Kenny Chesney's new album is due out April 30th.
One of the new songs is already out, "Lindy", which talks about a St John local he knew in 2006.
Here is some info from a recent private party on the new album from Country Countdown's website.
The arrangements, the melodies, the instrumentation the singing on the album all reflect Kenny’s longtime association with the Virgin Islands, the lifestyle there, and the people he’s met while living there. The next song on the album was inspired by one of those people, a man named Lindy. “I wrote this song in 2006. I wrote it without a timetable, no expectations, no boundaries, no formula or format. When I wrote it, I never envisioned playing them. ‘Lindy’ is another brush stroke in my life. I never had a conversation with Lindy. But you could tell when you looked in his eyes, he was a good person. The thing I loved about him was he loved music. I was walking past a church one day, looked in, and Lindy was playing piano. I didn’t know he could play piano. Even though he lived a different life from me, we had a lot in common.”
There is more info on Lindy found here on the On St John Blog: First Article, Second Article.
Another song is "Happy on the Hey Now", which was written for an icon in St John who worked at Woody's and La Tapa restaraunts, who died before her time at 35.
The last song on the album obviously was the most important one for Kenny. It’s a song he wrote called “Happy On The Hey Now.” As Kenny explained, “The Hey Now is a boat. We had a lot of fun on it. This song is grounded in ways I didn’t see coming. Kristi was part of a circle of friends that defined my life. She didn’t care who I was or what I did. Kristi was good at life. She died before her time. I wasn’t going to put this song on the album, because it’s so personal. This song made me rethink everything. I love what I do, and I’m happiest when I’m on stage. But these songs started to push me towards an artistic shift. This record was what my soul needed.”
Here is some info on the Hey Now and a picture.
Here is some info on Kristi Hansen and her memorial fund. I never met her, but reading about her, it sounds like she was a special person and lived here for all the same reasons most of us do, full of life, great friends and great times!
Sometimes, I have to pinch myself that I actually live here, and if someone like Kenny Chesney wrote two albums about this place, then you know it is special? His other album, "Be As You Are" was inspirational to us to make the move to live here.
April 30th can't come any sooner!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
St. Thomas International Rolex Regatta
The 40th Annual Rolex Sailing Regatta blew into to town this past weekend!
They have several classes of sail boats with 3 days of racing around the Island of St Thomas and St John. Headquarters for the Regatta is at the St Thomas Yacht Club. Every night they had live entertainment, food and drink.
Friday we headed over to the Yacht Club. They had a large screen going of the recap of that day's races. The bar was great even though they had no diet soda? And there was a BBQ with food for purchase. Out in the water they built a bandstand. They had some really nice chairs out on the beach and was great to take in the video and then listen to the great band Cool Session Brass Band from St John and dance in the sand under the stars! Here is a video.
Saturday we gathered a group together to go out on our boat to watch the regatta up close on the water. We found a spot just off the Wyndham Resort where they had to make a sharp turn. Wind was pretty strong here along with the current and trying to stay in place was a challenge. So off we went to the other side of Pillsbury sound and went in between Little St James to Christmas Cove we were anchored up for the rest of the day!
Saturday proved to be fun, so we ventured out again on Sunday, this time we found a more calm place right off of Thatch Cay. Here is a video of the sailboats making a turn.
The Rolex Regatta was a good time and can't wait for next year! Next event is St Thomas Carnival, end of April.
They have several classes of sail boats with 3 days of racing around the Island of St Thomas and St John. Headquarters for the Regatta is at the St Thomas Yacht Club. Every night they had live entertainment, food and drink.
Friday we headed over to the Yacht Club. They had a large screen going of the recap of that day's races. The bar was great even though they had no diet soda? And there was a BBQ with food for purchase. Out in the water they built a bandstand. They had some really nice chairs out on the beach and was great to take in the video and then listen to the great band Cool Session Brass Band from St John and dance in the sand under the stars! Here is a video.
Saturday we gathered a group together to go out on our boat to watch the regatta up close on the water. We found a spot just off the Wyndham Resort where they had to make a sharp turn. Wind was pretty strong here along with the current and trying to stay in place was a challenge. So off we went to the other side of Pillsbury sound and went in between Little St James to Christmas Cove we were anchored up for the rest of the day!
Saturday proved to be fun, so we ventured out again on Sunday, this time we found a more calm place right off of Thatch Cay. Here is a video of the sailboats making a turn.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
St Patrick's Day in the Virgin Islands
Believe it or not, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated here in St Thomas.
Most of the action takes place down in the Red Hook area with all the bars having their own celebrations with drink and food specials.
We ventured down for our first St Patty's day in the warmth.
Although the weather took a turn for the worse with some much needed rain showers (much needed as it has been very dry this Winter) it was still fun. Most of the action centered around Molly Malone's Irish Bar with live music and a parade that went around the Red Hook center. This certainly was no NYC type of parade by any means. We had one bagpiper!
After visiting we went up to Island Time Pub. Apparently a few minutes before we arrived, the supports gave way to the entire deck sinking three inches! Glen, the owner promptly shut down, much to his dismay as this is one of his biggest nights! Being the kind man he is, he gave us two to-go plates of corned beef since he wasn't going to be able to sell it. We gave the staff $30 to buy some drinks.
Back home to the patio to watch the Bristol 500 and celebrate the rest of the day with our little leprechauns!
St. Patrick's Day in the Virgin Islands is fun as anywhere else, but at least we are warm! We found our pot of gold!
What did you end up doing on your St. Patrick's Day?
Up next, this weekend is the 40th Anniversary of the International Rolex Regatta! We will be out on our boat watching it from the water!
Most of the action takes place down in the Red Hook area with all the bars having their own celebrations with drink and food specials.
We ventured down for our first St Patty's day in the warmth.
Although the weather took a turn for the worse with some much needed rain showers (much needed as it has been very dry this Winter) it was still fun. Most of the action centered around Molly Malone's Irish Bar with live music and a parade that went around the Red Hook center. This certainly was no NYC type of parade by any means. We had one bagpiper!
After visiting we went up to Island Time Pub. Apparently a few minutes before we arrived, the supports gave way to the entire deck sinking three inches! Glen, the owner promptly shut down, much to his dismay as this is one of his biggest nights! Being the kind man he is, he gave us two to-go plates of corned beef since he wasn't going to be able to sell it. We gave the staff $30 to buy some drinks.
Back home to the patio to watch the Bristol 500 and celebrate the rest of the day with our little leprechauns!
St. Patrick's Day in the Virgin Islands is fun as anywhere else, but at least we are warm! We found our pot of gold!
What did you end up doing on your St. Patrick's Day?
Up next, this weekend is the 40th Anniversary of the International Rolex Regatta! We will be out on our boat watching it from the water!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
What To Do in the Virgin Islands Update
I just thought I would post some pictures of our recent weekends with the new dog and taking some friends over to Jost Van Dyke for some painkillers at Soggy Dollar Bar!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
New Shelter Rescue Lab Arrives in St Thomas!
What do you do when you lose your best friend? You find another best friend?
As you may know we lost Bristol about a month ago. We were left with Bo Peep as our only dog, something I haven't experienced since 1999 and one that Shannon hasn't experienced since she met me in 2001. In total we went from 5 Labs to one in a matter of 20 months. Poor Bo Peep was just as devastated as we were with the loss.
We do have a shelter here in St Thomas, and yes we do support the Humane Society here, recently spending over $1500 on their recent Doggie Ball. But, I have always had Labs my whole life. I know there are dogs here that need homes, but I know what I am getting with a Lab. Floppy ears, sense of adventure, swimming, happy go lucky demeanor, loyal and the list goes on.
After about 4 days of losing Bristol, I began to surf the net on Lab rescue groups, Florida, Atlanta and North Carolina (my father lives in Cedar Point, NC). On the first day, I found one in NC that looked intriguing but there was only one picture. I sent an email to get more pictures, but this person works full time and does rescue in her spare time, so it would be a few days. I found another in Atlanta that I thought was going to be a match, but he already got adopted. We debated on adopting two from Florida, but they weren't too keen on the dog going to St Thomas, and by the time I heard from anyone, the dog was adopted.
After about a week, pictures finally came of Duke, a one year old male in NC. I fell in love him as he so much resembled my old Lab, Chuck has passed away 18 months ago. This shelter was a two hour drive from my dad's house and I had asked him to go visit him on a Saturday (can only see the dogs on Sat and Sunday as Joy works Mon-Fri). We watched Duke on our IPad with Facetime. He looked great and good personality! Take him home George! The name of the shelter is Ruf Creek Ranch and you can click on there to see their site.
Well, poor George and his wife Pat. This poor dog had been in shelters and rescue groups for the last 3 months. I guess he was turned in as a stray to a shelter in Raleigh (even though the man who turned him and another yellow in cried when he left?) which is a short time kill shelter. Well, he certainly stirred things up at my Dad's house with his two rescue labs. He wasn't house trained, ate my dad's glasses, ruined a vase, ran rampant and was a little crazy. He was a sweetheart though!
I made my flight reservations on Delta with frequent flier miles to fly in and spend a few days with my dad and the new dog and get him used to a crate for his big flight. I arrived on Wednesday night with him in the back of the 4Runner. He licked my face! That night he slept in the bed with me.
George's house doesn't have a fence, so trying to house train him was an experience. My first morning it was 34 degrees, something I haven't experienced in a while. That morning we loaded up and took Chukar to the vet for his health certificate. Wait a minute, I thought his name was Duke? Well, Joy named him Duke. I had promised Chuck that when he was dying that I was going to get another boy like him and name him Chuck Junior or Chukar. Chukar is a bird, just like a quail, and there are hunts with Labs in California and Nevada. Sorry for that diversion! He checks out at the vet so off to Pet Smart for a crate. Assembled that in the parking lot, in you go Chukar. Now off to Taco Bell (those who know me, I have an addiction).
The rest of my days were spent walking Chukar in the rain, yes whenever I visit George it rains, I am not too sure if it only happens when I am there or is Coastal Carolina always rainy? Also had a nice time with his neighbors and going out dinner and some shopping for supplies at Wal-Mart to bring back here. Triscuits and Salad dressing are two things I focus on. Here in St Thomas, there isn't much of a selection of lite salad dressing not to mention $4.50 a bottle, and triscuits are double the price here.
Sunday, Daytona 500 and getting the crate and paperwork ready for my trip on Monday.
Monday 1:30 AM, I am awake and stressed. Quick shower and off to walk Chukar to see if he will go potty before his big trip. Well, I got a pee out of him. Load the suit cases, walk him again, no poop. 3AM - depart for Wilmington, NC airport. We stopped after an hour for another potty break, got another pee. Getting nervous now that the crate will be filled with poo upon its arrival in St Thomas.
Arrived at the airport at 5AM. Small airport, pulled right up to the door and the gentleman at the check in counter was awesome! Thanks Kyle! He got my suitcase checked in first. Then had me bring in the crate and put it on a trolley. He said to leave it there and come back at 6 AM. Awesome, I can try to get him to poop! So we parked in short term and I took him up to the pet walking area, and he presented me with a great big turd! Relieved again!
6 AM - TSA comes over to inspect the crate and dog. Zip tie him up, he has his tray of ice cubes for drinking water. Kyle closes his line for check in and takes him to be loaded.
I went and boarded, gave the pilot a bag of cookies with a card asking him to make sure he is on board. The flight attendant came back and told he was on. Off for a 1.5 hour flight to Atlanta. Arrive in Atlanta 10 mins late, we still have an hour layover. Board my next plane to St Thomas. Gave the box of cookies to the flight attendant to give to the pilots. The captain came back to my seat and told me he was an animal lover to and that he will ensure that we will not leave without Chukar on board. What a relief! I was watching them load the plane and saw the crate going up the conveyor belt.
3 hour flight now to St Thomas. I had the movie, Lincoln on to distract me. I should have napped instead though, but I was too nervous.
We arrived in St Thomas and parked. As I exited the plane down the outside stairs, I waited by the wing to see Chukar come off. He was the second item out. I could see his black head moving around! Now time to go and meet Shannon in the baggage area. Out comes Chukar and Shannon gets to see him for the first time. We got a porter to help us out to the Toyota. Loaded him up for the 20 minute ride home.
(We do not have an animal quarantine here in the Virgin Islands) Well, one thing went wrong that day. We have curvy and steep roads here. The crate tipped over to a 45 degree angle, the next curve he went back down. Sorry buddy!
Finally we are home, let him out of the crate and into the fenced yard! He went potty right away. He got to meet Bo Peep too!
Yesterday we tried swimming. The first beach we went to was too rough with waves and he was scared of the waves. So I took him to a more calm beach. Still afraid, so I carried him into the water. He swam, but wouldn't come back in. When I got home I carried him into the pool to rinse off and yet again he was afraid of swimming? Hopefully he will get used to it!
So far all is well, he had two pee accidents, but is adjusting well to island life here in St Thomas!
As you may know we lost Bristol about a month ago. We were left with Bo Peep as our only dog, something I haven't experienced since 1999 and one that Shannon hasn't experienced since she met me in 2001. In total we went from 5 Labs to one in a matter of 20 months. Poor Bo Peep was just as devastated as we were with the loss.
We do have a shelter here in St Thomas, and yes we do support the Humane Society here, recently spending over $1500 on their recent Doggie Ball. But, I have always had Labs my whole life. I know there are dogs here that need homes, but I know what I am getting with a Lab. Floppy ears, sense of adventure, swimming, happy go lucky demeanor, loyal and the list goes on.
After about 4 days of losing Bristol, I began to surf the net on Lab rescue groups, Florida, Atlanta and North Carolina (my father lives in Cedar Point, NC). On the first day, I found one in NC that looked intriguing but there was only one picture. I sent an email to get more pictures, but this person works full time and does rescue in her spare time, so it would be a few days. I found another in Atlanta that I thought was going to be a match, but he already got adopted. We debated on adopting two from Florida, but they weren't too keen on the dog going to St Thomas, and by the time I heard from anyone, the dog was adopted.
After about a week, pictures finally came of Duke, a one year old male in NC. I fell in love him as he so much resembled my old Lab, Chuck has passed away 18 months ago. This shelter was a two hour drive from my dad's house and I had asked him to go visit him on a Saturday (can only see the dogs on Sat and Sunday as Joy works Mon-Fri). We watched Duke on our IPad with Facetime. He looked great and good personality! Take him home George! The name of the shelter is Ruf Creek Ranch and you can click on there to see their site.
Well, poor George and his wife Pat. This poor dog had been in shelters and rescue groups for the last 3 months. I guess he was turned in as a stray to a shelter in Raleigh (even though the man who turned him and another yellow in cried when he left?) which is a short time kill shelter. Well, he certainly stirred things up at my Dad's house with his two rescue labs. He wasn't house trained, ate my dad's glasses, ruined a vase, ran rampant and was a little crazy. He was a sweetheart though!
I made my flight reservations on Delta with frequent flier miles to fly in and spend a few days with my dad and the new dog and get him used to a crate for his big flight. I arrived on Wednesday night with him in the back of the 4Runner. He licked my face! That night he slept in the bed with me.
George's house doesn't have a fence, so trying to house train him was an experience. My first morning it was 34 degrees, something I haven't experienced in a while. That morning we loaded up and took Chukar to the vet for his health certificate. Wait a minute, I thought his name was Duke? Well, Joy named him Duke. I had promised Chuck that when he was dying that I was going to get another boy like him and name him Chuck Junior or Chukar. Chukar is a bird, just like a quail, and there are hunts with Labs in California and Nevada. Sorry for that diversion! He checks out at the vet so off to Pet Smart for a crate. Assembled that in the parking lot, in you go Chukar. Now off to Taco Bell (those who know me, I have an addiction).
The rest of my days were spent walking Chukar in the rain, yes whenever I visit George it rains, I am not too sure if it only happens when I am there or is Coastal Carolina always rainy? Also had a nice time with his neighbors and going out dinner and some shopping for supplies at Wal-Mart to bring back here. Triscuits and Salad dressing are two things I focus on. Here in St Thomas, there isn't much of a selection of lite salad dressing not to mention $4.50 a bottle, and triscuits are double the price here.
Sunday, Daytona 500 and getting the crate and paperwork ready for my trip on Monday.
Monday 1:30 AM, I am awake and stressed. Quick shower and off to walk Chukar to see if he will go potty before his big trip. Well, I got a pee out of him. Load the suit cases, walk him again, no poop. 3AM - depart for Wilmington, NC airport. We stopped after an hour for another potty break, got another pee. Getting nervous now that the crate will be filled with poo upon its arrival in St Thomas.
Arrived at the airport at 5AM. Small airport, pulled right up to the door and the gentleman at the check in counter was awesome! Thanks Kyle! He got my suitcase checked in first. Then had me bring in the crate and put it on a trolley. He said to leave it there and come back at 6 AM. Awesome, I can try to get him to poop! So we parked in short term and I took him up to the pet walking area, and he presented me with a great big turd! Relieved again!
6 AM - TSA comes over to inspect the crate and dog. Zip tie him up, he has his tray of ice cubes for drinking water. Kyle closes his line for check in and takes him to be loaded.
I went and boarded, gave the pilot a bag of cookies with a card asking him to make sure he is on board. The flight attendant came back and told he was on. Off for a 1.5 hour flight to Atlanta. Arrive in Atlanta 10 mins late, we still have an hour layover. Board my next plane to St Thomas. Gave the box of cookies to the flight attendant to give to the pilots. The captain came back to my seat and told me he was an animal lover to and that he will ensure that we will not leave without Chukar on board. What a relief! I was watching them load the plane and saw the crate going up the conveyor belt.
3 hour flight now to St Thomas. I had the movie, Lincoln on to distract me. I should have napped instead though, but I was too nervous.
We arrived in St Thomas and parked. As I exited the plane down the outside stairs, I waited by the wing to see Chukar come off. He was the second item out. I could see his black head moving around! Now time to go and meet Shannon in the baggage area. Out comes Chukar and Shannon gets to see him for the first time. We got a porter to help us out to the Toyota. Loaded him up for the 20 minute ride home.
(We do not have an animal quarantine here in the Virgin Islands) Well, one thing went wrong that day. We have curvy and steep roads here. The crate tipped over to a 45 degree angle, the next curve he went back down. Sorry buddy!
Finally we are home, let him out of the crate and into the fenced yard! He went potty right away. He got to meet Bo Peep too!
Yesterday we tried swimming. The first beach we went to was too rough with waves and he was scared of the waves. So I took him to a more calm beach. Still afraid, so I carried him into the water. He swam, but wouldn't come back in. When I got home I carried him into the pool to rinse off and yet again he was afraid of swimming? Hopefully he will get used to it!
So far all is well, he had two pee accidents, but is adjusting well to island life here in St Thomas!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Losing a Best Friend
For the last 3 weeks, our dog, Bristol had been sick. This is one of the two we were left with that made the journey to the Virgin Islands. I got her from the Teton Valley Idaho Humane Society back in 2002 when Shannon and I had just moved in together as Shannon felt left out as she came to me when I had my two boys, Chuck and Blazer. She was 8 months at the time. She fit right in to our home and traveled with us to Reno, Nevada and to here in St Thomas.
After multiple trips to the great Vet we have found here, Dr. Bowden at Imperial Vet, we had narrowed it down to possibly tick fever. She was put on antibiotics, but just wasn't getting better. I was working at a large resort here selling timeshares, but they were getting tired of me calling in sick to take my baby to the vet, so I resigned.
Bristol's condition kept getting worse, so the next step was to test her for Cushing's Disease, which would be that she would be at the vet all day going through tests. Perfect, the last couple of weeks I had been staying at home with her, she will be at the vet and in good care right?
Off I go fishing with a friend. I turn on the phone later in the afternoon to a voicemail from Shannon saying Bristol had died of Aortic Artery Tear. Yes she bled to death internally from a tear in an artery. If there is any good news of this, it could not have been operated on. I got home and was devastated when I saw Shannon.
Since we are on a small island, none of the crematory here will do a cremation. We had to have her sent via a seaplane to St Croix. We will get her box back soon to add to our collection of four other boxes prominently displayed in our dining room credenza.
In order to escape of the pain of hanging around the house, we decided to go out to Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost, what better way to mourn than having some painkillers?
Then the next day you go out on the boat over to St. John with some friends so that our remaining girl, Bo Peep can have some fun with her friend Hana.
And a Sunday Birthday BBQ for Tripp.
After multiple trips to the great Vet we have found here, Dr. Bowden at Imperial Vet, we had narrowed it down to possibly tick fever. She was put on antibiotics, but just wasn't getting better. I was working at a large resort here selling timeshares, but they were getting tired of me calling in sick to take my baby to the vet, so I resigned.
Bristol's condition kept getting worse, so the next step was to test her for Cushing's Disease, which would be that she would be at the vet all day going through tests. Perfect, the last couple of weeks I had been staying at home with her, she will be at the vet and in good care right?
Off I go fishing with a friend. I turn on the phone later in the afternoon to a voicemail from Shannon saying Bristol had died of Aortic Artery Tear. Yes she bled to death internally from a tear in an artery. If there is any good news of this, it could not have been operated on. I got home and was devastated when I saw Shannon.
Since we are on a small island, none of the crematory here will do a cremation. We had to have her sent via a seaplane to St Croix. We will get her box back soon to add to our collection of four other boxes prominently displayed in our dining room credenza.
In order to escape of the pain of hanging around the house, we decided to go out to Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost, what better way to mourn than having some painkillers?
Then the next day you go out on the boat over to St. John with some friends so that our remaining girl, Bo Peep can have some fun with her friend Hana.
And a Sunday Birthday BBQ for Tripp.
We are now on the hunt for another rescue lab to fill our house. It will be an adventure going back to the states and bringing a new lab back to paradise! We have been in touch with Lab Rescue of Florida and Atlanta as either Miami or Atlanta will have direct flights to St Thomas.
Regardless, Bristol, you are deeply missed and you will always have a special spot in our hearts!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Kenny Chesney's New Album, "Life On a Rock"
Country music star Kenny Chesney has a new album coming out in April called Life On a Rock. From what he was quoted in a recent interview, the songs will reflect living on an island.
Funny! A few things here:
1. Kenny Chesney owns two houses on St John (one is for sale).
2. We always say we live on "The Rock" otherwise known as St Thomas.
3. The video for "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem was filmed at Ivan's Stress Free Bar on Jost Van Dyke. The songs inspiration came from a sign in front of One Love Bar on Jost (see picture). 
Here is the link to his interview: interview
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