A Tuesday Afternoon Musings@ The Cigar Shop

Well Folks, here is another posting showing lively conversation on a  Tuesday afternoon.  Mucho sports and political conversation going on amongst the participants. ( that is except Dave, he's on the phone speaking to one of his many supporters.

George's New Car

Well Folks, this is George's new vehicle and Lilly's new ride.  This is the first showing of the vehicle.  Great looking ride inside and out.  The "regulars" will be checking the vehicle out all week.

Political forum was held last night for Cape Carteret candidates.  Two of our very own were in attendance:

Dave Fowler-candidate for Mayor and Richard Renna-candidate for commissioners.  Good Luck to both of these great fellows.  Later this afternoon I am sure we will hear all about the forum.

Also my brother-in-law is here to visit for a few days so we are enjoying the time with male bonding, etc.....

Cigar Sunday Dinner

Well Hi Everyone,

This past Sunday about 30 of the "cigar people" gather for dinner and smokes.  It was a great time and one our best Sunday dinners.  George was in his glory with all his friends here enjoying the conversation and fellowship.  We usually have this every Sunday night when the Art Council sponsors a different music group during the summer months.  But, of course, the concerts end on October 2nd and we are left to our own means for entertainment.  One of our friendly marines donated a 42" flat screen for football games, rugby matches, baseball.  That was really very nice of him beacuse we do enjoy it very much.

We are starting a soup contest, every Sunday a different person makes their favorite soup for everyone.  All others attending will bring a dish to pass and have an enjoyable evening with the pleasant company and judging "the soup of the day".



Welcome Back!!!!!!

This was a photo taken of Pat and I at Pat's 70th birthday party.  34 family and guests joined us for a fun week-end.  The weekend included two fishing trips out into the ocean, cocktail parties both at the house and the cafe, trip to the cigar shop for some of the boys to enjoy.  We have been healthy and in great spirits just enjoying retirement.
In the past year we have had visits from Pat and Carmine, Mark and Michelle, Sonja and Carlos, Andi, Janet, Burke and Erin, Doug and Tyler, Gary and Jane, Allan and Judy, Jerry and Carol.  Aside form the visitors Pat has been involved in the Villages game night and dominoes, beach visiting and of course, shopping trips to Wilmington, Morehead City, Winterville, and numerous other small towns around Swansboro.

Now that I have started back into writing the blog again I will be more attentive to my musings.

So for now Ciao, Ciao my friends.

Charlene and Lee's Visit

Well everyone here is what four retirees look like at the ocean. We enjoyed shopping, visiting the ocean, eating and all around enjoying eachother's company. The week flew by and we had a lot of fun and catching up on the activity down at the lake. We are looking forward to anyone else coming down to visit us.

Burke and Erin's Wedding in San Juan

Hi to all...

Well folks, it is now 1 week after "the wedding" in San Juan and things are getting back to normal. I have tried to send the links to all the photos taken while we were in San Juan. A great time was had by all.

We started upon our arrival on a whirlwind 5 days of magic for the kids. Thursday was check in day and saying hello to all of the approximately 50 family and friends. Friday began with a full morning on the beach sharpening up every one's tan. The afternoon was filled with the rehearsal at the Gallery Inn. The Inn is a 300 year old barracks for Spanish soldiers located in Old San Juan on the Ocean front. It has been converted in a Bed 'n' Breakfast with 16 rooms, swimming pool, wine cellar, open lounge and quaint little areas for seclusion for couples. (Photos fill my web site for anyone interested.) Evening brought a local flavor at the rehearsal dinner on the beach with an open air dinner and drinks and the opportunity to meet and greet all the future in-laws, outlaws and friends.

Saturday was filled with excitement for all. The ladies with hair and makeup, the guys getting ready for the big 5:00pm wedding at the Inn. Transportation was handled by limos and a private bus so no one had to worry about traveling from the condos to "ole San Juan" for the wedding. The wedding went off without a hitch as evidenced by the photos and the smiles on every one's faces. Dinner in the wine cellar and dancing filled the evening with beverages and music enjoyed by every one. The Inn's personnel were magnificent in their handling of the wedding and reception. All attendees went home with a happy exhasution.

Sunday was a day relaxation and visiting with the families on the beach except for the Strickers and the Detters. We all went into "ole San Juan" and toured the shops and purchased cigars from Don Collins and went on a tour of the Castillo San Cristobal. A part of the defense system built by the Spaniards as early as 1539. The Spanish Empire spent 250 years fortifying this location. It allowed them to control access and commerce in and out of the new World. Castillo San Cristobal protected the city from land based attacks. Castillo San Felipe del Morro, about 1 mile northwest of San Cristobal protected the port from sea going enemies. Plenty of photos were take of San Cristobal.

Monday brought a snokelling excursion on a 90 foot cat. Great fun was had by everyone enjoying the view of the reefs, coral and fish. Dinner with the newlyweds and some great sleep.

Tuesday was departure day and all headed home except for the bride and groom. They were off on their honeymoon.......

That's all for etcetera today.....Thanks for reading.

Hi To All.......



Once again I will bring all up to date on what is happening here in Swansboro. I have added a photo I recently took while out on a nearby island. Without words this photo pretty much condenses many words i.e. beautiful, peaceful, serene, enjoyable, etc . into an appreciation for the obvious.

This type of peace and enjoyment is available to all that visit area and are willing to stop and smell the roses. The thing that stands out for Pat and I is that this type of enjoyment is demands that you enjoy it to the fullest which ultimately leads to long life and inner peace.



Pat & I are getting ready for two important dates coming up. This Friday will be our wedding anniversary and the first week-end in April, Pat's son, Burke is getting married to a lovely woman named Erin in San Juan, PR. Needless to say the whole family is getting ready to converge on San Juan with a gusto. Those of the family coming from Chicago and Ohio need to catch up on their tans for the family photos. Pat and I have spent a days laying in a good base for tans. Those of you who know Pat are aware that she will out shine all of us when it comes to tanning.

I just recently completed a new batch of garlic for some brave new neighbors here in the Villages. So far I have received some nice reviews as to it consumption.

Well my good friends until next time .........Ciao!

Etcetera, etcetera...