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One Sunday last month, the weather was beyond gorgeous. It was just about the time when spring was starting to make its seasonal entrance with sunny, clear skies and a cool, comfortable 50-something degrees.

So I spent the greater part of that day outside; savoring every second of it.

I took a nice long walk down to the Delaware River and visited Penn’s Landing, which is the waterfront area of Center City, Philadelphia.

Having lived in Florida for many years and being so close to the ocean, I came to really appreciate how awesome it is to be near water. When my family first moved to the Gold Coast, my father bought a speedboat that we would take out on the weekends and water ski along the Intercoastal waterways.

I don't know if you've ever tried it before, but water skiing is a BLAST. And it's very easy!

I’ve also been sailing before, which is a completely different experience than riding on a speedboat because it has more of a leisurely and relaxing feel to it. There is nothing quite like gliding over the water in complete motor-silence, with just the sound of the canvas sails flapping in wind and the seagulls flying above you.

It is truly a spiritual experience.

*note: for as much as I enjoy being on the water, can you believe that I have never taken a cruise?!?

Today, I would like to share some photographs I snapped while down at Penn’s Landing.

So climb onboard, set your sails, and enjoy...

Built in 1883, the sailing ship Gazela


The ship's mast against the blue sky


The bow of the Gazela


Two geese on a piling


Sun sparkles on the water 


Freedom Elite is a chartered yacht company


Jonathan Livingston seagull


A private sailboat


Swan boats and colorful kayaks.


Military ship


Cargo ship

And I just couldn't resist sharing this last photograph, which I also captured while down on the waterfront.



This dog definitely needs either a jock strap or underwear.

Wow...talk about some BIG nads!


There...that's much better. Don't you think?

Have a smooth sailing weekend everyone!
X


48 comments:

  1. Great, GREAT pictures, Ron. I love anything nautical, hence the cruising. I would spend hours watching the goings-on at ports and marinas. It was all fascinating yet only once did I venture out in a hire boat. OMG I panicked when I had to turn the wheel and if anything came towards me I just wanted to dive over the side. I envy you the fact that you can actually sailed a boat and water ski'd but for me it's never again, haha I'll stick to being a spectator.


    Loved the picture of the goose and of course the ones of the dog!!!!


    Have a great weekend x

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  2. What the heck are those swan boats? And the colors of the kayaks are awesome! Seagulls can be pests, but I think they are pretty birds and always remind me of going to Cedar Point on Lake Erie.

    Ewwww on the doggy!

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  3. Great photos, Ron, I feel like running down to South Street and commandeering one of those clipper ships for a sail around the world.


    I love being around the water, too, and while I have no immediate plans to go water skiing--(yeah, right!)--I do want to go sailing now that spring is finally here.


    That last picture was pretty ballsy. In fact, they're big enough to sink a battle ship! Thanks for providing the commando shorts for our canine friend.


    Have a great weekend, buddy, and just go nuts!

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  4. A sailboat is on Entrepreneur's bucket list. I think it would be fantastic to sail….on smooth water! Love the shots of the waterfront. I think the swan boats are my favorite. (it's that 96 box of crayon thing I have going on). :-) And thanks for providing a bit of modesty for the pupper!

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  5. Ron, I loved this post because it was so similar to what I see here in Florida. Great photographs! I love the ones of the swan boats and the cargo ship. And I laughed out loud at the last two photographs of the dog. You are so funny! How did you put those underwear on him?



    What you said about sailing is very true. It's almost a spiritual experience.


    Have a wonderful weekend Ron x

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  6. What a pretty area -- I love being *near* the water, but I don't particularly enjoy being *in* it. Other than showers, of course! Does that make any sense??

    I had to look REAL hard to find the "two geese on a piling." I thought you were pulling one of those "Where's Waldo" shots! Then I saw the one hidden behind the piling. Too clever, my friend!

    As for that last photo, and not to be judgmental or anything (much!), a responsible dog owner would have had that "problem" taken care of when the dog was a pup. Just sayin'!

    Have a beautiful weekend, Ron.

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  7. Goooood morning Valerie!

    Thank you :)

    "I love anything nautical, hence the cruising. I would spend hours watching the goings-on at ports and marinas."

    Isn't it so peaceful and relaxing to watch the goings-on at a marina?

    "It was all fascinating yet only once did I venture out in a hire boat. OMG I panicked when I had to turn the wheel and if anything came towards me I just wanted to dive over the side."

    HAHAHA! I know what you mean because when I first moved to Florida and began boating, I had the same feeling. Especially with speedboats because they can get pretty close. Also, if you don't steer INTO the wake of a passing boat, it can ROCK your boat severely.

    "I envy you the fact that you can actually sailed a boat.."



    Well, I wouldn't call myself an avid sailor because I've only been sailing a few times. One of my bosses owned a sailboat and she would take me out on the weekends. She taught me a lot about sailing.


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a GREAT weekend too!


    X to you and Joe!

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  8. Hey there Bijoux!

    "What the heck are those swan boats?"

    They are boats that you sit in and actually peddle with your feet. There is also a steering wheel that allows you to navigate the swan. The boat sits two people at a time.

    "Seagulls can be pests, but I think they are pretty birds and always remind me of going to Cedar Point on Lake Erie."



    You're right, they CAN be pests because they are VERY aggressive if you're eating any food. They SWOOP down and try to get it.


    Isn't the doggy HILARIOUS?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FABU weekend!


    X

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  9. Hey there Rob!

    "I feel like running down to South Street and commandeering one of those clipper ships for a sail around the world."

    HAHAHAHAHA! But hey, can you imagine taking a cruise around the world??

    "I do want to go sailing now that spring is finally here."

    OMG...it's an AWESOME experience and VERY different from riding a speedboat. I think you would really enjoy it. As I shared, it's a spiritual experience.

    "That last picture was pretty ballsy. In fact, they're big enough to sink a battle ship! Thanks for providing the commando shorts for our canine friend."



    I could resist sharing that photograph and then placing underwear on him!!!!!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPER weekend!

    X

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  10. Hey there Lisa!

    "A sailboat is on Entrepreneur's bucket list. I think it would be fantastic to sail….on smooth water!"

    OMG...it's SUCH an amazing experience and very different from riding on a speedboat. As I shared, it's a spiritual experience because you feel at one with nature.

    "(it's that 96 box of crayon thing I have going on)."



    HA! You're right, they do look like a CRAYONS!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!


    X


    P.S. I'm still having trouble loading your blog feed into my reader, but I will be sure to stop by and see if you've posted.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hola Denise!

    "... because it was so similar to what I see here in Florida."

    Yes, don't these photos remind you a lot of Florida and what see there?

    "And I laughed out loud at the last two photographs of the dog. You are so funny! How did you put those underwear on him?"

    HA! I just couldn't resist sharing that photo! What I did was take an image of a pair of camouflage underwear and then edited them onto the dog. It took me a while to do that.

    "What you said about sailing is very true. It's almost a spiritual experience."



    Isn't sailing such an amazing experience?


    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a WONDERFUL weekend!


    X

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  12. Hellooooooo Debbie!!!!

    " I love being *near* the water, but I don't particularly enjoy being *in* it. Other than showers, of course! Does that make any sense??"

    Yes, it makes perfect sense because I kinda have the same feeling about being IN it as well, especially the ocean, and especially at night. I love the sea, but there is something a bit scary looking at it dark.

    "I had to look REAL hard to find the "two geese on a piling." I thought you were pulling one of those "Where's Waldo" shots!"

    Do you know what's funny about that? When I first took that shot I didn't see the second geese sitting there. It was only after I uploaded the photo to my computer did I actually SEE the tail feathers of the other one.

    "As for that last photo, and not to be judgmental or anything (much!), a responsible dog owner would have had that "problem" taken care of when the dog was a pup. Just sayin'!"



    Bwhahahhahahaha! OMG Debbie, I LOVED that!!!!!!!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super-duper weekend!


    X

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  13. "There...that's much better. Don't you think?"


    ROFLMAO! Ron, you are too effin' funny! I laughed out loud when I saw that before and after photos. How the hell did you do that?


    Beautiful photographs! That last one of the cargo ship is spectacular. Were you that close to the ship or did you zoom in?


    I love boats and the water. I've been on several cruises and they're the best. There was a time when I thought about getting a job on a cruise ship.

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  14. Oh Ronnie this post makes me want to get outside and enjoy the outdoors so bad! The weather is finally right! Now if only I could come home with some awesome photos like this to share I would be golden! Sadly this will probably not be the case for me but I will certainly try! BTW that last photo cracked me up and you are right it looks much better with some undies ;)

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  15. Hiya Matt!

    HA! When I saw that dog, I couldn't resist taking a photograph of him. Then, when I got home I suddenly got the idea of placing underwear on him. What I did was take a photograph of a pair of camouflage undies (to match the pants of his owner) and then edited them onto the dog. It took me awhile to do that because I had to shrink them to the right size to fit his doggy butt.

    "Were you that close to the ship or did you zoom in?"

    I was standing far away from the cargo ship, so I had to zoom in to get that shot. I think I took three shots.

    " I've been on several cruises and they're the best."

    Yes, that's what SO MANY people say about cruises, they love them!

    "There was a time when I thought about getting a job on a cruise ship."


    You know, when I was still performing onstage, I actually thought about getting a job on a cruise ship as well.

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!

    X

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  16. Hiya Shae!

    " this post makes me want to get outside and enjoy the outdoors so bad! The weather is finally right!"

    I know what you mean because I feel the same way. Everyday on time off, all I want to do is be outside, enjoying the weather.

    "BTW that last photo cracked me up and you are right it looks much better with some undies ;)"



    HA! Glad you enjoyed, my friend. I had so much fun editing that last photo. I couldn't resist :)


    Thanks so much for stopping by, Shae. Have a super weekend!


    X

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  17. Great photos...the last made me laugh!
    Water skiing was not so easy for me; but then again, the driver of the boat was my BIL who was intent on drowning me, lol!

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  18. I love being near the water, too. Fortunately in this area we are basically surrounded by rivers and lakes. And if that's not good enough, water is usually falling from the sky!


    Ba-dump-bump.


    I would love to have a boat, by the way. A speedboat, for racing up and down the Columbia River. I'd probably mostly use it for fishing, but water skiing could be fun, too.


    Have a great weekend, whether on water or land, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey there Suzi!

    Tee, hee...I couldn't resist those last two photos :)

    "Water skiing was not so easy for me; but then again, the driver of the boat was my BIL who was intent on drowning me, lol!"

    HA!

    I was truly amazed at how fast I caught onto water skiing because I thought I was going to have such a hard time with it.
    And I've even slalom skied, can you believe that?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super weekend!

    X

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  20. "Fortunately in this area we are basically surrounded by rivers and lakes. And if that's not good enough, water is usually falling from the sky!

    Ba-dump-bump."

    HAHAHAHAHAH! Loved that, Mark!!! But that's what I like about where you live....all the rain!

    " A speedboat, for racing up and down the Columbia River. I'd probably mostly use it for fishing, but water skiing could be fun, too."



    Yes, we would go fishing on the speedboat as well!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, bud. Have a super weekend!


    X to you and Tara!

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  21. teeheee...about the doggie pants! :-)



    is there anything better than spending time close to the water? I don't think so. I always feel refreshed and renewed after a day at any beach, lake,.... these are fab photos Ron, sounds like a very good day.


    I hope you have a fab weekend too. have a good one!


    PS: That was quite a coincidence re: mentioning: Black Like Me, this same week, amazing really. It's not a new book by any means but it is such a good one. Glad to read that you enjoyed it so much too, in spite of the difficult subject matter. I plan to read more from this author soon too.

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  22. That dog needs to be snipped.


    I love being on the water - motorboat, sail boat, big ship, kayak, canoe, raft - doesn't matter.

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  23. hey ron. penn's landing looks like a great place. there are a few places i want to visit when i come to visit you. i have to make that happen sooner rather than later.


    i was also looking for the other bird in that photo. took me a few seconds to find him. he he.


    and my what big testicles, are they called testies on a dog, he has.

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  24. Ron, that pic of the dog is hysterical! Only YOU would notice and then decide to put underwear briefs on him Lol. That's what I call some low hangers!

    Beautiful photographs. My favorites are the swan boats, the bow of the Gazela and the private sailboat. Being a water sign, I love the water. It's where I feel the most peaceful. My dream home would either be on a big lake on a beach. I've been on one cruise and it was amazing. It was like being on a floating city where everything is contained in one place (a movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants, bars). And the food they serve is phenomenal.

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  25. Hellooooooo Geraldine!

    "teeheee...about the doggie pants! :-)"

    HA! I just couldn't resist!

    "is there anything better than spending time close to the water? I don't think so. I always feel refreshed and renewed after a day at any beach, lake,...."

    I agree! When I lived in Florida, our home was about 2 1/2 miles from the beach, so I spent a great deal of time by the water. My favorite thing to do was to sit in the sand at dusk and watch the sunset. Beautiful!

    "That was quite a coincidence re: mentioning: Black Like Me, this same week, amazing really. It's not a new book by any means but it is such a good one."

    Yes, wasn't that SUCH a coincidence?!?! And what an incredible story that was. As I shared, there was a movie made of that book (which I don't know if it's still available) but it was very good.

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057889/

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have FAB weekend!

    X

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  26. "That dog needs to be snipped."

    HAHAHAHAHA! I agree!!!!!!

    "I love being on the water - motorboat, sail boat, big ship, kayak, canoe, raft - doesn't matter."



    Amen! Nothing like being on the water!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Have a fantabulous weekend!


    X

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  27. Hiya Chrissy!

    Yes, it was the perfect day, just about the time when spring was making its entrance - not hot, not cold...just perfect.

    "even though I can't swim. Which is why I would never go on a cruise. Although, I suppose even If you could swim and the ship went down, you would probably be SOL anyway! lol"

    HAHAHAHAHA! OMG...how funny, but how true for any of us....SOL.

    "I agree with Secret Agent Woman, snip snip!"



    Definitely!


    Much thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a SUPER weekend!


    X


    P.S. it rained here all day yesterday, but today and tomorrow it's supposed to be gorgeous.

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  28. Hey there Val!

    "penn's landing looks like a great place. there are a few places i want to visit when i come to visit you. i have to make that happen sooner rather than later."

    Yes, definitely, when you come to visit again, we can visit Penn's Landing and any other place you would like to see. You would LOVE the area where Penn's Landing is because it's close to Old City, which is a lot like SoHo in NYC. I'll take you there!

    "i was also looking for the other bird in that photo. took me a few seconds to find him. he he."

    It's funny because I never even noticed the other bird until I uploaded the photo to my computer!

    "and my what big testicles, are they called testies on a dog, he has."



    Yup...they're called testies. And yes, they're HUGE aren't they?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a FABU weekend!


    X

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  29. Hey ho Robert!

    "That's what I call some low hangers!"

    HAHAHAHAHA! You said it :) When I spotted that dog I thought, WHOA! And then snapped a picture. I couldn't resist.

    " I've been on one cruise and it was amazing. It was like being on a floating city where everything is contained in one place (a movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants, bars). And the food they serve is phenomenal."



    Yes, I work with a guy who goes on a cruise with his partner once a year (every October) and he said the same thing. In fact, he showed me pictures that he took onboard and I was blown away by how BIG the ship was inside. And it's funny you mentioned a bowling alley because he had photos of that!


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!


    X

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  30. Yes, that dog needed those shorts! LOL! I love the pic of the colorful kayaks and the swans! Did you say waterskiing is easy? I've not tried it, but Tom loves it. Or used to. He got winded last time and needed his inhaler. We have a river here, and he was trying to ski up river. LOL.

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  31. Thank you for your nautical journey, Ron!
    I never rode a speed boat or water skied, but would you believe I would spend time water skiing vicariously through Esther Williams. She was a Grace Kelly on water; a talented and beautiful woman.
    And what a classic canine moment! I'm sure it was named Butkus, after the ex-football player. LOL
    Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, Ron! :))

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  32. Thanks for letting me know how you got that effect on the dog, Ron. Very clever! I showed my girlfriend the photo today and she laughed.

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  33. Hey there Jean!

    "Yes, that dog needed those shorts! LOL!"

    OMG... you said it ! :)

    "Did you say waterskiing is easy? I've not tried it, but Tom loves it. Or used to. He got winded last time and needed his inhaler. We have a river here, and he was trying to ski up river. LOL."

    I was honestly surprised by how easy it was for me to water ski because I'm not very athletic at all. Yet for some reason, I got up on the ski's only after a few tries. And what an accelerating feeling it was to fly over the water. Wheeeeeeeeee!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a beautiful weekend!

    X

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  34. Hellooooooo Petra!

    "I never rode a speed boat or water skied, but would you believe I would spend time water skiing vicariously through Esther Williams. She was a Grace Kelly on water; a talented and beautiful woman."

    OMG...I LOVED how you said that because it's SO TRUE...she was like a Grace Kelly on water!!! I remember watching her movies as a kid and being amazed by her underwater choreography. She was so elegant!

    "And what a classic canine moment! I'm sure it was named Butkus, after the ex-football player. LOL"



    Bwhahahahahahaha! How funny and I bet you're right!!!!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a faaaaabulous weekend!


    X

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  35. You are so welcome, Matt! Glad your girlfriend had a giggle :)


    Hope you're having a FAB weekend!

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  36. Wow...I did some research on Penn's Landing and saw some amazing photo. What an awesome place for a wander about--busy place that it seems to be. I adore the tallship photo. I love those things. They're amazing when they're sitting docked, but when they're a sail--mesmerizing to witness.
    I don't waterski, but I had the privilege to be aboard a sailing boat while the girl was working it. Haha...and boy did she have to work. But the captain and crew were spectacular. Going for a jaunt around Boston Harbour was one of those experiences you can't quite put into words. And I was very proud of the girl. Still am. She sailed well, and still gets to be a part of a crew a couple times a year. She's very graced to get to do that.
    I'm a longgg ways away from the sea, even the Great Lakes are six hours away. My sea is fields of corn. LOL. But it makes me appreciate the ponds and rivers. Any water is a source of serenity and reflection. And boats just make me happy, especially the wooden ones.
    The photos are awesome.
    I want a wander on the military boat and the wooden mast wonder.
    And I'd like to get himself out on the paddleboat that looks like a swan. LOL. Paddleboats are just FUN!! Those made for a cool shot. The little sailboat with its reflection was pretty. But it's the mast and riggings that won it for me. Lucky you!! Thanks for sharing the adventure with us. :-)

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  37. Hiya Mel!

    "Wow...I did some research on Penn's Landing and saw some amazing photo. What an awesome place for a wander about--busy place that it seems to be."

    Glad to hear that and yes, isn't Penn's Landing awesome? I often walk down there every month because it's not only a great place to see stuff, but it's also a really nice place to just sit, relax and just chill by the water.

    "I had the privilege to be aboard a sailing boat while the girl was working it. Haha...and boy did she have to work. But the captain and crew were spectacular. Going for a jaunt around Boston Harbour was one of those experiences you can't quite put into words. And I was very proud of the girl. Still am. She sailed well, and still gets to be a part of a crew a couple times a year. She's very graced to get to do that."

    That's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! You GO, girl! And isn't sailing such an AMAZING experience? It's like you're "one' with the water and air.

    "I want a wander on the military boat and the wooden mast wonder."

    Oh me too, especially the military ship! A few times a year they give guided tours on the ships. I really need to do that.

    "But it's the mast and riggings that won it for me."

    I agree. There is something so raw and natural about the mast and the riggings!

    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a great rest of your weekend!

    X

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  38. *jumping up and down*

    Heeeeeeeey Herman, it's so great to see ya! In fact, when I was sitting outside in the park today, I was thinking about you and hoping you were doing well. I know it's only been a week since you stopped blogging, but shit, I (we) all miss you!

    "Heh...yeah, that dog definitely needed a bit of support."

    HA! I know, can you believe those NADS?

    "we hitched a ride on a friend's schooner and took a tour of Balboa. Boats are a ton of fun, but I couldn't wait to get on land. Felt a bit trapped on that boat, but still had a blast!"

    It's funny you mentioned that because that is my main concern about taking a cruise, feeling trapped onboard. I don't mine being on a boat, sailing or skiing for a day, however if it went into days or a week, I think I would get a bit stir crazy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPER week!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  39. Looks like a pleasant stroll Ron. Funnily enough, I recommended Jonathon Livingston Seagull to a friend the other day. One of my favourite books from my youth.

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  40. " Funnily enough, I recommended Jonathon Livingston Seagull to a friend the other day. One of my favourite books from my youth."

    OMG.. how funny, Dale! God, I remember reading that book eons ago and really enjoying it. I also like the song that Neil Diamond wrote for the movie. It's beautiful!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Have a FAB week!

    X

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  41. HA HA HA! Too funny on the dog! I love the ships and boats. I can't water ski or sail, but I do love the water. The hotel in San Fran we stayed at was a Kimpton property called the Argonaut. The entire place was designed using nautical instruments and shapes. It was incredible. This made me think of that. So when you go to San Fran, you must stay there (or visit). :-)

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  42. Tee, hee! I couldn't resist sharing that photo of the dog!

    "The hotel in San Fran we stayed at was a Kimpton property called the Argonaut. The entire place was designed using nautical instruments and shapes. It was incredible. This made me think of that. So when you go to San Fran, you must stay there (or visit). :-)"

    Wow Angelia, that place sounds AWESOME! And I have to get to San Fran one of these days because I have a feeling I will love it!

    Thanks for stopping by, friend!

    X

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  43. I find I always feel a lot more peaceful around large bodies of water. That dog needs a pair of underwear!

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  44. Me too, Benze! Being near water is so therapeutic for me!

    "That dog needs a pair of underwear!"



    HAHAHAHAHAHA! You said it :)


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!

    X

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  45. Heh...yeah, that dog definitely needed a bit of support.

    It's funny, but in the early days when the wife and I were dating, we hitched a ride on a friend's schooner and took a tour of Balboa. Boats are a ton of fun, but I couldn't wait to get on land. Felt a bit trapped on that boat, but still had a blast!

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  46. OMG Robert, I can't believe you said that because I would too!!!! They say that the best way to go to Alaska is via a cruise ship because it's breathtaking!

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  47. Oh my gosh, it looks like a perfect day! Okay, my favorite picture is the one of the swan boats next to the kayaks. Stunning!
    I love being near the water, too, even though I can't swim. Which is why I would never go on a cruise. Although, I suppose even If you could swim and the ship went down, you would probably be SOL anyway! lol
    I agree with Secret Agent Woman, snip snip!
    Hope we get days like this again soon! Enjoy your weekend.

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  48. Ron, the next cruise I would like to take would be an Alaskan cruise.

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