Six Two

Brenda wakes one morning this past week to learn that Mike can't find his phone (his phone is his lifeline to Puget Sound Mobile Wash).  He has searched the boat (how many places can one look in 330 square feet of living space?), called his phone (using Brenda's--didn't hear anything ringing on board), and searched the vehicle (that Glen and Marlys loaned us).  In response, Brenda opens her "Find Friends" app on her phone (apparently she keeps Mike on a short leash!) and it reveals that Mike's phone is located at the "The Cove" bar and grille where we'd made a stop the night prior.

Because we have plans for lunch with Glen and Marlys and it's already after 10 am (everything takes more time on a boat--yes, even waking, eating, and searching), Mike leaves to do time-sensitive errands and retrieve his phone while Brenda continues to get ready for the day.  Upon his return, he shares that the owner of "The Cove" had his phone (no problem), and informed Mike that he'd left another personal piece of property:  His Bemidji baseball cap.  What was he thinking when we left "The Cove" last night? and how forgetful can one get?  Brenda comforts him with her own story:  She was in the marina's womens' facilities taking a shower when she remembered she'd forgotten a towel!

Yesterday was Captain Mike's 62nd birthday.  Another year older.  A digit higher than Brenda. He was celebrated with phone calls and messages from his daughters, his sisters and their husbands, Brenda's mom, dear friends, and a fine dinner with his loving parents (highly recommend you experience the Villagio at The Wharf in Orange Beach!).  By the age of 22, Mike was married and the father of 2 children.  At 32, he was in the midst of farming, raising his family and heavily involved in his community.  At 42, with his daughters in or just graduated from college, Mike decided to move to Seattle to do something different.  By 52, he was a grandfather and thinking about moving back "home" to Minnesota.  Now at 62, he's living on a boat!

At the nearby United Methodist Church (which we've been attending while here in Gulf Shores), the Sunday sermons have focused on "Lift Up Our Eyes" and "Celebrate our Baptism".  Both sermons reminded us of God's gifts that He so freely and generously and lavishly offers us.  Celebrating birthdays is a good way to stop, think and be grateful (on so many levels) for how richly we've been endowed.

Here at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, AL, it seems we have a mascot! 
This blue heron walks the docks regularly as if checking to ensure all is right with the world.

We went for a cruise the other day and passed by The Wharf shopping and entertainment area of Orange Beach.

Homeport Marina is adjacent to and part of LuLu's Restaurant, owned by Lucy Buffett, sister to Jimmy Buffett.

This is LuLu's taken from the fuel dock. 
The area that is over the water (inter-coastal waterway) is part of the large restaurant area.