We escaped!

Oh Yea. Seventy five and sunny. That's the weather we're having. We ran off to Florida to go to a birthday party, and spent some time at the beach, and dinner with relatives and friends. Good times. Heard we have 14 degrees, and snow up north. I'm not looking forward to going back. I'd show some pictures of Ormand Beach, but I forgot the cable to get them into the PC. Not a lot of sailing activity on the coast. There was a west wind, and the water was nice and flat. It looked perfect for reaching up and down, but we only saw one Hobie 16 out there.

Renewed hope for a better world

I feel much better about our future, at this moment.

I think I'll have a beer.

Cold

Geez it's cold. Never did like living in the single digits. The wind stopped blowing, which helps. At least I won't die getting to my car. I really hope I did a good job winterizing the engine on the boat. Sailing still seems a long way away right now. Finding it hard to blog about anything. The economy is in the shitter, and the workplace is getting scary, and I'm not sure if the criminals on wall street are done fleecing us. Think positive. Be positive. We will survive this, and we'll be better for it. It's amazing how being positive at work gets everyone else to think the same way. It is infectious.

Happy New Year!

In some ways, I'm glad 2008 is over, but there were some significant events for us that were a pleasure to experience. Nicole graduating was a special moment, not just because we are so proud of her, but also because this is the tipping point in our plan of going cruising in 5 years. It's all down hill from here :) Getting to sail Alert around the eastern half of the lake was a joy, and somewhat of a relief in the fact that, we now know she's a good sailing vessel. Cruising on her was fun, and exciting at times. Our oldest daughter Kelly has been successful, living on her own, and enjoying life, even though we still call her every day. That really annoys her sometimes, but she better get used to it :) I'm hoping they both get their HAM radio license, so I can communicate while in some far away port. We are alive and healthy, and still employed (knock on wood), and I see better days ahead. I am being an optimist from here on out, as there is no point in sulking and complaining if it has no impact other than bringing everyone else down to your miserable level. I'm not even going to call that a new years resolution, because... A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other. Wishing you all a happy and successful new year. Peace, Love and Understanding

Coughing, sneezing

Maybe a shot of rum, and some tylenol will help me get through this lousy cold. I've read a book, watched the Bills lose, watched Miami win, spent too much time in the cruisers forum, and nodded off from time to time. What a day. Oh yea, we lost power too, and I was sent a photo of my boat cover blowing off :(

Looks like my retractable tarp failed to close properly. This will give me something to do for the rest of the week, while on vacation. Good thing my energetic daughter is here to help. I've been surfing the web for last few days, when not reading and sleeping off this cold. I came across this video of two brothers, who crossed the Atlantic, and made a short video of their trip. Enjoy.