Good morning everyone. Well it has been some old busy around here. Like the bees in our field we just go, go, go. We have had some great cruises and seldom do we have time to bask in the glow of each week. We are attempting to make family time on the “weekends” our top priority. We have actually mowed the lawn twice since we started sailed, already ahead of last year! Some one recently asked me if we get tired of this crazy life we lead. My response is simple. I get tired, yes, but I do not get tired of this. I just wish I had more juice to give to each day. As I explained the real balancing act for me is one of self-expectations. Trying to be all things to all people ends up making me feel more tired and more like a failure which in turn makes me feel more tired and the now you got the dog chasing its own tail. Expectations would seem to be easy to keep in check but as one friend recently explained to me expectations are premeditated resentments. Not sure I believe it but there is a Zen quality to that idea makes some sense. Perhaps Popeye was right… I amsk what I amsk. It is what it is.
So the schooner is doing great. I can’t tell you how delighted I am with the crew. They have been working incredibly hard. We are starting to get time off for folks with Rob and Sara each having had a week off. Molly has just a few weeks to go before she has to head back to school. Curtis just keeps smiling. And how does Mary do it? Day in and day out she just keeps creating beautiful meals.
This week is our annual Wooden Boat sail training course. So for all you folks who have dreamed about being a deckhand on the schooner, keep your eyes peeled. I should be able to get ashore to the office there and get a few pictures on. In the meantime…
Have a great day. Be well. Do good.
Photo of Mary Day from this years Great Schooner Race by Neal Parent.
Comments
I just attended the Wooden Boat course last week on the Mary Day. I want to thank Capt'n Barry, his supportive home crew (which I am sure is VERY important!), and his fine sailing crew for a quality experience I will never forget!
This was my first significant challenge on the water. Frankly, I remember waking up in the cabin Wednesday morning wondering if the pace of instruction (well-metered but constant) or the rope hauling would do me in first! =) By Friday, I was finally getting the entire "feel" of the ship. It all started to come together, and with it a greater appreciation of the actions that need to work in harmony to keep it afloat and moving in the right direction.
Even more, I grew in an appreciation of the spirit of the people who sail. Each member of the crew shared what it meant to them to be part of the lifestyle - in their words, actions or both. I saw the commitment of the Captain and the crew to keeping the vision of wooden boat sailing alive.
It takes quite a bit of work to make something very complex look easy! You all created a perfect learning environment that left time for relaxation and reflection. Thank you (all) very much!
I have already recommended sailing and this course in particular to friends and family.
I really hope to see some or all of you again in the near future!
Cheers!!!