The Adventures of S.V. Wahine

Terrie's Lawyer Fund

2012-01-09T11:19:00.000-05:00

2012-01-09T11:09:00.002-05:00

So I now have to defend myself against the one person who I thought would always be there to protect me. WHY? I don't understand how we got here. I have tried everything and continue to pray for God to intervene and save our marriage. It is in his hands. The lawyer wants 2500$ to start just to take the case. It could be as much as 5 or 7000$. Can you imagine. We really don't have much of a choice but to pay it and they know they have us over a barrel. Lawyers and doctors really take advantage of others misfortunes. I have set up a pay pal account so if anyone wants to contribute to my cause feel free to make a donation. If my prayers are answered and our marriage is given another chance I will find an organization that helps women in need who are going through a divorce and donate all the funds to it. Wish me luck!
http://goo.gl/TSTkZ This should be the link to make a donation.

2011-11-09T00:19:00.002-05:00

Well this has been the worst year in my almost 40 years!

A lot of my friends and family are wondering what the hell is wrong with me. Well here it is all wrapped up for you.

Last year and the beginning of this one I was fighting to save my home. We were being foreclosed on. I did save it.

Then on April 23rd my husband of 13 years announces out of the blue, at least it was to me, that he is not happy and he is leaving me. And he did.

My mother passed on July 31st. We did not have a great relationship and we had a lot of hostility between us and I feel bad about all we left unsaid.

Then my darling husband decided HE wants to live in our house and he asked me to move out. I didn't get much of a vote. I had to move. So now the home I fought for that is now a broken home and barely a house I am evicted from because he wants it.

Last week a very dear friend who happens to be my sons Great Grandmother passed away. She was one of just a few people who I could talk too.

I have lost 50 lbs, crying burns a lot of calories. But I have no money for clothes so if you see me naked pay me no mind. I am often sick. I don't sleep. I cry all the time and I am very depressed.

So to sum it up I lost my husband , my Mom, my home, my mind and a grandmother in a little over 6 months.
I will also be 40 in just a few weeks. YAH ME!
I wish I could go to sleep and wake up in a new year with a fresh new start.
I am seriously thinking of skipping Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Christmas!
Did I mention that the schedule that my thoughtful husband came up with states that he has our son Thanksgiving and Christmas. WTF

2011-10-20T23:35:00.002-05:00

What do you do when everything you thought you knew was wrong?
What do you do when the thing you want the most you cannot have?
What do you do when everything you touch brakes or argues with you?
What do you do when you know how to fix something but your not allowed?
What do you do when your heart is hurting and you have no will to go on?
What do you do???????????

2011-06-14T18:00:00.001-05:00

No things are not any better.
How long can you give of yourself before you run out of you? Is it an endless supply? Who refills it? Where does it come from?
I feel like I am running low.

2011-05-30T19:48:00.002-05:00

I have had to face things this last month that nothing could have ever prepared me for. I am not dealing very well with it.
How do you except things that effect your life that you had no say in and are not allowed to try to fix them? HOW?
I am having difficulty focusing on anything except those things that I can not change. I tell myself to have faith and things will work themselves out. Well that's bullshit. Anyone who know me, knows I have no patience. That when I see something wrong I want to fix it. Well I can't fix this and it is making me crazy. How do you get patience? Where do you get them? How do you give up on something you want so badly and move on? Because I can't.
No I don't want to talk about it yet. Just say a prayer for me and forgive me if I have been a bit distracted lately. I am dealing with a lot. Feel free to send me any suggestions with learning to let things happen.

2011-03-14T19:59:00.003-05:00

How many jobs is too many?
I am currently...
1st A mom and really awesome Mom too.
2ND Home school teacher.
A really hard teacher I'm told.
3rd Wife The best wife Robert ever had :)
4Th Care giver for my Mom and Roberts Grandma who is 96.
Which reminds me I forgot to go by and take in my
moms trash cans. I'm in trouble now.
5Th A chef.
6Th A substitute teacher.
7Th Landscaper
8Th Accountant
9Th Farmer
10Th Chicken keeper
11Th Dog Walker
12Th Dish washer
Why can't men run water in a dish
when they put it in the sink?
13Th Garbage Man
14Th Best Friend I rock at this one.
15Th Boat repair and painter.
16Th Driver and delivery person.
17Th Appointment scheduler.
18Th Mover of friends furniture.
19Th Baby sitter of Grand kids and assorted nieces and nephews
20Th........Blogger!!! Yeah
I actually get paid for 3 of these. Can you guess which ones?

2011-03-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

Are you just marking time ? Or are you actually checking things off on your list?

Depends on what day you ask me. Most days I feel like I'm not making any progress on the Great List of things to do before we can sail off in to the sunset.
I sit here drinking a cup of tasty Dominican coffee that was a gift from a friend who was sailing the Caribbean. She is not currently sailing now and her boat sits as idle as ours. She had to go home and work. Which is my least favorite 4 letter word. What will I do when this coffee, now one of my favorites, is gone? I can't ask her to send more.
We sailed the Bahamas that first season we owned the boat and I think the first thing that comes to mind about that trip is the bread. You quickly run out of store bought bread when you take a extended trip on a sail boat. So off you go in search of ice and bread at every port of call. Ice was a given you knew it would be expensive and most of it would melt before you got it back to the boat. The bread however was an adventure in it's own. Go to this store, I was told. No, you must go to the straw market. You have to be there early or it will all be gone. You must place an order the day before. But we were not here the day before and may not be here tomorrow. Quickly I found it was worth the wait. Bimini bread is the best bread I have ever eaten! It never lasted long on the boat as we ate every morsel before it had the chance to get stale or heaven forbid moldy.
So I spent time with the local ladies, made a dear friend in Bimini, and learned who had the best bread in Alice town. I learned to slow down and enjoy a bit of the waiting. Waiting is not one of my strong points. It takes me weeks to adjust to being on the boat. Long extended periods of waiting. The destination I have planned and the things I will see and experience just as soon as the Captain sees fit in delivering us there in his meandering way. I really think some days he procrastinates just to torture me. Or maybe in his own way he is helping me to learn how to slow down. Naa I think he is just torturing me!
In somethings you can not wait. The boat is not going to fix its self and the things on the "list" will not go away. They must be done before we can leave. So as the Captain teaches me to slow down on the boat I must teach him to hurry up on land. I am almost out of coffee and can just smell the baking bread wafting across the gulf stream. Then of course there are those things yet to be discovered. There are 100"s of kinds of rum to sample before I can say without a doubt which is my favorite!
Honey time to go work on the boat!! HURRY!

2010-11-08T19:27:00.006-05:00

As you know I have been very busy. Robbie and I took a 3 week road trip to Alaska with our S.V. Free Spirit friends. Thank you for letting us tag a long it was the trip of a life time. SO FAR! I am also home schooling and that's a trip of it's own. Then you can add BMX racing with Robbie to my schedule and my life is pretty hectic. So I thought I would share some pictures with you and bring you up to date with whats going on here.

Terrie

Terrie and Robbie at Mt. Rushmore. August 2010

Robbie and the Free Spirit boys in the Badlands August 2010.

Terrie and Robbie on Alaska trip. August 2010

Captain Robert Nov 2010

S.v. Wahine Nov. 2010

Me and my honey at our 20 year class reunion last month.

Scooby playing Captain last week.

Robert up the mast changing the mast head light bulb. We now have a LED bulb!

There is a little progress going on the boat.

We are still hoping to get out there and chase the dream.

This little angel has me wrapped around her little finger.
The best grand baby ever!

Robbie doing a little target practice.

He loves his weapons.

The 3 Thompson men enjoying a camp fire tonight.

Just wanted to share a couple of great pics.

2010-10-17T19:43:00.002-05:00

Isn't it weird how much people can change over time.
I attended my High School reunion this past weekend, and we have all changed yet it seems that we have also remained the same. We all still have our little groups that we seems to be drawn to however we are able to go between these groups a lot less painlessly then we did in school. I think it is because now, we are actually interested in exploring those other groups. To see how others have changed. There are people I truly disliked in school that now I find we have a lot in common. My husband is a prime example of this phenomenon. We were not close in school and now he is my best friend.

2010-09-03T08:56:00.002-05:00

I have been trying really hard to dedicate my self to homeschooling. We feel very strongly about this as when we sail off into the sunset we will HAVE to home school. I would like to have a good foundation in place so that the change in location isn't to much for us to handle.
HOWEVER.
I am struggling with schedules and keeping him on task. The subjects are easy at this point. Even someone like me can handle the teaching. Me being one who hated school.
I am looking for ways to keep him interested and me motivated. I can not give up. If this does not work it will put a serious damper on our sailing plans.

We just finished a 3 week road trip across country to Alaska with a sailing friend. Along the way I read to him from a book about each state we were in. Well sometimes when we stopped we covered several of the states at once. We also went to Mt Rushmore. Very educational YES!! I think that there are educational opportunities every where.
I will post some pics of our trip soon. But now it is time for school.

2010-07-21T09:06:00.002-05:00

It is just in my nature to be nice. Hasn't always been that way. But that is a whole other topic we won't dwell into. I enjoy being the hostess. Hospitality should be by middle name and it's not JUST because I live in the south.
I must make a confession. I do these things because they make me happy! Yep there it is, Purely selfish. I get a great deal of enjoyment out of helping others. Entertaining others. Cooking for others. Who wants you to be the only person you cook for. If I didn't have someone to cook for I probably would not cook at all. I'd probably be eating out of the can over the kitchen sink. YUCK.
So what prompted this line of thoughts this morning you might ask? Well the other night a very dear friend called and said me and the kids will be there in a couple of weeks and need to stay a few days. Can you pick us up from the airport?? Woohoo I can't wait to see them. Of course come. I would have jumped in my truck right then and went and got them. But alas I must wait. I don't like to wait. I'm not a patient person.
But I digress. These friends I met because of the Boat. We met in the yard while they were working getting ready to set sail on a grand adventure. We also have boat friends in Spain, California, and the Florida Keys. Who knows where else! Everywhere we go I meet new and interesting people who have touched my life and made a lasting impression. I'm not saying they have all been good impressions. There are those you wish you hadn't met. They make the good ones stand out more so.
How do make these friends you want to know? I'm NICE! It's that easy. Smile, lend a hand, or offer a ride. Invite them to dinner. It really is that easy. And you touch a life, brighten somebody else's day. Who knows, that person might return the favor to you someday or pass it along randomly to someone else. But you have another friend, out there.
So, go sailing!

2010-07-15T21:23:00.001-05:00

reason #71
To go sailing!!

Treasure hunting we found the anchor right here at home, just think what we might find
"out there"!! Let's all go sailing. It might be good for the economy.

2010-07-13T20:13:00.003-05:00

Robert has been making some headway on some of the many repairs Wahine is in need of. He has cut out a portion of cap rail and replaced it with new pipe. He had to add some new medal underneath where there was a lot of corrosion.

I will try to get down there soon and take a picture of the new medal installed.

Wahine is very happy that we have removed the unsightly blemish from her lovely hull.

Wahine Speaks to us!

2010-06-30T19:38:00.003-05:00

This was taken last month by none other than Waddy! Awesome pic PAPA!

Boats have their own personalty and characteristics. Sail boats I think more so. Old sail boats our in a whole other league. Ours is no exception. She lets us know when she needs attention, and when she wants to go somewhere. A gentle pull on her dock lines a hick up in the engine room. Sometimes she just screams ME ME ME!!! . Last weekend Robert went down to the boat to move her back to a friends dock. I guess she wasn't ready to go. The night before she wouldn't run right. Then the anchor was really really dug in. When Robert was ready to head down river she got hung up on something. He thought he had freed it and started off again. NOPE she said still hung up. The anchor had hung on a piece of chain from the bottom of the river and Robert had pulled it up with his anchor. In the process of figuring this all out the engine ran out of fuel. This never happens! But we are planning on hauling out soon so we let it run down fairly low. Apparently to low. Doesn't matter Wahine was not ready to go yet. Drop our anchor, climb down to figure out what we are hung on, start hauling in the chain. And hauling and hauling. Wonder what is on the other end. An anchor, an engine block, a small Volkswagen??

So to keep out of trouble during this process Robbie decides he should clean the decks. Did I mention it had started raining. With everything already wet it was a great idea. She really needed it. Things turn green in the river fast. So a tune up and a bath!

Many hours later he finds the end. But wait there is still another end as Robert had hung it in the middle. Haul, and hoist some more. FINALLY the other end comes up and low and behold there is an anchor on it and approximately 240 feet of Awesome chain. Awesomely heavy. Robert thinks that he actually knows who made this particular anchor. Tom Colvin, the same designer who built our boat. HHMMM wonder who might have lost it? Wonder how it is that we were the ones to find it. Wahine works in mysterious ways. We will show pics to Tom and if it is one of his maybe he can tell us who he sold it to. I wonder if there is a finders fee!! It looks really expensive. Or maybe just really heavy. Here are some pictures of Wahine's latest treasure find.

P.S. She willingly went back to her dock down river the next day.

The Chain all 240 feet!

The very heavy anchor.

2010-06-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

Facebook is bad for bloggers!! I spend way to much time on facebook reading everybody else's thoughts instead of expressing my own.
So here our some of my own.

This mess in the Gulf of Mexico SUCKS! So I better go to the beach and enjoy it before it is gone!
Our sailboat is a mess and we are not making much progress.
My Spanish is going very slowly! Maybe I can figure out how to make my facebook page in Spanish so I would HAVE to practice my Spanish.
My grand babies are awesome and a joy.
My son is racing BMX and we will be at the bike track every Saturday morning! SWEATING!!

More thought s soon!!

2010-03-30T21:39:00.003-05:00

This picture of Wahine was taken this week in the river on the way to the city dock for a much needed bath. The rust down the side is the result of a rotten cap rail.

That is top of the repair list.

Robbie fooling around at the park by the river!! Free spirit I bet you recognize this play ground!

I am a very bad blogger! That said- here is an update on the crew of the S.V.Wahine!

Robert and Terrie working A LOT

Robbie playing ball .

Scooby chasing the ball A LOT!!

There is actually some progress going on in regards to sailing off in to the sunset. Robert has removed the old life lines and repaired the rudder chain. He is about to start the repairs on the cap rails. Then I will have lots of stuff to paint and sand. We have had many discussions about the lay out of the new galley. The design being the hardest part!!

2010-01-18T16:29:00.002-05:00

So the holidays are over and were well into the new year. I think we all make resolutions. Some out loud and others to yourself. Here are a few of mine. Maybe by listing them here I will hold myself accountable for making some of the things on this list happen.

1. learn to speak Spanish it will make traveling more interesting.
2. loose weight. Not because I don't like the way I look. But for my health.
3.declutter my house. I have way to much STUFF.
4. Work harder on getting Wahine ready to Sail away into the sunset!!

2009-11-18T21:36:00.001-05:00

If it was fun and not work we would being paying them instead of them paying us!!

2009-11-18T21:26:00.001-05:00

Did anyone notice that work is a four letter word. Capt Robert!

2009-11-09T09:34:00.004-05:00

Hey All

I have a new job and do not have 8 hours a night to spend surfing the net. Darn real jobs kinda suck. But at least I see the sun now and am trying to readjust to working normal hours again. I have some great pics from Halloween I will try to post! Talk to you all again soon.

Terrie

This is so cool Waddy took this pic of my pumpkins and Robbie with a special exposure on . There is of course only one Robbie Thank God!!

2009-09-30T00:28:00.003-05:00

I am utterly appalled by the story in the news about the women who was told that she could not keep her neighbors kids at her house in the mornings because she was not a licenced daycare. I am amazed at the pettiness of the person, who it was stated, was one of her neighbors that complained. Obviously not one of the neighbors whose kid she was watching. It was just for an hour while they waited for the bus and it was out of the goodness of her heart that she was doing this. She was not being paid.

I guess that is what trying to do a good deed will get you in this world.

Stress and aggravation.

I hope she does not give up. Women need to stick together. Without women like her a lot of us would not be able to work.

So please go out and volunteer in your community. It might give some poor soul something to complain about.

This is a picture of my house from the air taken by Waddy. While he and Robert buzzed our house last weekend. The hooligans!! Cool huh!

2009-09-20T22:54:00.004-05:00

It's been a long yet rewarding weekend. I just got back from a state Woman's Club meeting in Orlando. Anytime you attend one of these events you always come back ready to jump back into service work feet first and full speed ahead. They are very motivational.

While there I saw many of the women that I traveled with to Peru so I thought I would share some more of my pictures from the trip.

These doors were in Cusco. A great many of the doors were painted blue. Chris I thought of you when taking pictures of doors. I hope I get to see the wonderful ones in Spain someday!
The rest of the pictures below were taken at the Machu Picchu ruins. One of the Great wonders of the world.

2009-09-01T00:20:00.003-05:00

Hi All!

Just surfing at work. And thought I might post some more on my trip.

I received an email from our Federation Chairman about speaking at our upcoming state board meeting.About the trip. Now I always have lots to say and yet for some reason I still get nervous when I have to speak in front of a crowd. My words always sound rushed to me. Am I forgetting something? Did they get my point? We will only have 3-5 minutes to speak. That's not long. I am going to have a hard time deciding on what to talk about. There was SOOOOO much.

This is a fountain in the Main Square. Surrounded by government buildings. Such as their Presidents House. They told us that one day a year that Pisco flows from this fountain for the entire day. What is Pisco you ask? Pisco is the equivalent to corn whiskey that is the national drink in Peru. It was very potent stuff. Could you imagine a fountain in front of our White House that flowed whiskey?? HMMM I'm not sure about that one. But for sure things couldn't get a great deal worse in Washington. Might be an improvement.

The architecture was such a lovely mix of many different countries. Spain, Germany, and Europe just to name a few. The weather in Lima is Gray and dreary all year due to it's location on the coast. So the Government ordered the buildings to be painted bright colors because of the suicide rate. Nice!

More Later.

2009-08-21T23:21:00.008-05:00

Reason # 70

to go sailing

Discovering new worlds, communities, and people.

Peru was an amazing place. Not much room to sail where we were but beautiful is not a word that does it justice. However it has a very dirty side as most countries do. The cities are over populated and the government only seemed to be concerned with the area that the tourist visited. Once you left that space the ugly truth showed through. The thing that bugged me the most were the kids. There was someone in every parking lot and intersection trying to sell you something. And often they were children. Early in the morning and late at night it made no difference. Where are their parents? Why are you not at school? No one new or they didn't care. There is compulsory school for the small children but no law to enforce it. Go figure.

Here are some pictures from the trip. There will be many more to follow.

Day one off to Lima. Right before we left we found out that due to health reasons our fearless leader would not be with us. We were very sad. Not to fear second in command quickly copied her in to a packable size and she went with us in spirit. She had a great time and never a hair out of place. We really did miss her since of humor. Her jokes were a little flat! LOL

Flat Stanley and one of my sons small blue ninjas, That mysteriously appeared in my suit case, also made the trip. They all really enjoyed Machupicchu!

Here is another of Linda enjoying the scenery!

This young man was juggling these sticks in a very busy intersection for money.

This is the view out the hotel window in Lima.

Maybe more tomorrow.

2009-08-15T00:29:00.002-05:00

I'm HOME!!!!!!!
Just got home yesterday. It will yake a day or so dig out from under the pile of SH*&%&%
You know ,, stuff!
Will post lots of pics soon. Peru was great and Machupicchu was amazing.

2009-07-12T23:26:00.003-05:00

Reason # 69

To Go Sailing

NO car wrecks

My father in law, and me and Robbie were coming back from a visit to the next town over this evening and were first on scene to a vehicle rolled over on it's top in a ditch. Waddy jumped in and help cut the woman loose and get her out of the truck. She almost died. With gods help and good karma we were in the right spot at the right time. I pray she will be OK.

If you are ever on a boat that is moving fast enough to flip over and land on its top you have screwed up. AND your not cruising.

Slow down and go sailing. And until them buckle up and drive safe.

2009-07-11T00:17:00.005-05:00

I saw on another blog a challenge/ suggestion that you should post a photo. Not just any photo but the photo that is the 10Th photo in the 1st folder. I couldn't make this up. Guess what mine was! Yep a picture of our boat the SV Wahine in all her glory and here it is.

And this is the next one it was taken in Hope Town Bahamas. Just wanted to share this one cause it's pretty.

Well I am getting ready for my big trip to Peru. I think my friends and family will be glad to see me leave. It is all I think about and they are probably getting sick of me.

22 more days. YAH

I got the greatest water bottle that has a built in filter that will filter out the nastiest of cooties. And I can use it on the boat later. Double cool.

Interesting fact. You can pack a meat cleaver in your checked luggage on international flight but not your extra camera batteries. I am learning so much getting ready for this trip. I have never flown over seas.

On a side note my honey has finally obtained his pilots licence. Look out BIRDS!!

2009-06-28T01:09:00.003-05:00

Well Guess what?

I am going to Peru!

YAH ME!

Several months ago I bought a raffle ticket for a chance to go on an all expenses paid, study tour, to Peru with Heifer International. It was a fund raiser for The Florida GFWC. That's the woman's club that I am always talking about. I was second runner up/ alternate.

Then I became 1st alternate about a month ago. Then yesterday I got the news that I was going.

OMG I was soooooo excited. I'm still excited. I went right out and bought books about Peru and have spent all my time researching Peru. And all I think about is Peru.

One of the highlights will be a visit to MachuPicchu.

We will be spending time with those who have benefitted from Heifers ongoing projects in Cusco and Puno.

You should expect to hear lots about my upcoming trip and see lots of pictures when I return.

The trip is August 2ND thru the 13Th.

I wish we could be sailing to Peru but this will be nice too.

2009-06-10T17:58:00.002-05:00

Still here at this dam hotel.
Bored
Still raining almost every day. The yard is full of weeds and everything is icky.
Yuck
Still broke. We will get cot up eventually.
Bummer

Have you ever been Geo Cashing?
Robbie got a cool Geo Cashing GPS for his birthday. It's like treasure hunting with a GPS but no shovels were needed. Go to http://www.geocaching.com/ for more info.
I'll keep you posted on our finds.

Reason # 68 to go sailing
real treasure to find

I think I need to spend the day at the beach. DAYCATION!!

2009-05-20T16:55:00.004-05:00

It seems I was just here yesterday.

Here on my blog, but no it has been 14 days.

Here at this Hotel bored out of my mind. AAHHH yes that was just yesterday.

So I'm still working at the hotel and still way bored. Nothing strange or exciting ever happens here although the wind does blow the front doors around quite a bit and you think someone is coming in but no one is there.

The summer storms have started here and it rains every afternoon. This is great for my garden which is really growing fast. I am excited about my tomatoes. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Still haven't had much success with corn. Something is eating it. Maybe I will get pics posted soon of my veges.

The SV Free Spirit is heading into the Turks and Cacios steadily moving south. I wish them fair winds.

I wonder how much it is to fly to where they are? The rain has me in a rut and I need to see some blue water!!!

Reason # 67 to go sailing

If you don't like the weather. Wait a while and it's sure to change.

Here is a couple of pics of Robbie because they make me smile and I know you'll smile too.

Waddy titled this one Robbie's first wreck. I don't think he was quite 3 here and he loved to drive his little car.

This is Christmas morning and a new scooter. Again Waddy took this one. He looks like he going really, really fast. He is always going somewhere fast.

Hey honey your always saying that I'm going to have a hard time when we move onto the boat about slowing down. You better start worrying about your little man here.

2009-05-06T01:32:00.004-05:00

I have discovered an all new level of boredom!

Having said that let me tell you about my new job.

This is the most boring job I have EVER HAD in all my life. I am working at a local Inn as the desk clerk. You check people in you check people out. If they could teach monkeys some personal hygiene they could take care of this. You answer the phone and any number of idiotic questions from the clientele in person and over the never ending ringing telephone. EXCEPT when I have the pleasure ,as I do tonight, of working the overnight shift. 12 am to 6 am. Then you do nothing. You sweep and vacuum generally tidy up. Did I mention the monkeys. About 5am I get to put out the continental breakfast. OOH AAAH. Why is it called that I wonder. Is it because they don't know what continent to blame it on? But I get to surf and blog and read my email. YAH You guys might get some interesting blogs at 3am. I'll have to remember to put my camera in my computer bag. I can only imagine what I might see around here at night. When I came to work yesterday morning at 5am there was a very drunk women out front of the hotel sitting on the curb, singing. You just never know.

I hope I don't have to work this shift often!

Do you ever feel like jumping?

Up or down? Here are some great jumping pictures. How old is to old to jump?

Maybe if I jump up and down a few times it will help keep me awake.

Well good night or maybe it's morning hell I don't know.

Robbie jumping a dirt hill.

My niece jumping on our trampoline.

The neighbor and a friend jumping on the trampoline.

2009-04-20T11:00:00.004-05:00

I know ,I know I am a terrible blogger.

Where have I been? Around

What have I been doing? Stuff

Where are you going? UH Idontknow

Well, that's me lately, but as I was just typing it reminded me of my 20 year old son.

That's the kind of answers you get from kids. So maybe I'm just feeling young this spring!

I have actually been doing lots and not much at the same time.

My husbands 94 year old Grandmother who independently lives alone through her back out. So I've spent some time with her.

It's little league season which means I am either at baseball practice or at a baseball game.

I love baseball!

Went to the Marine Flea Market in Dania. FUN FUN FUN
Check out the pic of my little man in his new wet suit he had to try it out in the pool.

Wet suit 15$ Hours of entertainment priceless.

I got my taxes done last month! YAH but time consuming you don't get much else done.

Planted a garden with my son. And then watched it over the last 2 weeks sprout and THEN
this morning when I went out something had eaten my corn.
I AM NOT HAPPY!

Went out on my father inlaws little boat Easter Sunday and Robbie fished a bit. This is the little boat we drug to the Bahamas last summer. It gets around.

Went to a Women's Club Convention in Orlando last weekend. Very motivational! You always come back wanting to jump back into your community service projects.

The LaBelle Community Woman's club is an organization that I am involved with locally but is State and Nation wide. Check out this link if you interested in what we do.

WERE AWESOME LADIES!

http://www.gfwc.org/gfwc/Default.asp

http://www.gfwcflorida.org/

OK here are 2 more reasons to go sailing

# 65

No taxes to file. No income either but no taxes.

#66

Shoes

I know your dying to here this one.

The convention I went to last weekend was business casual and a formal dinner. I had to take 3 pairs of shoes. None of which were tennis shoes. UGH! I like to dress up as most girls do. But I have terrible foot problems and I hate wearing dress shoes.

When you are out on a boat shoes are definitely optional and most cases ashore flip flops and sandals are more than enough. Squeaking when you walk in wet sandals or blisters are a much bigger concern than if they match your dress. I can't wait.

LET'S GO SAILING!

2009-03-01T00:21:00.003-05:00

Well there's a hole in the boat. And not a good one. There's never a good one. We have removed all of the galley and settee area. Down to the hull. Robert was scraping at some rust and I was saying be careful when IT happened. It was a small little drip that didn't stop. Robert didn't even get excited he just went to the hardware store for some putty as I stood there trying to will it to stop and imagining the boat sinking before he got back. It didn't. The leak is patched but now were afraid to do anything down there until we have the money to get her hauled out. There lots else to do but HOHUM you know how it goes.

Tomorrow is boat day I wonder if he will poke any more holes in the hull?

My son got his wheels fixed today and I was thinking about how mobile he has always been. I am very nervous about turning him loose in a dingy. Free Spirit lets their boys take the dingy but there is power in the numbers. They have 3 and I just 1. Will he even want to go off by himself? Not anytime soon I hope.

Here are his current wheels.

The date on my camera is wrong go figure. I took this pic today. Note the HELMET he always wears it.

2009-01-26T10:57:00.002-05:00

So I am surfing at school this morning I know I'm here to work, but it is so boring and I was reading Oreneta's blog. When I come across her opinion on trash she finds on her walks in the hills where she lives in Spain. She mentions a project that she is participating in where you pick up trash and take pictures of it and post it on your blog.
WEELLLL just the other day my friends from S.V. Free Spirit were visiting and commented on the amount of trash on the side of the road leading into my neighborhood. Then I read about blog green and I am thinking it must be kismet or something that I should go pick up the trash.
I'll let you know how it goes and I will post some pics. I hope you will not be to shocked it is a lot of trash. Maybe there should be an award for the blogger that picks up the most!!
This is the link to the blog green sight. Go check it out.
http://nicoleb.org/b2/index.php/blog-green

2009-01-25T22:41:00.003-05:00

S.V.Free Spirit at the dock on LaBelle.

I'm sad and excited!

My new friends and inspirations left today.

Laura I miss you already. The S.V. Free Spirit pulled off the dock today for the last time. Out into the big blue yonder. They are living the dream and exploring the world. It is hard to make friends knowing that they will by nature of the bond be leaving. Yet we are drawn together just the same. Cruisers , are amazing people. They take on the everyday challenges of life while living in an extreme environment and over come them just the same. I am excited that the next time I see them they will be out there doing IT!!!! And hopefully so will we.

See ya out there , Laura, Tamer and all of the boys my prayers will always be with you followed closely by jealousy and envy.

If you see this boat anywhere in the world know that it is full of awesome people!

Sundays around here are supposed to be boat day and My Honey was working so I didn't go to the boat to work. However I did take on a project long overdue. My side of the barn was full of junk that had not been touched in years. So Ronnie and I emptied and cleaned and now that building is officially the boat barn. A project that will definitely come in handy for the next year or so of refitting.

My new favorite saying is "It's not a mess- It's progress"

2009-01-15T13:27:00.004-05:00

Well I made it through one more season of holidays!!!!!

Didn't kill anyone. Didn't even want to.

I think I have instilled in my family and finally in myself that we are leaving. So theoretically one more set of holidays and we will be gone.

We went sailing for Christmas 2 years ago. Just me and the boys and it was blissfully relaxing. We were sailing in the Bahamas near Spanish Wells when a front moved through and we were stuck in the same anchorage for 4 days. We read and watched movies and snuggled under the covers it was the best vacation so far. We couldn't go anywhere or do anything off the boat.

I admit that I get a bit wrapped up in the planning and execution of an event or trip or hell just about anything. When that was taken away and I had no choice but to just be and let nature take it's course it was very freeing. I hope that when we move aboard and get on our way that there is more of just, being.

This a link to a cool web sight where I have a couple of pics located as does my awesome father inlaw whose pictures are often here on my blog. If you search for a photo called forgotten at the beach, you will find me. I think if you search Waddy Thompson you will find my PAPA!

http://www.jpgmag.com/themes/8

Robert and I started the removal of my galley and salon. WHOOOOPEEEEE!

I wanted to set fire to the table but he wouldn't let me. He said he could recycle the wood. More on this project soon.

2008-11-19T20:15:00.003-05:00

I am a very bad blogger!!!

It seems I only post when I'm really bored or have something to complain about.

Well this isn't really a complaint. Just a conundrum. Is that a word?

To cook or not to cook that is the question?

I always end up cooking on the holidays. I do enjoy it. But should I be automatically expected to? The economy here is very suckish! I really can't afford to do it all this year. Do I tell everyone exactly what to bring or leave it up to them? If I leave it up to them I will be stressed out that we won't have something and then I will make that too. Then we might end up with double and I have spent the extra money. I know I'm a mess. I have serious control issues!

Reason # 64

It has to be something about entertaining guests. Like never being responsible for a big meal cruisers pot luck everything.

This is definitely south Florida at it's best!

2008-10-21T16:25:00.003-05:00

One of the things I think I will miss most when we finally go cruising is all of the silly American Holiday traditions. Halloween means many different things in different countries. In America is seems to be geared toward spending money. There are however a few traditions that I love. Trick or treating and carving jack-o-lanterns especially. Even these require you to spend money unless you can grow your own pumpkins. And God knows kids today often don't want to wear a home made costume. My children are about half and half. Some years they have a favorite character that they want to be and many A year they have come up with some truly original creations of their own. Robbie announced that he wants to be a 4 armed man this year. Two in the front and two in the back so that he can get twice as much candy. I of course countered with "what that really means is we can go to half as many houses". However he hasn't wavered. But time will tell he usually changes his mind 2 or 3 times.

The boys carved jack-o-lanterns yesterday and we had a bit of a competition going.

Which one do you like best?

This is our cat she is not black but she can be kinda scary!

Cool pics PAPA!

2008-10-10T18:32:00.003-05:00

The Caloosahatchie River

Do you ever feel like your just marking time? Swimming up stream? Running in place? Getting no where fast? Watching paint dry? One step forward two steps back?

And my favorite.

Hurry up and wait!!!

I am always doing something. For some one. It seems though that the things that I want to see done the most get put off for later. I'm not even sure what those things are most of the time. I take care of my husbands grandmother, my Mom, go on field trips, take Robbie to practices, meetings, and appointments. Pay bills, handle all letters, correspondence, and birthday and holiday presents and cards for EVERYONE in mine and my husbands family. I'm an awesome aunt who lately has attended many a volleyball game and even a Brownie tea party. I pick up nieces and nephews from after school events and deliver them safely home. I am the President of my local Woman's club where I plan and run meetings and committees. Volunteer to work at many an event. Write news letters and news paper announcements. Watch the budget and make repairs on the club house.

These are all of the things I do because I want to. Not the ones I do because I have to. You know work, cook, clean, and don't forget the ever growing pile of laundry.

But what about me? I read in the middle of the night when it's quite and the house is still. Exercise? That's funny. When should I do that. Oh wait I could get up early and go before they get out of bed and before I go to work. Then maybe I could nap in class. Like the kids do. I started a Quilt, for Robbie, years ago maybe I can give it to him as a wedding present. The yard I was always so proud of has been taken prisoner by the weeds. But I'll get to that tomorrow. Now I have wasted my 30 free minutes and I must go do the dishes.

I think I'm just cranky, hormonal, and tired.

This is a desert rose in my front yard and some cool anchors.

2008-10-01T11:21:00.003-05:00

Reason # 63

to sail off into the sunset.

The economy sucks! It's cheaper to live on a boat.

Has everyone been keeping up with this whole bail out plan? This is some of the craziest sh$#@ I have ever seen. Why would we want to give all this money to people who can't seen to run their own business. I read a thing that said if they divided the bail out money between every legal American adult, even if we then paid taxes on it, each person would get over 100 thousand $. I think that would fix the economy for sure. We would all pay our mortgages and those companies wouldn't be in so much trouble. Not to mention all the dead beat dads that would be forced to pay ALL of their back child support. It would be deducted right off the top! You don't even want to get me started on parents who don't support their children.

I think I want to move to Nicaragua.

And now a picture to make us smile.

Family Bliss!

Talk to you soon.

2008-07-13T21:45:00.003-05:00

This is the Caloosahatchie River 4Th of July. Pics by Waddy!

So I noticed I have not had any reasons to go sailing since April.

#61

No frogs at sea. It has started raining here in sunny south Florida. But here far inland away from the beach and surf in the swamp that we call home when the rain starts in earnest so do the frogs. They croak and poop and lay eggs everywhere. I don't know which is worse the noise all night long outside my window or the poop all over my porch and windows. Then there is my favorite the frog eggs and tadpoles in my pool. I HATE FROGS!

#62

I helped my friend rearrange her living room today then I came home and thought "I should move my....." and you know what that is something you never have/need to do on a boat. Move heavy furniture. We as women have an urge to move furniture. I Guess when we move aboard I will have to redirect that need. hmmm wonder what that could lead to. I guess I can always paint.

I got a message from Free Spirit they are in Virginia and all is well. I am so jealous. Then Oreneta is temporarily in Canada from Spain and of course the Admiral has already managed to go sailing. Maybe I need to find A boat to crew on!

Happy Sailing guys

Terrie

2008-07-05T14:46:00.004-05:00

I didn't get to go. AAHHH to bad.:) Sumer time thunderstorms came up. I did get the pool cleaned though. No air pics.

This is my lilly pond.

This little hummingbird was seen at my husbands grandmothers.

Both pics by Waddy.

2008-07-05T11:50:00.002-05:00

I just want to drop a quick hello and tell everyone that we had an awesome 4Th of July! There were more fireworks set off at my house than by the city. It looks like we had a major battle out front of my house. Maybe it will rain hard today and wash away all the remnants. I had quite a few people over. My sister and brother. My sister in-law,Roberts sister. My bestest friend Sallie and her crew. About 20ish. You know the normal around here. It was great! I did miss those of you out roaming. Oreneta, Free Spirit, and Dreamer. Hope you are all well.

My husband has finally talked me into going flying with him today in his little 2 seater plane. He has been flying for years and I have never been up with him. I tell him it is like the president and vice president being on the same plane. It's just not done. But my son is off with my niece who is visiting from West Virginia at my moms and it is a pretty day and I had no excuses readily available. DAM. SO I am meeting him at the local airport in a little bit. He will bring the plane in from its little private airport that houses it outside of town. So if I don't check in in the next couple of days send someone looking for me. It takes a few days to walk out of the Glades I'm told. I will take my camera and post some pics later.

Where Oh Where are you tonight?

2008-06-12T21:41:00.007-05:00

Well this is the second time I have typed this post. Lets see if I can get it right this time!!

I know that I am a lousy blogger!

Baseball season is over. BOOHOO. I love Little League. Little man and one of his buddies are going to baseball camp next week at FGCU university. Super cool. I'll keep you posted on his Major League status.

This is a talent he is working on in case baseball doesn't pan out.

Then of course there is skateboarding at the X-games.

I love him no matter what. Aren't we cute?

I attended a convention for GFWC LaBelle Community Woman's Club in Orlando Florida. As much as my son is convinced we did not spend the weekend riding roller coasters or hanging out at the water park. We did have some fun and a lot of education.

This is me pretty in pink with Lynn and Marion from our club while at convention.

I threw my son the most awesome 8Th birthday party he ever had last weekend. I'm not sure if we have completely recovered.

These are the cupcakes Robbie and I made to take to school.

This is the super cool cake I made for the big party.

We had about 30 people show for the big day.

One of the things Robbie got for his birthday is this slip n slide type contraption that you are supposed to be able to skin board on. Supposed is the key word.

Casey shows them how.

Courtney and Miken

We told him that's not how you do it.

Emily says YUM!

Sallie and I sure love a party.

Robbie you sure had some pretty girls at your party!

So, your officially 8 years old.

Happy Birthday KID!!! We love you!!!

2008-04-29T16:53:00.003-05:00

HEY

Well I've read 4 books recently. Two by Ken Follet who wrote Pillars of the Earth. Hammer of Eden was about a terrorist cult group that threatens to trigger an earthquake if the government doesn't cooperate with their requests and Code to Zero which was written a bit differently. A man wakes up in a public bathroom dressed like a bum and he can't remember who he is. Through his search to find out why what and when he discovers that he is a secret agent and that there is a plot to destroy the space program. Yep you guessed it he saves the day.

I liked them both but Pillars of the Earth was much better. I also finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. GREAT!!! I loved the depth of these characters. The strength of the women. The 4th eludes me just now it has been more than 24 hours and I Didn't write it down. I checked out the Secret Life of Bees. What kind of secrets could bees have? We'll find out.

Little league is going great. I like soccer but I LOVE baseball. So I am spending a lot of time at the ballpark.

It is getting really hot here and it makes you kinda lazy and your brain and body don't always want to do the same things. I want to spring clean but it's to dam hot. I need to work on the boat but it's way to hot. Maybe I'll just read a book.

watermellon cannons

2008-04-14T11:08:00.003-05:00

We sure had big fun on Saturday! We launched watermelons. Watermelons you say? How do you do that you might ask? Well first you need a high tech watermelon cannon with an 8 inch barrel. Then you need a box full of watermelon and an air compressor. Which we happen to have on hand.

My father in law ,whose pictures you often see on this blog, with the help of my husband Robert built an air cannon several years ago to compete in the Punkin Chunkin World Championship. I can't make up something like that here's their web sight http://www.punkinchunkin.com/gallery2002.htm you have to check it out the cannons name is Spooky Bazooky if you look in the 2002 photo gallery that was the year I went. There are some cute pics of Robbie about age 2 in a wheel barrel. Spooky Bazooky is bright blue and there are many pictures of it.

Anyway my father in law is often invited or hired to come to events to entertain guests with the cannon. In Florida pumpkins are hard to come by so we shoot watermelons. Last Saturday Alico Ranch had it's annual company picnic with over 400 people attending and those cowboys love the cannon. I think this is the 3rd year we have launched there. I used to be the ranch chef there and I really enjoyed attending the picnic without having to do all the work it takes to feed that many people.

http://www.geocities.com/acmemelonmusketco/ This is an old home page for the cannon it is out of date but has neet pictures.

http://nfttu.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_archive.html if you go to this blog Waddy is talked about in the post labeled gambling with vegetables. This was kinda the start of his obsessions with launching melons.

Waddy was also an expert on the show Junk Yard Wars. They did an episode about air cannons.

http://jyw.tacorp.net/interviews/waddy.html This is an interview with Waddy.

I have to confess that launching watermelons is addictive and that my entire family counts themselves as Melon Musketeers.

We love you PAPA!

This is Robert and Robbie loading the cannon last Saturday.

2008-04-13T11:09:00.002-05:00

Were at #60 reasons to go sailing!
To show my son the world before he's to old to know what he's looking at.

Were going to the boat yard today to help a friend maybe and our friends S.V.Dreamer are back stateside and coming to the yard next week to haul out and maybe they will let me help them work on their boat! yah Inspiration!

2008-04-09T20:36:00.002-05:00

My leg still hurts.
Robbie lost his first game but won his game tonight so he is stoked!

An amazing thing happened last night. I was elected to be the next President of the LaBelle Community Womans Club. I must be the youngest president in history of our club at least. I wonder what the national youngest age is? It will be a lot of work but I love volunteering in my community. It makes me happy and it is gratifying to come together with other women and accomplish so much. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Terrie

2008-04-05T11:13:00.002-05:00

This will be short I think. I have to run back to the ball park for Robbies first Little League Game of the season. YAH !! But the truth of the matter is I won't be running anywhere. Not for a little while. I fell last Sunday night stepping off the dock onto our boat. I think the wind must have shifted and I missed my step. I don't remember tripping or catching my foot on anything so that is my only excuse. I face planted as my son would call it. My teeth did a number on both lips. Thankfully they didn't break. Also I must have landed hard on my shin because instantly a huge lump came up about the size of a softball. We had it x-rayed and found no breaks. I have developed some lovely discoloration and the swelling has only gone down a bit. I have to admit that this really knocked me out of commission for several days. Now the mouth hurts more that the leg unless I'm up to much.

I finished Pillars of the Earth before the accident and I have to say that is was GREAT. Someone said that there might be a part 2 I'm going to look. Sometimes when you get to the end of a book the author has concluded the story and it feels finished and you say that was a good story. Then others you say "that's it" what happens next???? I want to know what happens next.
While I was down this week I finished I Take This Land by Richard Powell. Good story. I enjoy books that take place in my own back yard it helps you relate to the characters in the story.

Has anyone read the book Oprah is pushing this week? It is supposed to be life altering. It would take an awful lot to be life altering for me.

Did you know that you can't lick your own elbow. You also can not touch your ear with your elbow. Who knew!

Well gotta go!

time to play ball

2008-03-19T23:08:00.006-05:00

OH SO Much!

First, I was over at Oreneta's blog , see link on the side bar, and she has a video posted about a man doing amazing volunteer work at his local schools. I can't even put it into words. So go to Oreneta or directly to this link http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/233 and check this stuff out. I hope it will inspire even one person to volunteer. It doesn't have to be at school either. Go to a library or daycare or help a niece or nephew who might just need a few minutes of one on one adult interaction that will let him know that he is important and what he thinks does count.

Second. Back to Oreneta her girls are amazing and have created their own blog. I think they get a lot of one on one time! Check them out to. It was very informative and creative. That Snow White who knew?

You can find the link on orenetas blog. Free Spirit your guys are really going to enjoy this sight. Girls keep up the good work. And that thing about the Easter Bunny? I really need to know!

Finally my reading. I slowed a bit this week. I read one trashy novel that the name eludes me but I did go to the Library today and check out The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follet and I Take this Land by Richard Powell. Oreneta you are right about one thing if the Pillars book falls off the head board and hits you, you will definitely have a black eye. These two hefty reads should keep my mind bust a little while. But maybe not for long as I'm not sleeping well lately. Maybe the book will fall on my head and knock me out. I will start one of these tomorrow when I finish with my current trashy novel.

Oh ya and I made the coolest business cards for Wahine today. You know with our email and address and stuff on them, these are the pictures I used for the back grounds on my cards which one do you like the best?

This picture was off the beach in Bimini.

Don't I have perty toes? Cayo Costa FL.

Waddy took this one near Fort Myers I think.

By for now

Terrie

2008-03-13T21:57:00.005-05:00

So I have read 3 books this week. Jimmy Buffet's "A Salty Piece Of Land" Fern Michaels "Hide and Seek" and another James Patterson"1st To Die" The last one is the first book in the series called Womens Murder Club that has become a t.v. series but I haven't watched any. The book felt like I had read it before. Mostly because the plot was basic and like so many others.

Jimmy's book surprisingly was the best of the 3. Have you ever finished a book and wondered then what. What happens next. You get to know your characters and want them to drop you an email so that you can find out what is going on in their life. "A Salty Piece of Land" is like that. I was impressed by his writing and the depth of his characters. I am going to go get another of his books.

"Hide and Seek" was about a group of women getting even with those who have done an injustice to them or a loved one. Was an OK book. I might read another as it is a series but mostly it was bubblegum.

But still needing to exercise my brain I am going to the library tomorrow to look for some of the books that my friend from Oreneta suggested.

Soccer season has ended for my little guy just a couple of weeks ago and baseball started this week. So we will move from one ball field to the next. If you are looking for me that is where I will be for the next 2 months. But I'm not helping coach so I will have plenty of time to sit in the stands and heckle the umpires and cheer on the best player ever. When I'm not reading!

This is the first experience I have had with soccer and I must admit, I'M HOOKED!!! The kids all play and they run A LOT. This is great because they come home really tired. Here are some pictures of Robbie in action taken by Waddy on the sidelines. Thanks PAPA!

Robbie playing goalie and mom coaching from the sidelines.

Robbie has an awesome kick.

Robbie gets bored really easy.

Robbie and his buddy Leeland.

Robbie playing defender.

Robbie and Terrie after a great game.

My sister Amie and niece Emily watching Robbie play.

Look at Robbie's tongue.

Go Robbie Go!!

2008-03-04T18:44:00.004-05:00

Finished James Patterson's "I warned you" or something like that. I didn't see the end coming.It was a fast read. Not much to digest. I usually really like him but the characters of this one were not very deep. I'm going to read a book by Jimmy Buffet next. This should be interesting.

Robert and I are trying to pick a departure date to shoot for, for our around the world cruising adventure. This is tougher than picking are wedding date. And more details. There is still much to do to Wahine and a lot of land locked problems to be dealt with. Wish us luck.

Here are some inspiring cruising pictures.

This is my father in law Waddy at Fort Jefferson, Tortuga. He takes a lot of the cool pics you see on my blog.

Robbie hamming it up in the keys.

Abandoned light house at the Cay Sal Bank. Cooool. Great pic by Waddy.

Me and my honey at the Restaurant near Cayo Costa FL. where every inch of every wall is covered in 1 dollar bills. You sign your name to it and tape it to the wall any where you want. Jimmy Buffets was on the wall near the bar. They said that they sweep up thousands of dollars a year off the floor. It all gets donated to charity. How cool is that? Robbie took this picture.

2008-02-29T23:05:00.003-05:00

Well I finished yet another trashy book today. Daniel Steel, "Sisters" it was a good story but completely void of any meaning or depth. I really feel like I need to read something of substance. Don't take that to mean like educational or anything but maybe a step up from trash to brain bubblegum. So send me your latest good reads that you think I would enjoy. The last time I put out this request one of the books that was suggested was "The Kite Runner" and I really enjoyed that one. Thanks Chris.

There was an awesome front page story in our little local paper this week about the sailing vessel Free Spirit. I have mentioned them before. It talked about their planning an around the world voyage and everything that they have been doing to get ready to leave. Some day it will be my family's picture on the front page telling about us leaving. God knows the locals here already think that were crazy. Reading this made me think about how the little town of LaBelle isn't just a great hurricane hole when the weather gets bad but also a fabulous spot to plan a great adventure. We have met quite a few sailors here that are passing through or getting ready for a major cruise. LaBelle is close to everything you need for refitting a boat. We give hospitality a new meaning. Free water and electric on our free dock. Walking distance to stores, post office, laundry, etc... The haul out facilities at Glades Boat Storage are just what the real cruiser needs. You can still work on your own boat and stay aboard at the same time. This is getting pretty rare. Most places will haul your boat but won't let you do any of the work let alone stay on them during your stay.

So come find your new to you boat , we found ours at Glades Boat Yard, or work on the one you already have, and make plans to sail off into the sunset with the rest of us in beautiful LaBelle, Florida.

The crew of Wahine is always on the look out for our next adventure.

Wahine and others at the local city dock, the free one, in LaBelle Fl.

Wahine in her slip at the port LaBelle Marina.

http://www.labellechamber.com/ Since this sounded like a sales pitch for LaBelle here is the web sight for our Chamber of Commerce.

2008-02-26T16:56:00.004-05:00

Hello All

Deep Breath in long exhale out.

Just got home from school. As most of you know I am subbing at the local high school. Today I had American Government. It was just as boring today as it was then. I really thought I would fall asleep. So I would walk around the class to stay awake. Note to teachers every so often have your entire class get up and move around to stay awake. It might help.

Holidays, boat trips, back to school, pet fest, and swamp cabbage festival all done and wrapped up. Some of those things are self explanatory but what is a Pet Fest or Swamp Cabbage Festival you ask.

Pet Fest was an event planned and carried out by the Local Woman's Club that I belong to. It was a community event for pet lovers to help us raise money for a pet park here in LaBelle. We also donated funds to the animals shelters and different rescue groups that participated. We had a blessing of the animals, a pet parade, and lots of fun and goodies. Robbie and his turtle, Telly, won an award for the best behaved pet. How fun is that?

http://www.gfwc.org/ This is the link to the national web sight for the club I belong to. Were awesome!

The Swamp Cabbage Festival is a little more complex. Swamp cabbage by definition is the heart of a cabbage palm cut out and cooked with bacon and onions. Yummy. This goes way back to the Indians and settlers of south Florida surviving in what has often been referred to as The Devils Garden. For who but the devil would have planted such chaos?

So 42 years ago the local Jaycee's , a civic organization, set out to plan an event to promote LaBelle and local business's and the Swamp Cabbage Festival was born. People come from near and far to "eat a tree". We had over 100 vendors selling everything from swamp cabbage fritters to Indian Jewelry. The Woman's club had a booth selling pulled pork sandwiches. This money we use to give scholarships to local students. It is a long and tiring weekend but gratifying to be able to help our community.

http://www.swampcabbagefestivhttp/:

check out the link

Well I'm just full of info today. I also added a new cool link to my side bar. It is the blog for S.V. Free Spirit who is about to set out on a voyage of a lifetime. Check them out.

This is Wahine in her home port LaBelle Florida.

By for now

Terrie

2008-02-21T21:40:00.006-05:00

Where have I been?

That's a good question. I think sometimes I get in a rut and just don't want to except that it may be a while before we actually move aboard and cruise full time. When I post to this blog it is with anticipation for the adventures to come and to tell of ones we have had. With that in mind as I sit here typing it is a little depressing at times. The list of things that must be accomplished before we can go grows longer everyday. We will never get to the bottom of the LIST. As there is no bottom. So at what point do you say lets go. We can do those things underway at anchor in some foreign port. There are certain things that for safety reasons must be done before hand and others that you know will never get done if you live aboard. So where do you draw the line? WHERE?

I guess this rant is being brought on by my spending time with my new friends on board Free Spirit a beautiful steel sail boat with an amazing family from Alaska. They number 7 in crew. Yep Seven. Husband and wife, 3 sons, and 1 nephew. They have been here for sometime readying their vessel for cruising around the world. We met in the boat yard here. They were in the exact same spot that our Wahine had sat in for so long and we really, I think, bonded right away. Are boys have become great friends and comrads at arms joining in the battle to take over the world. I really think that they will win. We both have awesome kids.

But back to the point. I'M JEALOUS. There I admit it. Every time I go visit them on the boat they have made some new progress and checked one more item off their list. They live on board and they make progress. They are very determined. So what does that say for me? I don't know. We have some land locked issues that must be taken care of as well. Property and houses and a load of other baggage to deal with. I am very excited for them I know their going. I know we will see them in some very far off place someday and sit with a cold one and say whoooo. We made it.

So in the mean time our little trips abroad will have to sustain us through the rough times on land.

These are some pics from Christmas in the Bahamas.

The pic with buildings is Spanish Wells.

Scooby on old dock was Royal Harbor where we spent 4 days while the wind was ripping.

The pirate flag was a group effort from all of us on an extremely cold and windy day. We are easily entertained. We proudly flew it all the way home.

2008-01-24T16:55:00.000-05:00

Next up :crossing the gulf steam and checking in with customs in Bimini

Well I guess the gods and powers that be had had a good laugh and were still busy rolling around on the floor in hysterics because when we crossed the gulf stream the next day it went wonderfully. No man overboard drills or significant events that I can recall.

We anchored just out of the channel in Bimini on a beautiful morning and captain Rob went to shore and cleared us in without any fuss. I often wonder how many boats don't check in and out and pay the fees. Both trips we have made so far I never saw one Bahamian official on the water. Ever! No one ever asked us about whether we had checked in or out. It's not really in me to temp fate to much. I'm already married to a man who does it often enough for all of us. Anyone for a swim?

We spent a great day in Bimini. This little city is really growing on me. My favorite place is a little beach bar called Sherry's on the Beach. It is a little hut down on the beach, Gulf side. The owner, Sherry Pinder, carries everything she needs down to her little shack everyday and home every night. She makes frozen concoctions that make it difficult to remember where you anchored and the best fresh conch salad I have ever eaten. But my little guy likes to say "so far". We will always be looking for better and should probably check in with Sherry on a regular basis to compare.

After eating my share of conch and picking up our Bimini bread, another must try when there, we straightened up the boat, did some laundry and took out the trash. It must have been the cabin boys day off. We were headed to Chub Key next and then to Spanish Wells/ Port Royal.

We headed out after lunch and made it out all the way to North Rock on the Far North end of Bimini when we made the decision not to try going across that night the wind was blowing straight at us and it didn't look good. So we turned around and went back to Sherry's. We dropped anchor right off the beach instead of going around and going all the way to the anchorage. The way the wind was blowing out of the east it was a very pleasant night. Robbie played on the beach until it was so dark we couldn't see and I hung out at Sherry's.

On the way down the beach to go back to the boat I tripped on something and hurt my little toe. I would have swore I broke it. It turned black and purple and hurt like hell. That will teach me not to leave my shoes in the dingy. Or maybe it will teach me not to drink to much and then stumble around on the beach. Naaa. Well in hind sight I don't guess it was broke it did hurt for a couple of weeks. But it's better now.

Here's some pics!!

This is Bimini Beach.

The Dolphin House, Bimini.

Wahine and Pooty the Pickle pirate.

Hotel ruins, Bimini

Wreck on Bimini beach locals say it's been there for ever.

Baptist Church

Wahine and Downtown Bimini

Whats left of the Complete angler where Hemingway hung out.

2008-01-21T22:11:00.000-05:00

Well I haven't been very diligent in keeping up with this blog. Sorry! Thanks to all of you who continue to check back anyway. I would like to here a few more comments. Good ones anyway.

It is almost back to normal around here. Little man is back at school and the grown up people are back to work. Kinda. The boat is tucked in to her cozy slip at the marina. Linens washed and stored , decks cleaned and tons of things we just can't live without all moved back to the house. What a lot of work it all is. Sometimes I wonder why we do it. Why?

I know that most of my friends and family see these trips of ours as vacations. "Oh Terrie and the boys are off on vacation again" I can here them saying this. Well let me tell you these trips are not ARE NOT a vacation. However, definitely an adventure! Cruising and sailing should be on the list for extreme sports or lifestyles or something. It is definitely not for the faint of heart or week minded. You just can't take your toys and go home when you don't want to play anymore. Your in your home, your off shore and if your not careful your toys can get blown overboard. Doesn't this all sound like a vacation. NOT. But you know I'm making it sound like I don't enjoy sailing. Well that's not the case. Maybe not as much as my guys do. There are parts I could do without. But overall it's growing on me. I'm always excited about seeing a new place and meeting new people.

As you know we made a trip to the Bahamas for Christmas. For all the bad weather and mishaps I relaxed more this trip than all the others. I read a great deal, watched movies and played games with the kid.

The trip started a few days before Christmas. 2 days later than planned. We made it to the keys by Christmas Eve to make the jump to Bimini. Well lets just say we all know what they say about the best laid plans. They Suck!

Just shy of half way across the gulf steam, in the middle of the night. The sea is was what my husband called a washing machine. The waves were all mixed up. We were getting our buts kicked. Full moon so we could at least see the confused waves. YEH The dingy that we were towing decides we need to do a man over board drill. NOW. The line broke. We tried and tried to catch her but we just couldn't get close enough. So my totally insane husband jumps off the boat in to the gulf stream and swims to the dingy. He did take a line with him. At least he didn't expect me to be able to come back and get him. I really don't know. Oh wait it gets better. I smell something burning. But there is nothing I can do about it right now. He swam to the dingy tied a line on and pulled it back to the boat. It had ripped the eye clean out of the bow of the dink. Honey I smell smoke. He got back on board. "I don't know what you were worried about I am at trained professional" Yah 17 years ago he was a Navy diver. Before having a broke back. Before he gained weight. BEFORE. Honey I smell smoke. He turned on the lights in the galley and it was full of smoke. No fire up front. The engine room was full of smoke. No flames. It all the Chaos a battery had come loose and grounded out on the throttle cable. And smoked A lot. Oh yah we had no throttle control at this point either. Doesn't this all sound like a Vacation. He managed to rig the throttle in one spot. We decided to turn around and go back. It was closer. He set in a new course. Changed his wet clothes and literally passed out from exhaustion. I fought the boat for 2 hours in what I was hoping was the best direction it really didn't feel like we were making any head way. The GPS wasn't showing any we were fighting the wind and the gulf stream I needed to increase the speed but couldn't and didn't have the heart to try to wake him. When he woke up he tried to explain to me that we were making headway that it just wasn't the course that was laid in. But that we were moving forward. He took over and headed to the nearest land which turned out to be Rock Harbor, Key Largo Fl. He dropped anchor just at dawn and we all slept like the dead. Merry Christmas. Of course these things don't slow down kids at all . My little guy was up and at it. Where are we? Did Santa come? Can I go swimming? Of course Santa came. I'm Super Mommy!! He was little bummed that we weren't in Bimini where we had told him we would be when he woke up but he got over it. We had an awesome Christmas dinner and me and the little pirate went exploring and let the Captain sleep. He deserved it. We'll try again tomorrow.

I will add more about our "vacation" next time. Enjoy some pics from me and Waddy.
We did make it to the Bahamas!

Christmas dinner.Yum

captain Rob

2008-01-08T23:17:00.000-05:00

IM HOME
More to Come

2007-12-22T02:14:00.000-05:00

OMG
Why do we/I need so much stuff to stay out on the boat for 2 weeks you would think we were never coming back.
Well the stuff is loaded coolers packed everything stowed. Well almost. We are leaving at first light. We should be in Bimini Christmas Eve. Do customs and immigration work Christmas Eve in Bimini. We'll find out.
Wish us luck and happy sailing
Talk to you soon with some great pictures. Although they will be taken by me as Waddy can not get away. I will miss him bunches.
By for now
Terrie

2007-12-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I commented on my family the one's you pick and the one's you don't but today I found, or remembered a group of people who are definitely like family to sailors. Other sailors. My guys and I took a Sunday drive to the boat yard where we first found our Wahine and where this adventure truly began. We visited with old friends and made new ones in the short time we were there this afternoon. With sailors and boat people alike were all the same we like each other or you hate each other almost immediately. I made a new friend. Her and her family husband and 3 boys ((3BOYS)) oh my! on a large steel sail boat that was parked in the exact same spot ours had been for 18 months. They have been there almost a year now and are going back in next week . They hope. I wish them luck. They intend to sail around the world and home school their kids. Did we have a lot to talk about. They said that they would be in the area a bit longer before they leave. I hope we cross paths again.

My guys and I also have an extra set of surrogate parents. Wanna guess where we met? That's right in the boat yard. They are are constant encouragement to get out there and do it before we get to old to enjoy it. Not that they are to old that is so not what I meant guys. But they are always reminding us that the sooner we get out there the better it will be. We are joining them in the Bahamas next week for Christmas and it would be hard to pick better friends to spend time with during the holidays. When we come home they are heading south and we are not sure when our paths may cross again. But we will definitely stay in touch and do every thing possible to make those lines intersect down the road. You never know when you will pull into a strange port and see the welcome sight of a friends boat. It can sometimes be a very small world.

When you spend any amount of time in a boat yard you make great friends some I have had for a very long time. I hope we stay in touch with forever.

One of the first families we became friends with from our time in the yard is the wonderful family that lives ,part time, aboard the sailing vessel Oreneta. They are from Canada and are currently grounded in Spain. Don't I have worldly friends? Their girls touched my heart and their mother my mind. The men are definitely kindered spirits as well. Since I know how they miss their little floating home as she is in dry storage in the previously mentioned boat yard while I was there today I took pictures of Oreneta aground. Do you like the pun Chris?

You have to check out her blog the link is in my side bar "oreneta aground" it is awesome.

And now you know whats next

Reason #59 to go sailing

My husband said it should be Because I just want to. But it is better than that. It is so that I can make more of the same caliber, heart touching friends that we have already made during this adventure. We have not really even begun yet.

So here is to my awesome, great, and wonderfully inspirational friends that I have made and the ones to come. God bless and happy sailing!!!

2007-12-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

I had 25 people in my house today! That's a bunch even for me. I average 15 so 25 was a lot. Add to this the fact that we have the remnants of tropical storm Olga passing over us and it makes for a beautiful day. Actually it was a great day. It stopped raining about the time my guest started arriving and if it drizzled a little no one noticed. There was an abundance of food and drink and rum. Have I mentioned my affection for rum lately? I got two bottles of rum as birthday presents and one as a Christmas gift today. All the right size and in my favorite color. Sailors no that the best presents can be eaten or drank or put in a blender and drank.

I had most of my family with me today. I missed those of you who couldn't be here. I have the family God gave me. The one I chose to marry and spend the rest of my life with and the best of all, the family that you choose. That would be my very bestest friend Sallie and her children.

I guess I had too much rum today and it is making me a bit sappy. I thought I had a big family growing up. I DIDN'T!! I do now. I sure didn't know what I was missing. I wouldn't trade ya'll for nothing. Maybe a new boat but that would be about it. HAHA!

So here are some more reasons to go sailing.

Reason 56
I can't miss you if I don't leave.

Have I mentioned rum lately?

Reason 57
My dog wants to go sailing.

Reason 58

You can't see stuff like this on land.

2007-12-09T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well it's been over a month since I last posted. A lot of work has been happening on the boat in preparation for our upcoming trip to the Bahamas. We also participated in a Christmas boat parade last night here at home . The parade is something we look forward to every year we always get a great deal of applause , we love it, it is probably because were the biggest boat to join in. There were all sizes this year even a jet ski. We were still the best. Not that I'm prejudiced at all.

We pressure washed the decks and sides. Then I started painting the decks. I'm torn between Huck Finn and the Dunkin donut guy. The never ending fence that must be white washed. Time to make the donuts. It seems like It is always time to paint the boat. I actually painted a spot last week that has never been painted in the over 5 years that we have owned her. She is looking fabulous though.

We seem to have a long list of social engagements this year. Add in Soccer practice and games, work, Doctor appointments, and Planning our Christmas/birthday party. My older son and I both have a birthday next week on the same day even. He will be 19 and I will be just a little older:)

So that brings us to !!!!!

Reason #55 to go sailing

Were you invited to a party or gathering and you really don't feel like attending? OH I'm so sorry we won't be here were sailing at first light. SOOOOOO SOORRRRYYYY. NOT!!!

Here our some pics of my beautiful boat being prepped to sail and in the boat parade. Waddy takes amazing photos. Doesn't he? Check out his new photo gallery.http://gallery.mac.com/waddy1

Enjoy

T and the Boys

This is our home port at sunset.

reason #54

2007-11-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

O.K. oddly enough twice today I have been told "whats happening with your blog"

I'm SOOOORRRRRYYYYYYY. I've just been lazy that's right ME shirking my responsibilities. My husband says to tell you that this is my way of getting my friends and fans (haha) used to irregular postings. For when we finally go abroad and internet access isn't always available I won't always be able to write you. But for now I have simply been busy.

With what you might ask. Work, I've been doing a little moon lighting at an Elks Lodge. Cooking for special events. Subbing at the local schools. I even had kinder garden one day and nobody cried, not even me! Helping at my Womans Club. My son started soccer last week and I'm an assistant coach. No screaming just encouragement. Halloween was a lot of fun. My little pirate was a ninja. My husband is finishing his pilots license. Our friends on the sail boat Dreamer have been in town getting their boat ready for their trip south for the season. The Dominican Republic I think. We love spending time with them. We our always renewed in our enthusiasm to go sailing after they have been here. In fact here is reason # 54 to go sailing off in to the sunset.

#54 Christmas in the Caribbean.

We are planning to sail to the Bahamas for Christmas and meet Dreamer for a week of fun and frolicking. I have always wanted a white Christmas and my husband is afraid of snow so I will have to settle for white sandy beaches.

Here is a pic of our really cool jack-o-lanterns.

Thanks for being patient with me and keep checking in.
By for now
T.T.

2007-10-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

#53
When you go on vacation you always feels like you need a vacation from your vacation when you come home. Right. You have to catch up on the laundry. UGH. I hate laundry. Rush to get ready to go back to work because you stayed gone till you must go back to work. Work UGH. So here the thing about sailing off into the sunset. I HOPE, or so I'm told. You vacation on a beautiful island only to pick up anchor and leisurely sail to another exotic interesting destination. No rush no stress. Sounds great don't it.
The trip to Arkansas was good. Not great but good. We drove almost straight there about 24 hours. We were hauling a pretty big trailer. But on the way back we stopped in Alabama to see the U.S.S. Alabama in Mobile Alabama. Really cool ,big, old boat. My little guy touched, turned, moved, and or played with every switch, knob, and lever on this entire vessel. And there is a bunch. The U.S.S. Drum is also located in the same place. The Drum is a retired submarine that you can also tour. Have you ever been on a Sub? I have. We even got to look through the periscope. The park also has a large collection of planes and tanks. This is a must do if your ever in Mobile AL.
The Ozarks are really lovely. The reminded me of the mountains in West Virginia. Lots of old barns. We saw cotton fields fully loaded in Mississippi. Catfish farms in Louisiana. Cypress trees in Arkansas. I didn't know they had cypress trees in Arkansas. Did you?
My son learned to spell Mississippi and see the Mississippi and overall had a great time. Except having to do his school work on the road. I think he really thought he would get out of it. No such luck for him.
Oh yah we also visited a really cool art gallery in AR. Called Bluebird House or Terra studios that had a glass blower doing demos and lots of great pottery and sculpture. Here is there web address http://www.terrastudios.com/ check them out. Awesome stuff.

Well here are some pics I took of are trip. Cotton fields, sculptor at Terra, battleship, and my little gut checking out the boat stuff. Enjoy!

2007-09-29T15:51:00.000-05:00

Reason #52
Travelling and not having to watch the road

This morning at 5am.yep AM I got up and took my father inlaw to the airport. First it should be illegal to travel anywhere at this time of morning. Or at least before you/I have had coffee,tea , caffeine of some sort. Then I came straight back to the house. Total travel time 5 hours. Where I accomplished very little, no wait, none of the things on any of my lists. I did have a nice visit with my papa and listened to some rockin 80s music with the sunroof open on the way back. But was basically on hold.
I am going to Arkansas with a friend tomorrow and we have a lot to get done in one day. She is moving there and we had a lot to pack still. So when we leave tomorrow back to being on hold 25 hours, or so, of driving. Concentrating on the road. Can't read when your driving. No surfing the net. No cleaning but that's not a bad thing.
Here it comes you know it would. When your sailing underway to a new amazing place you can get an amazing number of things accomplished and still make headway to your destination. Boat maintenance, cooking, cleaning,reading, maybe some correspondence. So for all of those who think were off loafing sailing being bums maybe this is really a whole new 0f way to look at multi tasking!
Go Sailing!!!

2007-09-26T17:23:00.000-05:00

reasons to sail off into the sunset
#51 more time to read

I love to read. If no one bothered me I would read all day. I love stormy weather when you must turn off all electronics for fear of lightning. I GET TO READ. yah I will read anything.And I do mean anything. I always finish a book when I start it. Even when its bad. I might throw it across the room when the plot doesn't go like I think it should. But I go get it and finish it. I must confess that I usually read smut as my husband refers to it. The trashier the better. But throw in a good murder or some deception and I'm in. Recently however, with not working regular hours, I am reading faster than my favorite authors (Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown)can write so I have had to venture out. I have been known to wonder around the public Library and just pick a book off the shelves. Maybe it was hanging off the edge or the cover was really cool. Recently my very well read friend and another sailor said she enjoyed the book The Kite Runner. So off to the library I went to retrieve it. I loved it. Read it in to days. I was completely engrossed in the characters. Next I will read another of the books she referred to on her blog. Prodigal Summer by Barbera Kingsolver. So far so good.
So if you want to help keep me out of the trashy paperbacks send me suggestions for good reads. I don't really want to like learn anything unless it's woven into an awesome plot with some murder ,sex and mayhem thrown in for good measure.
But honestly
I will read anything

2007-09-07T19:23:00.000-05:00

#50

This is a big one it means I'm almost half way there with the almighty list. It seems this is the only list my husband doesn't tease me about. Go figure. 101 reasons to sail off into the sunset was the name of this list. And today my mind is a complete blurrrrrrrdfvvj . I don't feel very good my allergies have put me in a mood. My oldest son decided the other day that he was going to Alaska. Not a big deal I love an adventure. But it's with some girl he barely knows to stay with her family. He has no job. The only money he has he bought a plane ticket with. No driver license. No high school diploma. He was already tattooed and pierced so I can't add that to the list. But I don't think he made a great decision. So I am a bit stressed about that. Then my older sisters daughter, not the niece who went sailing with us this summer, but her sister who is 18. She decides to quit college after 3 weeks and run off and MARRY a boy none of her family likes who has no High school diploma (not even close). No job skills and no future. Without telling anyone. Her mother found out from the ex collage room mate I think.

So to come around to my point. MAYBE.

What the heck is wrong with our teenagers? How do these kids expect to support themselves? Where our they going in life? You ask them what do you want to do with your life they say "I don't know" Where do you want to be in 5, 10, 20 years they say "I don't Know". No matter what you ask them you get "I don't know" When I was kid I had a lot of things I wanted to do and be. Most people I talk to did. They might have been far fetched or a bit extreme. It really depended on what day it was. Cop, Fireman, Sailor, president but we had ideas and opinions. So is it that they don't want to tell us or do they really not know? What do you think? I hope that they are not as lost as they seem.

So my little guy ,he's 7 now, still has that spark. Yesterday he wanted to be a scientist in space who does experiments and goes really fast. When he's not taking over the world. It's great to be young.

I have come across many cruisers who travel with their kids. These kids seem to keep that spark longer. They seem ,to me anyway, to have goals. To be firmly grounded, face reality and the world head on with confidence. How does this happen? What are they getting living on boats, traveling around the world that they don't receive here anchored at home? You would think that kids would be less self confident with never knowing what is in store for them around the bend or in the next anchorage. However it seems to be the exact opposite. Why is that? Really I wish and hope that one of you out there reading this knows the answer and would let me know.

But in the mean time we have to get back to my list.

#50#50#50#50#50

number fifty

To save my little guy. To keep him from turning into a lost teenager with no goals or ambition. To instill him the confidence that he can only get from facing the world full steam ahead and successfully making it back to port.

Wish me luck. Pray for me. Make a sacrifice to the gods and whatever else might help. To keeps us heading in the right direction. Someday SOON. Sailing off into the sunset.

Pictures taken in Hope Town, Bahamas

So just a reminder. Hug your kids. Take them on an adventure. And don't forget to stop and smell the flowers.

Weeds UGH

2007-09-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

My least favorite thing about summers in Florida?

WEEDS

#49 no weeds to pull, fight with, or spray

I came home today and stood in my front yard and thought UGH what a mess. But there is beauty in everything if you look close enough, long enough, or hard enough. So here are some pictures all taken in my front yard.

The pink ones by the anchors are dessert rose.

The white ones are jasmine and I have had this bush for years and this is the first time it has ever bloomed . Probably because just 2 days ago I said " I think I will get rid of that bush" it must of heard me.

Don't know what the yellow ones are called.

The red ones are a butterfly bush.

And the red and white ones are bleeding hearts.
And most of these lovely flowers live without any help from me, happily side by side with the weeds. How cool is that.

Who Knows?

2007-09-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

So I think schedules are way overrated however a routine is nice to have. Knowing what is coming and trying to be prepared. Knowing you never really are because what you think is on its way is usually derailed by something else. And even though I know that what I'm prepared for will not be the only thing I have to deal with it make me feel a little better having my aforementioned false since of security. Who knows maybe I'll make a list! That always makes me feel better.

I have subbed at both the High School and the Middle schools now and never get what I am expecting. Last week I had P.E. at the High School. Stood all day in the hot sun (100 degrees) with a bunch if bratty kids. Today I had P.E. at the middle school and went prepared sunscreen and all and spent the entire day in the gym with good kids shivering. Go figure!
Who can guess what tomorrow might bring?
Later
Terrie

Things that bug me!

2007-08-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

Lets just jump right to the main point of this blog!

reasons to sail off into the sunset

#46 phones that ring when you sit down to eat with your family

#47 barking dogs , That are not mine. Heck I'm not sure who they belong to.

#48 because it's to dam hot to do anything else

So my little man went back to school yesterday. Without a fight and with some enthusiasm. Go figure! I have decided to work at the locals schools as a substitute teacher. With some enthusiasm and without a fight. I hope that this will be fun and let me be flexible with my time and be able to do the things I want and need to do without always feeling guilty about taking time off from work. I need a job where they don't depend on me. I'm not saying that I'm not dependable. I just don't want to be IT. So when we decide to go sailing I can just go. Doesn't that sound idea:) Who knows it might even work.

The phone rang twice during dinner. Neither caller was anyone I wanted to talk to. It's like they can see you cooking and wait until you sit down. Then they call.

I was upstairs folding clothes when I here what sounds like something being killed. I look out the window and there are 2 beagles running around the yard yipping and baying and generally making an extreme amount of noise. I HATE IT. You heard me Audrey! HATE IT! People who can't keep up with their pets should be put on leashes. Come to find out that the people who live behind and down a couple had people over or family or something who owned these dogs. When I had first looked out the upstairs window and saw them those people were outside and I know they heard it if I did , I was inside and I heard it. By the time I was sick of hearing it and went out to investigate they were down the other way ,even farther, from where they belonged barking. And what do they do when they finally realize their dogs are gone. They send the very small 5 year old to get them. Who I might add is not even familiar with these dogs. My son had to help him get the animals home. In the midst of this here comes the boys 2 or 3 year old sister around the corner ALONE. So I think they all might need a new leash!!!

And it was almost 100 degrees today and to hot to do much.

We should all go sailing.

This is our baby Scooby who almost never runs around annoying the neighbors.

Summer Time Blues

2007-08-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

Well here I am. Still in the same place. Not going anywhere fast. A lot is happening around here and yet I'm not accomplishing much. As you know my niece from West Virginia has been visiting. But she has gone home now. My little guy has had his 7th Birthday and time marches on. I have to confess that I am a list maker. Precise and exact. Do item one check it off 2 check it off. Not that it ever happens that way. Well maybe up to about number 2. Then jahsdfsdfas where is the D#@$M list. I haven't a clue. You know what they say about the best laid plans. Oreneta blogged once about if you want to know where you won't be in life in 5, 10 years make a plan of where you want to be in life write it down. This is where I want to be in x amount of years and one thing for sure. You won't be there! Well I think the route of my problem is that I recently lost my job. This job was great at first. Then it started not being so perfect. And most recently it has truly sucked. So I shouldn't miss it. But I do. After the first few days of sulking I started making mental lists of all the projects around my house and at the Womens Club that I would finally have time to complete. After I get these things done then I would look for work. At the rate I'm going I will be able to collect social security first. I think I actually got more done when I was working. We are fixing up a mobile home that we have owned a long time so that we can rent it out. And were really making progress. Slowly. I need to do some serious cleaning and organizing around my house. Now that I'm here more often it's getting on my nerves. Its way to cluttered. I have curtains to make. My truck needs a really good detailing and the weeds have control of the flower boxes. Well the first step is knowing what needs to be done. So with that said I must be headed in the right direction!
Reasons to go sailing???? I'm really struggling for one today. How about
#44 Because I want to.
#45 The boys say they NEED to

This is the pancake that my big 7 year old had for breakfast on his birthday. Yep those are chocolate chips.

This is his birthday cake I made him. Always a pirate at heart.

And this is a water lilly in my little fish pond.

Sorry I have not been here as often as I should be. Now that I'm a lady of leisure you would think I would try harder. Well, I will put it at the top of the list.

By for now

T and the boys

Awesome pictures

2007-07-11T20:11:00.000-05:00

Well were home. Again.

The wedding was nice. I saw people that I miss bunches. And we had a great visit. But a 6 hour ride after jumping off the boat was a bit much. We got home Sunday at about 10ish pm. Fell into bed and worked the next morning. The first day back at work after vacation always sucks. And it did. SUCKED. A bunch. I think I need a vacation. Day 2 wasn't to bad. Day 3 was bearable. But I can't wait for the weekend to get here.

My house is a wreck and my laundry isn't done. I finally bought a few groceries we were out of everything. I mowed the lawn today as it was knee deep. I didn't want to loose the dog in it. It will probably take me a few weeks to get back in a routine. I don't think I had this much trouble after I had been gone a month last year. 2 weeks and I'm A mess. So this is proof that a vacation doesn't work unless it is at least a month long.

So here we go. Reasons to go sailing.

#41 no messy house to come home to

#42 laundry can't pile up there's simply no room for it

#43 My honey says " because work sucks"

now for the pics

This is actually a sunrise. No I wasn't up but Waddy was.

The water was so calm that it looked like glass. The people on the beach our 21 cuban refugees that came ashore over night. They were found the same morning we landed. The next night there was 25 on Garden Key. 141 in 30 days were found in the Dry Tortugas. I can't even start to imagine a life so bad that you would give up everything and cross the gulf stream in an open raft that has so many people in it that it is just barely floating. I also think that if all the Cubans that have come to America bound together and went home that they could take their country over.

Fort Jefferson is an awesome sight.
This is the light house on top of Fort Jefferson.

The shark is at Loggerhead Reef. The water is amazingly clear you can see EVERTHING.

More pictures next time. They get better. Thanks Waddy.

Were Home

2007-07-06T17:23:00.000-05:00

Reason # 38 Sunrises
Chris I did see some great ones I haven't sorted out pics yet
#39 You appreciate pizza more when you get home\

Well this is just a quick check in to let everyone know that we made it home all heads accounted for even my niece who I was tempted to leave on a deserted island at least once.
Now were off to a wedding upstate we will be home Sunday and I will post the most amazing pics you have ever seen

# 40 Awesome pics of awesome places

Where are we ? or Who cares!

2007-07-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well we have made it as far as Little Torch Key. I think they call this spot New Found Harbor. It is beautiful here. We leave early in the morning for the big crossing to Fort Jefferson. We will be able to spend a couple of days there before heading home. We are all looking forward to fireworks at the fort. My little guy has a stash of his own. He can hardly wait to set them off. Little boys love to blow things up. Well I guess that's all boys love to blow thing up. The big boys also have a stash of fireworks that little guy does not know about. He will be so stoked.Waddy has been taking a ton of pictures. I have read a bunch of useless trash. And enjoyed every minute of it. We had some so so sailing today. Hoping for better tomorrow. The niece is probably bored but i think she knows its better than being home. Sailing is a good lesson in patients and amusing your self.
Reason # 37 to go sailing Sunsets and as soon as I'm where the internet is cooperating I will post some awesome pictures.
T and the boys

schedules

2007-06-27T18:45:00.000-05:00

reason number 35# no work

We only made it as far as Ft Myers when my father in law got a phone call from a customer with a problem only he could fix. So he had to jump ship for the day and go fix it. When he gets back we will head out. So here we sit. Waiting. But he's worth it.

#36 no schedules

schedules suck

these pictures were taken at the Ft Myers Yacht Basin a few minutes ago.

My niece caught her first fish but it got off the hook so no picture.

We just finished dinner and were watching an awesome sun set.

By for now

T and M the Boys

Woo Hooooo

2007-06-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

Were going sailing!!!!!
We leave at first light according to captain Rob. The locks that we must go through to get out of the river only open at noon. Then off we go.
1. Shark River
2. Marathon
3. Bahia Honda
4. Key west maybe
5 The Dry Tortugas
6. Home by the 6th
captain has a wedding to be at on the 7th. So there is our sail plan. Sounds great doesn't it. We will be taking my teenage niece for her first boat ride and first trip out of sight of land. And she is flying in on her first plane ride. How coool.
Wish us fun. I meant luck. Really.
Talk to you all when we get back. Sooner if I can get on line. I'll have some great pictures.
Oh yah reasons to go sailing
#32 no traffic
#33 no cell phones Hell no phones I do miss the internet though
#34 because we can :)
by for now
Terrie

Parenting and Stuff

2007-06-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

Parenting is no fun!! I repeat not fun. I had this whole philosophical vent planned about parenting but let me just simplify the issue. Its hard and it doesn't get easier as they get older. The next kid does not teach you how to deal with the younger kid. The younger kid and older kid our as different as night and day. You may be a little less shocked by said younger child but you our never completely prepared for the things they do. Monday afternoon I am in the pediatricians office with the younger child, he's seven now and was there for a check up. I was told he is practically perfect in every way. A little tall. A little distractable. But that was it. As I was leaving the doctors office I get a voice mail from my older son that says "hey mom its me Ronnie I wrecked a motorcycle but don't worry the ambulance is on it's way. By." WTF kind of message is that. He is taken on A body board to the emergency room and x-rayed from head to toe. Five hours later. Verifying that there is still little brain activity, just like before the accident, and other than having a lot of road rash and being very sore he is going to be fine.

My oldest child has been trying to drive me slap insane for the majority of his life. I think he may have finally succeeded. My husband says it is not a very far drive. He doesn't go to school, he doesn't have a job, no driver license, lousy friends and a sorry outlook on life. He thinks he has it so bad. I have always thought that we should take him to a small third world country "on the boat of course" and show him how bad some people really do have it and yet they still seem to be quite content and happy for the most part. I am trying hard to keep my youngest child from getting wrapped up in material possessions and keep in mind what is important. But it's hard. Actually it's almost impossible. We better move onto the boat soon and get out of here:)

The picture is of course the lovely Wahine taken by my amazing father in-law Waddy.

So here comes the best part more reasons to go sailing...

#29 no flat tires

#30 no seasonal allergy attacks

#31 unexpected house guests

#32 naked days (thats for you honey)

Insanity or my trip to West Virginia

2007-06-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

So West Virginia is approximately 16 hours from my house. That is an awful long time to talk. But that is what my mother attempted. And I think she came real close. At one point I timed her talking 45 minutes without me speaking one word. Just when I didn't think I could take any more she would dose off. And low and behold she talked in her sleep. I am not joking.

Luckily on the way home she was mad at me and she didn't talk near as much.

I really do love to drive. Radio blaring. Singing along. Great scenery. But this was the trip from HELL! Did I mention the nice Deputy in Virginia. I'm still not sure how much that ticket is going to cost.

But my niece graduated. And I saw my sister who I haven't seen in almost 2 years. Since I last saw her she has lost like 165 pounds. It was so weird I just kept staring at her. She had her tummy done bypassed I think they call it. She is doing great and I am proud of her. She is amazing and never gives up. The top picture is she and I.

We went to the "Barn Rocks" which is a swimming hole near my sisters house that is part of a river that flows out of the mountains. The water is a little cold but it was beautiful. These are some pictures from my trip. Of course one of my shoe. And my little guy trying to climb the Barn Rocks. Wild flowers . The hill in my sisters backyard. Pretty Huh.

We went to the boat yesterday and hauled are little sail boat and the dingy back to the house to repair and paint. It wont be long now before we will be going sailing. Just for 2 weeks this summer not nearly enough but better than not at all. The boat is a mess. Covered in dead love bugs and bird poop. So I will need to spend a bunch of time cleaning and stocking the boat for our trip. We will just be off shore in the Tortugas. But there are no stores or marinas so you must take everything you need with you. Two weeks isn't hard to plan for and it's amazing how quick you get over not having something you forgot when you know that there is nothing you can do about it. Can't run to the Wal-mart. There's not one. You remember how to be self sufficient.

Here we go......

#26 No speeding tickets

#27 Always new scenery to take in.

#28 Not having to drive my mother ANYWHERE/ Priceless

Road Trip

2007-05-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

This is Wahine at her home dock yesterday. She looks like she really wants to go somewhere doesn't she? Picture by Waddy.

Well I've had an eventful day.

My niece called me this morning and gave me the news that she was definitely going to graduate this year. On Friday to be more precise. In West Virginia. We have not been shore the last few months if she was gonna make it on time. In fact I had resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't gonna happen. And she pulled it off at the last moment with a mear 2 points to spare. She will be the first of 10 grandchildren to graduate from high school. Just 8 more to go. The first one ,my son, didn't see that school was important. Well seeing that this should a momentous event my mother and I have decided to take a road trip. We are going to West Virginia for the ceremony. Yeh road trip with my mom. Boo Hiss.

My mom and I are not best friends were not even buddies. Hell I don't know what possessed me to offer. Brief moment of insanity I think. She tells me I'm A bad driver yet then wants me to take her somewhere. Go figure. She also criticizes my hair, clothes ,weight, and friends.

Speaking of graduations we attended the end of the year program at my sons school this evening. They handed out a bunch of perfect attendance, A honor awards, promotion to the next grade certificates, and Yada Yada Yada. Blah Blah Blah. Have a nice summer. Yet the kids still have 3 days of school left. Why is it that they feel they have to have a ceremony for everything. We didn't have these when I was in school. Kinder garden and high school that was it. Who knows?

My son is going to repeat the 1st grade. He passed by the skin of his teeth. I know teeth don't have skin. Why do we say that? Anyone know? Well anyway he just barely passed last year and I probably she have held him back then. But I didn't really like his teacher and he would have had her again. She didn't appreciate his spirit. This year he has a great teacher. They have finally come to an understanding. But he is still a little behind as he was coming into this class. So we made the decision to hold him back. Better now then when he has friends that he has had a long time and will miss. Because we know that eventually it would catch up with him.

So here we go how does this link to sailing you ask? When we sail off into the sunset I will home/boat school my son and he will have great teachers that completely understand him and will give him one on one attention. Weather he wants it or not!

Reason #22 ,I think, to sail off into the sunset.

22. No grumpy teachers

23. The wind is blowing (contributed by my guys)

24. Have I mentioned rum lately.

25. No driving my mother. ANYWHERE

O.k so were leaving Thursday and won't be home until Monday Memorial Day so if you don't here from me by Tuesday report me missing or check the news for a report of women going crazy while driving mother somewhere and come post my bail!

Thank

Terrie

Memory garden Bimini Ring Game and stuff

2007-05-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

These are pictures of the memory garden I'm in charge of constructing at the Community Woman's Club that I am involved with. A member of our club that has been a member for ? well forever lost her husband last year. When your a member of an organization full of women you always have to enlist the help of your husbands. Without them we would not get most of the things we do done. This man was always there helping out where ever he could. We decided to build this garden to recognize his contributions to our club and community. And to have an outlet to remember people in the future. My husband and I have done A great deal of the work. Without my dear darling I would still be laying those very heavy stepping stones. But isn't it beautiful?

Have you ever seen one of those Bimini Ring Games? They are addictive!! And annoying!! They are pretty simple. A brass ring on a string and a hook. The object is to swing the ring and land it on the hook. Simple you would think but its not and I'm not a quitter so you can see where it becomes addictive. We first played with one at the End of the World Saloon in Bimini. We found one on Cabbage Key and we bought one in their gift shop and hung it on our front porch. The addiction continues. My father in law found their website on line so I placed it in my links list because I tell you what I paid a lot more at the gift shop then you will online. So check out the cool site.

I have a new enemy!

FLEAS

I hate them. My yard is infested with them. My dog, my kid, and my shoes. I have paid Truly Nolan for 3 treatments and have applied every chemical I can find and I still have fleas. They are driving me insane. So if you know of any remedies for killing fleas I would love to here them.

So here we go how does this relate to sailing off into the sunset you ask?

Reason number

21. There are no fleas on the beach.

More reasons to sail away

2007-05-14T19:43:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken over spring break on Cayo Costa Island which is a state park on the west coast of Florida. I had never been here and it was especially cool. The wind was awesome for sailing. We also visited Cabbage Key A private Island in the same area. It has a small restaurant and Inn. The restaurant has one dollar bills taped to every wall and ceiling in sight. The customers all sign them and get to tape them anywhere they like. They even had one from Jimmy Buffet. Cool Huh. They say that they sweep up about 10 thousand dollars a year that fall off the walls. They turn them in to the treasury department , because they have been written on, the treasury gives them a voucher back and they donate it to charity. Very cool. We left ours taped to a big fish.

See the above picture of said fish. We all had a great time. Yes even the dog. See above picture mom.

Well I had A pretty good mothers day. We visited my husbands 92 year old grandmother. And my mom as well. I think it is amazing that at 92 she still lives alone does all of the house work, cooking, lawn work. at least all that she wants to. The rest she convinces us that we really want to do it. She is so gooood at it to. You never no what hit you. We all flipped her mattress, moves a couple of nightstands, fixed a window, and the boys cleaned her gutters. Wow she had a great mothers day. She is an awesome lady. I'm lucky to have married into such a great family as they have shared their prize possession with me. And it is extra special that my young son gets to spend so much time with his great grandmother. That I think is becoming rare. So how does this connect to sailing. My husband and I call this the point of relativity game. Things sometime occur to you mid conversation and the other person may not always see the link between the two. So here is the point of relativity. Its hard to leave home for an extended time when our grandmother may not be with us much longer and we would have taken the opportunity away from our son to spend time with her. But on the other hand she could live another 10 years, she's very healthy, then it would be another loved one and another. I'm at a loss. My husband has a large family mine not so big. We could take them all with us? Naaaaa We could visit home often? Wouldn't make it far that way. Naaaaa. How bout send postcards and emails?

Now for more reasons to sail away today.
16. no grass to mow. It has finally started raining here after about 2 months of drought and fire watch. You know it will start growing. Weeds anyway .
17.No truck to wash. Have you ever had to scrub love bugs off the front of a vehicle. ICK.
18. Fresh fish. Their wasn't any at our store the other day.
19.Sun. My tan has suffered lately I think I'm working to much.
20 The beach every day. I remember driving home after our month in the Bahamas last summer and my son asking what beach we were going to tomorrow. I had to break his heart and explain that I had to work the next day and we could not go to the beach. His reply was how bout the next day? Kids you gotta love them.

101 reasons to get on the boat and Leave

2007-05-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

1. No bosses. If you do have a boss it is usually a spouse. And we all know that you can bribe a husband. I mean spouse.

2.No Time Clocks. Hell no clocks at all.

3.Rum

4.Great time with family.

5. Great time without family.

6.books Time to read.

7.new friends

8. If you don't like the place you landed pick up anchor and move.

9. Rum

10. No laundry. Wash your suit in the shower and hang it on the lifelines. Yeh no ironing.

11. Sherry's Beach Bar , Bimini Bahamas did I mention the rum?

12. Awesome beaches!

13. Another awesome beach!

14. Great things to take pictures of.

15. No construction workers yelling at you. Shake it momma!! Hi chris:)

Most of the pics here were taken by my amazing , wonderful father inlaw Waddy Thompson see link at right for more. But the one of toes I took . Cool Huh!

More reasons for sailing off into the sunset on next post.

The Dog

2007-05-11T21:15:00.002-05:00

Im not sure what happened to my last post. Half of it is missing.

Heres the rest.

The other day we were at the boat putting the sail covers back on. There was a storm rolling in. FAST. I told my son to run to the jeep and wait for me . I thought we would beat the rain. NOT. The wind started ripping and blew us off the dock so that I couldn't get off the boat. My husband said "go below". He went and found his raincoat and pulled us back close enough for me to jump off. So I ran to the jeep where I found little man huddled between the seats with his hands over his ears. The thunder was really loud. I jumped in soaking wet and he looked up at me and said "mommy you shouldn't run on the dock". Yes dear! Promply followed by "oh no we left Scooby outside". So off I drive in the middle of A monsoon to save the dog. After barely avoiding an untimely demise we made it back to the house. There we find the dog running around in circles barking at the rain and thunder. Sometimes you just have to smile :} Then we discover the power is out. My son says "we should go back to the boat". I don't think so!

One more.

Most people that know us that see the blogstart with the same thing. Why isn't Scooby been mentioned? So here is an entire post for her. The smartest stupid dog I ever saw.

She really is a good boat dog. She loves the water wether under sail, motor, or paddle. Heck she even likes a bath. And she does love her people.

Go sailing

Terrie

2007-05-10T22:02:00.001-05:00

So once we took the vacation of a life time planned for months. Worked our buts off getting ready. We spent a month in the Bahamas on our sailboat "wahine". It was amazing. So while we were in Bimini I sent my mother an email with a picture of us. I was sure she missed me and was worried about us. Her only reply was "where was scooby she isn't in the picture". Scooby is our 31/2 year old jack russel. I tries to convince her that Scooby took the pictures. She did't buy it.

The other day we were at the boa

Redneck Trucks

2007-05-09T20:48:00.000-05:00

This is in response to a post I read on a friends blog , Oreneta Aground, see link at right. She saw a truck in Spain of all places that resembled the one in my yard. This is a picture of my husbands pride and joy. This is proof that "Redneck" is a global condition that I believe is spreading. My husbands truck runs however I do not think it would make it to Spain. I love ya Honey!!

Food Food Food

2007-04-27T21:44:00.002-05:00

My friend chris asked today what do you think about most?

Food Food Food

Food of course. It gives us life. It can make us happy and content and also misery and regret. Its the greatest thing in the world. The most powerful thing in the universe. Adam and Eve and one apple. I see the connection. Do you?

Well I am back on a diet. AGAIN. I had lost about 28 lbs gained 5 back on last boat trip. Imagine that. So today i joined curves. Curves is a workout center just for women. I had been going to a gym in the next town with a friend of mine but she bailed out and I just havent been able to make the time to go lately.There is always something else going on. But curves is in the town I live in just 5 min away. So Im gonna try to go 3 mornings a week before I go to work. Wish me luck Im not much of a morning person but it looks like it might be the only time I have just for me. Thats Ok no one else wants to be around me in the mornings anyway. Heck I dont want to be with me first thing in the morning. That first hour just really sucks. It doesnt matter if its 6am or 12 noon it still sucks.

So food being the topic today the cowboys lunch consisted of

Rare roast beef

boiled potatos drizzled with butter and sprinkled with garlic

speckled butter beans

turnip greens with ham hocks

biscuits

yum yum real man food

Oreneta posted some cool pics so here are a couple of mine for her little one

these are my toes in the Bahamas and aboard the sailing vessel Wahine and one of a Bahamian hermit crab im not sure why they ended up before the text and I cant figure out how to move them

Terrie

I cant sleep

2007-04-25T02:17:00.000-05:00

So it is 3:17 am and I cant sleep!!!

My husband is snoring like a freight train. I have tried counting backward from like a zillion.
Counting sheep. Shooting sheep. I took sleeping pills a couple of hours ago. Didnt work. I am really confused how a human being can make so much noise in his own head and not wake up. I was really thinking of putting a pillow over his head. So I got up and came down stairs to check my friends blog that is in spain. Oreneta Aground. Im not sure how to make this a link. My mind is a bit fuzzy. Buy she always has the most thought provoking comentaries on life. You should check it out. AND she just got a new camera so Im hoping to see lots of pics af Spain. I would love to visit there. Theres something to dream about.

I have had areally busy week.
Where I work ,A large cattle ranch, has had a couple of big events. This past Friday we served about 260 people lunch. Thats every employee the mother company has. The occasion was 1 million man hours without a lost time accident. WOW
Then the very next day we served about 578 people a big dinner. And Im talking big. 14oz newyork strip steak, swamp cabbage, baby green limas, new red potatoes, rolls, sweet iced tea, there was also as apps swamp cabbage fritters corn on the cob grown on our ranch that was picked the day before YUM and BBQ sausage. Oh yah and a full bar. YEH. Did I mention this is A working cattle ranch. So this means drunk cowboys. Yeh again. Always fun to watch. So my friends abroad are probably a little confused by this menu. Yes Chris we ate 14oz of rare beef right off the grill. Prepared by wacking large slabs beef into slightly large slabs of beef. Seasoning
and grilling just long enough to leave marks on each side. New red potatos and lima beans are self explanatory but swamp cabbage you say what is this swamp cabbage you talk of??
Well
This is actually the heart of the local cabbage palm that grows here in abundance. The men folk go off into the woods with chainsaws, hatchets and other emplements of injury. Cut down the tree. Then they boot it. Pull the outside husks off. Not an easy job Im told. Put in the back of a pick up truck and haul back to main building my dining hall. This is about a 2 day job as it took 2 full pick up trucks full. Then they trim it down to just the center or heart of the palm. Chop it up and put it in a large pot really large pot with fat back , bacon , onions and seasoning and boils slowly until tender. Its actually pretty good.
Fritters are the swamp cabbage after its cooked mixed into a thick batter and deep fried kinda like a hush puppy. Very yummy.

Well i got off the subject a bit and now I could really go for a midnight snack except its about 3:45 AM Maybe breakfast.
So my week was really busy planning these 2 events as the guy Im told is my boss this week, Thats a whole nother post, has not been here long enough to have planned one of these events yet. So a lot of the ordering of groceries has fallen on me. Thats a whole lot of food that has to be brought in to dining room that is used on a daily basis to feed 30 cowboys, fence crew and mechanics. Also paper plates, cups, napkins, salt ,pepper, ect ect,....
Why they planned these 2 days one after other is beyond me. They didnt have to do the work. They being THE BOSSES. Well they saved money on tent rental. It take a large one for that many people. Oh and porta potties, tables and chairs and ect ect..
For the most part I love my job. I really do. The men I cook for everyday are very thankful to get a hot lunch and are easy to get along with. They have become like a part of my family. I know what they like , what they don't, I know when they are fighting with their wifes, when their kids are sick, when the mother inlaw is visiting you get the idea. The last time we spent a month on the boat I was so worried about leaving them that I had A dream that we took them and my crazy cat along with us. When I told my husband about the dream he said "O.K they can come but the cat stays home"! :) They were all fine when we got home. One of the cowboys wifes had agreed to fill in for me and she fed them pretty well. But they were all glad to see me.
Which has as always led us to our boat.
We have recently started planning our summer sails.
I dont think we will take the time off this year that we did last year. UGH. But we our going to try to take a week or 2 and go to The Dry Tortugas. Thats off the west coast of the Florida Keys. Its is the small island chain that is home to Fort Jefferson and an old light house. Thats about it. Its dry as in now fresh water. No wonder the military didnt use that Fort for very long. It was a prison for a short time. But the snorkeling and fishing is awesome. And it has a great anchorage. The boys and a couple of friends stopped out there when we went to the Bahamas last year before my husband picked me up in the Keys. They got off the boat and I and my father inlaw got on. This enabled me to work an extra week and them to see what was going to brake before we left the states. I will try to upload some pictures of Fort Jefferson and maybe that pot we cook the cabbage in.
4:03 Am maybe I will try to take a nap before I go to work.
By for now
Terrie
well i cant find the pics Ill look later

Look I found them.

My Best Friends Wedding

2007-04-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

So my best friend got married today.
Well I just got derailed in what I was about to write. As I JUST sat down to type, my 6 year olds wails from the upstairs alerts me that he has hurt himself. By the time I run upstairs I here my husband saying" what did you cut yourself on?" he replys "I DONT KNOOOWW?" My husband says "thats gonna need stitches". All this happens in the time it takes me to climb one flight of stairs. When I get there ,there is my naked son sitting on the landing ,he had been in the bath tub, holding his foot that has an inch long gash on his ankel. So you have to ask the all important question. Scar or stitches? My little one cries scar scar scar. Hes never even had stitches but he knows he doesnt want them. Amazing.

So you wanna go cruising? Here is a good practice drill. Raise a couple of (insert here)children, pets, husbands. They are always hurting them selfs or are sick. Whip out the handy dandy first aid kit. My son calls it the boo boo box. And apply handy dandy stera strip Or some call it butterfly tape. First aid creme and band aid. Wah Lah All better. Mooommmm my boo boo hurts I need ice cream. Now its all better!

Now what I was gonna tell you was that my best friend got married today. We have been best friends since second grade WOW. So the last few days have been crazy and i havent had time to talk to you. So here are my thoughts for the day.

You just never know how things are gonna turn out. She has been married before has 4 children from 2 different guys. He has never been married no children. And i have been worried for sometime that this was not the guy for her. He is gonna want kids some day. well as it turns out he did want kids someday. And now he has four of them that i truly beleive that he loves as his own. And as I sit wondering MoMMMM I need a drink.

OK
So as i sit here wondering how im gonna get the gunk out of my hair and rubbing my aching feet. I think back to second grade. Well i cant really remember second grade so all through grade school high school. Births, divorces, marriages, deaths and all the things we have been through together. How have I managed to keep such an awesome friend for so long. She is more my sister than my sister.We can talk everyday or not see each other for a month and she is always with me. In my heart, mind, and spirit. I have been told it is rare to have such a lengthy friendship. I have a couple of other friends from grade school but their the kind of relationships that take a lot of work. She is the friend that is always there no questions asked when you need her. Pick you up , take you home, Or bury the body whatever the need may be.
I have A stange ,but nice, Contentment setting in that she is happy ,this man loves her and her children and all is right with the world.
So they say good things come to those who wait, OR, everyone gets what they deserve in the end, OR at first you dont succeed, try and try again OR never give up. Pick one:)

Well you knew it would happen. This turns to sailing. Thats a little less I will worry about with my best friend happily married, when we sail off on our great adventure. OK thats a fat lie!
I will always worry. Thats what I do.
Life is a big adventure.
The adventure continues.
Rambling from an exhausted mind.
Terrie

To be announced

2007-04-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes my life feels like a TBA to be announced notice. I just never know whats gonna happen. Where is life taking me? I surely don't know most of the time. It makes me bit on edge some days and other days it what drives me. The great unknown.
I have always wanted to own my own bussiness. A great little shop where i can make awesome little cakes and cookies. Where I'm the boss and I can play the music as loud as I want and no one bugs me. And no one says Oh by the way! and then proceeds to change your plans for the entire course of your day without blinking an eye. But just lately when i came soooo close to doing just that, quit my job open my own shop and jump feet first into it, things start to change. Theres a big word attached to owning your own bussiness. RESPONSIBILITY!! You see my husband and i have another dream. Getting on our sailboat and sailing off into the great unknown. Unknown to us anyway. And we are making great strides to actually doing this. We have a few major hurtles to get over but we are getting closer. I would like to say in 2 or 3 years. But there are some major questions. Do we sell everything and just leave. We could do that now. But what happens if we hate it what do you have to come back to? If i own a shop who do i leave in charge. It would have to be someone I can trust. Good luck finding that elusive person. Well the point of this meandering dialog is this. Everything happens for a reason. Good or bad it all works out in the end.

But you know the boat has come a long way!

just venting

2007-04-06T21:35:00.000-05:00

My husband is for the most part a very witty man. If you read his last post I'm sure you gat a chuckle but not for the same reason I did.
So let me vent for a minute.

First The lawn. I mow the lawn usually. He piles "stuff" in it. He leaves "stuff" laying all over it and claims " I was gonna pick it up" Really

Second The boat kinda found us its a Karma thing.

Next Inadequate tools HAH between my husband and his dad who is usually with us those two could make major repairs on a battle ship. And as far as space goes our lovely boat is very spacious its not like he has to stand on his head to work on the engine. You can do jumping jacks in our bathroom.
And We our on the verge of making enough power to sell the surplus.
So when my husband talks about the difficult time sailors have I think he must be talking about OTHER sailors, things hes seen on OTHER boats, or helped to fix on OTHER boats. Not our Wahine who is almost perfect (in our minds) that we should probably change her name to Mary Poppins. Heck she has more cabinets than the first place Robert and I lived in when we were married.

Now if we could just stop running out of water!
Love ya Honey

A quick note

2007-04-06T10:54:00.000-05:00

I would like to take the time to thank my father for the pictures on this blog.

He has been taking pictures for as long as i can remember. Now he has a 12 meg digital so he can shoot all the time and he has taken to it like a fish to water. He loves the boat and it is one of his favorite subjects. You should try this link and look at some of his stuff .http://homepage.mac.com/waddy1/PhotoAlbum1.html

So you want to live on a sailboat?

2007-04-06T00:17:00.000-05:00

So you want to live on a sail boat?

Sounds like fun!

No yard to mow, if you don't like the neighbors you just up the anchor, it smaller than a house even a small one so it is easier to keep up with right?

First you have to find one that you can live with.

Now that you've found "your" boat you have to work on it, even the new ones. You should get used to it because from the minute you you call yourself a boat owner your work begins some times even before that. Odds are good that "your" boat will have been someones boat before it was your boat, so the first thing you feel like doing is cleaning, some thing else you should get used to. After that you need to look into every part of the boat, this part is fun, you never know what you are going to find.

Ok, so far this sounds like moving into a house right.
Remember all the stuff you found while you were cleaning Your boat , you cant put it in the yard that you don't have to mow. And the cleaning well it is not like a house, how often do you clean the ceiling,walls,floors,outside walls,roof,and foundation of your house????

Wow this is a lot of work.

How does this sound . Just for fun, lets pretend that we are going to live on the boat, go get all the stuff you think you will need for a week to live in you home, food ,water, clean laundry and entertainment and put all of this into one room. Now turn off the power to your house, for a week you are going to use a 2kw gen set. for the sake of fairness anythings that you have forgotten will have to be retrieved using a wagon, you know the Little red one. If it makes you feel better you can make little motor sounds it is now your tender. Hey better start the gen set your food is getting hot. Speaking of hot food, how are we going to cook? Gas stove, bar-b-que? Get the wagon you forgot charcoal for the grill. Hey while you were out the gen set ran out of gas, bet you thought it would last longer. Back to the wagon. Don't cheat you have to pull the wagon to the store, not just to the car.

Now that you'r back lets eat,and do the dishes. tired yet? Better fill the gen set the food is getting hot. Now that the food is getting cold lets relax for awhile. If we were on the boat something somewhere on the boat would need to be fixed, oiled, greased, tightened, loosened, cleaned, put away, or at the very least looked at. Well what are we going to do now? SLEEP.

In the morning you can do it all over again except you'll need to pick a major appliance, disassemble it ( with inadequate tools ), reassemble it, and repeat until it works again.

After a week of this you will have a working knowledge of most things in your house, realize that you use too much power and water, you will go to bed earlier wake up earlier ( the gen set needs to be started ) and you will realize that you need to make some changes to the way that you live.
If you ae wondering "is it worth it" look at some of the pictures in this blog.

Boat magic

2007-04-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

It's a strange thing.

A boat has the ability to change its size.

When you buy it, it is just right, when you work on it, it is big, when you need to paint it, it is too big.

When you get her out to sea she is perfect,

when you get her out of sight of land she starts to shrink,when the sea starts to build she gets realy small.

The nice thing about "Boat magic" is that if you take care of her she WILL take care of you.

Hi I'm Terrie's husband Robert.

This is a shot of her the last time we hauled her, going back into the water. What you see is the product of 18 months of hard work and the decks are not done yet. During this haul out I gutted the after "cavern" the reason I say cavern is because a "cabin" is too small to define the space.

you don't understand until you rebuild it, boat magic. The layout that was in there when we bought her was not working for us and I had much work to do to her hull in this area. Previous neglect had made her weak.I cut out an area 4 feet tall 6 feet long and 4 frames that had rusted to the point that I was afraid to touch when she was in the water. After repairing the hull, stripping all the paint, repainting, and rewiring we put her back in the water.

Hey remember that Boat magic, the hull of Wahine is galvanized,when she was built, before the paint they flame applied zinc to the entire hull. We stripped her by hand, sandblasting would have removed all of that protection. She was built in 1963, that's 44 years, it's still working so I ain't fixing it. The boat grew as we stripped her by hand, Boat magic.

Robbies new boat

2007-04-04T14:52:00.000-05:00

So whenever anyone asks Robbie who boat is that (wahine)? He always with a big grin would say "thats MY boat" so we finally found a boat that a six year old boy and his mother who is just really learning how to sail can handle. These pictures are of Robbies first lesson. Which was far less eventful then what I guess could be called the shakedown cruise. My husband and I launched the boat near where we bought it and were going to take it up river to where we keep Wahine. Not far just a few miles. The wind was ripping and I (remember I'm still learning) thought this was going to be great. Well what I didn't keep in mind was this little boat was not Wahine. There was actually to much wind. Never thought of that! Oh yah did I mention it was cold. Really cold for Florida. We tipped the boat almost over and it was completely swamped. We did verify by doing this that it would indeed not sink in this event. Did I mention it was cold. So we bailed and we bailed and we bailed. She was really clean when we were through. Robert made some adjustments and away we went. I had never been in a boat this small and I would have to say it was quite invigorating, or maybe I was just really cold. We did make it to the boat dock at the marina without any more dousings. It was actually a lot of fun. Don't tell Robert I admitted that. Robert and Robbie have fallen in love with that little boat and I'm sure I will to once I figure it out. I should probably think of a name for her. What do you think?

2007-04-04T10:47:00.000-05:00

SPEED!!!!!!!!
THIS ONE WAS DONE AT Fort Meyers beach over spring break this year. We had good wind and could make 7 and 8 Knts . WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

the pics

2007-04-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

This is the sailing vessel Wahine.

She was built in 1963, has been around the world, and is still going. We found her in a boat yard in very, very sad shape. After years of work, some intense, some not we took her to the Bahamas for the summer. This picture is from a day trip we made with a family thay had never been sailing. We are moveing at about 5 Kts, easy day.

Posting Pictures

2007-04-03T23:34:00.000-05:00

Well i have been messing with this things for what seems like forever and still cant manage to get a picture to post. Maybe Ill have better luck tomorrow.

What is a Blog Anyway?

2007-04-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

Well I've just discovered Blogs! What is a blog? How do I Blog? What should I put on my Blog?