Taylor’s Island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

August 12, 2021 by LB

Twenty-nine years ago, four women met while attending the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Friendships were born during the challenges of graduate school and the process of becoming Nurse Practitioners, and a few times each year, we gather to celebrate our great good fortune in having met. We’ve been together through celebration and devastation, and have shared many a meal, a beverage, and lots and lots of laughter.

We call ourselves the Girls of August – the GOAs – (we WERE girls when we met) because during the first week of August we spend the week together. The only requirement to the location is that there must be water, whether it be ocean, bay, river, lake, or puddle. This year we stayed in a small rural location on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

A hurricane, a surgery, and Covid derailed the 2020 gathering, so this year’s vacation was a gift. A gift of time, friendship, the natural world, minimalism (no TV, no nearby stores), good food and drink, and wonderful friends.

Taylor’s Island proved to be the perfect place for those looking for a break from traffic, TV, and the fear of Covid. It was also the perfect place for the GOAs.

Cheers!

Sailing Along

September 13, 2016 by LB

What a blessing it is to be surrounded by family and friends; to have good health, a steady income, and lots of civic commitment; to live amidst and enjoy nature’s beauty.

As I sail along through life’s goodness and challenges, I have not forgotten Life on the Bike and my WordPress friends.

See you this coming weekend!

It All Adds Up

August 26, 2016 by LB

Beach

Family

Storms

Food

Drink

Exercise

Photography

Fun

It all adds up to a fantastic family vacation at the beach, one where I used the cell phone more than the camera (but you already picked up on that, huh). Blessed beyond measure!

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I spent a total of two non-consective weeks in North Carolina, a state I have boycotted since the passage of HB2. What do you do when plans have been made for over a year, and deposits were paid before North Carolina decided to pass such a controversial law? You keep your plans and contribute to Equality NC. From here on out, like the NBA, lots of musicians and corporations, I will continue to avoid spending money in NC.

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And now, I’m off to visit all of you!

Jennette’s Pier

August 14, 2016 by LB

Originally built in 1939, and rebuilt several times after being battered by various hurricanes and nor’easters, Jennette’s Pier is a popular destination for visitors to Nags Head, NC. Known for it’s excellent fishing, locals are also drawn to the pier.

The current structure opened to the public in 2011 after a $25 million dollar restoration.

Expanded to 1000ft, the pier is now hurricane-resistant with solid concrete pilings that will stay put regardless of the wind speed. In addition to offering world class fishing, the pier is an outpost of the North Carolina Aquariums network, and includes science exhibits, educational programs, and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about renewable energy.

In addition, the pier is also LEED Certified, which is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

The views from the pier were stunning, and as you might imagine, it was hard to put the camera down.

We strolled the length of the pier and enjoyed watching the men and women who were fishing.

Evidently folks get out there pretty early, requiring some to take a late morning nap.

We were so excited to see this sea turtle, dinner clasped in his (her?) jaws.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time on Jennette’s Pier. Be sure to check it out if you’ll be visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Please visit my previous post for stormy weather images from the Outer Banks.

Jennette’s Pier

August 5, 2016 by LB

I’m out on my morning power walk here on the Outer Banks of NC. What an amazing week: time with friends, delicious food, and gorgeous weather (and the power of Mother Nature during two wicked and wild storms, one while riding the motorcycle – details later).

I’ll share more photos and stories when I get home, but for now am posting this cell phone / straight out of the camera image from inside Jennette’s Pier. First built in 1936, and rebuilt many times after being destroyed by hurricanes and nor’ easters, the pier is a stunning structure, loaded with history, and with educational displays focused on the ocean and all it’s creatures.

Can’t wait to tell you more about it! Hope you all are well, and I’ll look forward to visiting you soon.

** Please visit this link to learn more (and see much better images) of Jennette’s Pier **

Promises, Promises

June 1, 2016 by LB

The promise that sunshine and summer will arrive: Done

The promise of a short but oh so sweet 75 mile motorcycle ride to soak in that sun, and this view: Done!

The promise of getting back on the bicycle and completing 22 miles (after not having ridden more than 8 in years): Done!

The promise of a meaningful Memorial Day Service: Done!

The promise to visit all of you: Unfulfilled … Yet!

The Fullness of May is over, and it’s time to play catch up! I promise 🙂

In Between Seasons

September 13, 2015 by LB

As I sat on the front porch making campaign calls, I couldn’t help but feel that I was halfway between the seasons of summer and fall.

Meanwhile, I’m definitely at the height of campaign season! 51 Days!

Looking forward to visiting your blogs today 🙂

Good Friends and Glass

September 5, 2015 by LB

My good friends, Tim and Joe (who is probably also your good friend) are helping me to find some new glass.

In my previous post, I commented that I needed some more zoom, and those who know Joe will not be surprised to learn that he generously took time out of his busy life to do some research for me. Knowing that the campaign is offering me precious few free moments, I’m so grateful to Joe!

Like Joe, my long time dear friend Tim, has started using a mirrorless camera, and he offered to let me play around with one of his Canon lenses. How cool is that? What an incredible guy!