Hurricane passes...

The happy-honeymooners survived the storm in Jamaica, and are just fine. Many of the services at the resort are still shut down, however. Okay, I'll stop worrying now.

Jamaica Update!

Brandi got word to me they were ok. They plan to ride out the storm at the resort in Negril on the west coast of the island. The storm is hitting them tonight.

Gustav hits Jamaica!

The happy couple is honeymooning in Jamaica right now, and Tropical Storm/Hurricane Gustav is now hitting the island. The parental worrying just never stops! We have not heard from them since Sunday, so the worry will continue...I'll update as necessary.

The Bride walks...

For those of you who may have missed it...
You missed out on seeing one of the most
beautiful brides that ever walked the aisle!

Brandi and Brandon tied the knot this weekend in a beautiful ceremony. The bride was stunning...did I say that?

Thanks to all who attended. Your presence was much appreciated. Everything went off without a problem, and I think everyone had a good time. I received many compliments on the reception, and again the slide show. I will soon be posting the show here, so stay tuned. Thanks for the compliments, we all worked very hard to pull this off.
We are all very thankful for your help, support, and attendance!

The happy couple now has their toes in the sand down in Jamaica for their honeymoon. I feel as though I should be there with them! Those of you who have undertaken such a major production know what I'm talking about.

As Jimmy would say, it's time to "Breathe in, Breathe Out, Move on."

Cruise FYI....Did you know?

We are 183 days from Cruise 2009!

Here is some cruise trivia to keep you going:

Did you know?
It's illegal in many islands (including Barbados and St. Kitt's) to wear any camouflage clothing?
Only local military is allowed in camouflage.
They enforce this rule, so keep that in mind when you pack!

Some Life Lessons...

This has been pubished all over, don't know who to credit. The story is very true...so READ IT!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full they agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar . Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things- your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favourite passions–things that if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.
The sand is everything else — the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.”
Take care of the golf balls first — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

"Here We Are" - Jimmy Buffett

I love this song, and video. It really gives you a glimpse of how devoted Jimmy's fans are. Parrotheads really know how to have fun! Check it out, and listen to the lyrics...

Jet Skiing

We spent the weekend at Maple Lake, and did a lot of Jet Skiing. Here's a shot of Willow fooling around. (She wasn't really driving!)

She really does love to ride. She has a life vest, and likes to ride between us when we ride with three. She sits perfectly still, and always wants to go faster.

Willow loves going to the lake, and we love having her there. Summers are short, aren't they? Enjoy it while you can!

Hastings - Larson Wedding

Brandi Larson and Brandon Hastings together with their parents, Cindy and Peter Larson and Dawn Hastings and Donald Hastings, of Grand Forks, ND, are pleased to announce their engagement.

Brandi is a 2000 graduate of Red River High School and a 2006 graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Sociology degree. She is currently employed at Koochiching County Community Services, International Falls, MN, as a Children's Mental Health Social Worker.

Brandon is a 2001 graduate of Red River High School and a 2006 graduate of the University of North Dakota with a Chemical Engineering degree. He is currently employed at Boise Paper Company, International Falls, MN, as a Production Engineer.

An August 23rd, 2008 wedding is planned at Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND. A reception and dance will follow at the Holiday Inn, Grand Forks, ND.

The couple will reside in International Falls, MN.

(This is the ad that ran in the Grand Forks Herald Newspaper this Sunday)

The Margaritaville Express Returns!

The above photo is not me...just some cool Parrotheads chillin'.

Jimmy Buffett played Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin this weekend...and we were there!

THE ROADTRIP:
Our roadtrip took us 1,500 miles across 3 states to see Jimmy in concert. We stopped along the way to pick up friends, (Tammy & Marty) to join us. They are what Parrotheads call, "Buffett Virgins" (first live show) Now that they have studied at "The University of Margaritaville", they are no longer BV's.

THE TAILGATE MADNESS:
Alpine Valley is THE KING of Buffett Parties! The display of loyalty is written everywhere. Literally. Trucks with giant shark fins, flags, palm trees, sand, music, and of course...plenty of liquor. In fact, liquor dispensed in ways even I, have never seen before. Parrotheads are just about the friendliest people you will run across. It was a Carnival...on steroids! You just can't believe it...until you experience it for yourself! Next year!

THE CONCERT:
Jimmy took the stage in front of nearly 40,000 die hard fans for a sold out show. We had lawn area tickets, which are interesting in itself. Seems the tailgate party simply moves to the lawn area for the concert. People in the crowd were still doing Limbo right next to us. Next to that, two girls were passed out for nearly the entire show. Then, a guy come rolling down the hill and 'bowls' over a couple people in chairs. The Carnival continued. The sky was clear, the moon full, and stars were shining...and rain didn't spoil the fun. (as predicted it would...a bonus for us!)
Jimmy opened the show with WDWGDAS. (appropriate after an 8 hour tailgate session)
Our only complaint was, the stage is a loooooong way away...and it could have been louder. Sound doesn't quite make it to the back very well there (outdoors), and 40,000 people are talking/singing the whole time. Anyway, the concert was great. It was a treat to see Jimmy's long time (gone) harmonica player make a guest appearance..."Fingers Taylor". Very cool!

All in all, I think this may become an annual pilgrimage for us. Next time, it's pavillion seats, however.

4 -Lawn Tickets to Alpine - $200.
Gas bill for 1,500 mile journey - $400.
Tailgating supplies, t-shirts, beer, hotel - $300.
The Buffett/Alpine Experience....Priceless.

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Testing my group notifications...