trawler37

Crossing to the Bahamas

2011-11-16T03:05:00.002-02:00

The scooter is back on the boat, I have provisioned for the last time for hopefully THE last time.
We along with about 30 other boats with people we know are planning to head out at first light tomorrow. The waves are a little more than I like and Thursday looks better BUT too often we have seen something 2 days away disappear and also there is ANOTHER front coming through on Fri so Wed and Thurs are the travel days.
I have the last load of laundry in the dryer. I sent all the emails I remembered to send. We called most of our family this evening.
I don't have everything secured --I will have to do last minute things in the morning. I will also pack out lunch and bring it upstairs.
I have my new camera and I will try --again to get some good pictures and post them.

Happy halloween

2011-10-31T11:39:00.002-02:00

We left Melbourne yesterday morning. Had a couple heavy showers but no problem. Paul did not have to go out in them to lower the mast for a bridge --no low bridges yesterday.
We anchored at Pine Island just in time to watch the NASCAR race.
Rain started last night and was very heavy at times. We had some pretty good wind gust but we were snug in our anchorage --only boat in there.
Last time we anchored there we had several Manatees playing. Didn't see any this time. We did see several yesterday and lots of dolphins.
There is an Osprey on every post --except a few have pelicans. Most of the nest are gone now.
I got to sleep in this morning because it was raining really hard. Paul heard on the VHF there was a water spout not too far from us but, thankfully, we didn't see any sign of it.
Last night I talked to Bob Williams on the telephone --a bunch of RMHYC friends are in Stuart. Talked on the radio this morning to Andrew Benjamin. They are in Vero with more RMHYC people.
We are having some rain now as we travel on south -probably to Manatee Pocket -have to see what the wind direction is when we get a little closer.

Sat Oct 29

2011-10-29T23:57:00.002-02:00

We are in Telemar Marina in Melbourne Beach. Had a wonderful dinner with wonderful friends Paul & Connie Murgo.
We had some rain today while traveling from Mosquito Lagoon where we anchored last night --great night, The rain was light to nothing but didn't bother us except twice when Paul had to go out to lower & raise the mast for bridges.

Thursday Oct 27

2011-10-27T23:59:00.003-02:00

Wow I'm on a roll 3 times in a row
We had another beautiful traveling day --more dolphins - more than yesterday- no manatees yet. 2 big beautiful Bad Eagles. Past through St Augustine today- saw the lighthouse.
Not much boat traffic --our friends Mike & Linda came through the Dismal Swamp yesterday and said it was packed with "snowbirds" but very few have made it this far south yet --many insurances do not cover this far south until Nov 1 --we just have no tropical storm coverage until Nov 1 --we were a little nervous about Rina or whatever the name was but lucked out on that.
We are anchored at Ft Matanzas. Beautiful sunset-- some no seeums but not as many as yesterday--and this morning. Paul put a hat on when he pulled up the anchor to keep from getting bitten.
I made a pizza crust and then pizza for dinner. I used some of the dough to make buns for sandwiches later in the week.
All for now

Wed Oct 26

2011-10-26T23:55:00.003-02:00

We Finally got off the dock today --YEAH!!!!
We left Brunswick about 9. We had a pefect day not hot not cold -calm waters, lots of dolphins, lots of beautiful wild horses on Cumberland Island.
There was a lot of activity at Kings Bay Sub base. Saw tops of 2 subs at the dock but none, thank goodness, underway.
We are anchored at Fort George. Beautiful evening. Could not set out on the bow to enjoy the sunset because the no seems were out but I sure can't complain

8 months later

2011-10-26T01:16:00.002-02:00

I started this once and it disappeared.
I feel off the face of the earth and landed on the farm ( Farmville on Facebook)
Brief history =
We enjoyed Feb-may on Dickies Cay -Abaco
Left in a big hurry early June when my Mom, age 97 had a "bad spell". We did our first overnight crossing --all went well.
I went to West Virginia for 7 weeks.
I did go to my 50 year HS reunion --don't know how a 35 yr old can have a 50 yr reunion --just maybe I am not as young as I think. My body keeps telling me that EVERY day.
Paul survived 7 weeks alone in the awful heat.
Our 13 month old scooter got stolen the end of Aug.
Paul & I both took it hard and got nothing done for more than a month.
We now have our new one. We had several problems trying to get a security system installed on this one. But now it is finally loaded on the boat and ready to go tomorrow.
We are headed to West Palm. We have an appt to get our water maker worked on then cross the next window --provided Rina does not try to spoil our plans.
We will have our SPOT ( GPS tracking device) turned on so if you want to follow us just pop me an email at Trawler37@aol.com and I will send it to you. I would post if here but I can't figure out how to do that yet.
All for now

Veggie Car race

2011-02-03T02:43:00.006-02:00

Our car and our award

Our award

Our car

Boy it sure has been a long time an a lot of water under the boat since I last wrote but I wanted to share our veggie car while I had the pictures up.
Our friend Judy from Amarse is here staying with us for 3 weeks. She, Paul & I built our entry in the veggie car race.
It was made with an eggplant and had wheels made from carrots. She had a little difficulty getting started --with a slight push she ran beautifully but a push is not allowed so she did not win the race. What happened to such a fine engineered car you ask? It was a very hot day and, like many of us, she wilted. When she wilted her nose drug the ground so she needed the little push to get moving. Never fear though we did win the peoples choice award voted by everyone in attendance. The award was also very neat.

Misc

2010-12-04T04:10:00.008-02:00

Man O War

More of the rage

Bananas --need to ripen

Scooter being rider instead riden

Little Odd ready to travel

Paul wraping up the electric cord

Leaving Man O War

David up the mast

Coho

Rage as seen from Man O War

2010-12-04T04:05:00.006-02:00

Don't Rock Instead of The Whale

2010-12-04T04:02:00.003-02:00

The crossing

2010-12-04T03:59:00.003-02:00

Box car derby

2010-12-04T03:45:00.014-02:00

Saturday Dec 4

2010-12-04T03:02:00.003-02:00

We are back in the swing here at Boat Harbour. I have been running or walking everyday. Paul has been walking most days and we both went to Yoga -boy I am sore -can't be because I am out of shape. I did run 5 miles and felt comfortable --it is the Yoga. I am proud of myself because I made 2 water aerobic classes. I love the water so I don't know why I don't go more often --yes I do --Bette, the instructor has changed the start time to 9:00 and I go to run at 8:30 so I have to go late when I do go --not giving up the running/walking.
I have a bunch of pictures to post.
Let me go back to where I left off. Paul took the dinghy to get fixed $500+, brought it home-still not fixed, took it in again $400+ we hope it is fixed.
Paul got his tooth fixed $250+ so now we are in the poor house.
Karen and Ron & Akie Topal joined us for Thanksgiving. Don't know how I did not get a picture. I got the camera out on the counter so I wouldn't forget but still did.
I fixed Turkey,dressing,sweet potatoes,noodles,green beans,relish tray, gravy, rolls, Chocolate pecan pie, pumpkin pie. Karen brought mashed potatoes, deviled eggs and jello salad. Ron & Akie brought champagne. Great dinner!
Last Friday Karen & I took her dinghy to Hopetown for the art show. The next day Paul took us in our dinghy back to Hopetown for the Soap Box Derby. That was a lot of fun.
Today we went to Man O War for lunch and an afternoon of fun.
Tomorrow is the Christmas festival.
Better quit for now so I can post some pictures.

Monday Nov 22

2010-11-23T01:25:00.002-02:00

So much has happened since my last post -- guess the biggest thing is we moved to Boat Harbour. We hated to leave Pappy's Land but Paul had a cap come off a tooth,the dinghy engine is not right and since we were coming over for the first RMHYC meeting it made sense to come to Boat Harbour early.
To digress and update our Man O War days. Karen, Jeanie & I took walks every morning.
the last weekend we were in Man O War there was a big rage on the ocean. The guys walked with us over to the ocean side to see it and we also took lots of good pictures which I will post.
Roger & Jeanie invited us all to dinner then Karen & David invited us all for dinner.
We had many lunches at Dock & Dine. Karen & I did a lot of beach combing.
Karen & I went to Church both Sundays. I do enjoy Pastor Randy.
Roger & Jeanie brought us all to Marsh Harbour in Coho for a shopping trip and lunch at Wallys.
When we came to Boat Harbour we quickly got in high gear. Paul had to do the bar for the social. It rained in the afternoon but cleared for the social.
When we got to Boat Harbour there were only 2 RMHYC boats here with people on them. We are up to 16 now with more coming all the time.
Maxwells, the new (replacing the one that burned down 2 years ago) grocery store had a customer appreciation day. Paul & I took the scooter and went at 9:30 AM. People were lined clear down the aisles with FULL carts. We left without buying anything. Karen & I went back late afternoon.The checkout lines were over an hour wait but much shorter than in the morning. Karen stood in line while I shopped.
Paul met us and carried our heavy stuff home on the scooter.
Wednesday Paul, Karen & I took our dinghy to Man O War. Paul needed to get some numbers off a filter and some tubing on a friends boat that was stored over there. Roger & Jeanie met us at Dock & DIne for lunch -- can't stay after from that place.
Thursday Paul, David, Karen & I went to Pop's chicken for lunch --love that place. Karen & I stopped in all the little shops on the way home.
Saturday was the Toys for Tots activity. Karen & I walked downtown for it. Paul took David to the airport to fly back to Brunswick to help Neil bring Silver Queen over here. Paul met Karen & me at the festival. Karen & I each had 2 cotton candies.
Today Karen & I went to stitch & bitch. We walked up and back. I worked on my basket.Most everybody else worked on painting vegetable stakes for the garden club to sell at next weeks Christmas festival.
Tomorrow Paul is taking the dingy to the Yamaha dealer to try to get it fixed. He is to be there at 8 AM. Karen is going to follow him over in her dinghy.
He finally has a dental appt tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday Nov 6

2010-11-07T00:28:00.003-02:00

Karen & I took the dinghy for a ride up to the north end of the island. I was showing her around. I don't take the dinghy very often. This was one of my longer trips and of course when we were at the farrrr north end an alarm decided to go off. We were in about 7 feet of water --don't know what it could have been. The tide was going out at a pretty fast clip. I tried to radio Paul and you would know the battery died on the radio --don't know what he would have done since I had the dinghy. We just headed slowly --it would not run fast anyhow --back to our boat. I got in some real shallow water and had to put the engine up. I put it in neutral and the alarm stopped. Got back to the boat and Paul could not find anything wrong.Guess it doesn't like a woman driver.
Thursday Paul took Karen & Me up to the Narrows and dropped us off. We shelled all the way back to the canal. He came to pick us up before I called him,I had charged the radio. He pointed out the sky looked black. We made it home and Karen made it home before it did rain. It rained fairly heavy.
That must have been the front of the front. The wind picked up and blew all day yesterday & today. Yesterday I just stayed home. I made pizza for dinner.
Today Karen, Jeanie & I went for a walk then met the guys at Dock & Dine for lunch.
While we were still in Florida Direct TV called and offered Paul a good deal for 5 months of HBO, Showtime & Stars. We fianlly got it connected up. MISTAKE I watched 2 movies yesterday and another 2 today --in addition to my NASCAR race--which Carl won.
Paul has been watching movies --don't know how many. He is in the bedroom and I am in the salon.
I'll post again when I can get away from the movies.

Wednesday Nov 3

2010-11-03T22:13:00.003-02:00

We are now "home" Man O War --Dickies Cay.
Premium Time with Karen & David Trauger are still with us.
We left the anchorage at 5AM Friday Oct 29. The inlet was smooth with the outgoing tide.
Paul saw several weather cells along the coast about 10 miles out. He was hoping they would be gone before we got there -- no luck. About 10 miles out we hit one of the cells. We had some rain then we got the edge with the winds. We bounced around for about 30 minutes -- not really too bad just a little uncomfortable but then from there on it just got better and better. The bank was very nice.
We were going to Mangrove but decided to on to Great Sale to anchor for the night.
Next day a study of the weather showed a front to move over our area later in the day Soooo once again, instead of spending a few days visiting in Foxtown and exploring the upper end of the Abacos, we headed for Green Turtle Cay.
Paul decided to bypass Spanish where we usually clear customs --mistake.
The front slowed down and we made it to Green Turtle before what was left of the front passed over us.
Saturday (the next day) we went into town to do customs. They normally open at 9. We were there at 9, 10,11,12, 1 and she finally showed up about 2.Things got worse from there. We have NEVER been treated so poorly. First off she was new and did not know what she was doing but she sure did badger us every step of the way. ex - Paul ask for spear fishing (how he gets lobster) be added to our fishing license. When she was all done and Paul looked at the license and it was not on there, he mentioned it. She said he did not ask for it. She slammed and banged around but did finally add it. Oh well with that behind us we had a great time.
Sunday Karen & I spent 5 hours on the beach. Got LOTS of goodies.
The marina had a nice pool and we enjoyed it.
Monday we headed to Man O War. We hit Don't Rock at a very good time and had a smmoth passage.
We met up with 2 other yacht club boats. They both went straight to Boat Harbour. We plan to stay in Man O War for about a month. We are on Pappy's Land dock. Karen & David are on Roger & Jeanie's mooring.
Roger & Jeanie got in on Tuesday afternoon. Our friend Charlie went to Marsh Harbour to pick them up. Karen went with him and got her first taste of Marsh Harbour.
I fixed a big dinner for Roger, Jeanie, Karen, David, Paul and me. Karen brought dessert. Nice evening, great friends.
Karen & I took a dinghy ride to the north end of the island.
Tomorrow is our first big shelling day here.

Bahamas Crossing

2010-10-28T02:20:00.003-02:00

We are leaving at 5 am today ( Thursday Oct 28) for our crossing to the Bahamas. Wish us luck for a good crossing. We know it will be bumpy but hope not too bumpy.

Tuesday Oct 26

2010-10-27T01:48:00.010-02:00

We left Brunswick GA on Monday Oct 18 --only 3 days later than we had planned but I think this is about the same date as last year. Our Buddy Boat is Premium Time with Karen & David Trauger.
Karen is a really neat person and I know we are going to have lots of fun together.
We only went to Fort George the first night. We had a nice anchorage UNTIL the no seeums chased us all in doors. But we were all tired from all the last minute hassle of getting ready to leave. Last minute --not because we didn't have almost 4 months to get everything done but because we waited until the last minute to do so much. Paul was the worst and he was exhausted. He was in high gear all day Sunday and even missed a wonderful dinner with friends at Longhorn Steakhouse. I had a great time.
Tuesday we cruised on to Fort Mantanzas just below St Augustine--The picture below is Premium Time going through St Augustine. It is such a beautiful city.
Karen put her dinghy down and she and I went to the beach. Paul & I have anchored there many times. We have gone swimming there several times and Paul usually takes advantage of the clear water to check the props and the bottom -- sometimes it is a little hard to do because there is a swift current. But I have never been to the beach there and it was beautiful and I loved every minute.
I invited them for dinner --taco salads.
Wednesday Paul decided to come down with a cold. Don't know where he got it. He said it was because he got over tired on Sunday. I did not say if he had gotten it in gear weeks earlier that would not have happened but I hate the fact that he picked up the cold and then gave it to me. By Saturday I was miserable right along with him.
We ate so much chicken soup I don't want to hear the word chicken soup. We are both feeling better now but I am stuck with a cough as usual.
After Fort Mantanzas we had a nice Cruise through Daytona Beach. Paul and I have so many great memories of our motor-cycle days there.
We anchored in Mosquito Lagoon. Our 18X50 binoculars allowed me to see the space shuttle on the launch pad. It is to be launched next week. It is a daytime launch which we are not able to see well in the Bahamas --now I am thinking we may still be here and see it very well. Guess there has to be a plus side to waiting.
At Peck Lake Karen put her dinghy down and again we went to a beautiful beach and I shelled to my hearts content --even though I did not feel good I had a good time.
I think this about catches us up -- Oh no I forgot to say Margo & Dennis, boater friends from the Yacht club, have a home here in North Palm--actually their condo overlooks the anchorage where we are. Margo took Karen and me shopping then we picked up the guys and all went to my favorite Five Guys Burgers and Fries -- that is after the guys made their second trip to West Marine

Paul really misses riding his scooter. He put over 2500 miles on it in a little over 3 months. This scooter will be great for us to go longer distances in the Bahamas and much more comfortably. Also next summer we hope to go to the Eastern shore of Maryland and we can do a lot of sight seeing with it there.

This was our view at the anchorage at Hole in The Wall, just north of Vero Beach.
On our left we had a gorgeous sunset, in front of us Premium Time and on our right was the beautiful full moon. To top it all off we had several Manatees --perfect evening --perfect anchorage

Premium Time anchored in front of us

Hope these come out the way I am trying to do this

I am having an awful time getting the pictures in this

Tuesday October 26

2010-10-27T01:28:00.004-02:00

We saw several Manatees. We saw more circles of where they were. The pictures of the Manatees are very hard to get but this "bump" in the water is one of several in our anchorage one night

We had lots of dolphins on our trip south. I got what I think are several good pictures. I will not post them all. If you look closely in this one you can see some of the many jelly fish. We saw more this year than I ever remember

We are now in Lake Worth ( North Palm Beach) playing the waiting game for our crossing window to the Bahamas

Scooter

2010-10-21T19:36:00.003-02:00

Paul's Family

2010-10-21T19:31:00.002-02:00

Mom, Sister Carolyn, daughter Janet and wife --me

Pictures -- see if I can do any better

2010-10-21T19:23:00.003-02:00

Great Niece Brynn - have you ever seen so much hair?

Brad and D.D.

Pictures-- July WV trip

2010-10-21T18:55:00.009-02:00

Grandma, John and Aunt Becky

Kris, Janet, Me, Becky

Grandma and Grandson

John, John and Becky

Grandson John Daughter-in-law Kris

Sister Becky and husband John
a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Qb3aMjZdjjQ/TMCqlaMWdFI/AAAAAAAABIE/uTS2IRalXeo/s1600/100_9472.jpg">
Brother Roger
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Catch up time

2010-10-21T14:20:00.005-02:00

Here goes with the catch up. I will not make this long and drawn out.
I left off with my first trip to OH/WV. My sister Becky and her husband John came from Texas to my brothers house in Wheeling while I was there. We had some real quality time as a family. We saw a big difference in our 96 year young Mother just having us around. She really perked up and seemed happy to have us.
Daughter-in-law Kris and Grandson John also came to Wheeling. John is bigger than me-- taller not bigger.
For all my trips I have to say how very lucky I am to have such a VERY special daughter to cart me around, loan me her car, give me a place to stay in Columbus and on top of all that arranged a massage with her excellent masseuse.
I spent a week in Columbus before I went back to Brunswick and got to catch up with friends there --Great time!
I was gone 3 weeks. Paul did miss me because he had a dozen yellow roses waiting for me maybe I need to go away more often -- I tried it again in Sept -- no roses. I was only gone a week-- maybe that was not long enough.
My trip back to OH/WV in Sept was to attend my High school all class reunion. Don't know where all those old people came from. Good time. Saw people I have not seen since High School.
Paul & I made a trip to North Carolina. Good friends gave us the loan of their Mercedes --we go in style. We had a wonderful visit with Paul,s Mom and sister Carolyn. We went to Durham to see nephew Brad and wife D.D. and their beautiful new baby girl Brynn. I have never seen so much hair on a baby.
So what did Paul do while I was gone. Besides partying, he replaced ALL of our batteries --guess I should have gone to work while I was in OH. He did a bunch of "stuff" in the engine room. He also found time to put 2500 miles on the new scooter. Speaking of which, I was REALLY nervous putting it on the boat for the first time. All went well but I am a lot more nervous with this one than the other one. It weighs a lot more. I was so afraid it would not fit but Paul kept assuring me it would and it does. It only seems to take up a little more room than the other one. We will be able to take a lot longer trips in the Bahamas and a lot more comfortably.
I have hated the carpeting we had put in 2 years ago ever since we got it so we finally had it replaced and I love the new carpeting.
I watched the buy one get one free ads from the grocery stores in Brunswick and had about 3/4 of my provisioning done by Oct 1. I spent the last 2 weeks finishing up. Shopping is not the hard part --finding a place to put 8 months provisioning is. We did buy another freezer. I bought 25 pounds of shrimp from the shrimp boat when it came in --Big shrimp $4/pound.
We were gearing for an Oct 15 departure from Brunswick. We left on Oct 18 --not bad.
When we filled up the fuel tank it took 322 gallons. We had not filled up since last Oct when we took 311 gallons for the year. Not to bad.
Karen & David Trauger on their Great Harbour Premium Time (Insurance agent) are traveling with us to The Bahamas. Karen is a neat person and we are and will have a lot of fun together. Bad thing -- she is an excellent cook and like to feed us.
I will post this then go to Pictures.

Wednesday Oct 20

2010-10-20T23:49:00.000-02:00

I promise I will work on my blog tomorrow --no farm~!

Wednesday July 14

2010-07-14T19:04:00.002-02:00

Laundry's done, clean sheets on the bed, some meals planned, fridge full of beer printed off boarding passes. Now just to finish packing.
50% chance of rain tomorrow morning. Several people have offered to take me to the airport but Paul still insist we are going on the scooter-- we will see.
Janet is taking me to dinner at a real nice place in Col tomorrow evening --she said dress nice --does that sound like a daughter?
We are having dinner with friends Fri evening.
Sat -- off to WV. I am driving one car and Janet is driving another because she is giving me a car for the week to use in WV.
Becky(sister) & John are already at Roger's (brother). Kris ( daughter-in-law) and John (ONLY Grandson) are coming on Sat. Uncle Bob & cousin Gloria also coming Sat.
I will stop on the way in to see Mom(age96).
Have 3 lunches scheduled.
Should be a fun 2 1/2 weeks.

Sunday July 11

2010-07-11T19:23:00.003-02:00

I suppose you guessed by now that darn farm has taken over my life again. I need to go to the Betty Ford Clinic for Farmville addiction.
I am going to Ohio/West Virginia on Thursday for 2 weeks and I am not taking my computer so I will see what it is like to go cold turkey. I guess it is a good thing I never did smoke or drink because I sure am prone for addiction.
Anyhow enough whining --somebody is going to start offering me cheese with my whine.
We got to Brunswick 2 weeks ago.Can't say I am glad to be here by it will do. This is a nice marina, very clean, free washers & dryers - the extra large size so I can get all my comforters washed, the monthly rate is reasonable and now that we have transportation - I'll get to that- almost everything shopping wise is easily accessable.
Our friends Fred & Judy from Amarse are -- no were here. They left last week to help a friend move his boat from Ft Myers FL to Texas --past all that mess in the Gulf and being very watchful of possible hurricanes.
When we got here Judy helped me get all caught up on my shopping. We did the grocery stores. That is always "an experience" after limited shopping for 8 months. Paul & I went to the grocery the other day and found they were out of the small bottles of milk I like to get -- we laughed and said the boat must not have come in. That is the way it is in the Bahamas. You don't even bother to go shopping the day or so before the boat comes in.
Belk had a big sale --seems like we just timed it right for that sale last year. Judy & I had a fun afternnon resupplying our wardrobes. I was not going to buy the next size clothes - I was going to loose weight BUT when they were on sale at a very good price it was too hard to resist.
We went to lunch at the Chinese restraunt at the mall. A great girls day out.
Another day we went to Michaels and then my favorite Five Guys Burgers & Fries.
Paul & I had decided to look for a good used car to have for the summer. We were both disappointed when we just missed the perfect car so Paul started looking at scooters.
Ours died this spring and this time he could not reserect it.
We rented a car and went to Jacksonville to look at some he found online. He decided he did not want another elcheapo that he had to work on every other day and found almost impossible to get parts for. We were going to have to buy a new one anyhow.
We bought a 499cc Yamaha. It is a beauty. We could have bought several nice cars for the price but we could not take the cars to the Bahamas on the boat. The book says this one will do 120mph. I told Paul "not with me on it".
Firends took Paul back to Jacksonville last Tuesday to pick it up. We have been taking rides everyday to break it in. Can't go over 4000rpms until we get 600 miles on it. I do enjoy riding on it. It reminds me of our motorcycle days. This one is big enough we can make trips to the ends of Abaco. We want to go to Foxtown to see our friends. That is about 50 miles -no problem.
There are several yacht club memebers here also so we have had several cook outs. Also the marina had a July 4th cook out. They supplied t-bone steaks and watermelon.
I leave Thursday for my trip north. My sister Becky is suppose to arrive today from Texas at my brother Roger's house in WV. She is staying 2 weeks so we should have a good time. I am flying into Columbus and Janet is going to give me a car. Kris & John will come down from Pittsburgh to Roger's in Wheeling. Becky & I will probably go see Mom almost every day. We know since Mom is 96 our visiting days are limited.
I probably won't post again until I get back.

Sunday June 20 back in the US

2010-06-20T23:36:00.004-02:00

We ended up cutting our time short because of the uncertainty of the weather. There seem to be a lot of predictions of a bad summer weather wise. We have been watching the crossing windows for awhile and rather than take a chance by "staying too long at the party" we decided when we saw a while week of good windows to head on back to the US.
Our last week was a busy one. I went to stitch & bitch on Monday, We had Jay, Jan, Giovanna, and Gabriella ( our next door neighbors on Dickies Cay) over for pizza. Wednesday I went to Ladies Lunch.Neil came back from Brazil and opened Hibiscus Cafe just in time for us to enjoy a few meals with him. We went for dinner Thursday & Friday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
We swam a lot trying to get in our last few beautiful swims.
We spent a lot of time carrying all the junk we had carried up to the house back down to the boat.
I went to Church on Sunday.
We left early Monday morning. Jay came over to say so long and cast off our lines.
We went to Foxtown and anchored off Hawksbill Cay. It was a warm trip up -but oh so beautiful. We decided to go for a swim there.
Our passage through Don't Rock at Whale Cay was very smooth.
Tuesday we spent the day with Teresa and Neal. They have a very nice home in Foxtown. It is a small community and they know everybody. Teresa took us on a tour of the area. We went to see her brother Joe's land. We met Teresa through Joe. Joe has a Great Harbour boat also. Every year Joe says he is going to the Bahamas. He has never seen his property. Next year we ARE going to get Joe and Kathy to the Bahamas.
We made several stops. One to see the bone fishing flats -- passed a watermelon patch on the way. We stopped at a friends to see their new baby pig -- I always wanted a baby pig. Paul drew the line on very few things but the baby pig was one. Anyhow, the pig was off in the woods somewhere trying to stay cool so I did not get to see the baby pig.
Neal went all out cooking dinner for us. Teresa did make, my favorite, cracked conch. Neal fixed lobster, Mahi Mahi, Peas and Rice with conch --the very best peas and rice I have ever had, and a beautiful salad with some things fresh from their garden. Neal is a superb chef!!!
All too soon we had to head back to the boat to make it before dark. We did enjoy their wonderful hospitality and promised Teresa we will stay longer next time.
Now it was not enough that they cooked the fabulous meal but also loaded us up with the left overs -yumyum.
Wednesday morning we headed for Mangrove Cay to anchor. There were a couple of boats on the other side of the island but none close enough for our evening swim to need bathing suits.
We left before sun up on Thursday morning. We had what was probably out best crossing, this was #16, back to the US. The tide would have been against us if we went in Sebastian Inlet so we went in Ft Pierce Inlet --smart move. We decided to anchor in the same place we did last year on our arrival back in the states--up near Sebastian Inlet. We were a few miles out and when we got hit with a BAD storm. The rain was so heavy we had trouble seeing so we just followed the little red boat on the chart plotter up the narrow channel. The wind was blowing in the upper 40s. One of the fuses in the pilot house decided to pop. Of course it had to be the one with the chart plotter and weather works --so no more little red boat. I held the boat in a small area around the only marker we could see while Paul made quick repairs --Thank you God for Paul's mechanical abilities.
The storm only lasted about half an hour -- just long enough for the fuse to blow and Paul to fix it.
We had a nice anchorage but it was a little strange hearing trains and lots of traffic. We have no trains in the Abacos.
Friday we made the short cruise to Cocoa Beach. We tied up to the free dock. We went into town for lunch and for Paul to browse for over an hour in a famous "hardware store" --actually I think it was more like a junk store --they did have just about everything --that is everything I was not interested in.
We got an ice cream cone and headed back to the boat.
We met a nice gentleman from the boat docked in front of us. We were talking and suddenly heard a lot of commotion --people yelling and lots of sirens. Seems a young fellow has a falling out with his girlfriend and decided to jump from the bridge right next to where we were docked. The bridge has a clearance of 65 feet and at least 10 feet on top on that. By the time I got the binoculars out to look I could see a body on the small walkway around the bridge underpass. We watched the paramedics FINALLY get a small boat out to him. They made him get up and walk to the boat THEN ride setting up back to the dock and THEN --why now -- put him in a neck brace and on a back board. I guess he did not speak English and they waited for an Interpreter and FINALLY took him off to the hospital.
Enough excitement.
Yesterday we went to Mosquito Lagoon to anchor. It was another nice cruise, short but nice. Lots of Manatees and Dolphins. We saw a beautiful pink bird --very pink. Not sure what kind. There was not much to see at Kennedy Space Center.
We saw a bad storm but it stayed inland --thank goodness --we already had our storm.
Today we came to Ft Mantanzas. Being Sunday there were a LOT of boats here. We had to anchor near the entrance and again we saw a storm inland. I cooked and baked all the way up. I made pecan waffles for breakfast. I baked cookies, a loaf of bread and a pizza crust. I made round steak and gravy in the crock pot.
Guess that about catches us up --except for pictures.

Friday June 4

2010-06-05T00:57:00.005-02:00

I do have a small excuse for not posting. I had 4 days of no Internet --me no Internet. But the biggest reason I have to admit is that stupid farm. I have 2 more levels to be at the highest level then I WILL quit.
I have been making aprons. I have made 5. And if I do say so myself--each one better than the last. The last one my husband Paul, yes the same one who is VERY stingy with compliments, commented that he thought it looked very professional.
It has turned pretty humid here so we are combating that little issue by spending more time on or in the water. We swim almost every day. Today we were looking for cool spots in the water. The electric is off a lot but most times that doesn't affect us much --except no Internet. BEC is doing power sharing so we have 4 hours almost every day with no power. Today there was some problem so it was off twice, once for our 4 hours then everybody was off for about 6 hours.
Last weekend was so nice we took the dinghy to Scotland Cay then out into the ocean and completely around Man O War. It was beautiful!
We have been to Marsh several times --all good trips. Last Monday I went to stitch & bitch. I had a good time. I took jewelry "stuff". Didn't do a lot but it was nice to visit with my friends. It is partially a different set of friends than the winter group but still fun.
One day we went over to have lunch at Mangos with Susan. We also got the grill propane tank filled. Susan took me out to the way out grocery store while Paul was getting the propane. We had a heavy rain storm but Paul had nothing. We saw rain around us on the way home but we made it with not a drop.
We went to the Abaco Inn for lunch and to check out a paint job on the boat that was next to us in the boat yard. They did a great job soooo Paul is strongly ( got my fingers crossed) thinking on getting a new paint job next season. I have been wanting it so bad but it is really a lot more than we can afford --so much for our future retirement money--thank goodness Janet is making her own way and not waiting in what "won't be left".
A group of friends came over from Marsh Harbour today and we all went to Dock & Dine for lunch.
2 weeks until we leave. Got to make the most of it.
Paul and I have been taking some evening walks on Man O War. I have run a couple of times but it is really much too humid to run now.
I guess that's all for now. --Got to get busy on pictures to post --took over a hundred of the baby birds --funny --they look like last years over 100.

Thursday May 20

2010-05-20T23:03:00.003-02:00

Tuesday, May 11, Shannon & Richard from the Great Harbour N37 Esmeralda stopped by. This is their first time in The Abacos. We all went to dinner at Dock & Dine then walked around Man O War.

Janet arrived last Thursday. Paul & I took Odyssey to Marsh Harbour. We had to leave early morning since that was when high tide was. We anchored in Marsh Harbour. We did some grocery shopping and had Pop's chicken for lunch.
Janet got in a little after 5. We had planned to pull Odyssey along side the public dock but both sides were full so Paul pulled her across the end of the dock. Janet had a big step onto the boat. Someone standing on the dock yelled that something fell in the water-- Oh NO it was her blackberry phone.
We had planned to head to Tahiti Beach to anchor but we needed Internet so Janet could call Ken to cancel her service. We came back to Pappy's Land.
Friday morning we were off to Sea Spray.
We took the dinghy to Tahiti Beach. It was a great low tide. Janet & I shelled for several hours -good shelling. Lots of live sand dollars and we only found 1 dead one. We left the live ones. We did find a nice variety of shells.
We went to Abaco Inn for a good dinner. We came back to Sea Spray and went to the bar to listen to the band.
Saturday Janet & I went to run.
We got a golf cart. We went to Hopetown Harbour Lodge beachside for lunch then Janet and I did Hopetown. We stopped at the Sugar Shack for ice cream on the way back to the boat.
We came home and I baked my birthday cake while Janet spent the afternoon at the pool. Shannon & Richard stopped by.
Janet took us to Hopetown Harbour Lodge for my birthday dinner. Great dinner.
Sunday Janet & I took the golf cart to Tahiti Beach --mid tide not much beach.
We left Sea spray just before noon and headed to Guana Cay.
We went to Nippers for the pig roast and some nice beach time.
We decided to come back to Pappy's Land for the night and Monday.
Monday morning we walked the town and did the shops. Monday afternoon Paul dropped us off down close to the Narrows and Janet & I shelled back to where Paul could pick us up again --about half a mile. We saw so many Sand dollars and sea biscuits. We had to be so careful not to step on all the live sand dollars. We got almost 30 sand dollars and about 40 sea biscuits (all dead). We got a few sea urchins also. Janet said she had never found so many sand dollars and sea biscuits.
We came back home for a wonderful steak dinner Paul cooked on the grill.
Tuesday we left late morning to go to Marsh Harbour. We anchored in the Harbour. We had lunch at Walleys then did some shopping. We picked up some Lobster at the fish house.
We had lobster for dinner and sadly got Janet all packed up.
Wednesday morning Paul took Janet in the dinghy to the Conch Inn to meet her taxi at 6:30 AM. I hated to see her go. I had such a wonderful week.
She called last night and had had an uneventful trip home.
Paul & I came back to Man O War late morning.
Today we went snorkeling. The water temperature is perfect. There has not been much wind lately so the water is so clear. We saw so many different fish. I wish we had taken Janet. She might have enjoyed it.
Paul and I are starting our wind down. We have to leave our wonderful home here on Dickeys Cay in about a month. Our Insurance wants us north of Florida by July 1.I think they have a sign posted at the Florida Georgia border telling hurricanes they can not go north of there yeah right. Anyhow we plan to be in Georgia by July 1.
All for now --pictures later.

Pictures!!!!

2010-05-12T01:37:00.008-02:00

Our neighbor, age 11,in the sailboat races. She did real well.

My Mother's Day flowers. I forgot to take a picture of the Impatience I got at Church.
Buttercup Yellow Elder

Red Double Hibiscus

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T00:38:00.005-02:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day.
Started off with Church this morning. I enjoy Pastor Randy, he seems to hit home so well with his sermons.
After Church all the Mothers were presented with a potted plant. I got a nice bunch of Impatiences. Paul planted them up at the house ( Jeanie, just in front on the Hibiscus in back of the house -hope it is OK). Then he brought me the most beautiful yellow flower and a red double hibiscus. The yellow ( my favorite color) flower has real deep green leaves. I took pictures.
Janet called. She was at my Mom's so I got to talk to Mom also.
It was a gorgeous day here, warmest we have had. It was in the low 90s. The water temp was 83 --nice for swimming.
Paul fixed a scrumptious steak dinner that we ate up at the crows nest watching a beautiful sunset --perfect ending for a perfect day.
We talked to Paul's Mom this evening.
I am so looking forward to Janet's visit this week. Mother's day is a day I miss Jeff who first made me a Mother.

Saturday May 8

2010-05-08T18:09:00.007-02:00

Thursday we took the dinghy to Marsh Harbour. Paul wanted to walk to the boat yard to check out a paint job they were doing. We walked all the way out and back 2 miles each way-- and the paint job was not even started. They were just doing the sanding & primer. So all was for not --maybe not-- we did get some much needed exercise --except I can run 4 miles easier than walk them.
We had Pops chicken for lunch and did some grocery shopping.
The trip over and back was great. I enjoy a nice dinghy trip.
After we got home and put the groceries away we went snorkeling off the back of Dickeys Cay. Lots of beautiful fish. The water temp was 79--very comfortable.
I fixed pizza for dinner.
Yesterday I went to run --first time in awhile but it went well and I felt good about it.
A 42 Bertrum Sport Fishing Boat tried to go out the north end of Man O War less than 2 hours after low tide. We do not do that with our shallow draft. Sure enough he went aground an about the same time our electric went off. Turns out he wrapped the electric cable ( The BIG one that bring the power to the island) around his prop.
Donna & Jimmie( SV Christian) called and ask if we wanted to go snorkeling at Fowl Cay. We had just finished lunch so Paul said no but I said yes I wanted to go.
They came by to pick me up and as we left the channel -- 2 hours after the boat went aground - he was still there in the channel.
We had a great time at Fowl Cay. Lots and Lots of beautiful fish, coral and sea life. I loved it. The water temp was great.
The boat was gone from the channel when we got back and the electric was back on.
Donna & me

the reef

Today we took the dinghy to Marsh Harbour to watch Giavanna in the sailing Regatta. I got lots of pictures and will post some after I download them.
We did not really understand what was going on but we enjoyed them any how.

Time to go snorkeling!!!

Maypole dance

2010-05-04T16:53:00.004-02:00

The festival featured a Maypole dance both days. The talented young ladies platted the Maypole then unplatted it.-- Made it look easy.
Visitors were invited to join in. The young ladies helped the visitors plat the Maypole. They stepped out to let the visitors "unplat" the Maypole. After they made a complete mess of things the young ladies came back to straighten out the mess.

Missed some pictures

2010-05-04T16:34:00.005-02:00

"posing" is Alton Lowe an artist and Historian who lives on Green Turtle.
We met him several years ago when Jim Jerele was here. Mr Lowe spent several hours talking with us about Jim's family history connection with Green Turtle

The entrance to the festival

Lunch is over - back to the pictures

2010-05-04T16:06:00.007-02:00

These 3 blogs are actually reversed. I forgot until I had written half a page that when I post a picture it comes to the top of my Blog --someday I will get the message.
We were going to do some cruising after we left Green Turtle but Paul decided he wanted to get back "home" to Pappy's Land/Dickeys Cay. He wants to go to the Boatyard in Marsh to see what kind of job they did on the boat next to us in the yard after they painted it. Tomorrow we will take the dinghy to Marsh.
Janet is coming next week (YEAH!!!!) for my birthday and we ARE going to do some cruising while she is here.
Lunch is over so back to loading the pictures.
Didn't realize I was on the last batch of pictures
Both the Royal Bahamian Police Force Band and The Defense Force Band display spectacular showmanship. This is the Defense Force Band. I have seen the bands perform several times and did not realize until someone explained to me that there is The Defense Force and The Police Force. They dress alike and both put on quite a show.

Blog with pictures

2010-05-04T14:29:00.016-02:00

I have to stop and fix Paul's lunch --these pictures take a long time --more later

Teresa & Neal

The young "pirates" put on a show

Our neighbor on the boat next to us at the Marina entered the "beginners" conch cracking contest and he won. He did a good job!

Willis always wins the "expert"conch cracking contest. The experts have to crack and clean the conch. He won last year and the same young man came back to challenge him again. It looked bad for Willis when the mallet he was using broke soon after the start but he prevailed with ease. He actually teased the young man by taking time to "trim" up the conch he had cleaned.--He makes it look so easy.

Our friends Teresa ( Joe Pica's sister) and Neal came down from Foxtown for the festival. We had lunch at the Wrecking Tree

Tuesday May 4

2010-05-04T14:15:00.002-02:00

We are back "home" at Pappy's Land Dickeys Cay.
The boat yard finished up the boat and put us back in the water Friday Morning. The bottom looks great. The boatyard quoted us a good price to have the rest of the boat painted. Paul agreed but now he is hedging. I really want to get her painted.
The trip to Green Turtle was a little bumpy but not bad. I was downstairs fixing lunch when we went through Don't Rock passage which is the worst which says it was not bad at all.
We went to our (my) favorite marina, The Other Shore Club. It is not the best marina but I just love Kevin the dockmaster. He always call me beautiful and tells me how pretty I look --WOW that is a mouthful but he does know how to get customers and it works for me.
I took off for the festival while Paul stayed on the boat to finish getting everything hooked up.
I forgot my camera, guess I was anxious to get going. I enjoyed all the booths set up and watched the platting of the Maypole. I went back home to get my camera. Paul went back with me to watch the Bahamian Defense Force Band. They are always terrific and I did get some good pictures -- whoops guess it is time to start another page. I forgot the pictures come out on the top of the page.

Thursday, April 29

2010-04-29T17:34:00.002-02:00

Still on the hard but I am doing great since I got the good news today that my daughter Janet is coming here for my birthday. I KNOW it will be a good one.
The weather here has been beautiful --nice boating weather but I did not like the rain while we are on the hard so that is OK.
Yesterday my friend Susan came to pick me up to go to Ladies Lunch. I had a nice time. It was at Anglers and I had a good lunch. We stopped at the grocery store on the way home.
Today Susan came to pick me up and we went for Chinese. It was the first time I have been there this year. It was good.
Paul said it is looking good to go tomorrow. We will go to Green Turtle for Heritage Days. I am looking forward to that.
Don't know when I will have Internet again.

Tuesday April 27

2010-04-28T00:00:00.002-02:00

Well the trip to Marsh Harbour was not what we had planned.
Our appointment to get hauled out was for 8:30. High tide was 7:05 so that looked good. We left Man O War a little before 7:30. Just as we came out the Man O War inlet we were hit with sustained winds in the upper 30 with gust to 45. The rain was so heavy we had trouble seeing. Paul used the chart plotter to navigate. The good part --was there a good part? -- the wind was on our nose so it was just bumpy. There were no big waves coming in the ocean inlet.
We arrived at the boat yard at 8:20. They did not answer the radio in the pouring rain --then finally they did.
We tied up to the wall until the rain let up a little then they hauled us out.
Susan came to pick me up at 10. She had to wait until they finished blocking the boat so I could get back on to get my "stuff".
I had a nice time at stitch & bitch seeing my friends. I worked on my sand dollar boxes.
The rain continued off and on-- more on than off-- all evening. The boat yard does not work during the rain so nothing was done on the boat.
I fixed spaghetti for dinner and Paul & I just relaxed for the evening.
Today the sun was out nice and bright and surprisingly the yard pretty well dried out in a short time --I think there is a lot of sand here to help absorb the water.
Paul decided "we" were going to change the bolts in our bow eye. He said they were showing some rust. We worked ALL day on them while the boat yard people sanded the bottom of the boat. We have to climb a ladder to get off and on the boat -- I am getting really experienced at climbing the ladder since my job on the bolts was outside -- of course that was better than crawling down in the hole under the bed to get to the inside of the bolts.
I fixed pizza for dinner.
Other than the ladder and the noseeums --which came out tonight with not much wind, it is not to bad living on dry land.

Sunday April 25

2010-04-26T01:01:00.002-02:00

Had a good trip to Marsh Harbour last Thursday. The water was so calm I enjoyed the ride while Paul went "condo shopping". People set out traps for lobster and they call them condos. Paul marked them on the GPS for next lobster season IF they are still there. I did some grocery shopping and we got Pop's chicken for lunch.
The wind picked back up today but it has been a great week. Jeanie the flowers are so beautiful. I am watching the little orchid but no blooms yet. The sapadilly tree is loaded --too bad I don't care for sapadillys
Friday was my Mom's 96 birthday. I called her while Janet was there and sang happy birthday and wished her many more. I sent her a cookie cake from Mrs Fields.
Tomorrow we go to the boatyard to be hauled out to have the boat bottom painted. I am NOT lookin forward to living on the hard.
Giavanna, the girl next door, came over this afternoon and brought her friend Kristen. We made Mother's day cards, a birthday card and some jewelry. For the cards I took the girls pictures, put them on my computer then they made cards with Print Shop and put their picture on them. I printed them on card stock paper.
The girls were a nice distraction for me today because the NASCAR race was not very good.
I did work a little more on my Christmas napkins. Boy they are a lot of work --If I am lucky I may get them done for next Christmas.
When our friend Tim was on the hard at Marsh Harbour Boat Yard he said the Internet was real good. I hope that still holds true.
I did call my friend Susan and ask her to pick me up for stitch & bitch tomorrow. I will be nice to see everybody -- that is everybody that is still here.
All for now

Tuesday April 20

2010-04-21T01:38:00.002-02:00

I finally got my sewing machine out and started my "annual" sewing projects. I made covers for both of Paul's new computers. I must be getting better because they were a lot easier, didn't take very long and I think they look nice if I do say so myself -- and of course I have to say so because Paul would never say so. I love him but sometimes he is just not very thoughtful-- but I am not complaining because he does go out to get lobster for me.
He has been walking with me. Not sure if it is because he wants to walk or if it is I have had great difficulty getting myself in gear to go running. I have only been going about twice a week. Once you stop running it is hard to get motivated to get going again. If we had a full length mirror I am sure that would be motivation. A full length mirror is not on my shopping list.
I have not taken any new pictures lately. Should be though because the flowers are really coming along very nicely. We have had just enough rain. There are nice ones up by the house and we see a lot of nice ones on our walk. There seem to be a lot more birds also.
On our walk today we met the man who lives on the north end of Man O War. He is from Wisconsin. He seems like a very nice man. We chatted for maybe half an hour. He invited us to come up to his house. He has a big house overlooking the ocean. It has an infinity pool. He also has about 4 little cottages he is fixing up. I ask if they were going to be used as rentals and he said no he is just enjoying fixing them up.
All for now.

Saturday April 10

2010-04-10T13:43:00.015-02:00

A front came through last night and brought much needed rain. We have been trying to water the flowers but they need a good soaking. Sounds good right? But the real reason I am glad for the rain is I can't run today. I ran twice this week. Yesterday I tried to go too far -- only as far as I used to run all the time but for the condition my condition is in it was too far, and just about did me in.

I am finally getting around to posting the pictures from out trip to Foxtown --55 people 9 cars or vans,2 flat tires but lots of fun.

This is the lady tenderizing the very fresh conch right there on the dock.

Dinner for 55 required two seatings. They said this was a record number of people for them but the cracked conch was exceptional!

The blue hole -- so beautiful

Paul at the blue hole

Last week end the people next door hosted a remote control sailboat race --complete with markers the boats had to go around. There were about 10 boats and it was fun to watch.

It is hard to believe we have been on the boat almost 8 years. Paul & I both still love living on the boat. But now that everything is almost 8 years old "things" are starting to show signs of aging, including the two old people. This time it was the fuel line connection on the dinghy. Paul took Roger & Jeanie's little boat over to the boat yard to see about a part. He had to row. Got his exercise for the day. They did not have the part so he did a temporary fix and off we went to Marsh Harbour. I took advantage of the time and did some grocery shopping and of course got my favorite Pops chicken for lunch. Turns out the Yamaha place gave Paul the wrong part and he had to go back over later in the afternoon --each time holding his breath the temporary fix was not too temporary.
Anyhow the dinghy is fixed for now and we will just wait on the next thing to go.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T00:25:00.003-02:00

What a glorious Easter day. I started off the day by going to the Easter Sunrise service on the beach here at Man O War. It was a perfect sunrise setting for an Easter service. There were a few clouds which made the sunrise even more beautiful. A gentle breeze but nice and warm. One of the local churches provided a wonderful FULL buffet breakfast after the service.
Paul & I took the dinghy to Guana Cay to join the few friends left at Boat Harbour at Nippers for their Easter festivities which included an Easter egg hunt. Paul,of course, refused to take part. There were 2 "plots" layed out for kids. One for 4 and under and the other for under 10. Then the rest of the eggs were in the water and some out on the beautiful reef. The water temperature was 73 degrees and the air temp in the low 80s. There were over a hundred people snorkeling for the eggs.
Paul decided we would just take a walk on the beach. A few hundred yards down the beach, away from the swimmers the surf brought me an egg, right up on the beach. I am sure that was my reward for going to the Sunrise service. We turned the egg in and our prize was a free drink coupon. Some eggs had as much as a $100 prize but I was happy to to get an egg.
This was the best weather day we have had since I think December and we enjoyed it.
To digress a little... Last Thursday we took the dinghy to Marsh to do some shopping.
We had lunch at Pop's Chicken --one of my favorites. We had a good trip over and back
I am running low on my estrogen tablets. Now one of the nice things here is I took my empty bottle with the prescription expiration on Sept. 09 but they filled it anyhow and cheaper than in the states. I did that a few weeks ago with my cold sore medication. It had expired in 08 --no problem and again cheaper than in the US.
I am trying to get all caught up on my laundry and it is fun hanging it out on the clothes line. I love my sheets dried outside -- they smell so fresh.
Saturday we went back to Marsh Harbour to Boat Harbour to meet up with Tim & Becky on Pokey who brought our mail. Nothing much in it but we got our mail --first time in about a month.

Wednesday March 31

2010-03-31T20:21:00.003-02:00

Wow it has been a long time and SOOOO much has happened since I last posted. I will give a brief summary.
We finished up our time at Boat Harbour with a VERY busy few weeks. I was exhausted.
We came to Pappy's Land ( PEACE!!!) on March 16. Roger & Jeanie are wonderful hosts.
We have been active since we got here but NOT hectic.
We have been out to eat several times, had dinner at Pappy's Land, had Roger & Jeanie to dinner on Odyssey but still all very relaxing.
Paul has been out to get get lobster 3 times. Lobster season ends today so he made one last outing --his most successful one --yum good eating!
Last week we took the dinghy to Marsh Harbour and joined 55 friends for a trip to FoxTown at the far North end of Abaco. It was a fun time EXCEPT the car we were driving had 2 flat tires and that was a big mess but I am trying to erase that from what was otherwise a good memory. We had some of the very best conch I have ever eaten. The black hole and the blue hole were really neat to see again ( we went last year).
I have only been out to run once since I have been here --it is evident in trying to get into my clothes -- I think they must have shrunk.
A group went to Dock & Dine today for a farewell lunch for Roger & Jeanie who left for Anacortes Washington today. I am sorry the weather was not real great for their last few weeks. But we did have a few nice days. We took Coho to Hopetown Harbour Lodge poolside for lunch. We had a dock party with friends. Jeanie went swimming one day while I played "life guard". The water is still just a little chilly for me.
Paul & I are both looking forward to the water and temperatures warming up a little so we can swim almost every day.
Jeanie gave me copies of a bunch of pictures she took and I promise I will post some.
I also have a bunch on my camera.
All for now I will catch up soon

Saturday March 6

2010-03-06T19:01:00.003-02:00

I guess I'll start with today and go backwards as far as I can remember.
I am starting to get my income tax ""stuff" together -- I am using every excuse to procrastinate.
A number of boats from here took their boats to Guana for the Barefoot Man. Most of them came home today. Paul & I "helped" them in.
Yesterday Paul & I went with several others on Touralou to Guana. It was a wonderful trip on such a beautiful boat. I took a bunch of pictures. I will get them posted someday -- I am not really a procrastinator I just put things off.
Paul & I went to visit Jim & Iris Barkley at their beautiful rental home then the 4 of us went to Nippers for the Barefoot Man concert. It was fun.By having it on Friday afternoon there were less people meaning a more manageable crowd. There were about 75 of our RMHYC friends there and we just had a real good time.
Paul & I took the ferry back to Marsh Harbour.
Wednesday I did not feel good. I had a sore throat. Paul said that was the start of the flu so we cancelled our reservation a Orchid Bay for the weekend.
Thursday came and I was fine -- not even a sore throat.
I am working on my basket #2.

Friday February 26

2010-02-27T01:43:00.002-02:00

Yesterday I went to run/walk.
I FINALLY finished my basket and for some strange reason--guess I like abuse, I started my next one.
Last night was the People to People. It is sponsored by Tourism. About 40 poeple from Boat Harbour want. Paul walked with us to the Government House where it was held. He only stayed about an hour. There were a lot of good appetizer and I had my "supper" but Paul came home and ate. They had several fun contest and a mini Junkanoo. I was glad I dressed warm because it was cold but we danced and the walk home was not too bad.
Today started out as a lazy day for me --could not get in gear but when I did I just about meetinged myself to death. My Social co chair & I had a meeting then we went to a meeting on the dinner for the next social, then a meeting to report to the Commodore, then a meeting with the Food & Beverage director of the resort. By mid afternoon I just wanted to hide.
Paul thinks he may be getting the bug that has been going around here. I hope not because I will probably get it from him.
Paul Murgo emailed this picture he took of Odyssey & Double JJ at the rendezvous at Sea Spray.

Good night

Wednesday Feb 24

2010-02-25T02:04:00.003-02:00

I did go run today but then I went to Wallys for Ladies lunch. I was going to just have a bowl of lobster bisque but then I saw the lobster nantua(I know that is not the correct spelling) and could not pass it by. We had a pot luck carry in this evening.
Paul & I went to Immigration today to renew our cruising permit. It is hard to believe our time here is half over.
Immigration gave us a 4 month permit when we came in. We ask for 6 more months. They called us in a back room at Immigration and said we can only have 4 more months and then we must leave. We have never been taken in the back room before--felt like a criminal.
Kinda funny a country that depends on tourism for its lively hood then will only allow you to stay a maximum of 8 months.They said we only have to leave for one day and can come back --yeah right go the 200 or so miles at 7 miles per hour -it takes more than one day to get there. Oh well we will just enjoy what time we do have.
All for tonight.

Tuesday February 23

2010-02-24T01:36:00.003-02:00

Yesterday was Stitch & Bitch day. I worked on my basket. It is almost done --finally.
I thought I would get it done yesterday but I guess I did too much bitching and not enough stitching.
Today I went to water aerobics then to Wallys for lunch with Roger, Jeanie & Laurie.
Laurie left today to go home. We did have a few nice days while she was here so she got to do a few things.
I had 3 meetings today setting up the social next month, one with the chairman for the Christmas party next year and one with the people doing the Veggie Car race next month.
Paul & I hosted a happy hour here on our boat. Ron & Akie are headed home tomorrow and Doug Fay & Rhonda Hull stopped by.
51 boaters from Boat Harbour went to "Meatloaf night" at Jamies. They were expecting us-- good thing. It was a great meal but after a big lunch and eating every bite of meatloaf I REALLY need to run tomorrow. The meatloaf probably didn't hurt me and probably not the salad but the mashed potatoes & gravy and the fried plantains almost did me in but no I had to polish it off with black cherry ice cream. Not I feel kinda miserable.
Good night

Commodores Ball pictures

2010-02-24T01:15:00.003-02:00

Paul and me at the Commodores Ball -- the theme was fiesta

Sunday Feb 21

2010-02-22T00:43:00.002-02:00

A friend reminded me that I had not posted in awhile. Wendy I am back doing my farm after I tried really hard to get away from it. I am telling you it is addicting and I am addicted.
Last post we had just come back to Boat Harbour from Sea Spray. We were only here one night then Jeanie Young and her daughter Laurie arrived in Marsh Harbour. Jeanie (Pappy's Land) has been gone since before Christmas. We all had lunch at Wally's then came back to Odyssey and headed for Dickies Cay and Pappy's Land. I fixed dinner for all of us on Odyssey.
Wed. We all went to "town" in Man O War. Jeanie wanted to do a little shopping and some catching up. We had lunch at Dock & Dine.
Thursday & Friday I worked on jewelry to take to the Man O War flea market.
Friday evening Jeanie invited us to dinner.
Saturday the wind was howling in the 40mph range but I braved the elements and took my "wares" to the Man O War flea market. The crowd was less than half the usual because of the crappy weather. I think I did real well considering the crowd. I guess it was worth the hassle. Paul did not think so. He said NO to next year.
Sunday Judy & Charlie Corkum hosted a valentine brunch. There 24 of us. I made pecan rolls.
Sunday afternoon since I had all my jewelry stuff out Laurie came down and Giovanna & Gabriella ( I probably butchered those spellings) Manni from next door came to make jewelry. Jeanie came to watch. We had a fun time.
Monday it was time to come back to Boat Harbour because the RMHYC annual general meeting was a 3 in the afternoon and I had to give a report.
Wednesday Roger Young arrived in Marsh Harbour. Laurie & Jeanie came over on the ferry. We all had lunch at Wally's then the 3 of them headed back to Pappy's Land on the ferry.
Thursday Doug & Leslie Folkerth arrange a bus trip to Pete's Pub. The foundry had a casting which is always neat to watch. I enjoyed shelling on the beach and got a couple nice shells.
Scott & Mary Coles from the boat MASCOT arrived at Boat Harbour to spend a week on the boat Roaming Seas. Scott and Mary had their boat here 2 years ago. They went with us to Pete's Pub then when we got back everybody joined in for a BIG happy hour at the new little park area here at Boat Harbour.
Friday was the Commodores Ball. I went out with the walking group --I made the mistake of going with the fast group on the LONG route. I ended running some just to keep up with them. I am soooo out of shape.
I had so many loose ends to tie up and helped Paul to get the wine ready and at 3:00 I was still in my running clothes. I felt like I was more ready to go to bed than the ball.
The theme was Fiesta. I ordered a costume last Oct from Costumes.com. I picked up a Sombrero and a sarape ( I think that it what it is called)from Wal Mart for Paul. I had never opened the package. I was surprised when I did open the package that the material for Paul's sarape was the same material as my dress. When we got to the ball 4 other men had the same costume as Paul but no one had the same one as mine.
The ball turned out very nice. Dick & Ann Cunneen worked very hard on it. The ladies at stitch & bitch helped make decorations and when it was all put together it looked great.
Paul turns into a pumpkin at 9 but I stayed on and danced and visited until 10.
Saturday the weather was the best we had had in awhile so about 14 dinghies hauled 30 people to Man O War for the day. Judie Jenkins went with Paul & me in ours. We had lunch at Dock & Dine then walked around the island. Paul & I visited with Annie at the sail shop. Roger, Jeanie & Laurie had gone to Green Turtle so we did not go to Pappy's Land.
We ended our day at Man O War with Snickers ice cream From Hibiscus Cafe.
We got home in time to watch the NASCAR Nationwide race. As soon as the race was over I joined a large group of Boat Harbour people and headed downtown for Junkanoo. I love Junkanoo. The SUPPOSED start time was 8 PM. Paul came at 10 and just in time for the start. He only stayed for one "rush" ( that's what they call each segment of the parade). He did walk down to the staging area to see the other groups.
Each group seemed to be better than the previous BUT at 12:30 the 10 or so die hards left from Boat Harbour headed for home. Judy, Judie and I are the real die hards that usually stay until the end but we were all tired. There was at least one more rush. We could hear the music most of the way home.
Today I was not worth much -- I think exhausted. I worked on my basket and watched the NASCAR race.
NOW I am headed to bed --a another busy day tomorrow.

Monday February 8

2010-02-09T02:07:00.003-02:00

This past week really flew --guess it was because we had such a good time --busy but good.
Paul & Connie came to the boat a little after 9 and we took off for Sea Spray. We had a very nice cruise over.
As soon as we got the boat settled and helped other boats in (25 in all) we headed off to the Abaco Inn with 10 other people to enjoy a very nice lunch with a beautiful view.
Back at Sea Spray we picked up our rental golf cart and headed off to Hopetown. We walked all around beautiful Hopetown. I have been there many times but still really enjoy walking around such a neat little town. We stopped in Vernon's grocery to get something to drink and say hi to Vernon who was iceing a cake.
Paul & Connie took the ferry back to Marsh Harbour to go to rib night at the Jib room.
Paul & I took the golf cart on a "tour" of some of the side "roads" on the way back to Sea Spray. Some of the "roads" were not much more than paths with BIG holes everywhere --an adventure.
Susan came over to Sea Spray with Bettie & David on Tar heel but is staying on our boat --That is Susan AND her little dog Charlie.
We all get dressed for dinner then headed to Hopetown Harbour Lodge for dinner.
Jonathan & Judie rode with us in our golf cart.
We had a wonderful buffet dinner at the Lodge dining room. There were 60 of us.
Thursday morning the walking group headed for Tahiti Beach. The tide was low so we walked around the point and back to Sea Spray.
Bettie & David invited Paul,me, and Susan for breakfast.
After breakfast Fred & Judy (Amarse) joined us on the golf cart for another trip to Hopetown. We stopped at the Sugar Shack for ice cream. We also did a tour of the south end of the island. The "roads" are much better on that end.
Paul & Fred were tired when we got back to the boats but we had another hour left with the golf cart so Judy & I took our own little tour.
We hosted a Happy hour on Odyssey. We had about 20 people.
Sea Spray was our host for dinner. Another buffet for 48 of us. Good but not as good as the lodge last night.
Friday morning the winds really kicked up -hi 20s and low 30s. The rendezvous was offically over. We helped many of the boats off to go back to Boat Harbour. Paul went with Bettie and David on Tar heel to Hopetown. Bettie was a little concerned picking up a mooring in high winds so Paul went along to help.
Susan & Charlie went back to Boat Harbour with Georgia & Dennis on Njord.
By the time Paul got back the winds had died down. Jonathan & Judie left but Paul & I decided to stay and enjoy Sea Spray for a few days.
In the afternoon I went shelling on the beach. It turned out to be a beautiful day.
Saturday I did several loads of laundry and worked on making jewelry.
Saturday night Paul & I had dinner at Sea Spray.
We watched the Bud Shoot Out. It is great to have my NASCAR back.
Sunday I worked on jewelry and my sand dollars that I decorate.
We fixed steaks on the grill for supper.
I got up at 4 AM this morning to watch the shuttle launch. Night launches are great because you can see so much. I watched TV until I saw the lift off then headed outside to see the shuttle streaking across the sky. I also saw a shooting star streaking across the sky --beautiful.
About noon we headed back to Boat Harbour. It seemed like we were gone a long time. Everybody came by to see us.
Mangos hosted the Yacht club for a happy hour. Must have been about 75 of us.
BEDTIME!

Tuesday February 2

2010-02-03T00:55:00.002-02:00

After my long ramblings last night tonight will be short & sweet.
I ran Eastern Shore this morning --not a great run because we had so much rain last night and I had to be careful because some places had water and were slippery -I DON'T want to fall down --although I did have "Osteoporosis test" today. I dropped the washing machine lid on my hand. It is very sore and bruised but not broken.
Paul went to Yoga.
We are heading to Sea Spray on Elbow Cay tomorrow for a Yacht Club rendezvous.
I will not have Internet service over there. We will be back on Friday --I think.
Goodnight

Monday February 1

2010-02-02T02:31:00.003-02:00

Yesterday I was going to sleep in a little bit but Paul decided he wanted to go on the morning walk which the group does not do on Sunday. So we headed out. Doug from Happy Clamz, who is an exercise fanatic, was up by the office at 8:30 the usual starting time on the days we do go walking so the 3 of us started off. Doug walks a fast pace and Paul does a good job of keeping up with him SOOOO I had to walk run to keep up with them. We got just past the ferry dock --little over a mile and it started to pour I mean buckets. We ducked in under a sheltered area of a house for about 15 minutes then hurried back home in the lighter rain. By the time we got home -- now remember this was NOT my idea,The temperature had really dropped, I was wet, cold and wished I had stayed in bed. BUT I sure did not want to get back in bed because we left the hatch open over our bed when we left. I cannot believe that not a one of the three of us even looked at the sky to see this mess coming.
Living on a boat even plugged into shore power one must be aware of power use and need to share the use of power. What that means is we cannot run the hot water heater needed to get some hot water for my much needed shower AND the dryer to dry the bed clothes clear down to the mattress AND the hairdryer needed to dry the mattress so by noon we pretty well had things dried out. The temperature was in the low 70s but felt much colder.
I had planned to clean the boat up a little because Paul & Connie Murgo arrived at 1:30. They are staying at Regattas but coming over here to visit with their friends.
Wilma asked me to make a loaf of bread because she had company coming. I made 2 loaves since I invited Paul & Connie for dinner here. I didn't get much cleaning done EXCEPT our bed is nice and clean and DRY!
Wilma's company did not show up, their plane was delayed.
We were all going to the happy hour on dock 5 so Paul & Connie could see more people but with the rain & cold the happy hour was cancelled.
We had a few people come here to our boat to visit with them.
Actually I was glad we had more quality time with them. We had a nice dinner and a great visit.
Paul & Connie came over this morning then Jonathan & Judie ( Double JJ), Paul & Connie and I went to Jamies for lunch. Paul opted to stay home. He went to Yoga but Yoga was cancelled because it was still very windy and cold at the tiki hut where they have Yoga. I say cold -- the thermometer said 72 but with the wind and dampness in the air it felt much colder.
This evening Connie cooked dinner at the condo for the 6 of us. It was sure great to have such good friends together again.
It rained really hard while we were eating but had slowed down to a drizzle by the time we headed back home.
Time to go get in my nice warm dry bed.

Saturday Januuary 30

2010-01-30T23:57:00.003-02:00

I ran Eastern Shore this morning. On my way back I met the walkers and walked back out and then in with them -- Felt good.
I finally got all my Christmas decorations put away - a big job. They go under the kitchen. I have to unload and pull out 2 big plastic containers of can goods, put the decorations behind them then put the can goods back. Paul did help and made it a little easier.
I worked on my basket. I am working on the sides now and it still looks good.
The arts show is here at the resort but we did not go. Also there was a concert tonight. Judy & Fred went and said it was great. Again Paul & I opted to stay home.

Friday January 29

2010-01-30T00:26:00.001-02:00

Kind of a down day for me. Today would have been Jeff's 44 birthday

Thursday January 28

2010-01-28T22:25:00.002-02:00

This morning I walked with the group then did water aerobics. I have not been running so I need to get started back.
We took the dinghy to Tahiti Beach. Amarse and Tally Ho went also.
The shelling wasn't all that great but I always enjoy it.
I packed a picnic lunch. Paul & I took a nap after lunch then took a long dinghy ride all along Tillo Cay.
Wink and Wilma hosted a happy hour high atop John Henry this evening. Sidonia brought some of the smoked Coho salmon that they caught in Alaska this past summer.

Wednesday January 27

2010-01-28T00:28:00.004-02:00

OK back to my blog. I am so totally frustrated with my Farm on Facebook so lets see if I can quit cold turkey. I have never been known for my will power but here goes.
May have to post a blog update several times a day but I am going to try.
Sunday was our dock 4 brunch. I have never seen so many different egg dishes. I tasted all the ones that did not have sausage and all were good.
Monday I took my basket to stitch & bitch. I am finally seeing progress.
Today I started the sides of my basket. If I do say so myself it looks pretty good.
This evening Paul & I joined about 40 other Yacht club members at the $5 all you can eat pizza night at Mangos.
Paul worked on the scooter today. Jonathan and Doug helped and it is running again.
I think Paul had some of my Farmville frustrations with the scooter but it is running. First thing he did was go to the grocery. We did not need anything. He did get some yogurt for Wilma who is in bed with her back/hip pain. I played nurse to her today while Wink went to play Bocchi ball.
Paul has been doing Yoga everyday and says he is really feeling great results.

Saturday January 23

2010-01-24T02:07:00.004-02:00

This Paul the bar tender at the chili cook off

Yesterday I walked part of the morning walk and ran the last part. Boy am I out of shape for running. I am going to have to add more short runs in until I get back into it BUT I did come home then go to water aerobics. The pool water is much warmer and I did a lot better. Paul went to Yoga. Then he decided he wanted us to walk into town so I got my exercise in.
Paul & I joined Bob & Judy Williams, Dave & Barbara Bluto and 2 friends of Williams at a lovely dinner party at the home of Helen & Peter Sutherland. Helen & Peter are yacht club members. They have a beautiful home here. They also have a home in Florida and one in England where they are from.
This morning I joined about 30 Yacht club members at a Breast Cancer Walk. There were about 250 participants. The walk was suppose to be 3 miles -- I think it was closer to 2. Judy Law and I walked home to get our mileage in.
Jonathan & Judie Jenkins took Paul and me to dinner here at the resort. It was Prime Rib night. It was OK --not great.
I need to get headed off to bed because I have to get up early in the morning to get my turkey breast on cooking for the Sunday Brunch we are having tomorrow.

Thursday January 21

2010-01-22T02:00:00.003-02:00

It has been a very busy couple of days and I decided I had better post while I still remember everything--well most of it any way.
Tuesday Roger & Mary, Teamwork invited us and six other friends to go with them for the day on their catamaran. The day was what they call a Chamber Of Commerce day here. It was sunny, warm --not hot just comfortable and next to no wind. The water was a like an aquarium.
First we traveled south. We found an area that had a sunken barge and after idling over it a few times to see so many beautiful fish, Roger shut the engines off and we did a very slow drift about while we had a great lunch.
Next we cruised to the opening to the ocean at Tiloo Cut. The water was flat calm. Then we did a leisure cruise to Hopetown, up both creeks and around the anchorage. We turned to Sugarloaf Cay and headed slowly back home --what a beautiful day and great friends.
Wednesday it was up early to be on John Henry before departure at 8AM to join 20 other great friends for a full day of great fishing and cruising out on the ocean. A table piled high with food and flat calm seas kept everybodys tummys full all day -- we had to chum with pieces of bate.
A tired bunch arrived home at 5:00 but not too tired to head to Mango's for all you can eat $5 pizza night.
Today Paul & I started the day off with by going to Yoga. This was Paul's first time and he is hooked already.
This afternoon I went to basket class. I am doing a little --very little, bit better. I am still slower than molasses.
This evening was our BIG fish fry. I think Wilma said we had 62 fish -- lots of strawberry grouper, red grouper, trigger fish and I can't remember what other kinds but I will remember the good eating for a long time. We also had french fries, regular and sweet potato, cole slaw and hush puppies. What a feast!
I will try to post some pictures.

Monday January 18

2010-01-19T02:14:00.003-02:00

This past week has been a busy one. We had a few really cold days and now the nice weather is back -- little windy bit warm thank goodness. We are here because it is suppose to be warm here - somebody forgot to tell Mother Nature. We were much better off than Florida where it was real cold-- freezing.
Last Tuesday was the big RMHYC Chili Cook off. Paul spent most of the day getting the bar set up.
Jerry Jerele joined us as our guest for the evening. The chili cook off is nice but probably what I would call our least fun. It doesn't last long and no music or dancing so a lot less socializing which is what I like about our "socials".
Wednesday Wink, Wilma, Paul & I took Wink's skiff to Sea Spray. We walked the beach for an hour or so -- got some shells and sea glass then had dinner at Sea Spray.
We made it home in time to go to Pizza night at Mangos. It was all you can eat pizza for $5 which is not a common practice in the Bahamas. There were about 60 Yacht Club people there and it was a real good time. I did get my socializing in.
Thursday I went to basket class - I think I may be flunking basket making 101. I worked the entire class and only got a small amount done BUT I think I finally have the hang of it-- just slow.
Paul & Wink went out lobstering. The water was still pretty cold.
We went to Wink & Wilma's for dinner. I made pecan rolls,per Winks request, for dessert. Wilma fixed fish and made her famous hush puppies.
Friday January 15 was Janet's 40th birthday. I sent her an "Eventogram". I found it on line. It is a framed poster of things that happened on her birthday January 15 1970. I also sent her 4 dozen roses. She called to thank me and to ask if it was a dozen for every ten years or did I think she was 48. I told her to give 8 to Ken and keep the 40 - one for each year. Then I told her about the problem I had trying to order 40. The first place I tried did not deliver out in the country where she lives. The second place I could order 2 groups of 20 but they wanted to charge shipping and handling on each so it was cheaper to send her 4 dozen so that's what I did. She is enjoying them all and also another dozen she got later from Ken I think.
Friday I went out with the walkers but I ran most of the way back. I have not been running much at all and it felt good to stretch out a little.
Sidonia came over to the boat to help give me a little one on one basket teaching. I am doing better now but still very slow.
I went to a meeting with Everett the resort restaurant manager about the menu for the Commodores Ball.
Saturday evening was a Happy Hour on dock 4. I made a caramel dip and put it over cut up apples. Paul always wants to eat after our happy hours. I eat enough at the happy hour to do me -- and maybe do me in but I still cooked pork chops and made a rice dish for dinner.
Sunday Paul & I went for a long walk. The walking group does not usually walk on Sunday but when I can get Paul to go I go. We walked Eastern Shore then in to town then the Abaco Club. A nice long walk.
Today I went to stitch & bitch. I took my basket to work on. It was a good thing there was a lot of good "conversation" today which gave me less time to work on my basket. I cannot work & talk at the same time. By 2:30 I ran out of patience with my basket. Susan offered to bring me home but I NEEDED to walk my frustration out.
Fred & Sidonia are in Florida picking up their big boat which was shipped to Ft Lauderdale from Washington State. They are going to bring it over here and their son is coming to pick up their "small" boat ( a 40 ft Sea Ray). But when Sidonia gets back I am sure she will give me some more personal tutoring to try to keep me from flunking basket making 101.

Monday January 11

2010-01-12T00:13:00.006-02:00

My blog has taken a back seat to my "farm". I spend my spare time on my farm (Farmville on Facebook) and that does not leave me enough time to write my blog.
Don't know what I will do if my Internet goes down and I can not do my farming.
Thursday Jan 7 was "the Doug Fay Party". This is the second year Doug has invited his Yacht club friends to his beautiful home on Eastern Shore for the very best party. He provides everything and I do mean everything. We had stone crab, shrimp(the biggest and best ever), tuna kabobs,chicken kabobs, beef kabobs, big fruit tray, big vegetable tray, a chocolate fountain with chocolate fudge, conch fritters as good as mine and I think I make the best, 2 full bars and a big birthday cake for Paul. The only BAD thing he had was Cuban cigars ugh.
Now this was not for just a few people, there were about 130 people. The weather was not good most of the week but I don't know how Doug did it, but the weather was perfect also with one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. About a quarter of the western sky was the most beautiful red -- perfect ending for a perfect party.
Friday was my sweethearts birthday. Happy Birthday honey. Now I can tease him, for 4 months and 1 week, about how much older than me that he is.
He and Wink went out lobstering. They did not do very well because the water has turned cold. They got one lobstr and a few fish. He and Wink were both cold when they got home. Paul took a LONG hot shower and a nap.
Judy Law baked him a German chocolate birthday cake. Roger Comer another fellow on our dock had a birthday 2 days ago so I baked a red cake for him. We had a BIG dock party. I thought people might be partied out but the only no show was Roger's wife who was not feeling well, I think she partied a little too hearty last night.
Paul always insist he doesn't want "a" party. So he did not have "a" party. He had 2 parties. I think he gave up objecting this year and just thoroughly enjoy both parties.
Saturday it rained most of the day. We ended up turning our heat on. Paul and I neither one could remember when we had the heat on in the boat last --several years.
We have used the little space heater a couple of times and I use my electric blanket a lot but to have one of the big heaters on ( we have 3 reverse cycle heaters) it has been a long time since we have been in weather this cold. The temp got down to 54with a chill factor about 50. Somehow Janet is not offering me much sympathy --The chill factor in Ohio is single digits with LOTS of snow.
Saturday evening despite the rain and cold Jonathan, Judie, Paul and I walked over to dock 7 to Chris & Sandy's boat (Critcher Cat) for a wonderful prime rib dinner -great dinner Chris.
After dinner we played a fun new game --don't know the name of it.
Yesterday --Sunday. The scooter is not running right and it has been too cold for Paul to work on it so he and I walked into town to the grocery store. We didn't really have to have anything but it was nice for us to walk together to the store. He goes by himself on the scooter most of the time. I enjoyed just browsing around-- didn't buy much.
We invited Tom & Linda Thompson (Tomlin Too) and Roger & Mary Comer(Teamwork) for dinner. I spent most of Sunday afternoon cooking. Jerry Jerele just got into town from Florida and came by for a visit. I invited him to join us for dinner also but he said he had already eaten and was going to Curly Tails to watch the football play offs. He is headed up to Treasurer Cay and Green Turtle Cay for a week.
Just as we were setting down to dinner Fran & Tony (Touralou, the boat next to us)got back to their boat. They have been gone for over a month. I invited them to join us also so we had 8 for dinner. It was cozy but I had plenty of food and I think a good time was had by all.
This morning I attended a planning meeting for an up coming rendezvous came home long enough to grab a pepsi and head for Stitch & Bitch. We are still working on the decorations for the Commodores Ball.
I am trying to get some rest tonight because tomorrow is the BIG RMHYC (our yacht club) chili cookoff. I spent most of last Saturday afternoon working on printing off the certificates for the winners. I had to set my new printer up to work on my desk top computer. I have been putting that off because the manual for the DELL printer(take note people a DELL printer) is in, I think, it is French. I wrote Dell shortly after I got it and they said they do not have the manual in English but that I could print it off from the Internet. My BIG mistake was not shipping it right back to DELL. Don't get me started on that company -- it makes my blood boil.
So on that bad note I will end for tonight.
Stay warm!

Jan 6

2010-01-07T00:37:00.011-02:00

Wow this is the coldest we have ever seen here in the Bahamas. Temps got down in the LOW 50s last night. I had my electric blanket on.For once I appreciated my "personal summers". I used them for my nightly trips to the bathroom and I didn't mind the cold.
I am having trouble keeping my days straight -- Friday had to be a weekend day so how did Saturday & Sunday get in there?
Don't remember what happened to Saturday but Sunday was a BIG day. Big because I was very happy to see Jonathan & Judie, DoubleJJ arrive. We traveled together for almost 2 years and now it has been over a year since we saw them so it was wonderful to see them and their new addition Jamie the kitten.
They were traveling with Chris, Sandy & Sammie(dog)on Critcher Cat. They have had a long rough trip and I knew they were tired so I fixed dinner for them.
Monday I went to stitch & bitch. We worked on table decorations for the Commodores Ball.
A cold front came through Sunday night and has been getting colder everyday. Last night was the coldest. It is VERY cold in Florida and farther north is getting blasted with snow so I guess we are lucky. I just have to keep telling myself that as I snuggle deeper under my electric blanket.
Monday I cooked the left over ham bone from New Year Eve and made bean soup. Wink & Wilma came for dinner. So tonight Wink cooked chili and we went over there. I took peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.
I went to basket class today. The baskets we are learning to make are very nice BUT mine will take forever. It is a slow process and I am even slower at it. It gives me much more of an appreciation for the basket I say in Charleston SC that I thought were so expensive- the labor alone was worth a lot then if the person was as slow as I am --my they had hundreds of dollars in labor.
I can't get my farm on Facebook to load so this gave me a chance to catch up on my blog.
Good night and stay warm which is what I am trying to do.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2010-01-01T23:06:00.006-02:00

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season.
Wednesday Fred & Sidonia (Double Trouble) took Paul, Me and 12 other people to Bakers Bay. The weather seemed maybe a little iffy but turned out great.
Bakers Bay is a new Resort/marina that is not quite finished. It is a real upscale place. Lots for homes start -- start at 4 million dollars -- American dollars. Just a little steep for our pockets that would be after our ship comes in. Everything is first class with a beautiful ocean view.
We had lunch in what will be somebody's home -- now there were about 100 people having lunch there and plenty of room. The restaurant will be 10,000 square feet when it is finished. We all enjoyed our lunches.
The trip up and back was very nice.
Thursday -- New Year Eve Day. I ended the decade right with a 4 miles run.
Dock 4 had a progressive dinner that ended up with everybody on John Henry. I baked a ham. Paul went missing about 9PM. I came home and found him in bed -- for the night. I was not about to miss my New Years Eve so I went back to John Henry.
Here in the Abacos they always do a nice job with fireworks. From John Henry we watched the displays at Sea Spray, Hopetown and Marsh Harbour. Also someone here at Boat Harbor set off some small ones.
At midnight we had champagne,blew conch horns and other little horns. Several boats blew their BIG horns. Wink had music BLASTING. It was a beautiful night with the full moon. Friends took their dinghy out and said it was fabulous on the Sea Of Abaco with a clear view of the bottom also -- lots of star fish.
Today we went to Susan's for a new Year day party. We played some cards and watched football.I took appetizers and green beans seasoned with the ham from yesterday
Paul & I were the first to leave.
My wish for you all is a happy and healthy new year.

A day in the life of the lobstermen

2009-12-30T00:46:00.012-02:00

Off they go -- my heros

Coco say please bring some for me too

SUCCESS!!!!!

Happy hour on dock 4

2009-12-30T00:33:00.004-02:00

Our trip to Shell Cay

2009-12-30T00:23:00.008-02:00

Paul enjoyed the ride more than the shelling although he ans Sara did walk all the way around the island

Jeanie & I did not miss much --we hope

Mary had a good view with the viewing bucket

Robert wasn't as interested in the shelling but did enjoy the beach

Mary, Robert, Sara and behind the curtain our Captain Roger on our trip to Shell Cay to go shelling

Tuesday December 29

2009-12-29T23:40:00.003-02:00

Busy week
Sunday Paul & I and about 40 other people joined Bob & Judy Williams aboard their boat Shade Mor for another great trip to Nippers. It is always fun to go to Nippers. I love the beautiful beach, the Sunday Pig roast and seeing other friends who are not at Boat Harbour but as much as I enjoy all that I also enjoy the trip up and back. It seems every time I get acquainted or better acquainted with different people.
Paul made our dock reservations for the Barefoot Man concert the first weekend in March --I know that will be a great time.
Monday Paul went out with the walking group so I walked also EXCEPT Paul took off with the REALLY fast walkers. I'm just glad he went out. Today I ran. I have been walking more than running and I need to get back to my running. I enjoy the company on the walk but I enjoy my running also. We have about 40 different people in the walking group but usually only 15 to 20 each time -- both men & women. Our course is 4 miles one day and 3 the next. I prefer to run the 4 miler.
Walking is 8:30, water aerobics at 9:30 and Yoga at 11. I don't try to do them all in one day anymore after I just about did myself in.
I missed Stitch & Bitch the past 2 weeks. I have not made one basket class yet and that is something I really want to do. I have gone to Ladies lunch the past couple weeks but will miss tomorrow.
Some friends of ours met another friend and ask why they don't come to Boat Harbour with the rest of us. He said he was not going to join that sedentary lifestyle but was he out in left field?
Paul is going to help some friends make conch horns so they can join the rest of us at sunset for the conch blowing and to announce happy hour.
I have made some jewelry. I got my Christmas table cloth finished but not all my napkins. I'll finish that project when I get to Pappy's Land.
Today I had a luncheon meeting planning the Commodores Ball.
I signed up to take a main course to the New Year Eve party.
Susan Harward is coming back tomorrow after her trip to Georgia for Christmas. She has had bronchitis and ask me to help with her party New Years Day.
Besides all that I still always have a bunch of laundry, I still have to cook--well sometimes, and I still have to clean the boat -- well again I do that sometimes.
Paul & I love our "rough" life but we are always ready for a break when we head for our wonderful home at Pappy's Land -- thank you again Roger & Jeanie.

Monday December 26 Boxing Day

2009-12-26T23:36:00.004-02:00

Boxing Day EXCEPT they are celebrating Boxing Day on Monday -- getting as bad as the US. Boxing Day so named because the day after Christmas all the left overs from Christmas were "boxed up" and taken to the underpriviledged.
We have a busy couple of days.
Saturday morning I had one more batch of Pecan rolls (that brings my total to 60)to make and I baked 2 batches of cookies to take to John Henry for Wink & Wilma's open boat. They invited everybody in the yacht club. They had a good turn out. Paul was the bar tender and I just sort of helped around where needed. The open boat was scheduled for 1-4.
Paul & I left about 5:30, party still going strong, to come home to get ready to go Peter & Sally Sweeting's Condo. Peter & Sally are the owners of Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour. They invited us and a few other couples for cocktails in their condo then dinner at the resort restraunt. We got home about 10:30pm.
I still had to do my "farming" on Facebook -- it is awful to be so addicted but I had crops to harvest or they would wilt.
Sunday -- Merry Christmas, I was up shortly after 6:30 -yes AM, to put the 2 turkeys on to cook. I had intended to cut up my onions and celery for the dressing but somehow did not find the time so I had all that to do. I also made 2 batches of rolls.
I cooked the 20 pound turkey in my roaster and the 17 pounder in my over. I had to get the one in the oven soon enough so it would come out in time to bake the rolls. The last batch of rolls came out at 1:20 for the dinner to start at 1:30.
We were going to have the dinner on the dock here but the group got too big so we moved it to the new picnic area then the weather looked like it might rain --it did not, but we moved it into the big tent up by the restraunt. We had 33 people and LOTS of good food.
When we got home Paul opened his present and for once he loved his present. He spent a long time playing with them.
He had picked up several things for me in Costa Rica that I had admired. Don't know how he sneaked them in but I love them. 2 paintings on wood, a neat napkin holder and a little frog that make a croaking noise. He also got me some really neat wooded bowls from Iggy Biggy here in Marsh Harbour and some big spice bottles with spices. Good Christmas!!
I took a nap then spent the rest of the evening working on the mess for awhile then play on the computer, then work a little more.
I called my Mom, Janet Called, Kris & John called and I called my brother Roger. I called Becky but she was not home. I will try her again tonight.
Judie Jenkins ( Double JJ) called from Lake Worth where they are waiting on a crossing window.
Today I still had quite a mess to clean. I was going out to run but Paul said it looked like a crossing window for tomorrow. I got on my computer and checked it out also. I agreed with him so I called Judie. They had already seen the weather and were doing their last minute "stuff". I ask her to pick up 4 bags of potato chips for me -- actually for Paul. They are more than twice the cost here and it turned out Publix had then buy one get one free.
Bob Williams came by to see if we wanted to join them in Miss Rachel, their 25 footer, to go to Cracker P's for lunch. Cracker P's just opened back up for this season. It is a neat place to go. It is on Lubbers Quarters and island about 5 miles away. Brenda & Ted Baker, their daughter and son-in-law and 2 teenage grandsons also joined us. It was a fun trip.
I think I finally can see some daylight on the boat again. I am not taking down my Christmas decoration for awhile yet because that is another BIG mess.
Judie Jenkins called to say they and 2 other boats had moved to the south anchorage to be ready to leave at 4AM. There are also a couple friends planning to leave from Stuart tomorrow.
All for now. Hope you all had a good Christmas.

December 23

2009-12-24T01:59:00.004-02:00

One full day until Christmas - boy it really sneaked up on me. I did not write my Christmas letter this year, first time in maybe 15 years -- can't remember when I first started writing my letters. I feel bad because I always enjoy getting them from other people and I like to hear what they have been doing.
Our friends on Critcher Cat picked up our mail in Green Cove Springs yesterday so I will get my cards when they come --hopefully next week.
I did run today. The weather is much cooler now. High in the daytime is only about 78 so it is great for running. The low is about 72 so still good for sleeping.
I spent most of the last 2 days baking pecan rolls & cookies and making fudge. Tradition here is to give friends a little something home made. That sounds great and I really enjoy baking but the bad part is I REALLY enjoy eating all the goodies we get.
Monday I got a permanent. I got one as a child but I think that is the only one I ever had. I decided I wanted a little bit of curl in my hair. I did not discuss it with Mr Graham first. He did not speak to me all day Monday. Now I did not get a bunch of kinky little curls but just some waves and a few little curls and getting fewer each time I wash my hair. I like it. Paul is starting to "adjust" I did not say like it I said adjust that means he is speaking to me.
Dock 4 went Christmas caroling today. We went to all the other docks, the office, the owners house and the bar --actually the bar was in the middle. Carl & Lois invited everybody back to their boat for "Christmas Cheer" afterwards. I came home since Paul didn't go and I knew he was waiting for his supper. I am trying to get in his good graces before Christmas.I don't want rocks in my stocking -- what stocking -- I just hope he gets me something. I bought him a pair of 18X50 stabilized binoculars. I ordered them, had them shipped to Paul Murgo in Melbourne Fl. Judy & Gene Koetitz, who recommended the binocs, picked them up and brought them over here for me. I know he will like them. He'll probably complain about the price but they will come in handy when we are traveling.
Our "family" here at Boat Harbour is having a big Christmas dinner. I am cooking 2 turkeys in my roaster. A couple people are bringing hams. It will be lots of fun.
I have a bunch more pictures to post. I will do that sometime -- I'll be sure to post one on my new due before it is all gone.
Happy holidays to ALL!

Pictures from Nippers

2009-12-19T00:14:00.011-02:00

Bob & Judy

Tony,Fran & Dick & Ann

Bob & Steve

Friday Dec 18

2009-12-18T23:14:00.005-02:00

We are experiencing and I do mean experiencing our first cold front of the season. We have had heavy wind all day and heavy rain this evening. The temperature has only dropped to 75 but it feels pretty cool. Winds have been sustained in the upper 20 to mid 30s with higher gust -- glad we are tied to a dock. Most times I don't even think about being on a boat. The boat moves very little but right now it is moving a lot.
This week has been busy and also I did a lot of frittering away the time. Last I wrote about staying up to watch the meteor showers. I lasted about half an hour before the mosquitoes won. We did not used to have mosquitoes at all but it seems there are more every year. There was no breeze and it was too hot to cover up beside I did not think the meteor shower was all that great- most were so quick it was hard to see them.
I did walk with the group several times this week and then yesterday it was finally cool enough at 8AM to go running. I walked the last half mile of my 4 mile run.
We had a nice happy hour on the dock Tuesday evening to help Carl & Lois celebrate their 53 wedding anniversary.
Last night we had a small happy hour on Chipka Fire.
I made some jewelry this week to fill an order I had for 8 necklaces and 2 pairs of earrings.
Tuesday Paul & I took the dinghy out. We looked for lobster but it was too stirred up Paul said so we went to Tahiti Beach where we met up with a bunch more boaters from Boat Harbour. We enjoyed our picnic lunch and I shelled for a couple of hours. I enjoyed the dinghy ride on such a beautiful day.
I finished up my Christmas shopping on line. If I am going to write a Christmas letter I really need to get my behind in gear -- somehow I just don't have the Christmas thing this year.
I do think I will bake Christmas cookies tomorrow. I bought some new cookie cutters this past summer. I also have some chocolate mold to make some candy.
Guess that's about it for now.

Sunday Dec 13

2009-12-13T23:19:00.002-02:00

Surprise 3 days and a new post. I need to keep this up so I can remember everything -- now I am not saying I am old just a little forgetful.
Friday I finished decorating my Christmas tree. It is a little lopsided-- well maybe a lot lopsided but I put some string on it to tie it up a and it looks somewhat better -- just crooked. I call it "eclectic" but I DO have a Christmas tree.
Sherrie & Fred (Chipka Fire) had a Hanukkah celebration and invited several people to help them celebrate. It is interesting to learn some of the traditions of other religions. They had the lighting of the first Menorah candle and served donuts and sweets as part of their tradition. Tradition also says they give their kids money -- we all tried to claim we were their children ---didn't work. I had not had a glazed donut in eons. Sherrie put them in the microwave and made them almost like Krispy Kremes
After we were stuffed with donuts and other sweets Wink, Wilma, Paul & I went to Tim's (Pokey) for dinner. Tim is a fantastic cook and the food was wonderful but oh was I stuffed.
Saturday Wink & Wilma rented a car. At 7:30 AM, yes I found out there is a 7:30 in the morning also, Wink took his "harem" to points south in Abaco to go shelling.
Shirley, Judy, Vanessa, Wilma and I had a great time -- Wink was very good and even helped-actually he got some better shells than I did. We made about 5 different stops, and had a nice picnic lunch.We stopped at the grocery store on the way home. I was exhausted -- probably from getting up to early.
I had time for a much needed shower but not a much needed nap before Paul & I went to have dinner with Dennis & Georgia (Njord). Georgia is a good cook and we had another fine dinner -- guess I was suppose to diet during the summer.
Sunday-- Today was our Church Christmas dinner. It was also a fund raiser for our building fund. Paul went early to help set things up.
Shade Mor took a group to Nippers today and we hated to miss all the fun but we had already committed to helping at Church.
Fred & Sidonia ( Double Trouble) came in today. Paul and I got home just in time to be the welcome committee of 2 with almost everyone else having gone to Nippers.
Paul & I had a SMALL dinner at home alone tonight.
I want to try to rest a little because several people are going over by dock 7 where it is darker to try to view the meteor showers and I want to go.
All for now

Pictures

2009-12-11T03:43:00.007-02:00

Katy & I having a little Beach Time -- we found several really nice ones - one beautiful cowrie I would love to have had. Wink had found a great big one the day they went fishing.

Lunch at Sea Spray

Paul & I arriving at Sea Spray

I tried posting on the side with no luck and I am sorry I could not get spell check to work.
I am tired -- more soon Good night

December 10

2009-12-11T01:31:00.024-02:00

I have been doing the morning walk everyday. I did water aerobics one day. The pool was TOOOO cold. I have been told SEVERAL times the pool is heated up now but I have not made it back yet. I also went to Yoga one day. I enjoyed it but somehow have not made it back to Yoga YET.
Now I have really screwed up the days on this posting. That would not happen if I posted everyday and also I am sure I have forgotten many things because we are "on the go" all day everyday.
I did make it to Church here last Sunday. Here in Marsh Harbour I go to the Presbyterian Church. We do not have a regular Minister at this time so Vernon Malone came over from Hopetown to do our service. Vernon is the Minister who performed Janet & Kens wedding ceremony. I enjoy him. Also, our Church is meeting in the local high school while we build our own building. We are having a Christmas luncheon fundraiser this next Sunday that Paul & I are helping with. The Church had the same thing last year. I was sick but had promised to help. Paul went in my place. They said he was such a big help they wanted him again this year -- guess there is more than one way to get him to church.
Sunday evening after one of our rare dinners alone on the boat and I finished up the lobster bisque we went to John Henry to play Apples to Apples with a large group of our friends.
I went to Stitch & Bitch on Monday Dec 7. I finished my Christmas apron I had
started when I came over from Man O War several weeks ago. I also gave a box making demonstration. I make my own boxes for the jewelry I make.
Paul & Wink went lobstering again. They got several lobster that we put in the freezer because we ate the 10 poound grouper and some snapper for dinner. There was another interesting story on the Grouper -- in short-- it took a very colaberated effort by both Paul & Wink for more than 5 minutes to get the grouper from his hole after Wink shot him. Fred & Judy (Amarse) joined us for dinner that night.
In the 10 days we have been here at Boat Harbour Paul & I have had dinner alone here on our boat 2 evenings.
People who have never seen our life here ask what we do all day long -- actually if I was not addicted to Farmville on Facebook I would be better at posting to my blog and it would not be nearly so jumbled and not nearly so long.
Tuesday Dec 8 was a very busy day--all day. I had a Yacht Club Bridge meeting in the morning, Paul & I took the Dinghy to Sea Spray to meet Roger, Jeanie, Charlie, and 2 others friends for lunch and a little beach time (that means shelling to me).
I have a few pictures but I will just post them on the side because if I try to put them in now they will come at the top -- I have already screwed this up so much.
Tuesday evening was the Yacht Club Chrismas party here at the Resort. We had 116 people. We had to limit it to members only because we had it in the dining room and we exceeded the rooms capacity. Next year I will have to find another place to have it. I am the social chairman for the Yacht club.
Yesterday was sort of a lost day. I did a looong walk with the "fast" (that means in walking speed) men. We did an extra long walk to include the hill up to the Castle, down to the Sea Of Abaco, back up the big hill to the castle, down to Eastern Shore then clear out to the end of Eastern Shore and back. About 7 miles. Now if I had run that I would not have been so tired but since we were fast walking- with me needing to add frequent jogs to keep up, I was wiped out the rest of the day. I did stop on the way out the dock at a friends boat and visited too long. It was a very humid day and by the time I got my electrolyte replenisher I was already wasted. I somehow managed to get out my Chrismas tree and decorations -- which on our boat is a big deal because of all I have to move, now and again when I put them away, to get to the decorations.
Today Tim from the Great Harbour Pokie, Paul & I took Wink & Wilma's skiff and went to Man O War. We met Roger & Jeanie for lunch at The Hibiscus Cafe, went to the sail shop so Tim could get a new Shave bag as a gift for a friend, then to Pappy's Land for the grand tour.
We got home in time to get a quick shower and I made triscuit pizzas for happy hour on the dock. Our friend Susan came over to join us on the dock for the happy hour. She is leaving tomorrow to go back to the states for Christmas. We both felt bad we have not had the time to get together for our favorite game nights.
Friday Dec 4 Paul & Wink went off Lobstering. They got 7 lobsters and had several "interesting" stories. One of interest I will give the short version --They saw a big lobster, Wink shot and missed. After the water settled Paul shot and came back with just the head. They went to a couple other spots then a couple hours later Wink suggested they go back to look for the one they both had tried to get. Paul thought Wink was crazy but apologized when they got back to the spot and there was the dead lobster --in tact except for his head. It was the biggest one they got.
Wink set the tails aside and cooked the rest of the lobster to make a fabulous lobster bisque. I "helped" by cleaning out the lobster left in the legs which I promptly ate.
That night we invited Sherry & Fred from Chipka Fire to join Wink, Wilma, Paul & I for a wonderful dinner. I made brownies & baked potatoes. I was so full after my lobster fest (the legs)in the afternoon, the fabulous bisque, the biggest tail, a little bite of Sherrie's coleslaw and why on earth did I eat a baked potato, then brownies with whipped cream for dessert just about did me in -- what a way to go.
Now the reason we invited Fred & Sherrie is because last year Fred was the first to ask for the boat slip Wink & Wilma are in. When Wilma explained she needed that particular slip to get Sara (their dog) off the boat easily, Fred agreed to give them his slip for a payment of lobster once a month. So that was the November payment.
There was enough lobster left that Wink made lobster poorboys for dinner Saturday night for all of us to enjoy and he made the December payment.

Dec 1 We got settled into our slip then got ready for the first big happy hour on the dock,
Many of our friends are here already.
Heading across the Sea of Abaco.

Pulling away from the dock -- the umbilical cord will just not stretch far enough

Paul & Me on the boat getting ready to leave

Dec 1 arrived and I had been telling our firends at Boat Harbour we would be there on Dec 1. Paul & I both hated to leave Pappy's Land and I think Roger & Jeanie were sorry to see us go. Jeanie did take some nice pictures of our departure on an absolutely georgous day and the type of day I want to just cruise around forever.

When Paul & I first got to Pappy's Land we noticed a Gecko -- now I use that term for all the little curly tails, lizards and whatever else they are called, but anyhow this one cute little Gecko had lost his tail. Jeanie has been keeping me posted on the regrowth progress.

We had a perfectly georgous day shelling at "The Narrows" on Man O War. We found a bunch of empty Whelk shells that Jeanie & I have had so much fun with. Jeanie put them out by the bird feeder and keeps me posted on how many condos are "sold" and the "trade-ins".

Roger had to take Coho to Marsh Harbour to have some work done and Paul took our dinghy to go get him so Jeanie & I went shelling in Jeanie's little boat.

Another great Coho outing with Roger, Jeanie, Mary, Robert, Paul, me and of course cute little Sara who sat with me for the ride up to Spoil Cay better know as Shell Island because the many shells always there.
We packed a picnic lunch. Paul & Sara walked completely around the island -- it really isn't too big. I have been around the island but it takes me such a long time since when I am in shelling mode I cannot walk a straight line and as Paul says I get more sun on the back of my neck from looking down all the way. It is particularly hard on Shell Island because I am also vey busy trying to decide which are the most perfect shells to take.

I'm Sorry I still don't have the hang of it for posting pictures in the correct order.
Mary & I helped wiith the clean up for Thanksgiving dinner since Jeanie did most of the work with the fixins.

Roger & Jeanie hosted eight of us for Thanksgiving dinner. Jeanie cooked a beautiful turkey which tasted as good as it looked.

I promise I will be more faithfull and NOT screw up this blog so much again!!!

Wednesday November 25

2009-11-25T23:57:00.004-02:00

Boy time sure does fly. When I let this much time go by I know I forget a lot of things to post.
Last posting I was going to bed early so I would not miss the meteor shower. When I got in bed I looked up at the beautiful sky filled with beautiful stars. I tried opening the hatch over the bed a little wider. Paul said I was making too much noise. So, since the dinghy is down we have the whole back deck open -- what a good place to lay and look at the stars. I dug out my big foam mat I use to float on in the water. I got some sheets and a pillow and I was all set. My new bed was very comfortable with a nice cool breeze. The clouds started to roll in. I was not there more than 15 minutes until I could count a total of 4, yes four, stars. The sky was completely covered -- so much for the meteror shower.
Tuesday 11-17. Roger & Jeanie took us to the ferry dock. Paul & I took the ferry to Marsh Harbour. This is the first we have been on the ferry for a couple of years.
Susan picked us up at the ferry dock in Marsh.
We went to lunch at Jamies.
We went to Boat Harbour where Paul took off with Bob Williams to do his "bar tender
thing". Susan & I walked the docks. It sure was easy to visit everybody because there was only a half a dozen boats. Jim & Kathy Finn did come in while we were there. The boats are still just trickeling in.
Susan & I set the tables up for the Yacht Club social. Paul set his bar up.
We had a good turn out -- about 50 people. That is good for this time of year with so few boats here yet. It was mostly land people.
Susan, Paul & I tried playing a game of cards after we got back to her condo but we all -- including me, were too tired.
Wed. I went to Maxwells to do some grocery shopping.
Susan & I went to Ladies lunch at Wallys.
Paul took Susan's car to pick up Roger & Jeanie who came over with Coho then to the airport to pick up Robert & Mary who own Dragon Hill cottage here in Man O War.
They came back to Wally for lunch.
Paul took then all to the dock where Coho was then came back to Susans. Susan took Paul, me and all my groceries to Coho and we headed home to Man O War.
It took us a couple of days to recoup from the big trip to Marsh Harbour.
Thursday Roger had to take Coho to Hopetown to have a fuel shut off valve put on- a requirement for his Insurance. Jeanie & I went along for the beautiful ride. We had lunch at Hopetown Harbour Lodge. What a nice day.
Friday night Paul, Roger & Jeanie & I went to Dock & Dine for dinner.
Saturday Jeanie & I went to the fund raiser for the high school. It took about 5 minutes to see everything. The high school here is new. This is the second year for it and I think they are up to 3 students now.
Sunday I was going to Church but Judy Williams called and said they were taking a group on Shade Mor to Nippers so Paul & I took our dinghy from here - it was a beautiful day a a great dinghy ride up and back.
Several more boats have come in to Boat Harbour and it was good to see more of our friends.
Tuesday Roger, Jeanie, Mary,Robert, Paul & I took Coho to The Abaco Inn for lunch -- oh and how could I forget sweet little Sara. Great food, great company, great water trip. I will post the photos.
All for now.

Monday Nov 16

2009-11-16T20:33:00.005-02:00

I went to Church yesterday.Discovered Jan & Jay -next door neighbors, go to the same Church.They gave me a ride including a ride in the golf cart from the dock to Church.
I love this little Church. The music is great. All the songs are done with a good beat. The "choir" is 4 older teens with really good voices. They are accompanied by drums, piano and organ. They have such a good beat and gets you into the music.
I worked on my Christmas tablecloth and napkins yesterday.
This morning after my run (good one) Roger, Jeanie, Paul & I took Coho to Sea Spray for lunch. It was such a beautiful day and great trip.
This afternoon, I forgot the shuttle launch -darn.
Paul, Roger & Jeanie went swimming/snorkeling off the front of Pappy's Land. I was the life guard.
Tomorrow we head to Marsh Harbour for the first Yacht Club social.
Got to get to bed early so I can get up to watch the meteor showers that are going to peak at 4AM

Sunday Nov 14

2009-11-15T00:51:00.006-02:00

I ran 3 days in a row now. Yesterday was my best run. I ran a good pace and added some distance. I added more distance today but did not run as comfortable.
A cold front came through Thursday night. Temps got down to 69. I was cold but it helped a lot with my run.
Yesterday Paul, Roger, Jeanie, Charlie & I went to Hibiscus Cafe. I had the wonderful coconut conch. I missed it.
Charlie brought us some Key Limes. Jeanie used them to make a wonderful Key Lime pie that we all shared. ummm good!
Roger, Jeanie, Paul & I went next door to "Jay's" house. Jay is the local sailmaker. He was from New Jersey many years ago. He came here as a young man,loved it, fell in love and married a local girl. They have building this house for 10 years. It is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen. It is built on top of a hill and built to last MANY years. Granite counter tops and wood work like I have never seen. One of my favorites is a spiral staircase with lighthouse post. Fabulous views in every room. We were there over 2 hours then as if showing their beautiful house was not enough served us some nice snacks.
I am planning to go to Church tomorrow.
A couple more Yacht club boats arrived today but the crossing windows have not been there. I am so glad we are here.

Thursday Nov 12

2009-11-13T03:16:00.004-02:00

Roger, Jeanie, Charlie & I took COHO, Roger & Jeanie's boat to Marsh Harbour yesterday.
Jeanie & I went to Ladies Lunch at Wally's. I was surprised to see I think it was 21 Ladies for lunch. The count has been low because there are not a lot of people here yet but we sure had a crowd yesterday. It was nice to see everyone.
I went to run today. First time in a couple of months. I ran 30 minutes and felt good. I had visions of having to lay down on my fat rolls and roll back but I felt good all the way. I will never learn that I cannot eat the same when I am running and when I am not running. It is so much harder to run carrying all those extra pounds.
It has turned a little chilly so I baked this evening - bread, biscuits and cookies.
Gosh now I will have to run even more.
We are all going to Hibiscus for lunch tomorrow. I will run in the morning.
I am addicted to my farm on Facebook. I am spending(wasting) too much time with it.
I have not finished my Christmas tablecloth yet.
All for now

Sunday Nov 8

2009-11-08T15:23:00.004-02:00

Roger & Jeanie came in yesterday. I invited them to have dinner with us last night. I tried to talk Paul into going out to get lobsters but he would not. I usually think of my self as a pretty decent cook. I made a roast, mashed potatoes,( Wink I am getting in practice for your arrival) gravy, cauliflower, salad and Artisan Bread -- so far so good. Then I mad a simple batch of brownies ( Jonathan I was thinking of you). After their normal cooking time they were still very runny -- no problem let them cook a little longer --5 minutes -- still very runny, check to be sure gas is still on --normal, check temperature -normal. So another 10 minutes--remember they are very runny. 10 minutes still runny -- then on comes the old light bulb(is my light bulb getting too old?) I forgot to put the eggs in. I have this nice batch of pecan brownies. I beat 2 eggs and stirred them into the batter 15 minutes later I had an "experiment". Duly warned Roger, Jeanie, Paul and I dug in-to my surprise they were fine.
I have been working on another tablecloth -- that makes number 8, everybody needs 8 tablecloths right? This is a Christmas one. I am almost done with the tablecloth and now need to make the matching napkins. With Roger & Jeanie now occupying their house I have to sew on the boat -not nearly as convenient.
I have heard from a lot of people who are waiting in West Palm for a crossing window. I don't see any very soon. I am glad we came when we did.
Time to watch the NASCAR race - at this point I just want the season to be over and hope for a MUCH better next year.
All for now.

Nov 3 Pappy's Land

2009-11-04T00:10:00.004-02:00

I can't believe it has been so long -- guess I will try to bring everything up to date.
Last post we were still in Georgia. We finally got out of Brunswick GA on Monday Oct 19. Doug & Leslie,Happy Clamz, met us in Brunswick and after a fun evening with them, Wayne & Leslie, Easy Duet, Teresa & Jerry, Shalala at Longhorn steak House we we ready to leave Brunswick.
We had to wait until Monday because the fuel place was not open on the weekend and by waiting the cost of fuel went up 30 cents. Off to a good start!
We did get underway. We anchored at King George River in Florida.
Tuesday we said so long for now to Doug & Leslie. They are going home to Gainesville for a few weeks then coming to join us in The Bahamas.
We anchored at Fort Mantanzas, a favorite of ours. This is the first place we had water clear enough for Paul to dive on the props for an inspection before we head across the Gulf Stream. Lots of current by clear water.
This is a nice place to hear the ocean and enjoy the stars.
Next day we stopped in Daytona to pick up some decorations for the commodores ball in February.
We anchored near Titusville.
We passed Melbourne Beach and gave Paul & Connie a call. They came out on the balcony to wave as we went by.
It was so great to be traveling again. I never get tired of watching the dolphins and still get a thrill watching them in our bow wake. We saw a few Manatees and a couple of Bald Eagles, lots of Osprey and several groups of White Ibis.
Not a lot of boat traffic--guess we are a little early.
We anchored by Hutchinson Island.
The trip from there on down to West Palm still keeps me in awe with all the beautiful obviously EXPENSIVE homes. Where does all the money come from? Sure passed us by.
We decided to go into North Palm Beach Marina for one night which turned into 2 nights.
Our friend Susan was very generous with her car for us to run all of our last minute errands.
Paul has been using my old Dell laptop for our satellite weather. We saw that Best Buy had a great deal on a new Toshiba with the new Windows 7 so he got one to replace my old Dell that took forever to boot up. We took a look at TVs while we were there and decided to Finally replace our at least 15 year old TV. We did get a flat screen but cannot get a digital because it will not work with our expensive KVH satellite receiver. But at least I have a great new TV, 26in, to watch my NASCAR races.
We had dinner at Susan's both nights.
We watched all the weather reports and decided to leave Sunday morning.
Our crossing was not our best but not our worst by far. We had some rollers from the north that had us bobbing around like a cork every so often but I could still go downstairs whenever I wanted. We also had a Verizon signal for the first 2 hours so I played on the Internet until I lost the signal.
Once we got on the Bahama Bank it was flat calm and a beautiful trip. My satellite phone that only works every blue moon always seems to give me a signal long enough to call back to the states to say we have arrived safe & sound. We probably should have stopped at Mangrove but Paul wanted to push on to Great Sale. He was pretty tired when we got there well after dark. But it was so beautiful with the stars so bright -- same stars as in the US but out in the middle of nowhere with no lights and no pollutions there are millions of brilliant stars. Paul & I both are still impressed with the beautiful water.
After a peaceful night at Great sale we headed on to Spanish Cay. We have cleared customs there the last 3 years and Paul wanted to clear there again. They are now charging $50 if you just pull in and clear customs but nothing if you spend the night in the marina and pay the marina fees so we decided to spend the night-- it was OK but then we had to pay $20 for electric also. They would not let us run our generator. We were going to go swimming in the pool but the mosquitoes were too bad.
The next day I went shelling on the beach while Paul cleared customs then we left.
I had checked my email at Spanish. I had one from Bob & Judy Williams. They sent there SPOT tracking numbers so I was able to track their trip the previous day from Ft Lauderdale to Great Sale. By the time we finally got away from Spanish they were close behind us and did pass us near Green Turtle Cay.
We came on to Tahiti Beach to anchor. It was as beautiful as I remembered. We sat on the bow and enjoyed a beautiful evening -- the only boat in the anchorage.
Low tide was a little after 9AM so Paul put the dinghy down and I went shelling on Tahiti Beach. Those of you who have visited us here know that is a favorite place for me. The shelling was not all that great but I enjoyed every minute.
We headed on into Marsh Harbour and in the Conch Inn Marina.
Susan had arrived( by airplane) at noon with her new dog Charlie. We had dinner with Susan & Charlie.
Paul washed the boat then we left about noon. The tide was still low when we got to Man O War so we anchored in front of Pappy's Land and went swimming. The water was FANTASTIC!! This one of the many reason we wanted to come early. The water temperature was 81 and the air much warmer and humid so it felt great.
When the tide came in we upped anchor and headed "home" to Pappy's Land. We are so appreciative of Roger & Jeanie letting us tie up at their dock because we love it here. It is like coming home. Annie at the Sail Shop saw us coming and came out to give us a big wave.
Charlie Corkum arrived on Saturday. He had traveled all day so we invited him for dinner. Paul has gone over to his house several times to help him get settled.
Bob & Judy Williams,who went to Boat Harbour, called Sat to invite us to join them at Nippers on Sunday at the pig roast. We took our dinghy so we could come home in time to watch the end of the NASCAR race on our new TV. In hind sight we should have stayed at Nippers -- not a very good race.
Monday was a gorgeous day. Susan suggested I come to Marsh Harbour to go to Stitch & Bitch. The water was flat calm and we just flew across the Sea of Abaco in the dinghy. I really enjoyed the trip.
Mid afternoon the clouds looked a little dark. I talked to Paul at 3 and planned to meet him at friends house on Eastern Shore at 4. By the time Susan & I got ready to leave for Eastern Shore it had started to rain. By the time we got to Eastern Shore it was really raining and the wind was blowing. We waited at Nancy & Rusty's dock for 15 or 20 minutes then headed out. It was pretty rough and we could not go fast. Paul had rain coats for both of us but we both got soaked to the bone. Also it had not started to rain when Paul left so he did not close the boat up. SOOO I spent today drying everything -- I do mean everything.
I did get my sewing machine out and started some sewing. I made a cover for Paul's new computer and got a complete set of napkins cut out and ready to sew. They match a table cloth I made in the spring.
I think that about catches us up and my typing is getting really bad.

Provisioning

2009-10-17T23:49:00.009-02:00

Don't know when I will get back to the Costa Rica trip.
I made a quick trip to Ohio, WV and PA. Had short visits with Janet & Ken, my 95 year young Mother who looks better every time I see her, and I had dinner with Kris & John. Spent the night with my brother Roger in Wheeling then back to Columbus for dinner with Janet's in laws to help celebrate their anniversary.
Now I am trying to finish up provisioning.
We bought a freezer and put it in the aft cockpit so I can take more frozen foods this year, translate- more work for me.I think I am done for Brunswick. I will pick up a few last minute things in West Palm.
Now the hard part, finding places to put everything.
We are planning to leave here on Monday. We are planning to stop in Daytona to see friends and pick up some decorations for the Commodores Ball.
We should be in West Palm next week end. We are not missing any crossing windows right now. The first bad cold front came through this week end, we are freezing here in Brunswick -- suppose to get to 48 tonight, any how the cold front has kicked the Gulf stream up to 8-10 footers -- NO WAY are even looking to cross in those. Me, the eternal optimist, I am looking at 2 feet or less the next week.
I will keep you posted.

It is good to see Paul Murgo looking so good.

Paul & Connie Murgo stopped by to say hi on their way from Rhode Island to Melbourne. They put The Rose on the hard for the winter in Rhode Island.
Paul promised they will come to visit us in the Bahamas this year.

Saturday Oct 10

2009-10-11T00:45:00.003-02:00

I had hoped to get back to finish my update on our trip to Costa Rica but don't know when I will get to it.
I am going to post one picture on my picture page.
We went to dinner this evening with Dave & Barb Bluto & Fred & Judy. We went to Cilantro's, a Mexican restaurant. They had a Mariachi Band. We had a lot of fun -- guess we were practicing for the Commodores Ball which will be a Fiesta theme.
I went to the Brunswick Stew Festival today. I missed the 5k run this morning but got there in time to see the end of the finishers -- of which I would have been one had I run.
I had some Brunswick stew and I like it but I really liked the funnel cake -- guess that is why I would have been one of the last finishers in the run.
Our new freezer came today.
One week until we leave for the Bahamas-- weather is holding so far keep your fingers crossed

part 2 our trip to Costa Rica

2009-10-07T22:32:00.039-02:00

Iam getting tired again so I will try part 3 tomorrow night
I could not figure out how to rotate this picture so turn your head sideways.
Paul was trying to figure out how he could bring this "anchor" home.

This is one of the several pretty little islands we passed on our ferry trip

Paul & Susan on the ferry ride from Puntarenas across the Gulfo de Nicoya to the Peninsula De Nicoya

These are pictures of the Tambor Tropical resort

I found another beautiful pool at Tropical Tambor

Paul found "his place" a hammock on the beach at Tambor.
Tambor was probably the prettiest beach we saw.

Paul & Me at the Bare Bones Inn in Tampor -- looked like a Biker bar without the bikers.

Biscuit was there to greet us all the time. He went to the beach with me. sat by the pool while I swam and sat at our feet during dinner.

Our first stop after we left our condo was at Junaquillal where Susan owns property.
We stayed at Iguanazul Beach Resort. This was the view of the walk down to the beach where I spent many but not enough hours.I did got go far in the water because I was by myself --except for Biscuit. He went with me everyday.

The pool at Iguanazul

Paul coming out of our room at Iguanazul

We were just head out of the town of Junquillal just as this guy was brining his herd into town.

We saw many animals along the road.

After we left Tamarindo we drove along the coast line. Susan looked a a couple of condos. We started looking for a place to stay. We drove up a dirt road and all of a sudden here was Hotel complex. Just our of curiosity we stopped to see it. When we inquired about the rates we could not believe our luck $65 for 3 people - this included a full cooked to order breakfast. As it turned out we were the only people in the complex.We enjoyed a wonderful dinner-- very inexpensive including the most wonderful --what I called a fancy rice pudding. I fell in love with the chef and wanted to bring him home with me. I had a hard time getting out of this pool. The next morning Susan & I each had a Bamboo massage WOW. $40 for an hour and 15 minutes and it included aroma and music therapy.
We also stayed for lunch. I had the most fantastic lobster and rice dish.
I wanted to spend the rest of our week there but we had to move on.

We found this bus -- Paul never forgets his "roots". The name on the side of the bus was Isla de Gulligan

We stopped several times just to enjoy the view

Paul hanging on a fence post.

We were driving down the road and saw one then 2 then more and more, probably a least a dozen of these Pizotes. I got out to take a picture and they come running to the car to beg. I got back in the car in a hurry. Susan got out and took more pictures -- our last pictures -- the camera was full.

Oct 6 --Happy Birthday Paul Murgo

2009-10-06T23:55:00.003-02:00

We had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. Everything went pretty smooth the whole trip although I was a little disappointed at the beginning when we got to West Palm Beach and I discovered I did not have my camera- found out later I had left it in Jerry's car at the airport in Jacksonville where we picked up the rental car. I used Susan's the first week but it ran out of memory the start of the second week. I would have had way too many pictures to post if I had my camera. I will post some of what I do have at the end of this post.
The flight on Spirit airlines was fine seemed like any other airline to me so our $8 tickets were great.
The rental car pick up center was not right at the airport so we took the shuttle to the rental agency -- Our first lesson "driving in Costa Rica" I went to a lot of trouble so I would be added on as a driver at no additional charge -- total waste of time. First off ALL the cars are standard transmission - I don't do standard transmissions -- thank goodness - I was VERY content to let Paul do ALL the driving.
We have been on the boat and away from BIG city driving long enough that heavy traffic is a little bit of a challenge for me BUT big city traffic cannot even begin to compare to traffic in Costa Rica.I have been in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles all rolled into one -- no comparison. Our one and only trip into San Jose we took a taxi THANK GOODNESS! It was raining and traffic was-- ah I guess you could call it wall to wall-- sometimes 2 lanes sometimes 3 and I thinks sometimes maybe 4 BUT whatever there was ALWAYS another NON lane added by a motorcycle or scooter --didn't matter what side on out left or right. There are NO street signs. We told the taxi driver where we wanted to go and showed him on the Google earth map I had printed off before we left home -- don't think he understood enough to laugh at me. He spoke NO English.The map LOOKED like International Highway went through the center of town and the E Calles were east and the west Calles were west and the North AVs were north and the South Avs were south --- could not be farther from the truth. I have no idea where we were. Thank goodness the ARCR ( Association of Residents of Costa Rica)Office we were headed to was on the edge of town -- the edge we enter in -- I would have called it east BUT now I would not call it anything.
AT one point in this wall to wall traffic, after we had been around the same few blocks a couple of time, the taxi driver actually BACKED UP a full city block --remember wall to wall traffic and rain - I just hid my head- I think I prayed also.
We finally got to the ARCR office to get some tourist information.
I had made reservations in a Clarion Hotel in Downtown San Jose -- the other side of San Jose -- that we quickly cancelled and got a room back out by the rental car office-near the airport.EVENTFUL First Day.
Day 2 All Paul years driving a standard transmissions and all kinds of conditions did help him with the driving -- I think. The first few days he was a little how should I say it "timid"? He did not pass on the curves on a 2 lane road with no berm and a solid double yellow line -- which seems to mean nothing in CR. By the second week he was driving like a true Costa Rican and somehow we made it home alive.
Surprisingly we saw only one head on collision -- on a 2 lane road with no berm and traffic was backed up over 2 hours when we got there and we were were about 2 miles from the wreck.We did meet the Brauma Bull pictured above coming down the road -- but it was on one of the many dirt roads we were on.
I remember now I am suppose to post the pictures then write -- so I will write this one and post the pictures on separate blog.
Back to day 2
We did have a nice drive to Jaco where we checked into the condo we were staying for a week.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the views driving (Paul driving) through the mountains were spectacular so lush and green and so many beautiful flowers everywhere.
Our condo was great and had a great swimming pool that I took full advantage of.
Almost everyday I saw beautiful birds by the pool. There were some teal ones that I really loved. There was a pair at the pool everyday.
We used Jaco as a base and took day trips.
One day we did a monkey tour. We went in a small boat into an Estuary. I loved the white faced monkeys. When the guide stopped the boat 2 of them climbed on the boat. The guide gave me chunks of bananas which the monkeys ate from my hand. One little one licked my hand - so gentle and so cute.
We saw other wild life and learned about several different kinds of Mangroves. We saw a number of termite nest.
One day Paul & I went to a butterfly farm. It was not the best butterfly farm but we did get to see a few butterflies but also we saw a number of different frogs- the green and black and the black and yellow poisonous ones that Paul remembered seeing in movies.They also had TOO many snakes. I could have done without seeing the snakes They actually had more different kinds of snakes than kinds of butterflies. They should have called it the snake farm.
We took a car ferry ride to a peninsula. The ferry held over a hundred cars, buses etc. We loved being on the water and it was a beautiful trip. We passed several what might be called islands -- Large rock areas most with small beaches.
We had lunch at Tropical Tambor right on the Pacific ocean. I found a large hamburger bean on the beautiful beach -- probably the prettiest beach we saw. I enjoyed the beach but also the beautiful swimming pool while Paul enjoyed a nice hammock right on the beach.
After our week in Haco we set out on an "adventure" as Susan called it.
We went to Junquillal where Susan owns property. She has a beautiful view -- high up on a hill(I think it was called a hill) over looking the ocean.
The hotel where we stayed had another nice pool and right on the ocean. I went shelling several times and found some really nice shells-- that much to my dismay (putting it mildly) the CR customs would not let me bring back to the states.
WOW I am getting tired so that is all for tonight. I will do part 2 tomorrow night.

August 30

2009-09-01T01:44:00.003-02:00

Wow, I don't know where time goes - maybe I do. I am a Farmer on Face book. I think I am addicted. I have to harvest my crops everyday. I keep trying to talk to Paul about my farm and he is not the least bit interested but I am having fun.
Janet & Ken came for an all too short visit. They stayed one night on the boat and 2 nights on Jekyll Island. They picked us one evening for dinner at a very nice restaurant on Jekyll.
We have made several trips to Green Cove Springs. We have Jerry's car most of the time. We moved our storage "stuff" to a place here in Brunswick.
It is still very hot so I am only running a few days a week --sure does not help with my weight --don't know why I can't eat less when I am not running.
So far we have been very lucky with the Tropical storms -- it is early yet.
We are leaving here Sept 10 to go to West Palm to meet our friend Susan then we all go to Ft Lauderdale on Sept 11 and fly to Costa Rica. We return Sept 25. I just hope the tropical storms don't decide to have a party in the Ft Lauderdale area on the
11th or 25.It might be a little uncomfortable flying in or out --or who knows where we could end up.
Guess that's all for now -- probably won't post again until after our trip.

Wednesday Aug 12 WV trip

2009-08-12T01:41:00.014-02:00

Janet & Ken are coming today for a short visit. Paul is helping Jerry move his boat from Beaufort SC to Brunswick. They will be here later today.
The first week in August I flew up to Pittsburgh to see my family. My brother Roger picked me up at the airport.
I stayed at his house. My sister Becky and her husband John were also there.
Grandson John and daughter-in-law Kris came down on Friday for the day. John is still just a smidge shorter than me -- I am sure it won't be that way for long.
Roger's 70th birthday was Aug 1. We had a little party, Janet & Ken came in.
We brought Mom to Roger's from the nursing home.
This is the first time we have all been together in a long time.

The family portrait on Roger's birthday

Roger's dog Bunny

Me and Becky

John & Bunny

John, Becky, John & Kris

Me, Janet & Becky

Roger & Mom

Grandson John

Ken, Janet, Becky & John

I think Mom looks pretty good for 95

This is the view from Roger's deck

These 2 baby deer still have there spot. We saw them most everyday in Roger's back yard

Sunday July 19

2009-07-19T23:18:00.003-02:00

I guess our biggy this week was our trip to Green Cove Springs for Paul's initiation in the Elks. He is now an Elk.
We used Jerry's car to go to Green Cove. We picked up our mail and a part for the scooter at the scooter store. I went shopping while Paul was at the Elks. I was not permitted to be there for the initiation.
Jerry & Teresa took their boat out for a few days. They are still working out the bugs in their boat.
When they came back I invited Jerry's daughter Shalala to our boat to make jewelry.
The next day Shalala met another girl her age here at the marina. They wanted to make jewelry so I invited them back. We made some jewelry and also some boxes. I was wiped out when they left.
Yesterday Paul & I took the scooter to the store. We got caught in the rain on the way home.
Today we took Jerry, Teresa and Shalala to the airport here in Brunswick. Jerry got a flight but Teresa and Shalala did not so we picked them back up and took them to Jacksonville to get a flight. Jerry is a pilot for Delta and Teresa is a flight attendant so they fly standby.

Friday July 10

2009-07-11T00:57:00.003-02:00

We took Jerry & Teresa to the airport in Jacksonville. Tim ( Pokey) went with us. We went on to Green Cove Springs. We dropped Tim off at Reynolds Yacht center to pick up his car.
Paul & I went to the scooter shop to order a new center stand for the scooter.
Tim, Becky,their daughter Lexie and her friend joined us at Longhorn steak house for dinner.
Tuesday Tim & family left to go back to Indiana for a week or 2.
Paul dropped me off at Walmart -- I spent the day just wandering ALL through Walmart.
Paul went to Home Depot and did the same. When we finished we stopped at Winn Dixie on the way home to pick up a whole tenderloin that was on sale. We were too late to get it cut up.
Wed. I took my tenderloin back to Winn Dixie to get cut up. They had pork on sale today so I picked up some pork.
Thurs. I took Jerry's car and went to the outlet mall. A lot of the shops were closed but the kithchen store was open and I "enjoyed" it for a couple of hours. I did buy quite a lot. I am about shopped out.
I booked my tickets to fly to Pittsburgh the end of July.
We went to Dave & Barbara Bluto's (Chablis) for a wonderful dinner.
Fri -- Paul went to West Marine AGAIN.
We went to Jacksonville airport to pick up Jerry.

Sunday July 5

2009-07-05T21:17:00.004-02:00

Back to last week --
Tuesday I checked us out of Reynolds Park Marina so we are ready to leave early Wed morning.
Paul & I walked to the Elks Club (1 1/2 miles) in the heat and humidity.
Paul had his "interview" for the Elks. I walked another half mile to D Fontana's to get some garlic bits. Paul & I walked back to the marina.
We pushed off the dock a little after 7 -- after Paul tried to hose off some of the million blind mosquito's from our boat and John Henry.
We caught the tide just right from Jacksonville on. We were averaging over 11 mph going up the St John's river.
We had planned to anchor at Cumberland Island but we got to Cumberland Island a little after 5 and knew we could make it into Brunswick before dark and have air conditioning without running the generator. We do not like to run the generator all night at anchor. The heat index with the humidity here is much worse than the Bahamas.
The marina was closed when we got there so we just pulled up to a T head to unload the scooter. When we checked in on Thursday we found our slip was a port tie we washed the starboard side of the boat before we moved. We both worked for over 2 hours trying to get some of the Blind mosquito droppings off the boat.
There are a lot of Great Harbours here.
Thursday I went to the Farmers Market. I missed that place. We went to Fox's Pizza for dinner -- I missed that place also.
Friday after talking to Fred, Amarse, I booked a trip on Spirit Airlines to Costa Rica for Paul, Susan Harward and me. We go Sept 11-25. Our base price for the trip was less than $8 -- ended up almost $400 total but that is still cheap for 3 people.
We had dinner on Sea Island Girl for Robert's birthday. Dave & Barbara Bluto and Henry also joined us.
Saturday I went for a run -- my first since Man O War. It was really hot but I ran 3 miles.
Pokey, Tim & Becky, came in.
The marina had a T-bone steak dinner in the afternoon. We all took a covered dish. I did not like the smoked steak -- it tasted too much like smoke -- I could not taste the meat.
They were fireworks in the evening-- sort of anticlimactic after the fabulous ones at West Palm last week. I watched them in between the NASCAR race.
Sunday we went to CatFish Charlies at Two Way Fish Camp with Jerry & Theresa, Shalala, and Neil, Silver Queen.
Jerry & Theresa are flying to New Hampshire tomorrow. We are taking them to Jacksonville airport then we will have their car until they come back.

Monday June 29

2009-06-29T23:40:00.004-02:00

We had a good trip through Daytona and on to Fort Mantanzas. We have anchored there many times so everything was familiar.
The humidity was pretty high so we went for a swim after we got anchored- well I didn't swim much because the current is so strong I was afraid I would get carried away. I swam with a line attached to the boat and so did Paul.
Wednesday we seemed to catch the tides right and went all the way to Jacksonville Landings. We could have made it into Green Cove Springs but then I would have to cook so we stopped at the Landings and went to Hooters for dinner. I made the mistake of ordering fish. It is too soon after having fresh fish all the time in the Bahamas -- the frozen "stuff" just doesn't cut it.
We went into Green Cove Springs--Reynolds Yacht Center on Thursday.
Wink & Wilma were waiting to catch our lines. Paul quickly hooked up the electric to turn on the air conditioners -- yes all 3.
Wilma and I went to WalMart - My first trip to WalMart in over 8 months. I was much worse than a kid in a candy store and loved every minute.
Wink & Wilma invited us for dinner. We had the end of their lobster-- soooo good!!!
Wilma had told us about the blind mosquitos. They are AWFUL!!!!
Friday morning we found out how AWFUL. The boat was covered with them. Wilma said she washed her boat everyday and now Paul is doing the same.
We picked up our rental car in the afternoon.
We went to Best Buy looking for a new computer to replace Paul's navigation computer that died. Our navigation program has conflicts with Vista -- the operating system that everyone seems to be using. We are going to have a lot of difficulty getting a computer with XP. We are going to try to order one and as much as I HATE Dell I think it will have to be a Dell.
Friday evening we took Wink and Wilma to the Elk's Club for turkey dinner. Actually Paul is not a full member yet, he goes Tuesday June 30 for his "interview" then 2 week later for his initiation. I guess we will get a rental car to come back down here for that.
We celebrated Winks birthday when we got back -- his birthday was Saturday but we were leaving early in the morning.
We left at 8 to go to North Palm Beach to Susan Harward's for her Independence day party which is a week early because that is when her local community had their fireworks.
Susan & I went swimming in the afternoon at the very nice pool at her condo. We also walked through the little fair type "stuff" set up near her condo.
The party was very nice, a lot of Yacht club people and friends of Susan's from Guana Cay where Susan lived for many years.
The fireworks were spectacular Paul & I both agreed the best we had ever seen and right off Susan's balcony. I understand why she bases her party around the fireworks.
Sunday we went to breakfast at a neat little place nearby.
We left a little after one. We listened to the NASCAR race on the radio.
We stopped in Daytona at Aunt Catfishes restaurant, a long time favorite of mine.
We got home just before the rain hit. BUT too bad the rain was not enough to get rid of the blind mosquitos. Wilma had hosed part of our boat but it still looked awful.
Wilma left early this morning for Texas. Paul & I took Wink to the airport. He is flying to Boston to pick up the granddaughters then they are flying to Texas to meet Wilma.
On the way home we stopped at WalMart, Home Depot and Publix.
We turned the rental car in at 2.
We had light rain this evening but again not enough to keep the bugs away.

Back in the US

2009-06-23T12:41:00.003-02:00

We did cross Sunday as planned BUT not with the weather we were expecting.
This was not our worst crossing but also not our best.
We had aquarium water all along the bank but went too far -- too close to Memory Rock. The wind kicked up and so did the waves which made for a very uncomfortable night of TRYING to sleep. I had to come upstairs to try to sleep. This is the closest I have come to actually being sick on the boat, I even got out a brown bag in case I needed it.
It was not fun trying to get the anchor up in the winds --20-30, plus waves about 2 feet. We had 2 footers about 3/4 across then glass. We had planned to got to Fort Pierce but the water was so nice and we were averaging speeds close to 10 mph so we looked at other options. I checked the tides for Sebastian Inlet and found we would enter on an incoming tide. On to Sebastian.
Coming in the Inlet we reached a speed of 14.2mph a new top speed for us. Good thing we had checked the tide charts -- would not have been pleasant on an outgoing tide.
We did not go far to anchor. Paul called to "check us in" with customs and immigration. Sure was easy with the Local Boaters option cards we got last year.
We spent some time making phone calls and then "adjusting" to a different life. Lot so cars, motorcycles, lots of noise, lots of lights, trains -- and just a different life.
We watched the NASCAR race. We both slept well in our beautiful CALM quiet anchorage.
We were going to stop in Coco Beach but I talked with our friend Susan and she had a change in her party plans. We are planning to get the boat to Brunswick then head for West Palm for her party so we need to step things up a little.
We went to one of our frequent anchorages in Mosquito Lagoon. There is no protection from wind in any direction but no problem the wind is predicted to be 5k and less.
We anchored in about 7 feet of water. Paul put out about 70 feet of chain.
We had a nice dinner and enjoyed setting on the bow for a pleasant evening.
We had one dolphin playing around the boat.
Paul checked Weather Works and saw a small storm west of us that we would probably get a tip of and a BIG one north that really looked nasty so we hoped it would pass us.
We did get just a small portion of the small storm but just as we were headed to bed the BIG one hit. We had many gust over 50 mph topping at 55mph. The boat rocked,bounced and swung. The storm lasted more than 30 minutes. We did have some lightning but mostly wind and lots of rain. We were both "uncomfortable" sitting in the pilot house watching the wind gauge.
Our trusty Super Max anchor held and the boat got all the salt washed off. We still made it to bed by 11:30 and had a good nights sleep with winds less than 5 mph.
We have just passed through Daytona -- lots of memories here

Heading back to the US

2009-06-19T13:59:00.003-02:00

Just a short post to say we are headed back to the US.
We are planning to leave here, Man O War around 2 this afternoon. We are hoping to cross the Gulf stream on Sunday.
Our plans were greatly escalated due to the weather. The Gulf stream has been 2 ft or less for several weeks. Sunday night it is predicted to go to 2-3 then build more from there -- nothing too substantial AT THIS POINT but we are not taking any chances -- so there goes my shelling out the window -- next year.
Yesterday we had lunch and dinner from my favorite Hibiscus Cafe as a last hurray.
The weather has turned more hot and humid. If we were to stay much longer we would have to start running the air conditioner which we will have to do in Brunswick But Paul and I neither one like air conditioning.
Friends Don and Ellie on Star arrived this week. We had hoped to spend some time with them.
I did get a lot of sewing done so I am happy with that.
I will post when I get Internet in the states. My Verizon is suppose to be turned on tomorrow along with my air card so I should have it when we arrive.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.

Sunday June 14

2009-06-14T20:13:00.003-02:00

Not much new to report this week. Last weekend we towed the dinghy to Spoonbill with our dingy back to Marsh Harbour. It was a good trip -smooth water all the way.
We have been snorkeling in the afternoons off Pappy's Land. One day we saw an eel inside a coral head. Paul said it would not come out. We swam around to a few more coral heads then all of a sudden I looked down and there was the eel slithering along the bottom. Paul said it would not come to the top but I was done for the day. The next day we were swimming along and a small ray swam right under us and just kept going. It happened so fast I just kept on going. It is fun and a great way to cool off in the afternoons. Lots and lots of different kinds of fish.
I have been sewing up a storm. I am up to 4 tablecloths,16 napkins, 8 salon curtains, 8 bedroom curtains and 1 pillow covered. In MY OPINION, I am getting better all the time.
We did finally have 2 days with no rain. We saw rain over toward Treasurer Cay but did not get any here. Now we are back to rain. It rained yesterday and today -- not long or hard but still rain enough to water the flowers.
Yesterday, just about the time the rain hit, we went to a benefit for the sailing club -- great food.
I have not been running everyday because it is getting a lot warmer earlier and I am NOT an early riser. When I do get up early I do go run.
Paul is talking leaving here next week -- I am trying to drag my feet as much as I can. It is beautiful here now and the water is so perfect for swimming.
All for now

Happy Labour Day

2009-06-05T18:32:00.010-02:00

That is not a typo today is Labour Day in the Bahamas. Many stores are closed. That makes 2 holidays this week. We celebrated Whit Monday this past Monday. Many places were closed also.
Last week we took Odyssey to Marsh Harbour to pick up the scooter. We went on Wednesday so I could go to Ladies Lunch. There were only 4 of us at Ladies Lunch but I had a good time. We also decided to go to the art show at Winding Bay on Friday. Martha Applebee is a member so we decided to go for lunch. So on Friday (one week ago) Paul took me back to Marsh Harbour in the dinghy. Several more ladies joined us for the trip to Winding Bay. We had a great lunch. The art show was small but I particularly enjoyed seeing the work Of Ray Adams. He is a member of the Yacht Club and also goes to the Kirk Of the Pines Church where I go in Marsh Harbour. He is a fantastic artist and I really like his work. He and Dick Cuneen (from the Boat Raggedy Ann that was docked next to us all winter) flew over from Florida for the show. We had a nice visit. The ladies dropped me off at the Conch Inn Marina where Paul was waiting for me to come back home.
It is still raining everyday so I am getting a lot of sewing done. I made 2 tablecloths with napkins to match. I think they are very pretty.
Paul was able to work on the scooter and, thank goodness, it was just a broken wire so we have a scooter again -- we will not use it until we get back to the states now but it now does not have to be at the top of the replacement list- Paul's computer, the one we use for navigation has that distinction. He is using my old computer for Weather Works, our satellite weather program, but does not want to load the charts in it because we can only reload them once. We will travel back to Fl using way points.
Jeff Key, our favorite taxi driver from Marsh Harbour lives here on Man O War so we invited him for dinner last night. It is such fun talking to someone who has lived here all his life. I enjoy the "stories" of the real Bahamas.
Time to go get some more sewing done-- I am just a regular " Susie Homemaker".

My "pet" barracuda. I can take them this size. He is here every day.

A real "ham" posing for pictures. The fur on top is disappearing. I did not take nearly as many pictures this time--maybe only 50.

He (or she) let me get real close

Chasing a bug on the dock

Glad we live on a boat

2009-05-26T00:26:00.007-02:00

I am certainly glad we live on a boat. I was beginning to think we were going to have to start loading the animals on the boat. We had rain every day for over a week. I am really not complaining because it was much needed here. The cisterns on the island were getting low. Also the flowers are so beautiful after all the rain. Looks like we were not alone with the rain. Florida got hit much harder than we did. Funny I was watching the NASCAR race and after cancelling yesterday because of rain it was shortened today because of rain -- Guess it is the rainy season.
I have taken advantage of the rain and being here at Pappy's Land to sew. I finished my curtains for the salon. If I do say so my self they look pretty good - excellent if you apply the 10 foot viewing rule.
We have had several dinners and a happy hour with our Friends Barb & Barry on Beach Cruiser and Donna & Jimmy on Christian. BUT they have decided it is time for them to head back to Florida so they are leaving tomorrow.
We have enjoyed 2 baby birds. The first we saw them about 2 weeks ago they were still very furry. We did not see them yesterday or today and I am afraid they have finally gotten big enough to move on. I have taken over 100 pictures of them.

I have included a picture of an Albury Ferry aground -- we don't see that very often.

Happy Birthday to me

2009-05-16T00:55:00.002-02:00

Yes today is my birthday -- another 29.
Barbara from Beach Cruiser has been helping me all week on my new curtains for the salon. We have them all cut out and today I finished up curtain #1. Now Paul has decided maybe they are too wide -- 4 days I have worked on ONE curtain.
I have been running everyday.
Tuesday we invited Pastor Randy and his wife Paula from the New Life Bible Church for dinner. We had a very pleasant evening. They are wonderful people.
Wednesday Paul & I went to Marsh Harbour for the day. I went to Ladies Lunch at the Jib room. It is fun to see my friends.
That's about it for this week.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T01:51:00.002-02:00

I went to Church here in Man O War -nice people nice church great Pastor. He and his wife are coming for dinner here on the boat Tuesday.
Janet called soon after I got home. It is so nice to talk to her.
Later in the day Paul called his Mom and I called my Mom.
I also talked to my sister Becky. SKYPE is wonderful.
Update
Last week Paul & I went snorkeling --actually I just swam, off Pappy's Land. Lots of fish and the water was perfect.
Thursday we went to Tahiti Beach.I had a great day. Packed a picnic lunch and the shelling was good.
Friday I went for a short run then we took the dinghy to Marsh Harbour. Paul wanted to check the dinghy motor on Semper Fi. We did some grocery shopping then had lunch with Susan ( Susan's Cove).
Got home in time to cook dinner for our company. Barb & Barry (Beach Cruiser) and Donna & Jim (Christian). I fixed a roast, mashed potatoes,gravy, salad, asparagus, my Italian bread and then a cheese cake for dessert. I thought everything turned out good. They seemed to enjoy it and we had a good time.
Saturday I just sort of frittered away the day. The NASCAR race was another bust for my Carl. I hope he is not as depressed about it as I am.

Tuesday May 5

2009-05-06T02:42:00.034-02:00

Jim & Josh at the festival entrance

Wednesday 4/29 Paul took the dinghy to Marsh Harbour. He needed to check on Semper Fi and Spoonbill. He took our grill propane tank and got it filled. He did some grocery shopping.

Thursday 4/30 We left Pappy's Land at 11 to go to Green Turtle Cay for Heritage Days. We planned our departure to arrive at Don't Rock, a passage that can be bad if the waves and or winds are high, soon after high tide. Part of the area is very shallow.
We had a good trip. Don't Rock was no problem.

Don't Rock

We went to The Other Shore Club in Black Sound.
Jim & Josh Jerele from Columbus Ohio were due to come into New Plymouth on the 5:00 ferry. They flew into Treasurer Cay.
Paul & I walked down to the ferry dock. They were not on the ferry. We were a little concerned. Soon after we got back to the boat they came to the boat. They caught an earlier ferry.
They invited us to dinner at the Villa where they are staying with Jim's brother Jerry, his friend Darlene and several cousins.

Villa Pasha

Green Turtle

A look at New Plymouth as we are coming into Green Turtle

Paul waiting for the ferry to come in.

The ferry coming in from Treasurer Cay

I got up Friday and went to run.
Paul & I went to a great lecture on the Blue Holes of Abaco.

Jim & Josh went diving with Brendle on Saturday then they took us to dinner at Laura's kitchen. I had great conch.

Jim "posing"

We saw this Water spout -- or what's left of it, on Saturday. It looked like it was near Treasure Cay. Paul saw it first and by the time he called me and I got my camera it had started to disappear into the clouds.

There was somewhat of a damper on the festival. A 37 year young mother of 5 who helped organize the festival died of a heart attack earlier in the week. Her funeral was Friday at 1. The festival started at 12. They put the activities of the festival on hold for 2 hours during the funeral. She was the wife of the drummer for The Gulley Roosters. They were suppose to perform Friday evening but their performance was cancelled. Kevin, the dock master at The Other Shore Club is the lead singer and we were looking forward to his show.

This is a boat that Joe and Hartley Albury built in Man O War. They had it at Green Turtle for a demonstration.

The Royal Bahamian Police Force Band is always a treat. They put on quite a show.

There were a number of people dressed in period costumes

There was a golf cart parade with about 7 different little princess. ( No Debbie they did not invite me to participate)

This is the conch "cracking" contest. They had to get the conch from the shell and clean it. There was a container they had to fill with conch. The first one to fill his with clean conch won. Willis won.

This is the junior conch horn blowing contest. I have no pictures of the senior because Dave Ralph the editor of the local newspaper here in Abaco was a participant. He was at Green Turtle covering the event and ask me to take his camera to get the pictures of the senior event. I tried to talk Paul into taking our horns. We would have won easily -- yes believe it or not I am better than the woman who won. Paul is much better than all the men.

There was a mini Junkanoo-- it was probably smaller because the lady who died was the head of, among many other things, the local Junkanoo

This is Willis. He was our "chef" at the villa Thursday night, he won the conch cracking contest and he was in the Junkanoo -- he really gets around

We went to a very nice community Church service held on the festival grounds on Sunday. Jim, Josh, and some of their cousins came back to the boat after the service.
We all went out to lunch at McIntosh's.
Jim & Josh brought us back to the boat. We said our farewells and they helped us off with our lines. We timed our departure to go through Don't Rock near high tide.
We went into Marsh Harbour. I called Susan ( Susan's Cove) on the radio and she invited us for dinner. Roger from Agosy and Bob from Pleadies (?) were there also.
We stayed in Marsh Harbour so I could go to Stitch and Bitch on Monday. I did another sea horse painting. I think it is my best yet.
Susan invited us for dinner and games so we stayed another night.
We left a little after 6AM Tuesday morning to come into Pappy's Land soon after high tide.
Barry from Beach Cruiser came by today and set up my Internet. It is working great.

Tuesday April 28

2009-04-28T23:13:00.005-02:00

Just a little update.
We are still at Pappy's Land in Man O War and loving it.
We heard from the big group that crossed back to the US last Thursday. They had an OK crossing. I think there are 2 boats from this past season left in Boat Harbour.
I have been running almost every day and enjoying it.
I had lunch at Hibiscus Cafe. Neil is back cooking again and it was wonderful-- except I brought home enough for 2 more meals and a BIG piece of strawberry banana Tort -- fabulous.
Last Thursday was my Mom's 95 birthday. I called her on SKYPE and The satellite phone and both calls had poor connections but I did get to say Happy Birthday. Janet & Ken went to visit her. I called while they were there.
Paul spent 2 days scraping the props. He used the Hooka and was down over an hour both times. They were really crusty.
I went shelling yesterday. It was a very low tide and I found more sand dollars than I have ever found -- my bucket, dag gum I took a small bucket, was full and there were still more left. I also found 16 little sea biscuits -- I passed by the big ones because I have so many. I use the little ones to decorate my sand dollars.
The wind has been blowing 20-30 Knots with higher gust for over a week but the temperatures have been nice and warm and the wind cools things down for good sleeping.
I cut some palm leaves and made a basket -- Paul said it probably would not pass for even a good children's basket but I had fun.
I am posting some pictures I copied from Fred's (Amarse) blog.
Paul is going to Marsh Harbour tomorrow in the dinghy. I decided not to go since the winds are still blowing 20k. He will not take the big boat -- so he can bounce himself around -- not me. He wants to check the charter boats and run some errands. He can probably save enough on groceries to pay for the fuel. Everything here cost a little more than in Marsh Harbour.
We are planning to leave here Thursday -- in the big boat-- to go to Green Turtle Cay Heritage Festival. Our friend Jim Jerele is coming from Columbus Ohio. His great Grandfather was born in Green Turtle. Jim has other family coming also.
I guess that's about it for now.