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Spring Pretties

Today we say good riddance to February, and tomorrow we say HELLO to March! Even though it isn't exactly flip-flop weather here in southern MO, there is still something about it just being March that makes it feel like spring is here! On that note, I am absolutely loving the new spring styles... feminine, flirty tops... ruffles... gladiator sandals... embellished knit tees... bright colors and also bright whites...leggings... fun and flirty scarves... big, bold jewelry (especially necklaces)... and the list goes on and on. Sigh. :)

Cute shoes? Or, not...

I can't decide if these shoes are cute... or, just plain weird. I tried on a pair at a department store the other day - they were really comfortable! But, I can't decide if I like them. Would I wear them with shorts? A skirt or dress? Jeans? Anybody have an opinion? (By the way, the ones I tried on and liked were grey, not black.)

Diving the RMS Rhone shipwreck and the Caves; chicken roti at Pirate's Bight; and the Willy T

Day 7: Our last full day and night at sea. We had a lot we wanted to see and do that day, so we set sail early and headed for the RMS Rhone shipwreck site off Salt Island. Gabe, Matt and I dove the site, while the others snorkeled. The stern lies in about 15-25 feet of water, and that's where we did our dive. The mid-section and bow of the boat lie in 75 to 80 feet of water, and we didn't really have enough air for that, so we chose to stay on the shallower end. After that we moved to nearby Norman Island, where we dove The Caves. We saw lots of fish there, including yellowtail snapper, some pretty blue/purple fish and a big sting ray lying on the bottom. From there we moved to The Bight at Norman Island, where we moored for the night. We had dinner at Pirate's Bight, where I had my last meal at sea - one of my favorites - chicken roti. According to the website, Pirate's is also home to the BVI's best Bushwhacker - a creamy rum drink. I believe Patrick had one of those. The famous (or infamous, depending on what you've heard) William Thornton floating bar and restaurant is located in The Bight. Known as "the Willy T," the place is known for being a little (okay, a lot) rowdy. A few of us went there after dinner. Unfortunately, that's all I can say about that, because what happens at the Willy T, stays at the Willy T. Arggggg, matey. ;)

Jost Van Dyke = Heaven on Earth

DAY 6: This was probably the most relaxing, kick-back day and night we spent in the BVIs. The beach at Jost Van Dyke literally takes your breath away when you approach it. It was a little more hopping than most of the other places we visited. There were a few dozen boats anchored off shore - most of them day trippers, who would be gone before nightfall. Cap'n Warren wasn't shy about the position he wanted for the Lionheart. He nudged his way right up to the beach and sent Chad to shore packing the anchor. Yes, we literally anchored on the beach. It was classic. Jost is home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, birthplace of the famous Painkiller rum drink. For lunch we ate flying fish sandwiches and conch fritters under palm trees with our feet in the sand. Afterward we staked out a few beach chairs, and we spent the afternoon hanging on the beach, watching a couple of cute kiddos play in the water, and tossing around the football while standing neck-deep in the water. That night we had a yummy four-course meal at the Sandcastle, complete with the best banana/cream cheese/crepe dessert I have ever tasted. Megan and Patrick spent part of their honeymoon at Jost, so we toasted to them! We spent the night moored just off the beach and woke to a very peaceful bay the next morning.

The Cafe du Monde

Matt and I were in New Orleans over the weekend with my father-in-law, Dan, brother-in-law, Chris, sis-in-law, Lindsey, and niece and nephew - Madison and Maddox. One of the highlights of the trip was a stop at the Cafe du Monde for coffee and beignets. I don't drink coffee, but I shared a cup of hot chocolate with Madison. All they serve is beignets, coffee, hot chocolate and water. And boy, is that place hoppin'. Folks stand in line forever just to get a seat! We got lucky and found a table right away. The rest of the weekend Matt and I were humming or singing "The Wino and I Know," a Jimmy Buffett tune that talks about New Orleans...

"Coffee is strong at the Cafe du Monde
Donuts are too hot to touch
Just like a fool, when those sweet goodies cool
I eat til I eat way too much"





















I love this picture... Madison's like, "Don't even think about it, Uncle Matt."























Maddox liked the beignets, and he LOVED the powdered sugar. :)

Shopping at Spanish Town; our first dive; and The Baths at Virgin Gorda

DAY 5: The morning we left Anegada Matt was up before sunrise. He took the awesome sunrise pictures! From there we sailed to Spanish Town, a busy little port, where we spent about an hour shopping. We stopped for a quick dive and snorkel after that. Then on to The Baths at Virgin Gorda. This place is a natural wonder of the BVIs. Huge boulders lay strewn along the beach or in piles to create a fun little maze to explore. We followed a sandy trail over, under and in between the rocks as we made our way to the top of the mountain. What surprised me is all the cacti! (See the picture of Gabe and Jess with all the cacti behind them.) From the beach below you can't tell there's anything at the top, but surprise! There's a restaurant, bar, fresh-water pool and gift shops. It's nuts! The view is breathtaking, and the frozen drinks were very refreshing.