Pub Runners and Lee the Blacksmith!

The last few days have been busy. It was the Pub Runner's last weekend on the island and it was the day before my day off. Earlier, work was tough that day but I was able to make all that fudge (we usually have twice as much on the day before my day off - go figure). Then a few of us went to Father Rey's dinner at St. Anne's. It was a small feast but I think he just wanted people to come and have a good time. Played some games afterward - lost to Dave at Pool and lost (purposley) in foosball to Katie.

Steph, Sandy, and Dave enjoying their meal.	Another pic of hungry people.
Heath can go tipsey with those drinks!	Now thats a funny look Father!

 

We then headed to the VI to meet some more people who were having their dinner: Stephanie, Jenny, Marie, Trace, Craig, and more. Father, Katie, and I had dessert - couldn't believe I can still eat after that huge dinner! At least I had my coffee. Then we all slowly headed to the Irish Pub for the party. Katie handed out our special shirts that the Pub Runner's made. I'm glad to be an honorary Pub Runner fan! And of course the nite took off like there was no tomorrow.

The Pub Runners working hard to make everyone happy!	Um Katie, what song were you doing this to?
Don't we just look cute together?	Craig and Paul getting crazy at the back.
Let's get this party started...	Doing the hokey pokey of course!
Half of these people were drunk - I think.	Who loves the Blacksmith?
Oh Jenny I miss you.	Ben as the seventh old lady.
Ben dancing while Trace is showing his pearly whites.	I think we were just getting ridiculous toward the end.
Final pic before we left.

Sunday was my day off. I was glad it was a sunny day. Didn't do much but hung around the island. This was also the last day of the Blacksmith shop being open. So of course I went to visit and next thing you know it, I'm pounding away on a hot metal piece on an anvil! Actually it was a lot of fun working with the hammer and dressing up. You fort people are so lucky!

Trace and I debating what socks will go well with our suspenders.	These coals are hot.
Trying to make a point (literally).	Heating the metal - like this serious look?
"Whistle while we work..."	It's actually easy once you get into it. Right Dave?

 

 

From the Grand, Gate House, and back!

Been busy here on the 'ol Mack Isle. Ballroom dance lessons are going great at Community Hall (every Wednesday nite) and getting an average of 12 to 20 people per lesson. The students who come are picking up Tango, Foxtrot, Swing, and Rhumba very well. I recently taught Samba and Viennese Waltz last Wednesday – that was a doozy. But it seemed they go the samba walks and bota fogas down (just the straight basics of course). Carolyn James and I still go up Friday nights to dance host at the Grand Hotel. Recently some of Peggy's family came up and got a chance to dance too. I think Katilyn wanted a dance badly so she stole me before I got a chance to do the Rhumba with Carolyn.

I tried teaching her Rhumba but I think she just wanted me to spin.	Carolyn looks good dancing the Rhumba, I think.
Katilyn and I just got silly from that point.

 

Last Tuesday was the final square dance of the summer (boohoo). We were very sad, but we still had a good time. Afterwards, we went to the Gate House to celebrate Peggy's 23rd birthday! My sister and I brought her gifts; Carolyn - a music book, Heather - shoes, and myself - wine and Shrek 2. Lots of people came, including Phil and Blake! Later on, the guys from the Grand came down to share the good times and of course, everyone just had fun!

The whole gang came to wish Peg a good one!	Carolyn, Nadia, & Heath.
Gentlemen with their wine & beer.	Steph and Peggy, looking ecstatic.
Peggy and Carolyn looking sophisticated, I think.	Peg and Katie.
Andrew, Alex, Ben, and Ben chill'n. Are you gell'n?	Ladies look'n all smiley (probably the wine).
Ben, Ashley, and Heath caught eating nachos.	We love nachos!
A Kodak moment.	The remaining party before I left for the night.

I got the chance to hang out with some fort folks Wednesday evening at the Pony, and you can see Beaver playing spoons below (yes that IS Beav in those shades). Last night several of us had dinner at the Grand Hotel (thanks to my inside connections) and got the chance to see Jeff Daniels perform at the theater. It was a blast! Jeff looked tired after the show so we gave up on the group silly pose with him. Father Rey stopped by the shop today to get some fudge. I think he was keeping tabs on me since he came in and said "Ah its Lee! I'm glad to see you that you're really working!". Oh Father you!

Steph and Ben Jamming with spoons.	Peg, Katie, and Steph excited for dinner.
Jeff was posing for the paperazzi.	Jefff and I are working together so he can hook me up at LA.
Yes there are more photos in the theater too (like Peg's halo?).	He cracks me up.

Feast of St. Ignatius weekend

It was the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola over the weekend. There was an outdoor picnic at St. Anne's rectory last Monday. There was plenty of food: fresh corn on the cob, Father's interesting stew with meatballs and sausage, fresh fruit, desserts, potatoes, and more. Several of us went swimming afterward. It was quite enjoyable since it was one of the hottest days that weekend. It's been extremely hot and humid over the weekend and a swim was much fitting.

The favorite table at dinner - this is where its all at!	You can see Phil in here.
Another fun loving table!	Jim and Jeremy having a good time.
Jeanette and Father Rey.	This is what happens if you eat too much at the feast...

 

Work has been tough in the last few days; short-handed with help and keeping the guys at work in check. They can sometimes burn candy if they're not watched over carefully. Of course it's summer so hot and humid weather is well expected. Some of us go swimming, while others go to the Square dancing at St. Anne's church. We cooled down at Sinclairs and Gatehouse later that evening. The evening ended with a great thunderstorm show!

It was so hot at work, well I had to tell everybody!	Square dancing at its best.
The front group was pretty loud at the moment.	Steph and Ollie at Sinclair's.