A Little Help From Our Friends

The days are flying by as the final 2 weeks approach. The list is still way too long but thanks to great friends and neighbors we are making good progress. My long time friend Suzy came up from Stuart over the weekend to lend a hand (and to say goodbyes). She may never be the same. Varnishing door frames was followed up by talking her into the dinghy to sit under the trampolines to assist with adding caulking to a few bolts that were high and dry. I owe you a manicure!


So many people have lent a hand it would take days to go through the list but we do want to say a special thank you to a few. First on the list are Carl and Marcia. From picking up Ostinato in Houston to responding to calls just yesterday, both have not only provided sage advice but also scrubbed soot, recreated walls and given encouragement when needed. The new shower seats are great! I show them to everyone. Also on the list is Bob who shared his and Jean's sailing adventures in the Med along with stacks of charts, guide books, and flags of every country. It’s my personal challenge to get to them all. Many of you have fed us over and over again with scant reciprocation. We thank you all. A special thanks to John and Beth. We would have had little social life over this past year if you had not tempted us away from the boat with your fine food, drink and the occasional game of dominos. And of course, Ed who has his own list of "to do" items that must be done to get us out of here. Last but not least.........Kate and Sally who understand that sometimes you just gotta have some time with the girls.


The heater installation is still under way. What a bear it has been but King is very close to getting that one wrapped up. The stern starboard birth is close to complete. The cushions have been added back to the room for the first time in over a year. Of course, all of the tools that were living there are now in the main salon so it looks like a bomb went off. We learned early in the week that two of the ports that were replaced were leaking. Those repairs have been completed, but this afternoon we found the third port also leaks. Another item on the list. Two steps forward, one back.