Is there life in a marina?

We're really still alive, just busying about Bradenton while preparing to travel south again after Christmas. There's a new bill before Congress to open Cuba for travel by U.S. citizens, so the Captain is delirious with joy. We brought the car back after the wedding reception, and for the first time since we started cruising we can go anywhere we want (on land) without walking, biking, hitchhiking, imposing on others, or using public transit. Those of you who know the Captain know that he loves grocery stores, so a good bit of our time has been spent visiting Publix, Sweetbay, WalMart, and of course Total Wine. Even though we thoroughly enjoy cruising and managed well without a car, it's fun to be able to explore a little further while we're here. We've checked out beaches, small towns, state parks, and out-of-the-way eateries.

We joined dock neighbors Harry and Melinda (s/v Sea Schell) and their daughter Jenny for a Seven Seas Cruiser's Association breakfast. They did a presentation on their cruise in the Caribbean, along with great anecdotes and beautiful pictures. After the breakfast we went to a demonstration by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where we all set off flares and extinguished a fire. It was good information, since none of us had ever set off a flare (and some of us had never used a fire extinguisher). After the demo, we headed for Tampa to enjoy the Tall Ships, sightseeing, and lunch.

We're also trying to regain some muscle tone after our months of debauchery in Marathon. We're walking several miles each morning, varying our routes to include the bridge over Manatee River, the riverwalk along the river, the brick streets through town, and into Palmetto. We also paddle about in the pool most afternoons, maintaining our reputations as ne'er-do-wells. The marina has begun a water pilates class, which is a hit with the ladies (and we're trying to get the men to participate). There was a gorgeous fireworks display on the 4th, along with a potluck dinner poolside. The marina sponsors a slip-holders reception each month at Mattison's, and they also contributed burgers and dogs to a potluck by the pool. The tiki bar was open at the pool as well. No one objected to having beverages served in or near the water, as the heat is blistering these days.

We spent a day on the beach with dock neighbors Tuck and Kathy (s/v Mariah), along with William and Judy. We walked, swam, lolled about till we got too hot and hungry, then retired to Tuck and Kathy's favorite pub.

There's been yet another Mayberry birthday, so the hat is alive and well (and much appreciated by everyone who saw Kathryn wearing it at Mattison's). The newest addition is Billy Bob teeth, in honor of Kathryn's root canal on her birthday.

The Captain has now turned 62, so for those of you who contribute to Social Security, we truly appreciate it. Since he's been so gently used by the Admiral, he's holding up pretty well for an old geezer.