Van Halen

Ok. Bucket List item #78 has been officially checked off. We went to go see Valen Halen play with David Lee Roth. No BS, no drama just pure rock n roll. Understand that I never got a chance to see Diamond Dave play with the Van Halen. Because they broke up in 1985 when I was still in junior high (and yes I had several "VH" buttons.). Kool and the Gang opened the show and we were joined by several good friends. The band played all the early classics and several songs from their new album. At the early age of 57 Diamond Dave belted it out and managed to a few classic leaps. The best was when he reamed out the stage handlers for blasting cold air on the stage. I thought it was a gag at first. Eddie played Eruption like a madman and Alex cranked on the drums. Wolfgang was a bad ass on the bass. What a great time.

Now We're Sailing

Mags and I completed our Basic Keelboat sailing lesson at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.  I was unable to post a video here but we've got it posted on YouTube.  It's only one minute long but I'll remember this for a lifetime. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grqhlBjVm9g&feature=channel

Thank You Jimmy

Shopping for a Christmas gift for my wife and I was easy this year.  Two tickets to Jimmy Buffett at the American Airlines Arena.  What a sweet time.  We were three rows up from the corner of the stage and about 20 feet from Pat Riley.  We even ran into "Little Rob" from St. Thomas University.  The show was great and my date was hot! 

Happy Birthday Nat

My little one turned 5 recently (ok two months ago so shoot me for being late).  She made the duo a trio and the show has never stopped.  She's got Coppertone skin and ocean blue eyes.  She loves her hamster and hates soccer.  Heck she even has a hairdo named after her.  She's so special to all of us and we wish her a Happy Birthday.

The Blue Steel pose ripped off from Zoolander!

It's been too long

This is just a quick post to let you know that I have not been shipwrecked or shanghaied. December was a busy month with the usual holiday events and a road trip to The mountains of North Carolina in search of snow. We found some (but not much). January has Vic returning to sailing and Kat in soccer. I've been battling the flu for two weeks but should be in the clear now. Next week we head to Jimmy Buffett in order to renew our membership to Margaritaville. More posts to come. Happy new year everyone!

Mother Ocean Herald Article

Well my favorite little marine consignment shop in the Keys has finally made it big.  Check out the article from the Miami Herald.   http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/18/v-print/2508413/ahoy-bargain-hunters-marine-consignment.html  In case you were wondering I was the consignee who ok'd selling the model brigantine sailboat for $60.  After 20 years in Miami I finally made into the Herald (sorta!)  I actually found out about the article after delivering a new load of items to Reuven yesterday.  Stop by and ask about the salt n pepper shakers or large brass portholes.   Very cool stuff.  Best wishes to Lysa and Reuven. 

The Story of Burdines - Seth Bramson

http://www.miamiherald.com/video/index.html?media_id=120576751

Mr. Bramson was one of my favorite professors from St. Thomas University.  He was recently interviewed by the Miami Herald about his latest book.  Burdines was a South Florida icon.  I'll never forget my mother-in-law pronouncing it "Bur-Dee-Ness" with the thickest Cuban accent.

Mother Ocean Marine Consignment - Update

Like Hannibal Smith said... "I love it when a plan comes together!"  I received this week my first return on investment from Mother Ocean.  My oldest daughter even said "High five dude... and you owe me $30 dollars."  Ok we're not talking about four digit figures but it's enough to keep my interests moving forward.  Certainly a first installment towards next summer's adventure (or even a down payment on a sailboat I have my eye on).  With the cooler weather comes garage sales and the buys have been really good.  My next consignment will include several wooden model sailboats, a tandem kayak and a turn-of-the-century ship lamp.  My best score was a set of bronze ship portholes (rectangular and round) plus various teak blocks & tackle.  I cleaned up several of the bronze pieces and have been varnishing the teak wood.  Check back in a few days for pictures.  And yes Vic... you'll get your cut!

Perfect Day

Great little video from the Miami Herald.

http://www.miamiherald.com/video/index.html?media_id=119036751

Happy Birthday to My Sister

Happy Birthday Lisette!  You were here recently and we had a great time catching up.  I was not able to call you yesterday being that it was Halloween (and crazy).  It's always been an issue but there's hope.  Senator Rob Kane (R) from CT has proposed changing Halloween from the 31st to the last Saturday in October.  I say yes! We love you and wish you many more birthdays.

And no that's not me sitting in the chair.  That's my older brother Ed. Good looks run in the Moore blood!