Ocean's Eleven at OBX

Labor Day Weekend 2005 started off with Joey's 30th birthday, hosted by Joey's girlfriend Michelle and William at the estates. Being a Friday night, it was a little tough for those trying to get out of town for the long weekend to make it, but those who did attend were treated to fantastic eats and drinks. I must get that Broccoli Salad recipe from Michelle!

Joe got some nice gifts, mostly booze related (a jug of Captain Morgan, some 1800 tequila...), but the funniest of all was this:



What THE...??? Yes, that's a Donkey Boy pinata... John and I spent a week making that and filled it with some candy, little airline bottles of liquor, and a couple dollar bills (we didn't have time to get lottery tickets). There really wasn't a good place to hang it at William's the night of Joey's party, so we told him to bring it down to the beach.


Our Corolla OBX beach house "Ocean's Eleven"

We had some new folks come down this time -- Joey & Michelle and Mark & Julie. I think they had a good time, so maybe they'll join us again! Saturday, we all arrived at different times. The day was spent figuring out where folks were going to sleep and then some of us went to Stripers to check out the Maryland vs. Navy game. We brought home the ritual Saturday night pizzas for everyone back at the house.

Sunday was mostly spent out on the beach after a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage gravy & biscuits, bacon, fruit salad and juice. We couldn't have asked for better weather, although it was a bit breezy, hindering the amount of volleyball to be played. I also understand there was a strong riptide, but as I rarely go into the ocean beyond my ankles, I couldn't tell you if that was true or not.


Johnny before the burn

Reading, playing volleyball, drinking (beer, cranberry & vodka, bloody marys), sand, sun, ocean -- what more could you ask for on vacation?


3 Bloody Marys and a Screwdriver later...

William, Joey and John chilled out in the hot tub while Michelle did her best not to pass out after drinking a lethal Screwdriver served up in these huge tumblers. William's advice: DRINK LOTS OF WATER! The crew managed to sober up enough to enjoy my famous beef curry, shrimp & pineapple curry, rice, broccoli, zucchini and salad for dinner. I should have brought more rice! In the past, curry night didn't have this much participation, as folks leaving on Monday would go out for dinner on Sunday. Mental note for future trips: bring extra rice.


Little Natalya loves the beach!

After dinner, a few games of pool were played. I'm not sure who took the championship, but the group decided to go upstairs to play some cards. They never made it to the upper level from the lower level, as Kevin had his guitar out and the sing-a-long began... I don't know the name of the song or who sings it, but the "Darlin' Darlin" song was heard quite a number of times. Freddy claims this is the only song everyone knows all the words to. Eric and Kevin took turns playing the guitar and trying to come up with songs to sing. My vote for MVS (most valuable singer) goes to Val, who loves to sing. She sings with all her heart, like no one is listening, simply for the pleasure of it. I envy that.


The Kevin Polen Show - (l to r) Michelle, Joe, Rosa, Kevin, Freddy, Val, Mike

Monday, I woke up to a wonderful surprise as my loving hubby gave me a great card and box of Godiva for my b-day. I also got a present from my mother-in-law to open, which was a matted print of the Currituck Lighthouse (where John proposed) and some delicious smelling orange soap. Kevin and Rosa cooked up some French Toast, bacon and fruit salad - an awesome birthday breakfast. I was sad William left the beach at 5:00 AM to attend the funeral services of an old high school friend's brother, but understood he wanted/needed to be there for Annie as her brother's death was tragic and unexpected.

The red "no swimming" flags went up on Monday, so we mostly hung out by the pool. Some folks went out to explore the area, some had to head home, and we welcomed the arrival of Stacey from Connecticut who we hadn't seen since spring 2004. That evening, most of us headed out to dinner to celebrate my birthday and returned home for some cake and B-52 shots.



We capped off the evening by taking a few swings at the Joe Head. After about 5 hits, the loop used to hold the head to the string we tied to the railing came off. We were able to put it back on, but the head fell to the ground after each hit. There were a few dents in the head and his ears fell off, but no one had really cracked it open yet. I guess John and I made it too strong in some parts and not strong enough in others. After it became impossible to tie it back up, we tried another approach. Being one of the Chumados' strong hitters and as it was Joey's head, after all, we decided to pitch the head to Joe, who broke it open with one smack. Candy and liquor flew all around the pool area and we lost a few dollar bills, but I think everyone enjoyed being able to take a swing at Joe's head.


Michelle takes a crack at the head


Joey smacks it open

Tuesday, Joey & Michelle and Mark & Julie headed home. Marie cooked up her famous spaghetti and we were joined by Mary Beth's sister, Christine, and her husband, Ryan, who were staying nearby. Wednesday, Freddy, Mike, Marie and little Natalya went home and Becky (my mother-in-law) arrived to enjoy the tail end of the week. We had a fabulous dinner at Stripers (I recommend their crabcakes!). Christine and Ryan took Evan and Brady for the night so Mary Beth and Eric could enjoy an evening without the kids. Thursday, Sean, Val, John and I came home while the Falks, Becky and Stacey stayed on. Another fabulous vacation! Can't wait for Memorial Day 2006!