chefspottedatTOPSAIL

Famous son-in-law spotted at local Topsail Island Bookstore, Quarter Moon! Okay maybe not in person but the new Commander's cookbook is in.
Local fans are flocking to the Quarter Moon to see Richard on the back cover of the cookbook.
Surprise, Surprise, look inside and find another picture of famous son-in-law Richard. Local bookstore owner is proud to show off new book.
Check out the top right hand picture. Richard and Chef are featured.
Nana and Mark show off the new cookbook. Wow!, nothing like having famous family members. We can't wait to get our books. Way to go Richard!

operationBUMBLEBEE

A bit of a history lesson for you history buffs. Operation Bumblebee, 1946-1948. The bumblebee cannot fly, but, the bumblebee doesn't know this, so he goes ahead and flies anyway. Well aware that this new undertaking to develop a supersonic guided missile for the Navy would face impossible challenges, Dr. Merle Tuve named the project "Bumblebee" The concrete structures on the island have stood the test of time. On the heels of WWII, Topsail Island (know as sand spit) was seized by the US Government for use as a secret missile test site.Their aim was to develop a supersonic missile that could swiftly reach out ten to twenty miles to hit and destroy an air threat. Eight concrete observation towers were built to house timing instruments and cameras to record performance data.Today several "Bumblebee" towers can be seen around the island.
Downtown Surf City, this "Bumblebee" is a private residence.
Another hangs on the dune.
Yet another incorporated into a business structure.
The former assembly building was used for missile storage and assembly. It is a hardened structure with reinforced walls, built on four feet of concrete secured by 20 foot pilings. Now used for social events and special town events. Topsail Island has quite a history. Come on down!

rain,rain,goAWAY

Katie Kate had a nice swim in the sound this morning. Sky said no way to swimming in the cold water.
Eli made a drip castle on the beach .
Nice job, dude.
The dragon puzzle is done. Now off to Under the Sea.
Vacation is hard work on man and beast. No kayaking today due to showers in the area.

poopedattheBEACH

Knot making 101. Eli purchased a book at the local book store on knot tying. Carrick mat knot shown above.
Here is the finished product. Not bad for a 9 year old. Almost 10.
So with Cupcake Kitty done we moved on to Dragon puzzle and then we picked up an Under the Sea theme to add to the collection. Both puzzles on the table just in case you get stuck on one, you move to another. You know we can't focus on one thing too long.
Yesterday we walked 8 1/2 miles all while shopping for jewelry and t-shirts, after eating out of course. All that has worn us out. If it doesn't rain today we will go kayaking over in the sound. No rest for the weary!
Sky crashed early last night.

hadtogetbacktotheISLAND

Now that we are up and running at the rental, more thrilling pictures are added. The beach is lovely as usual. As you can see, not many people are here.

Eli's birthday is in Oct. so we have a nice party at the beach each year. This year we had brownies and presents. Lego kits are the hit of the party.
Katie Kate is loving vacation!
Here we are at the Seabreeze on the sound for dinner. Crab dip, shrimp, oysters and flounder. Yummy! We have enough in the frig for dinner tonight.
Cupcake Kitty puzzle was the puzzle challenge of the decade. 1000 pieces, all pieces were edge pieces. Mother and Mark worked on this since Sunday night. Yeah, it's done. Now, on to Dragon puzzle.

vacationtopsailISLAND

Hey folks, we are finally on vacation at Topsail Island. The island is very quiet this time of year. Our rental is called One Fish, Two Fish and is decorated Dr. Suess inside and out. It is nice to get away. The computer will not work at the rental so we at the local book store. They sell books, coffee and smoothies.


Eli and Mom are checking out the new book.
The pups are having a great time at the rental. The deck is doggy proof with gates on both ends. The dogs can dog and people watch at the same time. Sky is sporting her new hair cut thanks to surgery a couple of weeks ago. She is back 100 percent.
Yesterday we walked on the beach and clocked in 11 miles. The way we are eating we need to do 20. Our day begins with dining plans. Should we breakfast at the Beach Dog or Mollie's? Lunch at Beach Dog or Max's Pizza. The whole day is planned around food. Imagine that! Brandi and Richard miss being here so we are on the lookout for a place that will fit us all for next Feb. Reading, beach walking, eating and puzzles are the lineup for the week. Nice to have time just to chill!

sweetVICTORY

Down but not out! The Monacan boys rallied back today after the Monday night disaster. Thursday is a new day and a chance to prove that Monacan can once again rise to the top. The gang is here and ready to cheer.
Go Matt #30. The big team is looking good. Bring it on!
Monacan kicked the extra point. Icing on the cake.
Final score Monacan 19, Clover Hill 12. We all learned a lesson from Monday's game. Support your team and coaches. Forget about the bad calls, it is bound to happen somewhere along the way. Our team came out today with that great winning attitude that will lead them to victory through this football season. Chalk one up to Monacan players and fans. Go Chiefs!
Next game Oct. 16, home.