We started with a weekend in VA – here I was able to catch up with ex-work colleagues, boating and other friends, and this naturally involved LOTS of sitting out in the sunshine enjoying many a good chat with friends. Angie (our good boating friend) let me spend the day with her, running around planning her upcoming wedding, and Liz (my EMT friend) spoilt me with a trip to Virginia Beach, and a fantastic seafood lunch before a walk on the boardwalk to see the upcoming Neptune festival preparations (including piles of sand for the giant sand castle, or should I say sand-sculpture, building competition).
Sunshine, side walk cafes and friends - a perfect break,
and thanks to Jennifer for the pic of me!
The highlight of this weekend was renting a Cessna, and taking our good friends Kate and Mark for a trip to Ocracoke for lunch (how decadent is THAT!). The weather was stunning, the beaches dramatic with surf rolling in from the distant impact of Igor, and life felt good all around. We even squeezed in a return to Kill Devil Hills – where the Wright brothers first flew. We love this area of North Carolina known to all as the outer banks (or OBX), and have made it the location for two of our anniversary retreats, it was wonderful to return; who knows if we’ll ever get the chance again!
Trip to the Outer Banks - thanks to Kate for one of these pics too!
I left Virginia to join Kyle in Houston. He was scheduled for a “check-ride” and I was hoping to join him in the giant purpose built simulator. The instructor/examiner kindly consented and I was able to experience the action from within the hydraulically controlled box. The screen visuals were really impressive, and the motion completely realistic.. No sick bags were provided, and I was OK but they should maybe think of that for the future, the combined visuals and that motion is VERY realistic (did I say that already?).
Finally both Kyle and I were free and we headed off to Arizona for more sun, a quick dental check up and some leisurely time with Carla, Kyle’s Mom. Weather – amazing, pool – perfect, company – fantastic, teeth – apparently fine.
Work (Kyle at the SIM) and play, lots of play
OK - now back home and back to the job hunt, but enough memories from the last few days to keep me going for a while.... Forecast for Preston - rain!!!!
