I hope things are well with everyone. Soraya and I have spent the last two months bouncing from Ingleside to Boston to California to Florida/Mississippi and finally in Norfolk. We were lucky enough to visit many, many friends in all areas of the states. We also were able to return to Corpus Christi and see our house and its progress.
As you can see, the house is moving along well. These pictures were taken the end of April, or 2 months into the construction. We are very excited!! You can see the exact progress and photos of the house at http://8313pocono.blogspot.com
We were at home in Beverly with mom, dad, Don, Jen and Grammy for Easter. It was very nice to be home and enjoy Easter!!
We were also able to visit with Lenny with his most prized toys. He explained his grand scheme for his tracks connecting to Canada and Mexico -- okay, not quite that far, but for the ability to move trains from the freight yard to mountains to a variety of tracks, etc. Very impressive!!!
After visiting home, we headed to Vegas, San Francisco/Walnut Creek and Vegas.
While I went to a school in Pensacola, Soraya stayed in lovely Oceans Springs, Mississippi with the Howard’s to help with J.D. (B-Ho) while Nikki and Mike brought new B-Ho (Samantha) into the world. As you can see, Samantha was very happy with Soraya and J.D. was happy to have a new sister!!
After visiting in Mississippi, we headed east and then north. We headed to visit with Janet & Stevie Thompson in Pensacola and continued to see the Triepel clan living in South Carolina. The excitement there, in addition to seeing how Sedonia and Sophia have been growing like weeds, was to see the DUCK RACE!!!
As a fund raiser for the Rotary Club, 10,000 ducks raced from the upper portion of the river to the bottom, over waterfalls and around islands -- very cool. Unfortunately, we entered 12 ducks that did not fair as well. I believe it's possible the rear end of our ducks were not water tight or they decided to take the leisurely way down the river. Next year, I am planning on arriving 2-3 weeks before the race to oversee the training of our duck to ensure their ready on race day!!!
While we've been in Virginia we have seen Norfolk and the surrounding areas, visited with a bunch of friends and former shipmates as well as travelled up to D.C. to visit my Uncle Nick, Aunt Beverly and cousins Anthony and Tommy along with Anthony's new bride, Stephanie. We were lucky enough to visit on "Nokesville Day" where they celebrated with a town parade complete with marching bands, antique cars, sports teams and, of course, tractors!! Very fun.
Tractors, tractors and more tractors!!!
"I CAN DRIVE ANYTHING!!!"
Finally, we also had the opportunity to visit with Jim & Lara Cowen with their beautiful baby, Samantha in Alexandria. It was spectacular to see everyone!!
I hope this blog finds everyone well. We will be up in Newport shortly to spend the summer enjoying being close to many of you in the Northeast!!!
Kisses and Hugs,
Joe & Soraya
