As I ended the last blog entry … “life’s little pleasures” …. are precious, indeed.
We did spend three weeks in Anacortes/Bellingham … what a wonderful time of our lives… seeing our kids really happy and ready to start their next chapter. What a thrill to witness!
Having helped on most likely thousands of weddings - some quite grand, some simple, some with problems – some so full of love and happiness …. that is what we have!! I have seen everything and believe me –…. life is good in Bellingham!!
Our Bridal Couple on beach in the USVI
We had the greatest week – I cannot tell you how smooth it went – Em and Kyle are easy going and “go with the flow” - so within the first five days we were almost “home free” – Em was organized and had a plan …. whew .. it makes a sailor’s wife and the mother of the bride’s job so much easier and relaxed. We had a ball and I can see the big picture….as Em said to me – “No matter what, Mom…. at the end of the day … we will be married and that is all that matters!” Life is really good!
Besides wedding planning, Danylle spent a weekend with us – that was a gift and special treat to have her with us. Also seeing my folks, Glori, Mike and Max was great- spending time with Laura and Brian and then friends in Glen Ellyn for afternoon and a quick sleep over at Dale’s Dad’s – we made the most of the time we had…… before we flew back to Antigua.
Getting on the plane – just thinking about the “job” we have yet to do .. as we sail Companion south to Curacaos. June starts the hurricane season – not such a far way to go – but … still I look at it as a “responsibility” - it is kind of unnerving.
I knew that Dale was anxious to get back to “her” – make sure first that she was safe – secondly that everything was still in working order, that we would get the sail back in a timely fashion, and lastly that we would be able to leave when he (and the weather) allows us to. So with that on our minds … off we flew.
I knew that Dale was anxious to get back to “her” – make sure first that she was safe – secondly that everything was still in working order, that we would get the sail back in a timely fashion, and lastly that we would be able to leave when he (and the weather) allows us to. So with that on our minds … off we flew.
In Miami we met up with our friend Chuck Novak (he will be with us for the next three weeks) - easy peazy – he just appeared at our gate!!! A non-eventful flight and cab ride back to Falmouth Harbor – Chuck and I waited with a beer in our hands while Dale “found” a dinghy ride over to Companion - Dale saw immediately that Companion was where we left her .. ( a sigh of relief ) – opened the doors – everything in order – (a sigh of relief) …. got our dinghy off the davits – the engine started right away …. (another sigh of relief) …. got back to us, our luggage and a few groceries in hand – we gave Chuck the nickel tour of his “home” – and headed back to shore for the BBQ buffet – back to Companion and to tell you the truth I don’t even remember falling asleep - it happened so fast – guess I kind of missed the “rocking” while sleeping in regular beds.
Chuck helping out with the main sail
Today – wake up was slow for all of us – a quick breakfast – Dale showed Chuck some of the “ins and outs” of the boat –as he turned on the big engines to charge the batteries – the alarms went off – Dale was fit to be tied - starboard engine acting up again – ugh …. after calling a mechanic to come over – a few swear words **!!*** – Dale tried again – no alarm – just a nice purring engine – guess the Companion wanted us to know she missed us! (a huge sigh of relief) Off to provision … we almost had to start from scratch – frig had been totally emptied – and now the sail is making its way to us via the sailmaker – Chuck is a quick study and eager to learn and help.
a couple of hours later…..
Dale getting the main sail battens installed
Sail installed – the guys from the sail maker helped out and it took no time - only an hour – life is good …. now to wait till tomorrow to get the anchor chain un-shackled from the mooring ball and then …. we take off for Guadalope for a night, then to Dominica for three or four days – and arriving in Martinque on the 18th to meet Danylle, Andy, and Father – yes – Dale’s Dad - a sailor at heart…
Chuck will learn a new language – “sail talk” as we like to say…. so watch out Springfield – Chuck might be buying a boat for Lake Springfield!!!
Forgot to tell you – the winds have calmed down – 79 degrees – sunny – 12 knots of wind - cool breeze – we appreciate being in "bare feet" again!
Yea for you. Wish I could spend time barefoot with you all again! The rain here is constant, but warming up a bit so the daffodils are beginning to show color. Happy sails to you. Miss you!!
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