The Sounds Lou Parisi

The Beaches Newcomer's Club found talented Lou Parisi playing Leigh Cort's grand piano for a few of the guests. While others mingled on the verandah, music drifted out of the windows to lure everyone into the living room while Lou entertained with his easy, sophisticated style.

Sharing his time between Ponte Vedra and Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Lou's fabulous repertoire of tunes ranges from Jimmy Buffett and Andrew Lloyd Weber to Gershwin or The Beach Boys. His voice is versatile - and sexier than most of the local musicians in the NE Florida region. The Newcomers, Kathryn Hoza, and Marilyn were entranced.

Here's hoping Lou finds that the Beaches becomes his permanent home!

(More on Leigh at http://www.leighcortpublicity.com/)

Pinkies Up!

TEA TIME!

A friend of a friend of a friend.....that's how it all started!

Pam Seibert's friend, Paula Besselink, wanted to share with us her new found interest in all natural teas, so Pam hosted a Tea Tasting.

Paula educated us on the variety of teas and their nutritional value, as we sat in the 'parlor' nibbling on radish and cucumber finger sandwiches and sipping from a nostalgic array of tea cups.

Paula said tea is loaded with antioxidants which fight cancer and aging, and tea can aid in digestion, increase metabolism and help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The Rooibos, Hawaiian and Herbal teas are caffeine free and all of the specialty blends contain Rooibos, which has a much higher antioxidant content than green tea! If you like your tea sweetened, our “Best of the Bees” honey is for you.

Most of us were already tea lovers and now we are convinced of the benefit along with the enjoyment. I have to admit, I have advanced from microwaving a tea bag in a cup of water to the more natural and tasty loose leaf teas seeped in the Magic Tea Maker, all available through Paula's company, LifeTea. http://www.paulaslifetea.com/.

Yet another great reason to get together with friends and new acquaintances. More information on the tea can be found on her website or email Paula at info@paulaslifetea.com.

Pinkies Up!

Crazy Fish Kayaking

The wind didn't blow this day away and it was Ships Ahoy at 10AM at Crazy Fish Kayak last Friday.

A group of 12 women, including me, from the Beaches Newcomers Club, slathered with sunblock and prepared with bottled water and sun visors, took to their kayaks and 'headed upstream with their paddles.' A gloriously warm April day in Jax Beach and the calmly rippling waters of the intracoastal were all we needed to continue our adventure.

Crazy Fish Kayak is located on the backside of the marina on Beach Boulevard (before crossing the bridge and across the waterway from Billy's Boat House) in the old marine patrol building at 2510 2nd Avenue North. Josh Schrutt is the owner of the business. Crazy Fish is about food and watersports and besides the hot menu there's Italian Ice and gelato, snacks, and beer and wine. Josh also has many subcontractors who will teach water sports of all types, will do fishing charters, and he sells limited gear such as life vests. It's a little hard to find, but worth it when you get there.

Josh had our colorful kayaks laid out and ready for us when we arrived. After selecting the color and style of our kayak, we loaded our day's necessities into the 'dry storage bin,' and carefully stepped aboard. Slowly, Josh nudged each of us into the awaiting waters of the intracoastal. With our paddles in hand, we quickly found our balance and the paddling began.

With the tide as our timekeeper and Maureen and Marie as our guides, we began paddling under the bridge and around the wetlands within a mile from the marina. With many of us first-timers, we stayed close to home this time -- but once we embarked, we entered another world of calm and relaxation. Going with the flow, we alternated paddling to keep up with the group and then relaxing and letting the tide take us along the marshes and into the homes of the birds, snakes, and alligators. (ok - we only saw birds this time)

The time went by quickly and as the current turned against us, we headed back to safe harbor, a little tired and a lot hungry. Fortunately, there was a table with an umbrella to shield us from the sun as we enjoyed the fresh catch of the day in the little restaurant at Crazy Fish as we overlooked the quiet marina.

We all agreed, it was the perfect end to a perfect day!

Bon Voyage - til next time!

(Side note: our fearless guides Maureen and Marie are now working at Crazy Fish doing guided tours!)