catkaisler, Author at Ches Bay Life

Spring Fever

Spring is in the Air!

Is it just me, or is everyone getting spring fever? Eric and I have been very busy with very little down time for ourselves, lately. There is much to do in the upcoming weeks, and we really need to team up together to get everything finished on our lists. We make a good team as a couple, prioritizing our relationship first!

Spring at Vaux Hall. Large trees by the water. — Spring Fever at Vaux Hall

Spring Fever Gardening

Garden Prep

Spring gardening is right around the corner! I’ve been prepping the garden with bunny poop. I also have two large compost piles that will go in right before tilling. I’m shocked at how much compost just the two of us generate. Every time I look at my compost bin I think of free dirt! Over the course of the winter, I’ll add leaf debris and layer cardboard. There’s always a feeling of accomplishment when you run nutrient rich soil through your fingers knowing you played a part in creating it.

Mittleider

This year I plan on utilizing some of the concepts from the Mittleider gardening method. Mr. Mittleider had a great vision for creating this system. My plan is to use his soil bed ridges to conserve water and his seedling spacing guidelines. You can find his course online. It is worth going over, especially if you want to get more out of your garden. https://growfood.com/

Companion Planting

I’ve also been reading up on companion planting. Last year we got started late and some plants were not well thought out. I’ve realized my cucumbers and tomatoes were competing for soil nutrients being placed too close together. Another mistake was not placing the taller plants towards the rear of the garden. Consequently, some of the smaller plants had to compete for sunlight. My lettuce did quite well with morning shade and afternoon sunlight, so I will utilize that area again this year.

Herbs

Eric and I have been listing the items we love the most to have in the garden. I’m planning to be heavier on items that can be used in teas. Lemon balm, echinacea, thyme will have their place in the sun. I’m also going to try the Chinese herb Jiaogulan. I love trying something new and watching the life cycle. You can pick up these seeds here: https://amzn.to/41Wjgm9 (sponsored link)

Spring Mindfulness

Spring fever leads me to look forward to longer days and warmer weather. We have an area on our porch that I am going to set up as a meditation corner. Make sure you are taking time during the day to spend a few minutes for yourself. Mindful breathing techniques help to calm your nervous system.

I compare my inner dialogue to a sports bar with several televisions all set to different channels. Find what helps you to center your mind and practice on that before moving on to a new method. Meditation takes practice. Just a few minutes a day is all you need to help rejuvenate your mind and body.

I always like to add a crystal or two for my meditations. It helps me to center my mind by focusing on them. I like to use these chakra stones. They help me focus and concentrate by holding them in my palm. http://bit.ly/3ZVm55m (sponsored link)

Find out more on chakras from my friend Jeanettes blog The Chi Addict: https://www.thechiaddict.com/2017/04/07/55/

Ancestry

I signed up on Ancestry.com, and what a fascinating platform. I spend a few minutes a day researching my ancestry. I was able to trace my mother’s maternal side back to the Jamestown settlers and beyond. I’m very excited to visit and hopefully find some more information while I’m there. I have not visited in years, even though I have lived close to the site most of my life. It is also exciting to know that my ancestors landed on the beach at Fort Story right around the corner from our home before moving on to Jamestown.

my Family crest from England — My family crest from England

Ancestry usually has a sign up special. I highly recommend checking it out. Who knows who you will find in your family history! https://www.ancestry.com/

Winter Cold Virus

The cold virus that has been making rounds ended up at our house. I started dosing both of us with up to 8000mg daily of Vitamin C immediately. I try to spread it out over the course of the day so our bodies can absorb all of the nutrients. Eric bounced back quickly in 3 days. I unfortunately did not. On the first day my body was telling me I needed to rest, I pushed myself beyond what my intuition was telling me otherwise. Order Vitamin C here: http://bit.ly/3Js7tF2 (sponsored link)

I have been dealing with respiratory inflammation from Longhaulers. Another reason now to make sure I am at my healthiest with diet, exercise, and supplements!

The Farm

Spring Fever Cleaning

Eric and I are busy working on making the houses on the farm habitable. Eric has done a fabulous job of decorating with period pieces. Its coming together beautifully. I’ve been focusing on pulling together bedding and kitchenware. And scubbing. Lots and lots of scrubbing. We are going green by using the Shaklee household cleaning products, which are biodegradable. We will be utilizing their handsoap, dishsoap, and laundry detergent products, as well. Some of these homes have been vacant for 20 plus years, and there was an unhealthy build up of bug feces and debris. These products cut right through it. I was using a girlfriend’s Shaklee product at the time, and I was really impressed. I personally think they are fantastic! Try them yourself and see! Browse their catalog here: https://us.shaklee.com/search/?text=clean (sponsored link)

The property continues to turn up surprise treasures! My goal this past week was to clean out the trash in all of the closets and wipe them down. One closet yielded a motherload of old documents and what we believe is the mirror to a particular story tied to the main home. The story, as local legends tell, says John Revell lost the estate in a poker game to William Moore III. William Moore III is said to have cheated by looking into a mirror that was hanging above the fireplace in the dining room. If I am correct, mirrors back in the early to mid-1800’s were not particularly large. Mirrors during that age were the ultimate status symbol. Displaying a mirror was a mark of refinement, power, wealth, and self-confidence.

possible Legendary Mirror of Vaux Hall — Possible Mirror from poker game

The Moore family is still on the property to this day, in a family plot just outside the rear of the kitchen.

Family burial plot of Moore family on Vaux Hall, Melfa VA — Family plot on Vaux Hall, Melfa, VA

Barn Cats

Our first animals are coming to the farm! We are introducing barn cats. We have quite the population of mice and varmints, so I reached out to Norfolk SPCA to be on the lookout for a bonded pair. Lo and behold, a pair came in! I want to be proactive and get ahead of the rodent’s spring fever, as well.

Since doing research, I’ve found it’s better to introduce barn cats in groups of four or more, so that’s what we will be doing. To integrate, the cats must be kept in crates for two plus weeks to become accustomed to their new home.

The Norfolk SPCA is driving their van over with all the cats to help us get them situated in one of the barns. Eric and I have made several friends with neighbors, so we’re looking to hire a neighboring teenager to help during the weekdays. We are grateful to the Norfolk SPCA for their help in acclimating the cats to their new home. If you are looking for a new addition to your family, check out the SPCA: https://norfolkspca.com/

Rosie, black feral cat of Vaux Hall — Rosie is one of the feral cats from Norfolk SPCS

I plan on posting head shots and bios of each cat for guests to read. We found a dinner bell on the farm, so I plan on using that to call them to dinner each evening. What a sight it will be to see the whole colony respond to the bell for dinner!

Gigi, a black and white feral cat from Norfolk spca — Gigi, a feral cat

These are beautiful cats, and I look forward to seeing them prowling around the farm!

Our Vessel

We currently have our Hatteras for sale with Bluewater Yachts. It has been great fun to entertain on, but we are now looking for something smaller and faster to travel from one side of the bay to the other! Check out the Hatteras, it could be YOUR new favorite vessel! Call Scott James for a private tour 757-570-3944. Check out the listing! http://bit.ly/41WKkSn

Spring Fever, Spring Forward!

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward on March 12! Spring is always one of my favorite seasons. This time of year definitely sets my spring fever on fire! It is the rebirth of the land and our souls.

We look forward to seeing all our friends, and making new ones, on the beach or at sea!

Before you get on the water in your vessel this season, make sure you’re up to date on all your safety equipment. Accidents happen and the weather can change quickly! Don’t wait until an emergency to figure out where your equipment is stored!

See you on the water…

Happy Spring and Bon Voyage!

New Year Resolutions

Happy 2023 everyone! Like most folks, Eric and I are looking forward to the upcoming year. We have a lot planned and quite a bit already in the works. I started with some New Year Resolutions, most of which are healthier lifestyle choices. I have gained a few pounds, and I’m more than ready to shed them. I have an entire wardrobe I cannot wear and refuse to donate any of it!

I have started the New Year by declaring sobriety! My love for wine has now started showing up on my waistline. It is quite easy to start with an afternoon cocktail, have one or two with dinner, then finish with another at home. With our lifestyle of dining out, this has taken its toll on the scale.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages — Non-alcoholic beverages in Costa Rica

Dessert

If you have known me for some time, you will know that cake is my favorite food group. Life is too short not to eat dessert first! This also includes pie, cinnamon rolls, chocolate (in any form), ice cream, and anything else that may come to mind. Since we are blessed with many chef-owned restaurants in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, the dessert choices are many.

Physical Exercise

Another New Year resolution is to start working out again. I used to workout diligently but tapered off in the last few years until it has become non-existent. Now that I am older, it is even more important to make sure I am at my healthiest with weight bearing exercises. With so much weight gained, I’ve had to ease back into it.

The daily routine involves slow stretching, then focusing on the core abdominal muscles and arms, then burning out the last 15 minutes on the vertical climber. I also signed up at a local yoga studio. That has been on my to-do list for some time. I have yet to go to a class, but I will update on that experience! I have never practiced yoga, so this will be a first for me.

Meditation

Also on my list is meditation. Gandhi’s quote about meditation is so true that it has become famous! He says, “I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” http://bit.ly/3XrdFBA. Meditation strengthens focus and gives us more energy. When the mind is calm, energy flows better and more efficiently. I have not been diligent with my meditation practice, and I can feel it in my everyday life. Add Mantra Meditation to your practice with this Hum Prayer Bead Pendant: https://www.spiritmagicka.net/products/hum-prayer-bead-pendant?ref=CATKAISLER

Cleansing

Lastly, I have started the new year with an internal cleanse. I have found cleansing stabilizes my blood sugar, decreases sugar cravings, and renews my energy. This go around I am trying the Shaklee 7 Day Cleanse. My friend Kristen introduced me to Shaklee products last year. I know several ladies who have been using these products for over 20 years, and to me, such a long commitment speaks volumes about the company.

Supplements

Shaklee supplements are tailored to each individual by taking an online assessment. I recently had routine bloodwork taken and was able to update my information into a new assessment. I was surprised to see how much my supplement plan changed from last year!

I have to admit I consider myself a supplement junkie. I have three cabinets spaces crammed full of various bottles, with a fourth cabinet started. After researching Shaklee, I am going to purge all of my old supplements from my cabinets!

For those of you who do not know about the company, Dr. Shaklee started his business in 1915 by creating the first multi-vitamin in the United States. Through the years, the company has created many more, highly superior products, with 70 patents/pending and over 110 published clinical studies established. They are also the very first company in the world to be certified as carbon neutral!

Just four days into the cleanse, I saw a huge difference! Swelling had decreased immensely under my eyes, and I have noticed my overall skin tone has vastly improved. I even stopped wearing makeup because I felt it wasn’t necessary. If you would like to take the Shaklee Meology supplement assessment, click on this link: https://us.shaklee.com/Nutrition/Essential-Nutrition/Meology/c/Meology?sponsorId=sALqYKqP%2F%2FM6bXsftLTb%2Fg%3D%3D&pwsName=catk

Age

I’m not ashamed to admit that I am in my 50’s, although I really don’t feel ANY age. I watched an interview with Prince many years ago where the interviewer asked him why he never seemed to age. His response was, “I no longer identify with any age.” I took that to be my mantra that very day! I hope you make a New Year resolution to do the same! I was unable to find the video interview, but you can read an article on Princes’ theory here: http://bit.ly/3ZPJ56A

Costa Rica

We traveled to Nosara, Costa Rica for a quick trip at the start of the New Year. We were there for only two days. It was a nice respite from the cold, rainy weather Virginia was experiencing. I made sure to make my way into the water for a good while and swim in the clean salt water. The warmth of the sun on my skin was very much needed.

The food in Nosara is fresh and fruity. Most literally just picked before serving! I made sure to have a fruit plate every morning for breakfast. A refreshing change from winter vegetables that are in season at home.

Many people from around the world have settled in Nosara, and a walk down any street will tempt you with mouthwatering temptations. This trip yielded us with new dining experiences. We had a late lunch at a French cafe, Cafe Paris, and dinner at a Mexican restaurant, Comal. Most individual restaurants have proprietors representing their home countries. One of our favorites is La Brasa, with three friends from Argentina coming together to bring the flavors of their country to Costa Rica.

Eating Habits

I did not create a New Year Resolution about my eating habits, but because of the timing of my cleanse and the trip to Costa Rica, my eating habits kickstarted themselves towards a friendlier, cleaner diet. I consider myself a healthy eater, but have streamlined it even more so, now. When I look for recipes, they HAVE to be simple and easy. Eating clean does not have to consist of complicated recipes.

I am working towards a more of a plant-based diet. My biggest concern is getting enough protein on a daily basis. Check out my cousins’ blog post on high protein based natural foods. https://vineripenutrition.com/10-delicious-plant-based-protein-recipes/. She is a certified nutritionist if you are looking for help in this area of your life.

I also invested in a steamer. https://amzn.to/3J1CgbP (sponsored link) It’s very easy to steam vegetables and potatoes, then drizzle with a high-quality olive or avocado oil, add a sprinkle of Himalayan Sea Salt and pepper.

Smoothies are a morning staple in our kitchen. My oldest sone bought me a NutriBullet several years ago for Christmas, and this has been one of the best gifts I’ve ever received! It is used daily! I have had the chance to use other smoothie machines, and the Nutribullet is by far the best! If you are interested in purchasing one, definitely go for the powerful 1200 watt motor: https://amzn.to/3XZd4XT (sponsored link). You’ll thank yourself for doing so!

New Habits Anytime

I hope that you might have found some inspiration to start some New Year Resolutions, yourself. It is never too late to make a fresh start, no matter what time of the year!

Life in Virginia Beach and Eastern Shore

Welcome to Ches Bay Life!

About Cat and Eric

Our life is centered around the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We believe life is a daily adventure, which is a wonderful mindset and a great relationship builder!

I’m Catherine, better known as Cat. I was born in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Our family decided to stay and call the Hampton Roads region home. Eric is also from a military family. His family eventually settled in the area once his father retired.

Our Virginia Beach Home

Our primary home is in Virginia Beach along Shore Drive, which sits directly on the Chesapeake Bay. The area is a group of several beaches, Chesapeake Beach (Chicks Beach), Baylake Beach, and Sylvan Beach, but to visitors it is known as Chicks Beach.

Life here is very relaxed. Neighbors convene on the beach during good weather to watch sunsets while dining on hors d’oeuvres, sipping wine, strumming guitars, and watching children and dogs play in the tide pools. During cooler weather, you’ll find neighbors gathering over firepits on driveways or having chowder contests in garages.

Neighborhoods along the Shore drive corridor have active civic leagues. Parades, oyster roasts, visits with Santa are seasonal activities. Street medians are delightfully decorated for the various holidays.

Yards are not landscaped, instead left to nature to provide and grow local fauna. Live oaks are prevalent and loved by young and old, alike. Although we live along the coast, palm trees are not prevalent due to the region’s northern proximity.

First Landing State Park

We are streets away from First Landing State Park, with miles of walking and biking trails, campgrounds, and pristine beaches. Connected to First Landing state Park is Fort Story, a military base operated by the Navy, and Cape Henry, the site where Jamestown settlers first landed in the New World on April 27, 1607. Two lighthouses stand at Cape Henry, acting as guardians to the Chesapeake Bay. Shore Drive is the corridor that leads to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A lovely drive through the state forest and down through the resorts main strip and back in our 1999 Mazda Miata M6 convertible is a delightful time.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel is the only direct connection between our home in Virginia Beach and US 13, the main north-south highway on Virginias Eastern Shore. The Bay Bridge Tunnel is an engineering marvel of 20 miles from toll plaza to toll plaza. Northbound construction began on September 7, 1960 and opened to traffic on April 15, 1964. Southbound construction began June 16, 1995 and opened to traffic on April 19, 1999. Construction features include 12 miles of low-level trestles, 2 one-mile-long tunnels, 2 bridges, 2 miles on causeway, 4 manmade islands, and 5 ½ miles of approach roads. It takes approximately 25 minutes to cross the bridge. We love our commute across the bay, whether by car or boat.

Our Eastern Shore Home

Our secondary home is in Melfa, on the bayside of the Delmarva Peninsula known as Virginias Eastern Shore. The Virginia side of the Eastern Shore is a 70-mile, fertile peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, with a “Bayside” and a “Seaside’.

The Eastern Shore is unique with an irresistible charm. Seaside towns offer an afternoon of walking old fashioned main streets lined with charming, historic homes, quaint shops, and small marinas all with a wonderful change of pace. Fishing and crabbing boats line marinas, alongside visiting personal pleasure craft.

Visitors utilize golf carts as a main mode of transportation throughout main fares and side streets. You’ll find an occasional owner-occupied Bed and Breakfast holding court with the trendier Air B-N-B’s. Downtowns are rich with antique stores, cafes, small artisan shops. Holidays invoke memories of a bygone era, with streets lined with lights and yesteryear parades. The Shore is also home to the longest stretch of wild coastline remaining on the entire eastern seaboard.

Eastern Shore Farming Industries

The seafood industry is one of the oldest industries here. Generations of weathered watermen provide for their families by aquaculture. Seafood packing, oyster shucking, and crab picking houses prosper, giving life by way of work for residents, towns enjoy a healthy economy. Clam aquaculture, or water farming, is a multi-million-dollar industry, with several multi- generational employers lining the seaside from north to south.

The mild climate of the area allows for bountiful crops and a second sowing of plants throughout the season. Although soybeans and corn are produced on greater acreage, potatoes are the largest vegetable crop. No doubt you’ll pass acres of cotton on Route 13, the major highway that runs down the peninsula, any quick turn off the highway will have you driving by fields of tomatoes or other vegetables picked by seasonal workers. Small, family-owned farms are often visited by local restaurateurs for the freshest pick of the day.

Our land is currently leased and farmed for livestock corn, soybeans, and rotated with winter wheat. We have several miles of water frontage, with two docks and a third planned.

Recreation

Living on the Chesapeake Bay gives way to great recreation. We spend as much time as possible on the water, boating with friends and family. During permissible weather, you’ll find us going to one of the various waterfront restaurants by boat, catching a fabulous sunset, dolphin watching or cruising to a marina for the weekend. We have recently decided to start visiting out of the way marinas in small towns.

Fishing is a year-round event in Hampton Roads, with anglers vying for Rockfish, Speckled Trout, Spot, Croaker, and Drumfish. Blue Crabs are a specialty, which I am hoping to have a few pots to set on the farm. There is nothing better, in my opinion, than a jumbo lump crabcake!

Our Current Vessel

Our current vessel is a Hatteras M60 2020. It’s fantastic to cruise the Chesapeake Bay from Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore. https://bluewateryachtsales.com/inventory/yachts-for-sale/hatteras-m60-2020/2793313/ This is a fantastic yacht. It’s loaded with options, and it’s simple enough for the two of us to handle without having to hire crew. I love the open, elegant interior with the Full Beam Master Suite. It is truly a fantastic vessel to entertain friends and family on. We still need to find the time to learn how to use the yacht controller!

We hope you will check back on us, many adventures await, and we certainly hope you will be here to follow along! Maybe our travels can inspire you to visit an area we write about! Many cheers to the New Year of 2023 and Anchors Away!!