May 2007

Atlanta Relatives Arrive in Force; Demand Beach Access

This Memorial Day weekend, we played host (and hostess) to Jacquie, Sarah and Emma from Atlanta. #1 destination? The beach, of course!

New Boogieboards for the girls. The wave action was less than desirable, according to Sarah...

On Sunday, we got together with Chip and Ann from Naples. After considerable wine consumption and properly cooked burgers and dogs, the topic of conversation was...Family. Everyone agreed to stay in touch more often and let bygones be bygones!

With Henry a distant memory, Jacquie soaks in the UV rays.

Funny how the Nichols girls always seem to have the same hair colour...

More pictures to come, and analysis...

Karl goes to Camp

Today, Saturday, Karl went to his first sleep-over camp, the prestigious University of Florida Gators Swim Camp. After a 3 hour car ride, complete with speeding ticket for yours truly ($157.50), we arrived and checked in, found the dorm room, and settled in. 15 minutes later, we were moving again, as Karl's roommate, John Pelton arrived...with his now-staying brother, Mathew! Resettled and none the worse for wear (except for me; 4 flights of stairs...), Karl headed to the indoor pool for a nice afternoon workout. He appeared cool as a Cucumber, but I detected some anxiety as I kissed him goodbye and headed out the door.

Karl and friend Hayden comparing dorm keys

The bed is made and I'm satisfied!

On second thought; look at this thing!

He will be staying until Saturday, June 2nd. He promised to call and update us on all the activities. Let's see how long it takes for him to forget!!

SYS Sharks Memorial Meet

Last weekend, the kids swam in the annual Kent B. Holdren Memorial Meet held at the Selby Aquatic Center. The results were notable, not for the usual best times posted by Karl and Natalie, but for 2 milestones reached; Karl swam the 400 meter IM, a grueling race that balances endurance, strength and speed over 8 laps using all 4 strokes. He posted a 6:26.07, just shy of the JO cut by 2 seconds! Natalie had an outstanding meet, winning the 100 meter backstroke in 1:22.93, and placing in the top 6 in every event. For her efforts, she won the runner-up High Point trophy, but the best moment came in the 10 & U girls 200 meter Medley Relay. Along with teammates Bethany Leap (breaststroke), Nancy Hu (fly), and Spence Atkins (free), Natalie lead off the team (backstroke) to a new Sharks team record of 2:30.01!

Natalie on her way to a AAA 35.83 in the 50 meter fly.

Other notable swims include Karl's 1:29.39 in the 100 meter breaststroke, a AA time. He also had to endure the 400 meter free (5:48.15) only 45 minutes after the 400 IM!

Karl in the 100 meter free

Both kids are now qualified for the Florida Summer Long Course Junior Olympics, to be held July 19-22nd in Gainesville. Natalie could be the top seed in both backstroke events and among the top 3 overall. Karl will challenge for the elite 8 in both breaststroke events and the 50 fly; he's working on adding the 100! There are only 3 meets left until then, sooooo....back into the pool!!!

The Cost of Medical Care and How Do the Rich Eat?

A Short Hospital Stay and a Large Bill!

My Thursday through Sunday stay at the Doctors Hospital in April for elevated blood pressure amounted to the impressive sum of $4,350. This was only the room charge! I also was charged for my two hour visit in the crowded emergency for some $1,374. Assorted other items (pills, usage of various testing machines, etc.) amounted to $6,488. So the whole hospital excursion came to $12,212.00 I have not received a wake-up bill from my new doctors, Padmini Rajan and Arthur McMullen.

But wait, I have another short story which is a cultural MUST know. Here you gain insight to the recent Gala Dinner our president and Laura gave in honor of Queen Elizabeth (*4-21-1926) II. My source of the info is of course impeccable. Here is the menu:

Spring Pea Soup with Fernleaf Lavender

Dover Sole Almondine

Saddle of Spring Lamb

Chanterelle Sauce

Fricassee of Baby Vegetables

Aragula, Savannah Mustard

Rose Blossoms

The Chef, Chris Comerford (female) designed the festive menu! I copied it exactly as shown. I was unable to record appropriate wines due to the lousy quality of my copy, written in Vladimir Script # 8. These two short stories will enable you to entertain acquaintances and dear friends at your leisure. It is always interesting to know how other people spend their money and what the rich and royalty eat!

How John Coltrane Got Started!

Last night, we witnessed the beginning of what could be a long career in music; Karl performed on the Alto Saxophone with the 6th grade band from Brookside Middle School! Dressed in black pants, white shirt, and sporting a deep tan with tousled blond hair (courtesy swim practice), he impressed all in attendance with his tone, volume, and eloquent phrasing.

The band played Aura Lee, an old American folk tune, followed by the classic Frere Jacques. They then played a rousing Eagle Summit March by John O'Reilly, and ended the program with a sultry Blues Adventure. It was fun for me to watch Karl play, bringing back fond memories of my first year of band...at the same school! The band director reminded the students to keep playing over the Summer; I don't think that will be an issue at our house! Bravo!!