Yacthing, Not Sailing (5.28.11)

You know that no trip with the Finks would be without drama. You already expected this, right?

The Moorings called about six weeks prior to our trip with the unfortunate news that the sailboat (the 4600) we were scheduled to be on... sold. The only option left in the fleet that would fit all ten of us comfortably was the top of the line PowerCat (need I say…no mast…no sails…but who could complain about top of the line??). Lloyd was disappointed initially, but, Harrison and I have always wondered what it would be like to power around the islands. So, he conceded.

With half glass full mentality, we decided that boating would have to be a close second to sailing. I'm not going to mention my (half glass empty) thoughts, but, on the positive, the boat is supposed to have a flat screen TV and DVD player on board for the kids. We can fish from the cockpit, relax on the flybridge (no diving, Andy), and our fuel will be taken care of, compliments of The Moorings. We'll have to come up with some new things for Lloyd to yell at us about, though, since there won't be any hoisting of the mainsail (this time).

Sigh…our happy crew....

Airplane Art (5.28.11)

One of the job requirements for planning a trip with four kids age 8 and under is packing supplies for their entertainment. After all, we had three flights in which we needed to occupy their time (and hands). From Memphis to Charlotte, the kids were busy. What began as a small depiction of Grayson's 3-D paradise grew into a large masterpiece when the other kids added their own touches. I'm not sure we will see volcanoes this time, but, I think our adventure will exceed their expectations.

Grayson's Song (5.27.11)

Composing music is nothing new in our family. Here's evidence that Grayson has the music writing gene. I found this on her table the night before our trip.

Verse 1:
We're going. It's gonna be so much fun. We've packed our bags and are ready to go. The taxi's here. Let's get in! I'm ready to sail.

Chorus:
We're gonna go go to the islands
We're gonna go go to the islands
It's gonna be be so much fun.

Verse 2 (or start of verse 2)
Am on my way back and had a great time.

St. Mary's Graduation (5.16.11)

A St. Mary's tradition is to pair up a graduating senior with a senior kindergartener. We were paired with Sidney Sanford and the choice could have not been better. Not only did Lloyd train with her mom (way back when), but, Sidney is musically talented and was the star of the SMS production of 42nd Street. We took Grayson to see "her senior" and she was mesmerized through the entire play. Throughout this spring the girls have had play dates to get to know each other... all leading up to the big day-- St. Mary's Graduation. The SK girls walked their senior down the isle and wore flower girl dresses to match the graduating girls choices of antiqued lace dresses in white. Sidney wore her grandmother's wedding dress. Grayson (not interested in smocking or frill) was her own sytle, beautiful, and proud to look forward to her own SMS Graduation.

Night Lights (5.8.11)

Star Sightings (5.8.11)

What's cool about this place is that you never know who might drop in to play music on any given moment. Jimmy Hendrix's brother-in-law Guitar Shorty showed up after midnight and according to Andy "tore it up". (That's Andy, standing in awe.) He's not the only famous person to drop in at The Shack Up. But, he's our only star sighting this trip.

The Crossroads (5.8.11)

Robert Leroy Johnson is one of the best blues guitarists who ever lived. We know this because we've been to The Crossroads. Not only The Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi where the iconic marker is, but, also to the "real" intersection of old Routes 61 and 49, about a mile from an old cotton plantation where The Shack Up Inn now stands. We walked near midnight down the dusty old road, where according to legend Johnson sold his soul to the devil and became the master. He would have turned 100 on May 8th, 2011. As the date rang in, if you were listening, you might have heard a "happy birthday" tune in the breeze that night.