Getting Close

Ok, so it’s been a while since we posted anything, but that’s because Brian has been in South Africa, and I have been trying to close my practice (after 25 years), sell or give away a BUNCH of junk (boy does it feel good to do THAT!), and think about moving to the boat. Post to the blog?  Didn’t seem to be very high on the list.  Sorry!

Brian was fortunate enough to have his son, Cody, wife Abby, and their 2 kids come spend a few nights on the boat with him before he left for South Africa.  Unfortunately, he was so busy with work that they weren't able to go out sailing, but at least they got to spend some time aboard.  Maybe next time we will both be "at leisure" and can show the kids how it's done!  

Time is drawing nigh for Brian to be resigning from HDS after 35 years (who works for the same company for 35 years anymore?  Especially in IT?).  If it works out anything like my “termination” it’s really unsettling, to say the least.  I am quite ready to take some time off, not have to run a business anymore, and relax a little from the constant stress of patient complaints and liability issues, but the lack of income has my attention!!  And I really feel un-moored, to coin a nautical term.  I’ve gotten up before dawn and gone to work every day for my entire adult life and old habits die hard.  I’m sure iI’ll feel better when I finally get to Texas and we get underway.

We still have a long list of stuff that needs to be fixed/bought for the boat- AIS (gives us the ability to see and be seen by other marine traffic), SSB (single side band radio for offshore communication), and adding a water maker are the big ticket items, but there is a bunch of smaller stuff that needs our attention as well.  We were able to fix a water fixture at the stern that was broken and another thru-hull drain fitting that was leaking (thanks to Bill Cheezum for discovering it!!).  Once again we learned a few things by doing the repairs ourselves- and it only took 3 trips to Blackburn's supply and 2 to West Marine. Hopefully once I get down there for good, with more than just a day or 2 at our disposal, we’ll be able to tackle those other things.  I’m still hoping to be able to cast off the docklines by early June, but I’m such an optimist. :)

All for now.  Things will get more exciting shortly-  I promise!  Stay tuned.

Susan