Welcome to Miami

Chris' buddies welcomed us to Miami on Friday evening. This was my first time meeting his friends from Miami and I was warned ahead of time that it might be a bit overwhelming, in the way that only a group of guys bro-ing out can be.

 I had nothing to worry about. 

They were a great time and treated me like gold the whole time I was there. 

We were woken up Saturday morning with summons to come out to the balcony. I jumped out of bed and scrambled for my camera. 

The guys had climbed from the second story balcony onto the roof above. 

Quite the early morning wake up call! 

Chris warned me that we might be in for a bit of a raucous weekend, but we didn't go to any bars while we were there. 

His buddy, Alex, had just gotten a gorgeous 42ft fishing boat and we spent most of our time out on the water. 

The sea was a bit rough, but I loved every second of it. We even encountered waves close to 8ft, but this boat handled it like a gem. 

Sunday evening, things were a bit calmer, and we took the boat to dinner in Miami. We pulled the boat up to the dock and ate amazing seafood on the porch overlooking the water. 

 I finally got a chance to see the "U"'s campus after hearing so much about Chris' college days! Don't get me wrong, St. Mary's was amazing and I loved every second of it, but the University of Miami has a definite resort feel. They took the fun that we had on the waterfront 3 months out of every school year, and extended it to the full year. This weekend was one of their coldest weekends, with lows in the high 40s and highs in the mid 70s. It was heaven. Can you imagine that much sunshine and warmth?! 

We went out kite fishing and were 0 for 2 on sailfish. The reel stopped working and the fish escaped. Chris did get a mackerel while we were bait fishing though!  

This boat flies - we went 60+ mph. 

Imagine sitting on the hood of your car and flying down the highway - add some better scenery and you've got it. 

Chris and I climbed (yes, you have to hold on for dear life and climb your way forward when you're going that fast!) our way forward to the bow and held onto the anchor line for stability. 

Exhilarating doesn't begin to describe the feeling. 

 As much as the guys care about fishing...I really - don't. It's nice, but it doesn't get me crazy excited, so just having time out on the water was so much fun. 

My favorite part of the whole weekend was Sunday morning out on the water. We only had 4 people on the boat including me and we cranked great tunes, had a few beers and soaked up the sun. I helped a bit with the fishing, but mostly just hung out.  The guys enjoy each other's company so much and it was a lot of fun to spend time with them.

All in all, I'm crossing my fingers for good weather next weekend. If the wind is right, we're going back for a boat trip to the Bahamas. 

Contradictions

October time is full of contradictions. I hope you're enjoying the bits of warmth and colors you can sneak in before winter. 

Breezy in Baltimore

 This evening, while Melissa and I were walking Remi, I noticed the neighbor's hibiscus. It was too perfect not to share. 

Things have cooled off significantly here. As nice as it is, I can't help thinking that summer is quickly coming to an end. The change of seasons is always fun for the first little bit. It makes me want to rush to my closet for my autumn clothes. All too soon, school will start, the county fair will be here, and I'll be crossing my fingers that we get an Indian Summer. Autumn brings great things like hurricanes. I know they cause a lot of destruction, but I can't help but be in total awe when they sweep through. There is nothing better than standing outdoors in the dead calm before a storm. Waiting and feeling the breeze pick up and then watching the clouds roll in and the rain come at you with total fury. I'll think of things like this to push back winter. 

Winter acts like it might be nice, teasing you with fun things like holidays and sledding, but really, it's all in an attempt to make you forget about February. The cruelest, grayest, most terrible of all months. The only thing that brightens February are the three birthday celebrations it brings to my family. 

Maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. It is only the end of August. I should put off thoughts of winter while I can and just enjoy the clear and pretty weather September will bring. It is almost the time of year where bundling up and building a bonfire is the best way to occupy an evening. 

For now, I'll grasp every last bit of summer. Escape town for a couple more weekends. Enjoy the neighbor's flowers and evenings like tonight on the roof. Soak up every last drop of sunshine I can. Focus on the now instead of later. If you haven't been outside today, go take a walk. It's absolutely perfect. Oh! and keep an eye out for Irene over the next couple of days- apparently, she's headed our direction.