Write Something Worth Reading or Do Something Worth Writing

So, my boat is 37 years old. While its lovely lines and stout engine attracted me, the resulting purchase has evolved into a series of projects necessary before I can cruise her full time.  This is the story of the Great Screens Procrastination errr, Project. We had a brutal summer.  Nearly 12 straight weeks of 100+ heat indexes with virtually no sea breeze.  And anyone who's ever lived by the sea knows what a difference a sea breeze makes.  In late June/Early July I was on the hard for nearly a month with what started out to be a simple bottom job...  But, while you're at it, why don't you replace the prop shaft, too!  And things deteriorated from there.  The good news is, that most of that month was waiting for parts.  So, my yard bill was only double what I had anticipated, not quadrupled, as it could have been.  And, we got a lot done.  About the only major concern at this point is possibly needing to replace the heat exchanger soon....

  Brigantine Okay, so you’re 5.5 hours away. Somewhat problematic for a developing relationship. But Tim, (the INTJ Mastermind) has worked out a solution… It helps, that we’re both retired and presumably not tied to a schedule. So, here goes... I’ll come over and see you. We meet. Have a few laughs and decide, “yeah, I’d like to try this.” So, I’ll bring you back to St. Aug. in my vehicle. Leaving your vehicle in place for later. We’ll come back to St. Aug. jump in the boat and cruise around FL to Milton. Which will only take five or six weeks. By the end of which, we will either hate each other or be bonded like bunnies. Maybe eagles, would be a better choice, since eagles are monogamous… But, Bunnies was alliterative, so I went with that… Assuming we make it to Milton alive and not at each other’s throats, you drive me back to St.Aug. To pick up my car and just like that I’m moved. Deal? 904.xxx.xxxx Sep 25 11:09 AM Brigantine Just for the record, be...

Glenn's Friend Randy, cleaning up  Glenn's dinghy.  So Glenn's daughter can use it to get out to the boat where it lies at anchor.  So, Glenn died sometime last week.  Date of death has not been determined.  He was found yesterday in his boat, dead approximately 5-8 days. Glenn was a fellow live-aboard boater, I met 3.5 years ago.  He was  3 days older than me.  Glenn had been living aboard his boat for many years at that point, already.  Had quit his job and gone sailing.  A stroke (within weeks of mine) disabled him to the point where he couldn't work again.  And he spent several years fighting to achieve disability payments for his inability to work.   Those payments were finally approved about a year ago, including five years back pay. Life had suddenly gotten very good for Glen.  His attitude changed from one of anger and an air of supremacy to one of kindness and openness to his fellow man.  He was still a motor...

 So, I've been on these online dating sites... An example of how things can quickly sour in a partisan world. Sort of a 2 day mini-romance from late July. She reached out to me. That always gives one hope...   2020.07.29 D: I've always been a sucker for devilishly witty men :) T: Well, that's a hell of an opening! LOL. Good one! How are you this fine evening, Diana? D: I couldn't resist -- it was such a great line. I'm well, Tim. And you?   T: I'm well, thanks. Although, I must say the devilishly witty part is kinda sly, too. one usually has to be paying attention to realized I've slipped in a zinger. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "OMG, I see what you just did, you .... (usually finished with an expletive of choice. :D ) D: Just came back from taking my dog out and you're right--it is a fine evening. So Match messages don't seem to line up sometimes. I've always appreciated a good zinger, bei...

In late August, I was talking on the phone with a friend in Wisconsin.  As it happened, the subject of the August heat wave came up.  Checking the weather, I noticed that the heat wave was scheduled  to break in Wisconsin  in 2 days.  Whereas here in Florida, the heat predictions stretched on seemingly forever.  (or at least for the 10 day forecasts) Hmmm.  I'm retired.  I have no obligations here, save to pay my rent.  And as it happens, I haven't seen my son Sean or brother Ken in ages.  My son, in 4 yrs, my brother in 9!  I think a road trip is in order!  First stop, Ken's house. Whereupon he didn't recognize me at first.  And then, Ken who doesn't hug, actually hugged me! From there, it sort of became old home week.  Ken had recently found some old photos he shared.   With my brothers Ken and Dan on my wedding day, 9/29/79    Karen and me, with my grandparents So, I made a trip to Minneapolis for th...