New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve morning is bright and warm and dry. A picture perfect day. We started with a quick workout and then breakfast outside on the cockpit. Halfway through we realized it was the first time we have ever had New Year's Eve breakfast outside...

Neighbor Paul on Carry On thought we looked so "idyllic" he snapped a picture. Of course, Dylan had to be a part of it, too.

Tonight we will join Betty and Al and Dinny and Paul on Carry On for a New Year's Eve dinner and celebration. It is doubtful we will be awake at midnight but certain we will have fun.

We look forward to the new year, to new adventures, to friends old and new, and to time with those we love including our faithful crew.

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year.

Karen, Jeff, Dyna, and Dylan

Christmas Day

The temperature was warm.

Dyna and Dylan enjoyed Christmas treats, although Dylan thinks Dyna's was much bigger

It never gets old, at least for me.

 A wreath helps the kids welcome Christmas.

A pecan pie, ice cream, a sampling of rum from around the world, and fellow boaters close a wonderful day.

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!

This is the first time that we will be staying on the boat for Christmas and not visiting family. There are several reasons but one was to just have the experience and see what it would be like.

So what do I miss? Well, certainly spending time with family, especially my youngest niece and nephew. I miss a Christmas tree and lots of decorations. I miss the big family feast. I even miss the snow.

But Christmas here on the boat has its own charm. We've strung some lights, got a wreath, and a poinsettia. Several other boats in the marina have done elaborate lights and even Christmas trees. We even had a boat named Christmas pull in a few days ago, who stayed true to her name with a Santa, lights, and a tree on the bow. We've participated in some local events. And will be spending time with fellow boaters.

There's no snow but we've been eating breakfast on our new cockpit table and taking our walks in short-sleeves and even shorts. The dockmaster has donned a Santa hat and a local radio station is playing Christmas tunes. Tomorrow is suppose to be in the 80's.

We'll be doing some baking and having our own Christmas feast, all scaled down to fit in our galley stove. Dyna and Dylan will keep ever vigilant for Santa.

Of course, we'll watch my Christmas favorites on DVD - Charlie Brown Christmas, Grinch, and It's a Wonderful Life. And it is a wonderful life indeed.

We hope that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas wherever you may be.

The Sexiest Man Alive

Admit it, gals. There's nothing sexier than a man wearing rubber gloves. At the galley sink, in the head, wiping down woodwork, give me that over Brad Pitt any day. In the stateroom might be creepy, unless he was scrubbing the floors.

We have not done a thorough cleaning inside and out since we've been back onboard. Moving south, business, travel, are all things that have kept us busy and just keeping ahead of the dog hair has been a challenge.

Arriving back at the boat following Thanksgiving we realized it was time - past time. So we decided to take a section each day and do a complete "spring cleaning." Hey, these temps in Maine would definitely qualify for spring.

We started at the back and are working our way forward - saloon, galley, pilothouse. She is looking good. Of course, the dog hair keeps chasing us but then it's such a small price to pay for these two cuties.