Early August remained hot while we continued our boat chores and relaxing by the pool at Solomon's Harbor Marina. On August 10, we celebrated Jim's birthday with a surprise party of yummy appetizers from Woodburn's during cocktail hour. He got some great cards and gifts from Terry, Alex & Stacy, Craig & Lisa, Charlie, George & Jackie, Joe & Julie, Jim & Kathy, and Stephan & Laurie. Later on the boat, I served him a no-crust coconut pie that was delicious, if I do say so, as our oven usually runs hotter than expected.

Around mid August, we planned to cruise over to the eastern shore to visit several villages; however, the wind kicked up and after waiting for over a week, we decided not to go and do it next year on our way north. Terry invited us to join him for drinks at the Solomons Island Yacht Club several times; we really enjoyed our visits there.

On August 21, we pried ourselves away from A-Dock as the winds had died down and headed south with a stop in Deltaville, VA. On Saturday, August 23, we arrived back at Waterside Marina in Norfolk. The forecast called for East winds 10-25 knots with waves 1'-2'; however, south of the York River, the waves were 2'-3' on our beam!

On Monday, August 25, my sister, Jane, flew in from West Palm Beach to spend a week with us. Alex was enthralled with her purse and was thrilled with all the attention and affection she gave him. Jane reminded me that I had not posted a picture of him in several months, so here he is on the settee in the salon.

On Tuesday, August 26, Jane and I took the Elizabeth River Ferry across to Portsmouth. Our first stop was the Fresnel Lens right by the ferry dock. Unfortunately, the picture does not capture the incredible beauty and size of the light. It was used in 1896 as part of the Hog Island Light on the Eastern Shore and is one the largest and brightest of its kind. It stands 10' high, weighs 2,500 pounds, and is valued at about $1 million!

We then strolled the city streets using the Olde Towne historical tour map. The architecture of the homes is quite diverse -- Federal, Greek Revival, Colonial, Georgian, and Victorian.

After taking the ferry back to Norfolk, the three of us had dinner at Havana's which Jim and I had enjoyed in June.

On Wednesday, August 27, Jane and I took the free bus to the Chrysler Museum of Art and had lunch in their wonderful restaurant.

On Thursday, August 28, Jane and I toured the Moses Myers House, one of the first brick homes built in Norfolk after the Revolutionary War. Our next stop was the Willoughby-Baylor House built in 1794. This Georgian-style home houses the Norfolk History Museum and has changing exhibits. Before our feet gave out, we walked through MacArthur Center mall. Dinner that night was corned beef and cabbage at Mo & O'Malley's Irish Pub, one of Jim's favorite places in Norfolk.

On Friday, August 29, Jane and I toured the Hunter House, a Victorian Home that houses the belongings of the family including furniture, decorative pieces, quilts, stained glass windows, lighting fixtures, etc.

Jim joined us for lunch at the Pagoda Garden Tea House & Gallery, pictured, which was a gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia from the Provincial Government of Taiwan of the Republic of China in 1989 to celebrate trading ties. The koi pond is the largest on the East Coast!

Since we had to walk past the USS Wisconsin to get back to the boat, Jane decided she wanted to see the warship up close after reading about it on our blog.

At 5 PM, Jim, Jane and I rode the Victory Naval Base Cruise which all of us enjoyed. Even though Jim and I had done this in June, the tour is different as different ships are in port. We went to 456 Fish for dinner and I had the best-ever crab cakes.

On Saturday, August 30, we spend the day on Palmetto Moon relaxing, reading, playing with Alex, and playing backgammon (but that I can't talk about or Jane will never play another game with me). Jane and I walk to The Market and pick up stuff for dinner; I make crab salad. Later in the night, we see fireworks from the flybridge -- the last game of the season for the Baltimore Orioles' farm team.

On August 31, Jane leaves very early, and it is back to chores!