In Loving Memory of Noelle.

Ten years, five months and three weeks seems like such a long time.  It is actually far too brief.  How do you thank such a being for giving 10 million smiles.

While we do have two other wonderful dogs Noelle had that extra something special and her passing is such a void that our hearts seem unable to comprehend the reality of it.  Believe me when I say this post was pared down from the original version.  There was so much more to share about her.

 The first time I saw Noelle was at a flea market where a local shelter had set up a table of information and had several cages of dogs looking for homes.  Her cage said I'm Noelle, and I am about 5.50 years old and me my companions have lost our home.

Recycled sweater by Warm Weenies on Etsy

Cute as button; weighing in at mere fifteen pounds I got to pet her and just as the cage door was about to be closed  she placed her paw on my hand as if we were already familiar with each other. Frankly, it was as if she looked into me. It was a look of yes, I am for you subsequently, I called it "the look." Odd as that may sound, it would later prove to a hint at her amazing intuitive and reasoning abilities.

Noelle quickly showed us she not only knew routines touching her nose to which flower pots needed watering next but, how adaptable she was.  Boat ride? No problem.  She enjoyed sitting right at the  helm.  She practiced walking the gunnel's too.  Long car trips she was game as long as she could put her head out the window. Sun time was her favorite to lay on the hottest surface and simply doze.

Noelle had great will. She suffered two severe spine injuries and worked very hard to learn to walk all over again both times.

Since Noelle had gone to work with one of us for many years she made many friends.  Sometimes a treat or a toy would arrive for her. Well for her and for Lilly shown with her below but Lilly didn't care much for toys.

Lilly and Noelle 2004

We were always curious how she knew what bags were for her. Be it a toy, coat, or some hermetically sealed treats she would cry in delight and wriggle her body into the bag and proceed to remove them. I never caught a photo of that action, she was just too fast!

Lilly and Noelle

 Left to Right: Noelle, Molly and Zoie June, 2012

We had hoped she would pass at home but; instead had to make the painful decision of giving her relief from the cancer which had overtaken her. It seemed so wrong that would be her fate. Noelle had given us so much joy how could we deny the one request she made after letting us know she had had enough.

In Noelle's final hours we took her to the beach one last time. I was so touched she still sought to have me in her line of sight no matter how poor her vision had become and then snuggled with her Papa.

 I whispered the same words to her like I had done every night for over ten years. Telling her how much we and so many loved her and what a good girl she was.

Most of all, what we will remember is when Noelle looked at us it was like her gaze was saying. I am happy I know you, and I know you how much love me and I love you too.

Loving and restful peace to you sweet Noelle. It was a great honor to be your family.


In 2010 I wrote a post about how lucky we were to have found Noelle.
http://beachhouseliving.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day-greetings-you-never.html

Dream Boats and Mega Yachts.

 While I could happily spend my day in an open runabout built to look like an old wood one.

A boat I have admired and sigh each time I pass by it sitting like a gem 

at it's private dock is the San Juan 48.

Once aboard I keep wanting to go back.

The navy blue hull looks like a sapphire on the water. 

Small for a yacht by some standards the lines of the San Juan 48 are crisp and clean.

  Built in limited production they exude superior craftsmanship. 

Definitely a dream boat.

A garage for the tender.

Available with fly bridge too.

Prestige Yachts such as the 550S feature a euro style look

Excluding the swim platform, hull length is 52 ft.

What I like about the interior is it's ceiling, simple.

Skylights in the helm, salon area.

Master stateroom

Galley looking to aft seating.

Sliding rear sun shade.

I would have liked a larger outdoor seating area.

  A completely different feel compared to the San Juan 48.

Of course a Viking yacht such as this 60 ft.doesn't disappoint either.

The Sunseeker 73 Manhattan I was curious.

A former client invited us to visit.

I liked the dual sinks in the main stateroom head.

The one I was aboard had a different layout and 

a glass of wine on the outside deck near sunset was

still a nice treat. I'm still waiting for my actual ride though.

 Care to charter instead?
How about one of these?

Alexandra is 164' mega yacht

Designed with light interior wood and furnishings.

Main bath subtle nautical styling.

Covered outdoor dining with glorious wood decks.

Alexandra is available via Hermes Yachts.

Leander G is 246 ft available from Charterworld.

Features a helicopter pad.

She can house up to 22 passengers and has a crew of 23.

Conduct business from the on board study

Just one of the guest suites

Have brunch on the back deck.

Prefer a sailing yacht? Meet Athena.

Athena is 295 ft. from Charter world.

Last up is Pegasus formerly called Princess Mariana.

Built in Denmark in 2003 she is 258 ft 

featuring six decks.

A helipad that turns into a golf driving range

when the 'copter is out.

Life is rough, not!

Master stateroom

Theatre

Deck 

Nightclub room

Dining

One of the guest cabins

The sea terrace is a drop down side deck

The garage floods with water to take out the tender.

It then converts into a pool filled with sea water when the 

tender is out if you desire.

More toys, six wave runners.

Main salon

I could reside quite happily. 

(The coffee table, couch and chairs aside)

How about you?
 

Swimming Pools

I would like to have a swimming pool someday. How about this one with a great view and a whirlpool feature.
 

This monster pool has water feature.  See the waterfall sides in the photo below.

This is a really a hot tub but I like the waterfall idea not necessarily those rocks though.

Lap pool with small pool combo.

Not sure about the Roman bath look but I like the separation between whirlpool and pool.

Simple and neat would work.

Swim without any sun but still be outside with this lap pool. 

The most plain design and a lap pool.

Which would use choose?