Grayson's First Birthday - Newport, R.I.

Grayson's first birthday brings smiles to anyone looking at the pictures. We lived in RI at the top of a hill with a great view of the bay. I miss the clam chowder but don't miss the COLD. We just saw a cold snap in the Eastern United States this week. Upstate New York saw -10 degrees. In Florida we dropped to the 50's....Brrrr. Take a look at the pictures below...

Seaworld - Orlando - JAN 11th, 2009

January 10th was a great day for the Chatt family. We made the 1.75 hr journey from Anna Maria Island to Orlando and stayed in a hotel just of International drive. The hotel appeared to be set up as a time share but they were definitely selling it as real estate and it appeared as though they were using the rental business to help slow sales. The resort was a great concept, 2 and 3 bedroom villa's with elevators and a small resort hub outfitted with bar and swimming pool. We called for Orlando resorts and they were all sold out for SAT evening. Not one room available under $350. Who says we are in a recession? Anyways for a two bedroom large suite it was $120. At least that is what Jennifer told me...?

After a nice sleep on SAT we braved Orlando and hit the Denny's just across the street from Sea World. The research on where we stayed was great. We could have walked to SeaWorld from our resort. It was very close. Good job goes to Jennifer.

Our first show was Shamu which was good. All the normal stuff you would expect. Lots of jumping, lots of splashing, Grayson had a grand time. The task master put us on a strict schedule to immediately go see the dolphin show which was spectacular. Dolphins flying everywhere with divers jumping into the water from 30' up!

Jennifer and Grayson went on the water ride at Journey to Atlantis. See the below video. I was unable to go due to bags we carried but they seemed to have a good time and did not get too wet. Then to the penguin encounter which seemed to be Grayson's favorite. We then hit the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. On to a modified tea cup ride, on to the sea lion show which was good for small children and good comedy. On to the childrens area where Grayson ran like a crazy boy does in a HUGE net jungle gym the size of half a football field. Oops, go back a few rides, we had lunch which was more like a thanksgiving feast for $35. Barbecue Chicken, pizza, and Chicken Parmesan at a dining hall called, Voyagers. I think they dumped the vat of fries on our plates as we all had enough to eat! Last round was on the helicopter ride.

We fed Sharks, walked through a very large aquarium tunnel and lastly on to the Wild Artic where we took a helicopter simulation that was a hard roller coaster ride but was a lot of fun for everyone and after Grayson wanted to go on the helicopter ride a second time.

Lastly one of the last things of all. On the ride home while Grayson and Jennifer slept I was able to listen to the Pittsburgh Steelers kill San Diego on the radio. It took a little work as I had to re-find the football game a few times as I moved through cities but I heard most of the game on the way home. A great day for the Chatt's.

ONE down, ten more to go...Vacation rentals that is

Anyone who knows me (Larry) knows I get bored maybe too quickly. I constantly analyze alot of different things to determine what is the next big opportunity to work on. Well recently it has been to renovate and rent out our duplex on Anna Maria Island. This is our second renovation into a weekly rental on Anna Maria and our first is right across the street. So, lately the Chatt family has not made long distance geographical moves however lots of moves we have. God bless Jennifer...Anyways, officially the West side of our duplex is ready. Through alot of sweat of our own, Mark, and Patti, 131 West White Avenue is open for BUSINESS.

We spent a great deal of time planning the WEST side as it is a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath. A spectacular pool was put in with a 1 ton rock that forms the top of the 5' tropical waterfall as well as a HUGE sun deck that is 3" under water with 4 jets that pop up out of the pool surface to create hours of toddler fun. Lastly, we have seating for more than 30 outside in 20X40' screened in enclosures so that the outdoor living is maximized. XBOX, Tv's with DVD's, Plasma, Granite, Stainless Steel, I think we have it all. We have made the rental prices very aggressive which has helped to already book out most of the season. Not to worry, late January and earl February are still available.

Of course 131 West and once 131 East which is scheduled to be complete FEB1st will be on the fabulous Island Real Estate Vacation Rental website. Click the direct link to more information about 131 W White avenue, Anna Maria, FL vacation rental. Take a look at some of the pictures - lots of work, not for the faint of heart but once complete it helps make it all worth while.

So there you have it, getting 131 W White avenue renovated has taken about 50% of my spare time. The other 50%? New office on Pine avenue, gutted everything but the kitchen of a 3 bedroom canal home, and getting 131 E White Avenue ready, oh yah...we are moving in 1.5 weeks.

Every year or so its good to clean out the pipes in the mind and take on 4X the amount that you "think" you can take on. It redefine's your "busy" periods. But, this is the last time I do all this at once! Of course a few close pessimistic people at Island Real Estate and close friends say, this wont be the last....you have about 10 more left in you....Nope, its my NEW YEAR's resolution to relax more with friends and family. A very noble and necessary cause and since it's my New Year's resolution it's a done deal to happen...right? RIGHT?

If you are looking for a pet friendly property then check out our vacation rental just across the street at 120 White Avenue. Anna Maria Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals Homes

Bristol Rhode Island, Rico, Sunrise, and 4th of July

Well, it appears the day has arrived. They have announced that the plant in Bristol, RI will be closing in February. It is a sad day for many in Bristol. While I cannot say that my time in Bristol, RI were the best years of my life I created some friendships that will last a lifetime. Sharing blood, sweat, and at times, tears of fear and tears of joy will do that to a person. I will never forget what the people of Bristol sacrificed for PCC and my short two years finally became unbearable. Many have endured 10-20-30 and more years at Rico. WOW. Plenty of bad changes and not many good ones. The history of Rico is a case study of how not to run a business. I remember my first month all too well. Arrived to zero formal manufacturing leadership at the plant. Several folks stepped up to help and make sure the plant continued to run. Let go the scheduler almost immediately and promoted several good people that were passionate about keeping the plant open. Did I mention a surprise OSHA inspection with 100's of infractions? Alot of great people that I miss and feel for. Terrible but it is the future of American Manufacturing.

Our first three months we spent in a Winter Rental in Newport, RI which had fabulous views of the ocean. The below video shows the view from our second floor rental. If you listen carefully you can hear Grayson crying in the background.

Did I mention that Bristol, RI has the oldest 4th of July parade on record. So believe me Bristol knows how to throw a parade. The streets are even lined with red, white, and blue stripes on the parade route. The city has received special approval for the colors. The small town feel was wonderful with plenty of little restaurants to eat and a fabulous playground that Grayson loved to play in. The clam chowder was to die for and Blount knows how to make great soup! One day we will visit Bristol again on vacation and see all the changes and maybe even shed a tear or two after seeing the Rico plant closed up. I shared alot of laughs with the great people of Rico Bristol. I wish the best for everyone and I hope that the door closed creates bigger and better opportunities for everyone. I know the last 10 years at Rico have not been easy. God Bless...

More Marching Bands than you could shake a stick at!

Ever seen a Blue Fire Truck? Now you have!

New Year's at Chatt Senior, New York

Another New Year and unfortunately we did not make the family meeting at Chatt seniors in New York. Although we did not make it we were able to talk with Mary Jo regarding the festivities. Here are some pictures from MChatt. Although we did not see the snow ourselves there are plenty of pictures. The big news - MChatt (Dad) did not fall asleep after dinner, seems as though Molly has taken over that tradition.

Dads new shed, covered in snow.

Jackson and Sydney...everyone is growing up!

Jackson and Julia....

HAPPY NEW YEAR - BEST WISHES FOR 2009!