You've got a Freund

There were so many boat projects to get ready to head south again, some new electronics to install, and some troubles that popped up without our permission. And some were totally out of our realm of expertise. Enter Freundship Marine....ta da!!! Jim and Todd and Robert have worked on our boat before, and we're never disappointed. If they don't have it or can't order it, they'll just design and make it. We truly appreciate all their hard work, especially late at night and on the weekends. They're the very best when it comes to marine work, and so far there doesn't seem to be anything they can't do!

We'll miss them for all their hard work, but mostly because they're such great guys and good friends.

Rapunzel, rapunzel

The Admiral has been confined to the tower over the Twin Dolphin offices for crimes as yet undetermined. The Captain KNOWS she hates to sew, so why on earth did he buy her a sewing machine (now named Chucky after the sinister doll in a horror flick)? And purchase fabric and supplies and such? Then set up a room for her to sew in forEVER? There will be outfits for everything on the boat, awnings over every part of the boat, screens over and around everything on the boat, and possibly a shroud for the Captain (surprise, surprise). At any rate, it's much easier to sew and measure and cut fabric in a big room with a long table than to set up shop in the dinette of the boat. And the view from the windows of the sewing turret is spectacular. The Manatee River, the bridge over the river, the pool and palm trees of Twin Dolphin.....can't beat it! Sooooo, the sewing is almost done for now (dinghy chaps and front awning postponed till Marathon), and we thank Mike for generously loaning us the tower.

Drummers drumming, lords leaping

William and Judy took us to Siesta Key for a great sunset ceremony one Sunday evening. It's a weekly event, with drummers and dancers and hoopers and frolicking and romping and such. The Drum Circle consists of anyone who shows up with a drum, and they play together....loooooooong songs. While they play, the audience (which consists of whoever is there) participates if they choose. There were small children dancing and chasing one another, adults dancing and chasing one another, and people with hula hoops (try doing THAT if you haven't in a few years) of all ages. At the beginning of the ceremony, a small mound was built up in the sand with flowers on top and a garland all around. The centerpiece suffered some when it was remodeled by some children, but served as an altar of sorts to honor the sunset. It is a gorgeous beach, and the sunset was spectacular. The most interesting view, however, was the people.

So many lunches, so little time.......

How we ever found time to work is beyond us, but we sure enjoy NOT working (at a paying job, that is). Paul and Gail and Pat and Kat forced us to join them for lunch at Mattison's so we could catch up on our respective Christmases and hear all about Pat and Kat's new (HUGE) boat. Haven't seen it yet, but it sounds like a great way to camp (with washer/dryer, dishwasher, icemaker, several staterooms and heads, etc.). We feel really sorry for them, but tried hard to sound enthusiastic......and not green. Hopefully we'll all catch up on the water next time instead of in a restaurant.

Florida invaded by Volunteers!

Our good friends Bob and Mary visited their condo in Indian Rocks early in January, and we had a good time visiting with them there. The second week of their visit, good friends Dan and Lucretia (also from Tennessee and our home marina) came to visit as well. They came to Twin Dolphin for a catch-up session and a great lunch at Rod and Reel. William and Judy joined us, since they're old friends of them too. It wasn't exactly toasty Florida weather, but a great time was had by all. And it's always nice to spend time with people who actually speak without an accent!

Too young to go

Sadly, our friend Micki passed away over the Christmas holidays. It was a shock to everyone who knew her, and she will be missed. We had some good times with Lyle (Wild) and Micki, and will remember her as a warm-hearted, generous, fun-loving, puppy-loving, good-cooking, cute and marvelous chick. Our hearts go out to her family in Nashville (she leaves behind 4 children and grandchildren) and her husband Lyle.

Lyle had a celebration of her life at the marina two weeks ago, and Mike added a plaque bearing her name to the memory bell which honors former marina residents who have left us for calmer shores.