Weekend Happenings

Good Friday morning!

That's right... A few photos from Day 4 on Amelia Island awaits you in the Gallery. (It's almost over, guys!)

AMELIA ISLAND

Day Four - Will I Ever See a Manatee (or Tom Selleck)?

My story does not have a happy ending. I'll go ahead and warn you before you get too excited. In a few short paragraphs, you will probably be sobbing uncontrollably. And I will join you.

INTERESTING NOTE BEFORE THE STORY - We had been playing in the ocean for about 90 minutes when we decided to take a water break. We were sitting under our umbrella watching the waves when a Baywatch lifeguard started blowing an air horn, waving a red flag AND yelling for everyone to "RUN! GET OUT OF THE WATER! GREAT WHITE SHARK! GREAT WHITE SHARK!" (Actually, everything in that last little section was true except he yelled, "Everyone out of the water!" a few times.)

We watched as the ocean was efficiently evacuated, and an official Baywatch Lifeguard Vehicle with lights flashing rode down the beach to the next lifeguard station... and then to the next... and then to the next. We watched the ocean looking for the ominous fin of the Great White Shark.

We never saw anything, but we did decide the "ocean" part of our day was over, and we packed up and headed to the pool. As we were leaving, a retired Baywatch lifeguard stopped us and told us we would be able to go back into the water in 15 minutes. Baywatch Lifeguard Shark Protocol clearly states, "If a shark is spotted in the water, monitor the direction it is swimming and once 15 minutes has passed, everyone is allowed back into the water."

It's very similar to the Local Pool Thunder Protocol which also clearly states, "If it thunders, everyone must clear out of the pool for 20 minutes. If at the end of 20 minutes there has been no more thunder, everyone is allowed back into the water."

Does anyone else see a problem here? Shark... out of the water for ONLY 15 minutes. Thunder... out of the water for 20 minutes. Hmmm. What is wrong with this picture?

BACK TO THE ORIGINAL STORY - The temps at Amelia Island were a little mind boggling. We would watch the morning news to see the forecast. The meteorologist would inform us the high would be 98 for the day. The meteorologist would be wrong. At 8:00 p.m. each and every evening, the temp would be 98. During the "heat of the day," the temp would be well into the 100s. Monday morning when we left, the weather forecast called for a high of 105 to 110 with 100% humidity. (I'm not kidding. Really!)

Now you will understand why we chose not to take the morning river cruise from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OR the mid-afternoon river cruise from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We would have DIED! We chose the sunset cruise from 7:30 p.m until 9:00 p.m. Our decision was a sound one based on scientific evidence we would not survive on a metal boat in the "heat of the day." Mike and I were practicing good, responsible parenting.

We rode into the Historic District to the marina. It was very cloudy, breezy and almost comfortably cool. My kind of weather. As we hopped out of the Big Gold Van, I walked to the booth to purchase my tickets.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. The cruise has been cancelled," the Captain of the vessel told me.

"What do you mean cancelled? It's a beautiful night. It's cool. We won't die if we go out on the boat right now from heat stroke. WHAT... IS... THE... PROBLEM?" I asked in a sweet tone.

"Well, there is lightning all around you, and there has been a great deal of thunder. It's just not safe, Ma'am."

"You big wussy! What kind of sailor are you? Every boat in the world does not dock at a marina when there is a little storm at sea! There are hundreds... nay, thousands of boats out on the water right now. They aren't letting a little lightning and thunder scare them! You're a disgrace to sea-faring MEN everywhere! Do you hear me?"

That was my imaginary conversation. In reality I said, "Oh. Okay." (Who was the big wussy now?)

"I wish you had come earlier in the day," the Captain told me.

"Well, it's just so hot. We didn't want to sit on a metal boat for two hours in the heat. It just didn't sound the least bit enjoyable."

"It's different on the water. I tell people all the time. It's cool and refreshing on the water," the wussy Captain assured me.

I smiled and walked off. I had been standing waist deep in the ocean two to three hours each and every day we had been on Amelia Island. And after I left the ocean, I went directly to a pool where I stood waist deep in chlorinated water for one to two hours each and every day... and I had never felt "refreshed."

But arguing was futile. The decision was made. Our fate was sealed. We would not see manatees, sea turtles or feral horses (or Tom Selleck) during our stay on Amelia Island. I turned to deliver the sad, sad news to the remaining Faulkner Four. I knew it would break their hearts.

"Can we order pizza from Townie's again for supper?" Josh asked.

"Can we stop by the souvenir store. I want to pick out a t-shirt on the way back to the hotel?" Roxie asked.

"My toe hurts," Austin stated.

"I am so sorry." Mikie said the right thing, but I had seen him nod when Josh suggested Townie's Pizza for dinner.

And then it began to rain. And we went to the souvenir store. And we went to the hotel and ordered Townie's Pizza. And everyone was happy and content. Even me. I mean, I'm still only 48 years-old (for 42 days, 6 hours and 14 minutes). Technically, I have 41 more years before I have to finish my "100 Things to Do Before I'm 90" list. That's plenty of time! Right? Am I right?

There was still the tiniest chance I would get to meet Paula Deen on the way home. There was a glimmer of hope. Check back Monday for the final installment of this incredibly long tale!

Weekend Happenings

We have a very simple weekend "not" planned. Basically, it is a "whatever comes up" kind of weekend. I'm leaving it WIDE open, and we're going to see what happens.

Let it be known, I have only done this two other times in my entire adult life. I'm just a little nervous!

I'll let you know Monday if it works out!

Have a fantastic weekend. Excessive heat or not, there is ALWAYS something fun to do with family and friends. ALWAYS! If you need inspiration, Google Birmingham Bargain Mom and check out her website. It never disappoints.

Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Now Peeling Belinda