Everything We Need

Here we are in Mackerel Cove on Swan's Island this morning. We had a good sail yesterday when the wind finally arrived. We sailed with the
outgoing tide down to the Fox Island Thorofare and pushed for a few
hours while the wind made up its mind. Coming onshore in the late
afternoon we sailed right through diner to end up here.

The sun is setting noticeably earlier these days, before 1930 hours.
The nearly full moon rose above the tree line just as the sun set.
This morning we were ashore visiting Earl of Swan's. There is an
entire story there about this 90 year young wonderful man who lives
year round here and has just been acknowledged by the folks at
Harvard University for his contributions to the world with a
Doctorate of Lettuce. Earl keeps a modest garden where he grows
friends as well as vegetables and flowers. He sends a contribution
to Mary every time we are here this time consisting of swiss chard,
basil, and parsley as well a bouquet of roses, sweet pea flowers, and
baby's breath. I often tell guests before we go ashore about how
there is nothing here except a quiet place to go for a walk and a
loving man named Earl. What else could one need?

Have a great day. Be well. Do good.

Comments

Hail Mary

My heart is heavy with sadness as I write this particular blog. Since the beginning of August our dear friend and cook for the last 12 years, Mary Barney, had been struggling with cancer. I have intentionally respected Mary’s privacy and I apologize to you for not sharing any news about Mary’s health sooner. On Monday afternoon Mary passed away very peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and “family”. Her departure was as graceful as the rest of her life. Many people, including Jen, have been doing heroic work to support Mary these last few weeks. Oddly enough Mary was never very excited about transitions though this was about the fastest transition she ever made. And as I struggle to let go of Mary I realize I am terrible with transitions as well. We used to joke about how we liked things just the way they are, thank you very much, so why change what is working already even if it might be less labor intensive. Hard works is its own reward. I used to joke about getting Mary a Cui...

We are Nuts

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Darkness and Light

Good morning everyone. OK, so this blog does not have a whole lot to do with schooners or windjammers or sailing vacations so if you want to leave now I will not be offended. Today is the winter solstice, as you know, the shortest amount of daylight in our calendar year here in the northern hemisphere. Of course it is the summer solstice on the other side of the equator. So I guess if you wanted to celebrate the summer solstice you wouldn't be at all in the wrong. I would applaud your ability to see outside the box. Map from Wikipedia commons Living and sailing in the mid latitudes (remember, Maine is half way to the North Pole) as we do, we experience a balance that spans a year's time, maybe many years' time. To feel the darkness of winter creeping quietly into our homes is not as bad it may appear from the outside. This is our season to rest... emotionally if not physically. We know it takes more physical energy to live and work here in winter. But when the sun goes down...

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