Boil Away

Lafayette, Louisiana was our next stop. We were so fortunate last year to have a wonderful host family for our very first private housing experience. The Richards, all seven of them plus, are amazing people. Jim and I certainly couldn't wait for our return visit. We had a wonderful week together. The weather was strange, first rainy and hot, and then freezing cold and windy. Jim played well and we enjoyed a full week of golf. Our week ended Sunday afternoon with a crayfish boil! This is something, since I'm not from the deep south, that I only enjoy once a year. The crayfish come live in large sacks about 10-15 pounds a sack. Then you boil them with a whole range of Cajun spices and top it off with a cold beer and spicy veggies. I refrained from the cold beer this year, boo. They are messy, but remind me of very, very, very small lobsters. The best part was the corn on the cob! What a neat experience though. We were fortunate to celebrate two birthdays that day and I thoroughly enjoyed the cookie-cake. After all was said and done it was playtime, trampolines, footballs, etc. Not for me of course!

Jim and our host, Vance, getting messy!

Most of the gang singing birthday praises

Jim had a friend who for a limited time, liked just the same beer he did!

The whole lot, in the pot, before their doom

The fun and games of a lazy spring afternoon

Exciting News

Just a quick note to those of you who do not know yet. Jim and I are so happy to say the we are expecting our first child in October. We just recently heard the little ones heartbeat and cannot wait for all of the other exciting things yet to come. Please enjoy the Pregnancy Update to the right as it changes week to week.

The End Of Down Under

Queenstown gave us a wonderful reception for our last stop Down Under. What a beautiful place, full of rugged mountain landscapes, icy blue glacial lakes, and a variety of weather. Our first few days were cold and blustery with snow falling high in the mountains. We took a leap of faith on this part of our journey and decided to rent a home with our good friends the Putnams. Our leap was a good one - we had a fabulous home high up on the hill overlooking a lake just outside the city. Our views were marvelous and the house itself was amazing. Driving a car was a little tricky at first. The worst part was not driving on the wrong side of the road, but being on the wrong side of the car. All went smoothly with no accidents, yea! The city and surrounding areas are just teeming with extreme sports of all kinds ranging from skiing, to hangliding, to jet boating. You can also travel about a day away to the very special fjordlands national park.

Me with the giant Kiwi statue

Steamship TSS Earnslaw on the lake outside of Queenstown

The Shotover Jet boat wizzing through the Shotover canyon

The golf course, The Hills, was just amazing. And, we were treated to an even greater sight with an early weeks snow shower. The competitive golf itself was even better. I truly enjoyed watching Jim in his best finish yet on the Nationwide Tour!

One of the many beautiful mountain views on the golf course

Another golf course mountain view

The ladies were very fortunate to have a wonderful excursion. We had one party crasher as you can see below. A local winery invited us for a tasting and special luncheon. We were treated to fresh veggies straight from their garden in addition to super fresh protein. It was reminiscent of a top chef meal, superb!

The ladies day group along with David Morland

Kristina and I at the Amisfield winery luncheon

We enjoyed our entire experience in Queenstown. Our wonderful rental home, our super housemates, the exceptional golf, and the most beautiful scenery. If you have a chance to go, please do not hesitate!

Jim and I with the Putnams, our housemates, on our balcony

Jim and I with the Putnams by the lake downtown

The view from our balcony...ahh beautiful