EASTER 2009 @ SUSAN'S

Easter Sunday 2009 was another beautiful day that the Posse & friends shared together at Susan's house. The weather was awesome, which allowed us to spill out onto the deck & porch, otherwise it would have been elbow to elbow. But it was pretty much that way in the kitchen anyway!! - "...let me get to the fried chicken & where is the ham, etc., etc...." It seems that we gravitate to the kitchen or the bar - why is that??

We stayed late & enjoyed another beautiful Easter together. Sleep came easy for at least one of us. See if you can find that sleepy Posse person.

Queenie Memorial Service

The evening of November 25, 2008 once again found Posse members gathered at Grayton Beach to celebrate. But this time it wasn’t about the sunset or full moon, it was to celebrate the life of our dear departed four legged Jack Russell friend/co-founder of the P.O.E.T.S., Queenie (Poteet). She was the instigator for us gathering for sunsets. The “Queen” insisted that ‘mom & dad’, otherwise know as Peggy & Jim, bring her to the beach every afternoon – didn’t matter about how hot, how cold or if it was pouring rain, she was going to the beach or pace the floor at home, somewhat insistently.

Over the years, our Posse continued to grow – ‘cause we knew Queenie would be bringing Peggy &/or Jim to the beach for sunset and certainly there would be ‘intellectual’ conversation. You know, the likes of Pluto, Socrates and all those dudes. Sure! OK, I think libations had something to do with it!

That evening we gathered to spread her ashes on the beach she loved so much. We gave thanks for all the lives that have gained new meaning, by friendships that have been made and enriched all those countless sunset evenings together, waiting for the day to pass; times sharing our individual journeys with those we have come to love so dearly.

‘The Queen’ has meant more to us than most of us recognize. Our friendships are a tribute to her and times together. R.I.P.

April 2009 - Howl at the Moon

Dana thinks she likes it!

Now I'm sure Susan is telling 'em like it is. She's got the answers.

This group just keeps growing.

Sherrie, A PEACE of what? And Laura are you hiding a puppy under that cloak?

Sally, is that really your third piece of chicken? Um, Um, Good!!

I think somebody needs to bring fried chicken everytime!!

OH ME!! Ya'll need to get a room.

Lots of great smiles! We don't ever have any fun.

It was just a tad chilly, but given the right antifreeze, we'll make it.

Kim says that vessel is pure premium acrylic, that's OK with me. Nothing but the finest!!!

Now something has got to be done or the 'glass police' are going to impound those glasses!

Mike, I thought I told you, No glass on the beach!!! I guess if you are Artist of the Year you have special privileges.

POSSE TAKES ROADTRIP - ATL 3/25-3/27

Somebody had a 'going problem'. So we had to stop.

"Best Butts in Alabama", I've seen better butts than those.

Mauri & Chris' hospitality is superb! We raised 'em up right! There's the proud 'Pops' in the blue shirt (the one with hair), with I'm sure, a contrasting tee shirt, maybe he's even wearing sox. Strange what being in Atlanta will do to you.

Dinner at DOLCE with bowling upstairs, sounds strange. Hey! what can I say? Its Atlanta, where you come to expect strange and know you wont be disappointed.

See that bar behind them? Guess where they are headed!

Of course that's the Artist of the Year & his lovely bride.

They are all so proud of Mikey!!! They'll do anything for a 'show & tell'.

Now this is what I call a 'POSSE'. A real 'love-in'.

See those hands? That's their usual positions!

They are just waiting for lunch to be served.

Every time you see them, they are holding a vessel with some kind of libation.

OK! Where do we go from here? It has been a long day! Hey you! open your eyes.

I know you once were patrons of 'THE HIGH', but that doesn't mean you can take this guy home with you!!

After another hard day, we had to refill the 'batteries'. Check the glasses.

Our flabby necks have never looked better. Who is that big guy up there?

There he is , to object of our attention. Mr. Whale Shark, to you!

POSSE members, Sally & David Smith, Donna Reynolds, Dan Mueller, Sherri & Mike McCarty & Ladie Bea & Wayne Carlisle along with TDC New Product Development Mgr., Vicki Kitahara & friend, David Thomas made a 'mule train' (four wagons) pilgrimage from THE BEACH to Atlanta to participate in a media event for Beaches of South Walton featuring Artist of the Year, Mike McCarty, hosted by the TDC.

That first evening our children, Mauri & Christopher Smith ( Sally & David's son & daughter-in-law, but we claim 'em) hosted a lovely cocktail party at their apartment across the street from our hotel.

After wining & dining, so to speak, with Mauri & Christopher, we walked, in the rain, to DOLCE for dinner. What an interesting concept for a restaurant which features an upscale bowling alley upstairs over the dining room. No that wasn't thunder you heard, it was a strike! We closed down another one and then returned to Twelve, for you guessed it, a nightcap and then it was off to our 'bunk houses'.

The Thursday luncheon, & viewing of many of Mike's paintings, was held at a trendy and fabulous new restaurant, SERPAS. Fifty or so magazine publishers, editors, and writers were assembled to hear the virtues of the Beaches of South Walton and to meet the artist, Mike McCarty, his wife, Sherri and all of their wonderful friends - that would be those of us from So. Walton as well as the McCarty's friends from their years in Atlanta.

After meeting & greeting at SERPAS, the assembled POSSE, which now included Susan Thornton, who had a delayed flight from VPS, rode off to the High Museum of Art, THE HIGH, if you are in the 'in crowd', to get our second dose of culture for the day. I think the Kimosabe is trying to give us new experiences, seeking to broaden our horizons (you know, we come from the Redneck Riveria). The main attraction was the massive display of Chinese Terracotta. No, we are not talking about roof tiles! This exhibit is some of the recently unearthed findings from the two sq. mile tomb area of the First August Emperor of the Qin, King Ying Zheng [ying jung]. This tomb was started in 246 BC and more than 7000 terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots, musicians, artists, animals, etc. have been excavated from some 600 pits. The actual tomb of the king still remains sealed. Over 700,000 convicted criminals helped construct this massive undertaking.

After a couple of hours being 'culturized', we returned to our boutique hotel, Twelve, at Atlantic Station.

Morning came early for some of us, as we prepared for a must see 'point of interest', the Georgia Aquarium. We made our way through the stormy Friday morning rains to the aquarium to be greeted by no less than 10,000 little 'ankle biters', having arrived on countless school buses, dressed in their matching florescent tee shirts, ready for a field trip - away from the drudgery of nursery school, kindergarten, etc. A full 90% of these folks were under eight years of age. OUCH!!! Next time, we'll go at the cocktail hour. Despite the masses of 'them', the whole of the experience was enlightening. The smiley face Beluga whales were my favorite - a close second were the Whale Sharks.

At about noon, four of the weary POSSE, Donna, Dan, Ladie Bea & Wayne, broke & ran, headed for more hospitable climes, Scenic 30-A. Susan followed later in the day on a flight back to VPS, while Sally, David, Sherrie & Mike stayed for more festivities, another cocktail party Friday night and a major wine tasting & art auction on Saturday.

Having successfully traversed the slippery, always under construction, I75/I85 corridor with adverse weather conditions, the first 'stage coach stop' was the Pilot in Newnan, Ga., where cheese crackers & coffee were the best we could do. Then it was back on the trail again, (not so dusty) headed due south. We are headed for the border, that is, the Florida line. But we find a six hour trip a bit much for our tender back-sides (saddle weary), so we must find rest & sustenance in Eufaula, Ala. at the River City Grill. What a delight!!! Good food, service, wine & prices!!

The six o'clock hour found our smiling faces & weary bones back on beautiful rainy Scenic 30-A, glad to be back in our paradise. It doesn't get any better than this!!! We are HOME!!

Really Special Friends - Peggy & Dr. Jim

Whenever Peggy & 'Dr. Jim' are in town, it is cause for celebration. Peggy & Jim have been the 'binder', so to speak, for the group of friends called P.O.E.T.S. Much to our sadness, they sold their lovely home in Grayton Beach and currently are residents of Hunt, Texas, out there on the prairie somewhere. We know they miss all of us so much that they will certainly find themselves a house or maybe a boat back here. Sooner the better as far as we are concerned. So when they were here this spring, Sally & David had the 'obligatory' break bread together event for them at "the new house". Weren't we lucky to be on the short list!!

February 2009 - Howl at the Moon

Dinner's Ready!

Sherri & Ladie Bea love being together at the beach or most anywhere. They are going to have a good time, REGARDLESS!!



Lori, Sandra & Trish say, "You better believe we ARE havin' fun!!!!!!!!!!


Sunset with all these friends is just the BEST!!


Is Harriet really toasting with Hank? Why didn't they include Lori?


Ridge said, "Watch out, here comes Stephen! Let's move the fort. "



Bruce is cookin' those dogs. You have to be quick, Bruce's dogs get gone in a hurry.

This is tail gatin' at its best. Do you think Cynthia might be a Gator fan?


Who is this mystry couple? Hey, he's smilin'.



What is goin' on here!!!???


Hank just loves having beautiful women surrounding him.


Did they really pose for this mug shot?? Sure looks like it to me!


Uncle Jim & Miss Peggy have just returned from somewhere & Sally is lovin' having them back!!


Now this is an astute group, David, Paul & Mike, what could they be talking about?

The Feb. 9th Howl at the Moon gathering was well attended, many new P.O.E.T.S. The comraderie was as good as the food. Friendships get renewed and friendships are made. If you weren't there, hope to see you soon.