The Buzz on the Bay

Recent gorgeous sunset

Thought I would tell you about our week......

We had the opportunity to act as bed and breakfast hosts for the last six days for a couple from the States. Our chaplain had put together a mini-conference on the topic of marriage/relationships, and a church in South Carolina sent a team of folks to lead it. We were so lucky to have Bobby and Robin Gore stay in our home for the week -- I loved to listen to their Southern accents! Along with the other people from their church, they did a great job in leading noon workshops and nightly meetings. Just when I sometimes mistakenly think "oh, I already know all of that," I hear a lesson on communication, forgiveness, or love and respect, and I am immediately humbled. Refresher courses are much appreciated!

The Navy hospital had a huge problem this week when a fire valve broke on the second floor resulting in large amounts of water flooding the entire hospital -- it's estimated that $6-9 million in damage occurred. So, the hospital is closed except for true emergencies. Two near-term obstetrics patients were MEDEVAC'd to the States. (Photo is view from hospital front doors with the helipad in the background.)

We heard that it make take six months to get everything back in order. I will digress for a moment to mention how reasonable the health care here has been -- we finally received all of our bills from Vince's emergency room visit last November and ensuing appointments regarding sciatica and blood pressure. For one emergency room visit, two doctor appointments, and three prescriptions, the total charge was just over $450. I thought it was a real bargain for today's health care costs. (Of course, maybe with the upcoming repair bill for the hospital, all of that might change!)


We took Fergus to the beach this morning, mostly just to wear him out. The heat here does tend to tone down his energy level, and it doesn't take much of playing frisbee or even walking for him to get tired.

We had fun walking along with shore, looking for old bottles, shells, or sea beans. Fergus was looking for lizards, which is his new hobby. (Our neighbors back home, the Cepure's and the Prochaska's will recall Fergus' intent hunt for squirrels -- now, all he can think about are geckos and anoles!)

Batwing coral crab seen during a previous beach visit -- this little guy was only about 6 inches long and was very shy -- be sure to enlarge the photo!