographer that I had been given a job through friends at both the yacht clubs.

That or a really nice owner of a catering service that delivered meals to the sail boats that did day cruises for tourists would give a ride to the photographers in his Mercedes.

Had these kind folks not stepped up for me I *gasp* would have had to taken the bus! After all, the yachtee lifestyle is not conducive to owning a car. Gee, wasn't a bad life. *grin*

Should I tell ya'll about when I literally used to commute 700 miles to work upon a couple of companies fleet of 727's? It was just like taking a bus. Well, we did get beverage service & a snack. I don't think public buses do that do they?

I will arrive to Bon October 2nd. Though Glenn, remember I do not yet know how to dive. How long does it take to learn to dive anyway?

Sarah, Rain has eased off a bit now. Hope you enjoy your day at Brighton. Can't remember the last time I went there.

Hi Maria, Definately not a laundry day today.


Jenni, Glad to see you're taking a rest at last.


Hi Glenn, sorry to hear your strobe didn't work again. Bad luck. Glad you enjoyed your dive though.

And where is Rusty today. Surely she didn't get locked in the walmart last night.

Well, if one is to be locked into a store that is the one to be in. They have food, bedding & bath. Bet they would camp out over by the fish section though, just so the little fish swimming around in the aquariums would make them feel closer to Bon. *giggle*

Hello Rtshineto, Hope your having a good day today, and Boo Boo of course. Annie B.

Gotta go. See you all later maybe. Annie B.

Morning Annie, Jenni, Maria and Sarah.

RT, it would be pretty tough getting your bookwork, classroom and pool training complete in time for Bonaire, but you could do a resort course once on Bonaire. Then you could dive with a divemaster (with me tagging along) constrained to a certain depth. Might be a good way to see if scuba is for you. Where will you be staying on the island?

If nothing else, it would be nice to meet someone I know from this board for dinner.

Hello and I have returned! LOL Yes, the fish department is the first place we stop - they occasionally have a good deal on koi, believe it or not! Then we buy wild birdseed and some Pedigree dogfood - the gals like that brand very much. Then off to the soda where we buy about eight cases of diet and caffeine-free diet and then on to the videos! Wasn't much to choose from this week - AND the vid department keeps getting trimmed and more DVDs added. Waah. Don't want to upgrade to a DVD yet. I like tapes - like having the record capability.

But we were NOT locked in overnight. This is BoxerBob's vacation week - and it also has various family highlights. Bob's Momz and two of his brothers got together with us yesterday with all the kids and wives at an all-you-can-eat buffet. My Dad came by, too and took some pictures and enjoyed the hubbub. Three little girls under eight!

Tomorrow my *little* brother flies in from Escondido, CA. Haven't seen him in ten years or so! He'll be driving back home in a truck my Dad is giving him.

Wednesday is BBs & Rusty's 20th wedding anniversary, so we'll celebrate with dinner out and a day at the Eastern States Exposition when it opens on Friday! Our favorite way to celebrate - eat our way thru all the New England states during the fair!

Got a couple fish this morning - a Princess Parrot, I guess, and Satchmo the trumpetfish:

Maria, if we go Friday, perhaps you can join us. Where do you live?

Glenn, shame about those pics... glad you enjoyed the dive though...

RT, that's good advise from Glenn..

Annie, I've still got to persuade Hugh to take the day off.. thing is, Hugh just told me that one of the Senior Partners from New York is over here, so it might be a bit difficult.. we'll see...have a good day..

Hey Rusty.. welcome back, we were all so worried about you.. LOL

OK, break No:2 is over.. back to it..

TTFN.

Well Glen, I am sure once there we could work something out where I could at least make it to the web cam at the Small Wall. I understand it is only 15'? Someone speak up if this is not true.

As for having dinner, sure, as long as we eat out & so long as you don't mind eating dinner with a dog. *evil grin*

Well, I just boiled dry & burnt the pot of eggs for another try at making egg salad. Now I can smell the stench all the way down in the office I use. I guess it is coming down here through the air duct system.

I wonder why the smoke alarm never went off? God knows alrams on this estate go off often enough for this, that & something else. Since I am the only one residing here right now I must be brave & go out & cheque out the situation myself whenever they do. Earlier this summer I called the cops twice in one night for what turned out to be the barn cat. I am now too embarassed to call 911 over anything. I bet they still talk about the cat incident too. *blushing*

Am I embarassed over burning the boiled eggs? Nah, we all know I can't cook. *sigh*

Well, I just boiled dry & burnt the pot of eggs for another try at making egg salad. Now I can smell the stench all the way down in the office I use. I guess it is coming down here through the air duct system.

I wonder why the smoke alarm never went off? God knows alrams on this estate go off often enough for this, that & something else. Since I am the only one residing here right now I must be brave & go out & cheque out the situation myself whenever they do. Earlier this summer I called the cops twice in one night for what turned out to be the barn cat. I am now too embarassed to call 911 over anything. I bet they still talk about the cat incident too. *blushing*

Am I embarassed over burning the boiled eggs? Nah, we all know I can't cook. *sigh*

we have visitors

That's right RT, Small Wall is only 15' deep. No problem with eating with Boo Boo, I grew up with dogs and spoil them greatly.

Welcome back Rusty. I know this is premature but, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Glenn, Hi Rthineto



This is what yoou might see at Small Wall, Rthineto...



Though actually you see a whole lot more, and you get to see Charlotte. I swear she came over to me and said 'hello'. I swear she did.

These guys sure are doing a lot of posing. NoMust have plenty of folk looking in at them at this time. Hope they are having a great time.
Nice fins!!

Jenni, I'm a little concerned about the 12:02...

For those of you wondering what a Northern Pike is I keep talking about in my local dives, click here: Northern Pike

They remind me of a freshwater barracuda in both body and temperment. I've found them to be curious while I'm diving (curious as to whether I'm a meal or a threat no doubt).

I've been watching and saving but also doing some webpage stuff for BoxerBob. I got some larger pix of the people (Rubin@bonairelive.com} and they said that "they're toasted and are off to the beach!"

Thanks Rusty, now we get to see it close up!

Jenni, Annie, Maria.. there's something glowing in the sky.....

Is your lucky number 9? It's Duplicate Date Day!

Happy Birthday Colonel Sanders

No wonder it's Chicken Month. Check out the Story of Colonel Sanders and the History of KFC.

KFC

Shake Those Hips Day

54,000,000 viewers watched as Elvis "the Pelvis" Presley appeared on Ed Sullivan's show on this day in 1956. He sang Hound Dog and Love Me Tender.

Sarah - I just thought maybe we were missing something. Guess not. LOL And I still can't make out the sign he's holding in the 12:02 shot...

***** DIVER?

New beach - coming our way!



Poor Glenn! Must have made you a little tiny bit frustrated to have the strobe crap out!

12:02.. Uhmmmm.. Happy Diver!

Over...

glenn, those northern pike to me seem like fresh water barracuda too.

i used to fish for them in the lakes of north dakota. the larger ones were very tasty. the small ones had too many bones. but they are a blast to catch.

have not seen any on scuba dives here in colorado.
mostly we dont see many fish since the water is usually too murky- i am sure its clear up in the mountain lakes but have not been diving there. but in north dakota i did see many in the clear waters when i was canoeing.

He's just happy to see us.

Wonder how Meryl is doing today? Must be rough working in a hospital, picking up "virus of the day" when you wallk the halls!

TODAY'S TRIVIA:

1492 - Columbus' fleet sets sail west
1850 - California becomes 31st state



1895 - American Bowling Congress forms (NYC)
1904 - Mounted police 1st used in NYC

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS:

1919 - Jimmy "the Greek" Snyder, gambler/sportscaster
1935 - [Chaim] Topol, actor (Fiddler on the Roof)
1941 - Otis Redding, rock bassist (Sitting on the Dock of the Bay)
1952 - Angela Cartwright, actress (Make Room for Daddy, Lost in Space)
1960 - Hugh Grant, actor (4 Weddings & a Funeral, Notting Hill)

Hi Sherry, I remember fishing for them as a kid. Nothing like having a very upset fish with sharp teeth floppin' around in your boat. They ARE tastey, once you get used to the different way you need to fillet them.

How fun, we have quite the group in here today!

I need to leave to pick up the American flag that flies here. It was ripped during tropical storm "Ed" last week, but I don't feel like leaving the estate today. With all my travels I am actually a real homebody! I hauled that flag all over Friday trying to find a place to fix it, then dropped it off at the "wrong" place on Saturday. Now I have to take it somewhere else yet again. This flag is huge. Big enough to cover at least two cars. What a trick it was lowering & not letting it touch the ground. Then where I left it on Saturday told me to, "Just set it on the floor over there." I guess my look of shock clued them in I would do no such thing!

So I guess I need to run out for a while. Later!

RT, what a very appropriate course of action. You and others may be interested in this website on flag FAQ's, especially #13: Flag FAQ's Good luck with the repair!

Yes Rusty, and we're all delighted to see him too!

Here comes the rain again.. oh well, means I don't have to water the garden tonight..

OK folks, I'm off.. Hugh's on his way home now, gonna prep some dinner and open up a bottle of something..

Until later,..

Please stay off the bottom!

Nice sign, but get your knees up!

Is there no longer on sign on the mooring block asking people to stay off the bottom? Of course, a sign is no substitute for common sense.

"Maybe if I clear my ears I'll rise up a few inches"

Hi Everyone,
I cant get near the computer today, I have my son staying for a few days.(so he's hogging it,)
Sarah, I went outside to look in the sky but could only see more clouds, you had me fooled there for a minuite.even the dog doesnt want to go out, takes one look and heads back indoors.
Im envious of those in the Bonaire pictures all wearing their summer gear(or not wearing much) and here we are already having to wear our jumpers ect.Thanks for the offer Sarah. Hope you get some nice weather for your trip on Friday, thanks for the offer.
I will have to give it a miss, wouldnt know what to do with a 93 year old dad, and a dog that hates to be left. unless you got room in your boot.

Rusty, Glad you didnt get locked in the other day, we was wunderin. Sounds like you had a busy weekend entertaining family.

Rtshineto. Perhaps give up on the egg salad, and try egg on toast lol.

Glen, Sorry about the strobe, hope you sort it in time for Bonaire. I bet you cant wait.

Hello, Annie B, Jenni, and Sherry

It looks like Bruno with his pet, er, shark? Bat?



And he's really, really sorry!

We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all exist very nicely in the same box.

(Just got this from a friend and thought it was cute!)

Time for a new thread, methinks.



PS We have to be careful not to use anything from the Disney or Looney Tunes empires. Don't want the copyright sharks after us!

Bruno was definitely not reading the sign on the mooring. He was also leaking air from at least three places on his rig. A Sherwood regulator might explain the first stage leak, but the other two (in additional to regular exhalations) seemed a bit excessive.

Jake

uh oh...mooring police have arrived...

hi all, a quick peek in. very busy for me today at work...plus i have to study during my lunch hour (why did i decide to go for a 3rd degree again?)

rt...i was on a date one time and in the middle of the baseball game he stood up and yelled "i think i left my stove on." we hurried back to his appartment and he had left eggs boiling...well, they EXPLODED all over the ceiling...and you are there taking care of this place all by yourself...hmmm....all work and no play make Rtshineto a dull girl....

oh, btw...howdy all

I see Batman is missing a brain cell!

Hey Cynde.. fun, isn't it?.... Oh, and I just love that story..

Maria, I knew you'd fall for it!

I see Batman is missing a brain cell!

Hey Cynde.. fun, isn't it?.... Oh, and I just love that story..

Maria, I knew you'd fall for it!

Ooooh, double post.. never done that before.. had trouble finding my emoti's!...

Hi Sarah, I fell for it too

I'm back. The apartment still stinks, though the office seems to have aired out.

No, I am not the only one here, I am just the only one that actually lives here at this time. The owners are fabulous patron's of the arts, & it happens they offered me a deal I could not refuse to house sit for them for the summer. There are gardener's that come in during the day time, & then contractors to call for virtually anything else. I do not have to so much as change a light bulb. Trust me, I have plenty of time upon my hands to paint, play with horsey, etc.,.

Simply, it is now just less humiliating to go cheque upon an alarm myself now days than to find out it is only the cat, or some unexplained technical glitch, than have the cops here again in force with K-9 units present.

Sarah, today must also be double post day for I did the same thing earlier. *wink*

Jake, Could be a way too high middle pressure, a leak in the console and a problem with a free flow...

BTW, have you looked at your mail?

Sorry Jenni..... but, the sun will shine tomorrow!

RT.. yeh, feel like a bit of a twit when that happens.. I'd have those cops over on a regular basis too...

I'm gone for a bit now.. see you guys here tomorrow.. TTFN