Sailing Vacation Memories

Good morning all. We have a heat wave hitting us right about now. A balmy 8 degrees above and the overcast sky is carrying with it the promise of a little new snow today. There is a very light snow falling in the door yard as I write. There is no wind to speak of. Sunday mornings are a lazy time. Sawyer is building with his magnets while Courtney is putting on a play with her paper dolls. As soon as I am done with this I will make us all pancakes drizzled all over with our own homemade maple syrup. Yesterday I stacked wood in the shop as promised and Sawyer and I skimmed coated the ice skating rink in the afternoon. He makes his own Zamboni out of a garden hose and a sled. He and I also took a walk in the woods “hunting” squirrels. They have nothing to fear, believe you me. Jen spent the day stitching doll clothes for an upcoming auction. her doll creations are quite amazing.

Meanwhile, back in time, it is July 13, 2005, sailing the Maine coast:

“Wednesday a lite southerly wind forced us to tack out of the Western Way with the last of the outgoing tide. The warm moist southerly flow was fueling the fog machine offshore but we managed to stay clear of most of the thick of it by hugging the islands. Still it was a day for sweaters and a great day for a picnic. We anchored that afternoon early enough to get ashore to explore a small island with the biggest fern meadow I have ever scene. Hay scented ferns cover the top of this island and fill the senses with their fragrance and lush vibrant green. I couldn't help taking a million pictures of them for everywhere I turned their patterns changed and flowed between the spruce trees and granite ledges. We feasted on lobster on the beach until we could eat no more. Back aboard we play music and cribbage and watched the fog quietly roll in once again.”

Have a great day! Be well. Do good.

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...

Sailing Vacations
A Maine Windjammer

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