Norfolk, Va., May 15, 2008

While Darrell worked on the boat, Beth walked to the grocery store to pick up a few items. She took her camera and took pictures of the mermaid statues she came across.

In 1999 the idea of “Mermaids on Parade” was introduced as part of a way to help revitalize the city of Norfolk. The city choose the young, free-spirited mermaid as its official symbol as part of the “Life Celebrated Daily” campaign.

The mermaids started appearing in 2000 on street corners, parks and storefronts. The mermaids are designed and decorated by local artists and many of them represent a theme related to their location. There are now over 130 of them and they have inspired mermaid trails, books, jewelry, sculptures and art.

This afternoon boat work continued. We’re starting to repaint the non-skid surfaces on the boat. Darrell was sanding and taping and Beth painted the first coat of the non-skid finish.

Bob & Lynn Williamson from Legrace pulled into the marina this afternoon. We had last seen them in Charleston at the AGLAC rendevous.