SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

News and Gossip from Around South Walton

The SoWal Scene's Best of South Walton window decals are in! (see one here)  The winners of the popular polls - voted #1 by SoWal Scene readers - will receive one to put front and center on their store front so the world knows we think they rock!  Look for them over the next few weeks.

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Celebrity Sighting!  Olivier and I caught a glimpse of Laurie Hickson-Smith of Discovery Channel's Trading Spaces in the Publix at WaterColor Crossings recently.  She noticed us staring at her and gave us a little smile - I was embarrassed for gawking.  Sorry Laurie!  She was doing some grocery shopping with her kiddos.  Welcome to the beach!

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I bumped into Dave Rauschkolb, owner of that South Walton institution known as Bud and Alley's and The Taco Bar at Seaside, at the Fonville Press at Alys Beach this morning.  He told me he is opening a pizza place in the vacant location where Café Spiaggia used to be in Seaside this October!  He just returned from a research trip in Naples, Italy and plans on offering authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan 'za - YUM!  Right now, the name of the place is "The Pizza Bar" but he is open to possibly naming it something else.  Keep us updated, Dave!

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Speaking of new restaurants, Olivier spoke with fellow chef, Shayne Vaughan - formerly of Criollas Restaurant - and it appears Shayne is opening his place this fall in the space where Fabrice used to be on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach.  Shayne, a native of Australia, is naming the restaurant "A Taste of Oz" in a nod to his heritage.  I wonder if  he will be serving Vegemite and kangaroo steaks?  Just kidding.  Whatever Shayne does serve I'm sure will be outstanding as he is incredibly talented behind the stove.  Keep us posted, Shayne!

Related Posts:

• News from around South Walton - July 24
• Et Cetera - July 14
• Et Cetera - June 30

Et Cetera - July 14

► The Candy Store and So Much More has re-opened in Grayton Corners in Grayton Beach (on the corner of Scenic 30A and Hwy 282) next to Kent LTD.  I stopped in and spoke with owner Joann Roberts' son, Troy, who is helping out while she is recovering from a bout of pneumonia.  For you sugar fiends out there, they sell all kinds of big brand candy priced less than other places around town as well as cotton candy, Sno Cones, ice cream (try to sugar-free, low cal butter pecan), milkshakes, and fudge.  If your sugar rush isn't enough to jump start you, they also sell espresso and espresso drinks. They are open Monday-Saturday, 10am - 6pm.  Phone is 850.231.3212.

► Shayne Vaughan, Executive Chef, has left Criolla's restaurant in Grayton Beach for greener pastures in the land of entrepreneurship - or so I've heard.  What exactly that is I do not know at this time, but I am sure whatever he does, he will do great as he is very talented.  Good luck to you, Shayne!  Keep us posted!

►I was bummed I missed yet another Trivia Night this past Friday at Fonville Press at Alys Beach.  Held on the second Friday of each month, this is a really fun event if you are a trivia buff - wine, food and trivia in a gorgeous outdoor setting - does it get better?  Brian Peterson is the new host of the game and I heard fun was had by all in attendance.  Be sure to check it out next month!

►I was surfin' the 'net recently when I stumbled across a great blog about Panama City Beach (PCB) called PCBdaily.com.  Reading the "About" page, I realized owner/web publisher Jason Koertge and I seemed to be sharing a parallel reality in this blogging thing (how could I have missed his site?) and I immediately sent him an email.  Man, I am thrilled - it's so cool to have found a blogging kindred spirit!  Be sure to check out his blog at www.pcbdaily.com.  Keep updated on Pier Park, the new Bay County International Airport, the PCB real estate market, development in PCB, events - all things Panama City Beach!

►Mike Ragsdale of 30A.com has an awesome new logo (scroll down to the bottom of his web page to view) which he made into a neat vehicle sticker - available for free all around town - so you can show the world you are a proud resident and/or visitor of South Walton and a 30A devotee.  I went to Sundog Books and Central Square Records in Seaside this past weekend to fetch one to put on my ride but they were all out of them!  Other locations you can find them - PJ's Coffee and Planet Smoothie in Redfish Village, Sundog Books & Central Square Records in Seaside, Amavida Coffee, Seagrove Village Market Café, Flip-Flops Grill and WaterColor Workout. More locations coming soon...

Some Videos about South Walton for Your Viewing Pleasure

Courtesy of YouTube.com.  Enjoy!

[ 4th of July 2008 at Bud & Alley's Rooftop Bar in Seaside ]

[ Photography in Seaside ]

[ Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse in Grayton Beach ]

[ The Sounds of Grayton Beach ]

The SoWal Scene Bulletin Board!

Remember to check out the SoWal Scene Bulletin Board! 

Do you have some info you want to share with South Walton?  Something happening at your business?  Trying to raise money?  Forming a new group and you're looking for participants?  Looking for employees?  Lost a pet?  Looking for a service professional?  Email me all the fine details at jill@sowalscene.com. 

Your information will be on the bulletin board for 30 days or until the info in the post expires, whichever comes first.

Et Cetera - June 30

I heard from Stacy Pritchett of Pizza by the Sea this morning - they continue to break new sales records every week at their hip and happenin' pizza place located in WaterColor Crossing.  Voted "Best Pizza in South Walton" by readers here on SoWal Scene, I am not at all surprised.  If you like a kick to your pie, you have to try their Buffalo Chicken Pizza which is one of my favs.  I have heard Stacy and Bryan want to expand which seems totally logical so that they can continue to accommodate all of their new and existing pizza fans, a list that seems to grow by the day!  It is so refreshing to hear of a business that is actually in growth mode, even amidst an economic downturn. Congrats you guys!

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I was invited to an inaugural dinner event hosted by Phil McDonald of Table Five Chef last Thursday evening.  A new concept for Chef McDonald called A Harvest Dinner, every month attendees will dine on a meal featuring the produce of a regional farmer, encouraging an appreciation for seasonal eating.  On Thursday, the Harvest Dinner was held at the charming Seaside, FL home of Leo (Seaside) and Tara Casas.  A group of 20, including Tom Losee (Sun Landscape & Design and YOLO Boards) and his lovely new friend, Dawn, of Buckhead, GA, Mike (30A.com) and Angela Ragsdale, and Lynn Nelson (Kitchen Garden Books & Antiques) dined on grilled squash, zucchini and two types of potatoes and sliced tomatoes grown by Charles and Shueh-Mei Bush of Dragonfly Fields (DeFuniak Springs) as well as grilled snapper and banana pudding.  Participation at future Harvest Dinners will be by reservation only - cost, date and location for the next dinner will be announced soon.  For more information, call 850.496.5066 or email info@tablefivechef.com.

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The Village Boutique is now open at Redfish Village (2050 W. County Highway 30A in Blue Mountain Beach) next to Marla and Shane Photographers. South Walton resident Meredith Sullivan and her mother, Linda, opened the upscale clothing and accessory boutique last month and, although I had to miss the Grand Opening party, I heard they had a great turnout.  They carry labels such as Shin Choi, Custo, AG Jeans, David Kahn and many more.  Boutique hours are Monday-Saturday, 10a.m. to 6p.m.  Phone is 850.267.0319.

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Johnny Rockets, a retro-diner chain, is now open at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.  They make a decent burger (never frozen and hand-pressed) and a tasty milkshake.  I have to admit, I think the Howard Group did a great job with Grand Boulevard.  Yes, it's another outdoor mall but it is a nice change of pace every once in a while and the people watching is always fun.  The only thing they missed was a movie theater.  The original chatter before they started building was that they were going to open another Rave Motion Picture Theater, like the one in Destin, but it never happened.  South Waltoners must make the trek to Destin Commons or Pier Park for a movie but I am sure we will get our own theater at some point.  I am intuitively feeling like Hwy 98, between Sandestin and Hwy 395 is about to explode growth-wise.  What is coming to Grand Boulevard, though, is a $50M 4-star hotel and spa.  I'm dying to find out who the management company for that will be.  It is expected to be completed by 2010.

Et Cetera

Madra McDonald of M Public Relations told me the 2008 International Surfing Day event in Miramar Beach, sponsored by The Panhandle Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, was a smashing success, attracting more than 250 surfing enthusiasts.  Attendees listened to music by Cody Copeland, ate pizza from Woody's (Destin), paddled out into the surf and participated in a silent auction. 

Some in attendance were Bobby Johnson (Beach Properties of Florida), Jack Slattery, Len Pullen (Perpetual Imagination), Mike Sturdivant (BlueMountainSurf.com), Ryan Devore (RYNO & Kidz Beach), Jeff Archer (YOLO), Price Rainer (Beach Properties of Florida), the team at Brah Ha Shop (Gulf Place), Matt & Vanessa Cassidy (Ride On Surf School), Kevin Faoutas (Aqua Surf Shop), Jake Meyer (I Will Design For Food), Stefanie Carpenter (St. Joe), Justin Gaffrey (Gaffrey Art), Christian Wagley (Alys Beach), Donnie Sundal, Em Wood (WaterColor Resort),   Phillip McDonald (Table Five), Bob Brown (Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Romona Robbins (Romona’s Photography), Shane Reynolds (Color Earth Productions),  Clint Brown (Skymo Images) and Vince Walker (Destin Health & Fitness Club).

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Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel was broadcasting live from Alys Beach last night!  I caught one segment at around 8pm (watch video).  It is Hurricane Awareness Week and they were talking about the homes at Alys Beach which are all  built to Fortified…For Safer Living® construction standards, as certified by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, and are also built to the Green Home Designation Standard of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

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Bob Brown has been promoted to Vice President of Creative Services at Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc. from his previously held position of Senior Creative Director.  Congrats, Bob!!   There is also a new addition to their design team: Molly Aubry. Aubry joined Cornerstone as a Graphic Designer in May 2008 following her graduation from the University of Florida (UF) with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts in Graphic Design. 

Cornerstone has also hired interns Crystal Hamon and Laura Goehring to assist with editorial and design projects. Cornerstone’s internship program gives hands-on experience to students and recent graduates providing an educational internship environment that goes beyond coffee fetching and filing. They learn firsthand how to conceptualize an ad campaign, write press releases and articles, produce radio commercials and attend client meetings.

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When Snapperheads Bar on West Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach closed down - was it last year? - due to internal shenanigans, many locals mourned it's passing.  It was just reopened as "Salty Dogs Saloon" and I heard they gave the place a much needed face lift and cleaned up the joint. 

Owned and operated by the same folks that head up Stinky's Fish Camp, they have re-hauled the menu (steak, seafood, burgers, gumbo) as well and are trying to keep prices down to attract a strong local following.  This upcoming weekend is their Grand Opening weekend and they will be having live music and specials from 5p-1am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday.  Their current hours of operation are from 4:30pm - 2am, 7 days a week.  They will be opening for lunch in 3 or 4 weeks.  Salty Dog Saloon is located at 3711 W. Scenic 30A.  Their phone number is 850.267.1184.

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Cerulean's at WaterColor is closed for "renovations". [update:  is closed for good. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art from New Orleans will be putting a satellite location in it's space.] I know they were having a heck of a time with this, especially when Starbucks opened up around the corner.  I wonder if they will be closing it down or opening it as something else?  Or changing the business model?  Add a comment below if you know anything!

Some Videos for your Viewing Pleasure courtesy of YouTube

Dining in the Beaches of South Walton

The Mayor of South Walton (not!)

A Tour of Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach with Andres Duany

Airstreams, Alys Beach and Seaside Wine Festival

Et Cetera

Taylor Warmack Benefit tomorrow at Sally's Backside Sunday, June 8 from 3-7pm 12-year old Taylor Warmack of Santa Rosa Beach was diagnosed with a large brain aneurysm in March that has left her disabled and in need of extensive intensive physical therapy.  The family needs community support to help pay for the multiple surgeries Taylor has already undergone and the therapy she desperately needs to help her get home.  Come out tomorrow, Sunday June 8 at Sally's Backside in Blue Mountain Beach for a benefit in her honor - Duke Bardwell and his band will be performing and supporters will enjoy a $10/plate all-you-can-eat BBQ and a cash bar.  Many local businesses have generously donated items and services for a silent auction (and there is still time to donate items, business owners!).  Pull out those checkbooks - monetary donations are being accepted as well.  For more information, call 850.399.0001.

International Surfing Day June 20 On June 20, 2008, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day (ISD).  Established four years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day is the one day a year where surfers from around the globe come together to celebrate the sport of surfing and pitch in to give back to our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

In celebration of this special day, the Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host a series of family-friendly events throughout South Walton during the month of June.  All events are free and open to the public.

• Friday, June 13th -“Stand Up For Our Oceans!” a four-member paddle board team challenge at 7:00 pm on Lake Allen next to Stinky’s Fish Camp.  Surf shops, lifeguards, surf clubs, beach crews and local businesses are encouraged to participate.  The format will include a short course relay and an awards ceremony.  For more information, visit www.BlueMountainSurf.com.
• Saturday, June 14th - Beach clean-up at 9:00 am down on the beach in front of Majestic Sun and Surfside in Miramar Beach.
• Friday, June 20th – International Surfing Day celebration.  A family-friendly event on the beach behind Pompano Joe’s in Miramar Beach from 6 pm-till.  The event will include a paddle out, raffle prizes, silent auction, live music, food and a bonfire.  Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

The Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation is seeking local sponsors to donate items for the raffle and silent auction.  For more information, please email Madra McDonald at madra@m-publicrelations.com or call 850.376.7386.

Time To Give Up The Butts Certified tobacco treatment specialists, sponsored by the South Walton County Health Department and the West Florida Area Health Education Center, will be offering a FREE six-week Quit Smoking Now clinic at the South Walton County Health Department off of Hwy 331 in Santa Rosa Beach beginning June 10 at 9am.  Enroll ASAP by calling 850.830.0436.

CVHN Just For Grins Mobile Dental Clinic Children's Volunteer Health Network has hired Denise Johnson as the Program Manager for Just for Grins Mobile Dental Clinic.  Denise, Registered Dental Hygienist and long-time resident of the Emerald Coast area, will be taking her time this summer to make sure that “Big Blue,” the CVHN mobile clinic, is open and ready for the business of seeing children this fall when the mobile dental clinic will begin by providing Walton County children on the free or reduced lunch programs in grades K-3 dental exams, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants.  For more information, visit the CVHN website at www.cvhnkids.org or call us at 622-3200.

Barbara Lovell Joins Beach Properties of Florida Real Estate Brokerage Long time resident and luxury real estate associate Barbara Lovell has joined the Beach Properties of Florida Team in Grayton Beach.  Barbara specializes in gulf front and luxury real estate and has won multiple awards locally and internationally.

Get Rid of Your Unwanted Junk at Community Clean Up Day Saturday, June 14 from 8am - 2pm at the Blue Mountain stockpile on Hwy 83 just north of Blue Mountain Beach. Dumpsters will be available to Walton County residents to dump trash, yard debris, tires, furniture, appliances, etc.  Recycling trailers will also be on site.  Do not bring poisons, pesticides, paints, thinners, gasoline or other flammable liquids or items.  This dump day is sponsored by Walton County District 5 Commissioner Cindy Meadows and Walton County Public Works.

How are you preparing for Hurricane Season 2008?

As most of us that live in coastal areas know, Hurricane Season 2008 officially started yesterday.  TS Arthur already soaked the Yucatan Peninsula a few days ago and forecasters are alerting us that once again, we should brace for an active season.  How are you preparing?  Cast your vote and share your comments with us.

Time to Renew That Beach Permit!

I was driving behind someone this morning that had a beach permit and realized - it's June 2!  We need to renew our tag if we want to drive on the beach next weekend - permits expire every year on June 1.

Here is the info from the Walton County Tax Collector's website for those with permits or for those with questions about getting one:

Limited Access Beach
Do you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and want to access the Beach in Walton County?  Vehicle Access and Boat Launch Beach permits are available at the following branch office in South Walton:

• South Walton Office | (850) 267-3001| Located in the South Walton Courthouse Annex on Hwy. 331 South | 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Ste. 700 | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Permit Fee

• $105.00 - For 4-wheel drive vehicles to drive on the limited access areas of the beach only.

Additional Info

• Disabled persons are exempt from the fee, upon submission of documentation of their disability.
• Permit renewals will begin on May 23 and new permits are available for issue beginning June 1 of each year at both offices of the Walton County Tax Collector.
• If there are no changes to be made, you can renew by phone at 850-892-8121 with a debit or credit card and the permit will be mailed to you.
• All permits expire on June 1, regardless of the purchase date.
• Although many vehicles are categorized as 4-wheel drive and meet the eligibility requirement for permits, the amount of ground clearance on many newer SUVs result in vehicles being stuck in the beach sand!
• Driving is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise, with the exception of vehicles launching or recovering boats.

Requirements

Diachlorus ferrugatus (Fabricius) - Family Tabanidae

It's official - we have entered the most dreaded South Walton season in my book - yellow fly season.  In the last week, I have killed two of the lil' MFs - one riding on our bassett hound, Valerie's, back and one that had made its way into the kitchen at dinner time. 

I can't quite explain to those of you that have never experienced a yellow fly season - or bite - how horrible these biting flies actually are.  They are silent warriors - you don't hear a buzz of their wings - so they sneak up on you.  They are vicious predators - little kamikazes - and relentlessly dive bomb at you, usually toward your head and typically in a small pack.  It's a common yellow fly season practice for me to run down the street screaming and flailing my arms wildly when under siege while walking Valerie.  Poor Valerie - she always thinks she has done something wrong.

The absolute torture, though, is the bite of the yellow fly.  My toes and fingers have blown up to the size of small sausages.  When they bite you, you can feel their venom spreading out and the swelling take place.  And the itch - the itch is like no other insect bite itch I've experienced.  It is a torturous feels-so-good-but-hurts-so-bad itch.  It gets so intense for me at times that I have actually scratched the top layer of skin off in my sleep before. If you get bit, here are some things that may help (they have helped me):

1. Do anything you can to prevent yourself from itching right after being bit.  I have figured out that if I don't itch right after I've initially been bit, the bite doesn't swell that much and the itching actually disappears much quicker.  Ice, hydrocortisone cream, wine ... they all help.  YES, I know, this is an excruciatingly  difficult thing to do!  The alternative is you could develop elephantitis of the affected area - do you want that??
2. If you are able to (you don't have an allergy to or some other health issue), you could try an oral antihistamine as I've heard from friends they help.  I don't tolerate them well so I stick to the topical creams and sprays which work well for me. As with all medications, you should consult your doctor if you have questions and/or doubt.
3. Some people are just highly allergic or develop severe reactions to the bite of a yellow fly.  If you are experiencing disturbing symptoms - like trouble breathing or scary amounts of swelling - get to your doctor or nearest ER right away.  Better sometimes to be safe than sorry, you know?

Knowledge is power so I've read up on my enemy to refresh myself on how to deal with the impending battle.  There are preventative measures you can take - hanging black sticky balls in your yard, wearing light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants (and a face net?) when out at dawn and dusk, their peak time of feeding activity, staying away from shaded areas in swampy/wet environs, and wearing DEET-based bug sprays.  For those of you with interest, I have compiled some interesting facts below on the yellow fly and links to some informative websites.  Enjoy and ... good luck!

50+ swimmers pulled from Gulf rip currents so far this holiday weekend. Tragically, one tourist drowns.

CORRECTION - 60+ people pulled from Gulf rip currents in Bay, Walton, and Okaloosa counties so far this weekend.  Tragically, two tourists have drown, a  20-something-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy.  Folks, please respect mother nature and don't enter the water on red days.  I know this crab looks totally goofy - but the message is clear. Be safe.

• Check the current beach conditions HERE
• Beach Safety Tips and Information HERE

A Penny For Your Thoughts....

There has been much controversy surrounding the blue wayfinding signage on Scenic 30A (see story here).  Due to public pressure, the community identification signage was recently removed and the following new design has been proposed to take their place which, if you notice, is a familiar logo design. 

What are your thoughts on the whole issue and/or new signage? (Use the comment section below to speak to us!)

South Walton Caper Solved!!

OMG ... I just love this!  The Pizza By the Sea gumball machine, which was stolen last December (see original story below), has been found and returned!  From the Pizza By the Sea blog:

"Prodigal gumball machine returns home
Some of you may remember that our gumball machine mysteriously disappeared at Christmastime. We are happy to report that it has returned home, albeit with a couple of bruises that must heal, but it should be back in business soon. Shame on the ex-employee who stole it when no one was around, but huge thanks to the stellar South Walton Police Department for finding it!"

Congratulations Stacy and Bryan on finding it!  Unbelievable!
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Originally posted here on January 8, 2008 ...

Who stole the Pizza By The Sea gumball machine?

I found out yesterday that the large gumball machine that used to sit in front of Pizza by The Sea was stolen over the Christmas holiday.  Help Stacy and Bryan solve the caper and get free pizza for a month!

I will make an assumption here - my guess is that this was the work of teens.  Well, I hope it was teens as an adult stealing a gumball machine is just pathetic!  They probably had a car (so had to be at least 16) as trying to carry it away from the scene would signal trouble to passerby. 

Parents, did your son or daughter bring home a gumball machine over the holidays?  If they did and they told you "a friend bought it for me" you may want to question them again. 

What I don't understand is how someone could just show up at home with a large, commercial-grade gumball machine and not be questioned about it?  Where did this thing end up? 

Et cetera

Vie - people+places is now on newsstands!  From the magazine:

"Our stories and distribution cover Pensacola to Apalachicola, Florida as we explore the people and places of our region in the pages of VIE-People + Places.  The magazine is found in all the Tourist Development Centers, Chamber of Commerce locations, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, boutiques, restaurants, Bed & Breakfast locations, special events and much more!  As the Relocation Program sponsor for the Walton County Area Chamber, VIE will also be mailed to over 5000 people who have asked for more information about our area."

Look for your very own <grin> in the first issue!

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I am incredibly excited to announce that SoWal Scene is now a proud sponsor of "Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2008", to be held this year on August 30!  I will be maintaining the Digital Graffiti Blog for the event and will have the link to that to share with you all soon so you can follow along with the preparations.  If you are interested in finding out more, click on the link above or visit the website at www.digitalgraffiti.info.

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Both JD Johnson of Beach To Bayou Property Inspections and Mike Ragsdale of 30a.com kindly pointed out to me that when visitors type in sowalscene.com (without the "www" infront), it doesn't take them to the blog but to an "under construction" landing page.  I attempted to resolve this issue this past weekend only to have my whole site disappear from the web - YIKES!  I think I have put it all back together but the initial problem still remains.  I will be taking a stab at it again this weekend - please note there may be technical difficulties this weekend.  Wish me luck!  And if you are experiencing any problems with accessing the website or feeds, PLEASE email me right away at jill@sowalscene.com.  Thanks for your patience.