Valentine's Day Wedding

We decided to make it official and get married in a small ceremony on Valentine's Day.

We were married in the chapel on stage at The Lost Colony waterside theater, along with our officiant Carl, Kelly and Joe (our two witnesses), friends from the area and a whole slew of Park employees. Larissa volunteered to take photos and we have more than 400 of the wedding and reception!

See a mere 70-some of these photos.

The weather cooperated, with sunny skies, breezy breezes (it was blowing around 20 mph) and temperatures around 60. Robin and I wrote our ceremony and vows. It was very heartfelt, sincere and wonderful. (I could not ask for a better husband because he is the greatest...Robin says "ditto" for him.)

We kept it informal, "Outer Banks Style". I wore a scarf from my mom around my waist and a bracelet from Robin's mom around my wrist.

The people from the park surprised us with a reception, complete with wedding cake, champagne and gifts. It was wonderful. We could not have planned a better celebration.

We do, however, plan to have an Alaskan Celebration on July 25 in Kodiak...so mark you calendars! You are invited.

Quote of the day

"I may be full of something but I don't think it's wisdom."

My response to Robin when he said I was full of wisdom

Beautiful boat for sale

In preparation for our great migration westward and northward, we are selling our boat. It's a wonderful boat and we are sad to part with it. It is just not quite the boat for Alaska weather. If you or anyone you know is interested in a 21' offshore, awesome boat, let me know.

Delivery may be available!

Shoulder surgery

Robin underwent shoulder surgery yesterday to remedy an AC joint problem. Thankfully, the rotator cuff was not torn (much) and did not need repair. The surgeon removed a whole lotta bone and a whole lotta bursa that was causing impingement anytime he moved his shoulder. Essentially, she gave him an intentional "Type 1 shoulder separation".

The patient is resting comfortably, thanks to heavy-duty drugs. Keep your fingers crossed that the medication keeps the pain at bay! Last night was tough but we have a handle on things ... at least for now, anyway.

Anniversaries and Alaska

Robin celebrates his 29th anniversary with the Park Service today! (That doesn't include his 2 years of seasonal time.) It is a happy celebration, marked by an upcoming and momentous transfer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This transfer includes a move to Kodiak, Alaska! We are super excited to be going back to Alaska. Robin is excited to be transferring to the agency who's mission is "to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats." He will be in a new style of uniform, too.

More about Kodiak:
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Kodiak

Stay tuned for exciting travel details and the Wanchese opening of Robin's Retail!

Flippin' Filipines

Since September 23, I have been working with Microsoft and their subcontractors in the Philippines to obtain my software disk, which I paid for, which the subcontractors insist could only be shipped to a physical address.

Because we have a post office box, this presented a challenge. The post office does not deliver to our home address, which the representatives in the Philippines could not understand. I tried to cancel my order, but they told me their cancellation policy was that they did not accept cancellations.

At one point, they told me to "talk to my facility." I told them I did not know what they meant by "facility" and needed more direction. They hung up on me.

Another time, I asked to speak with a supervisor, at which point they transferred me to no-man's land where the phone rang, rang, rang, rang and rang some more. I eventually hung up, after I figured they accrued quite an international bill for the call.

At another point, they told me to call "911" and ask to find out what address they send responders to...I refused.

Finally, just today, I received my software disk in the mail at my PO box. It only took almost 4 months but I did it!

Top 10 Symptoms of Fishing Fever

1. Glassy, watery eyes (worn and tired from scanning the water for birds and boats)
   
2. Red cheeks and nose (wind burn)
3. All-over body aches (being on a boat all day)
   
4. Raccoon eyes (wind burn and sun burn)
5. Crazy hair (stocking cap)
6. Crazy and erratic driving (the need to get to the boat launch first!)
7. Crazy and erratic boating (the need to get to the fish first!)
8. Crazy and erratic walking across the parking lot (forgetting boat keys and other essential equipment in the craze to Get There First!!)
9. Unprovoked yelling and screaming (boat launches are notorious for this)
10. Persistent cough (being immersed in diesel and gasoline fumes from all the other hundreds of boats circling around the same area time after time after time after time)