Is it really December already?

Wow, time flies when you're having fun! And it drags like lead when you have lots of boat outfitting to do still. Spanky is a black hole of boat maintenance, and it seems every time I accomplish something, something else breaks or fails. For instance, I went north for Thanksgiving and when I got back my main cabin AC was blown. Since it is now cold at night one would think I could live with that, but unfortunately the AC was also the boat's only heater...

So Spanky and I are still stuck in Indian Harbor Beach. Believe you me, I have had many a night of regret over buying this tub. My latest evil thoughts are of unloading her and picking up a working monohull (gasp!) I hate this train of thought, but I hate sitting at the dock more. Right now, for instance, there is a lovely repossessed Oday 30 and a big Hunter with a free-standing cat rig sitting on the hard right in front of Spanky. Both are in fine sailing condition, both available for a song. Oh how tempted I find myself. Thankfully (or sadly) I have not enough shekels to purchase one unless Spanky sold first. And I have not yet gotten to the point of actually putting her up on the market. I suspect this month will be the deciding month though. I really am completely tired of being tied to the dock.

I was in Atlanta for a week, then Michigan for a couple more. Wow, it was COLD up there! One day the high was 14 degrees. And did I mention snow? It snowed most of the visit. Now you Yanks might think that was fine weather, but for a boat bum with very little clothing to begin with that was pretty brutal. Though, I will admit it was completely enchanting to watch the snow fall, and the snow covering the ground was magical and beautiful.

I had a nice time with Dad, and my sister, and her kids. My daughter came up for a bit and I really enjoyed seeing her too. I have not been able to spend much time with her in a while (she is 18 and very busy). So it was wonderful to be able to see her as I did. I really miss her much more than I ever suspected I would. And I continue to be so proud of how she is turning out to be as an adult.

And as always, I am hoping NEXT month I can move Spanky south. So far no joy on that, but I remain hopeful. I would love to get to Miami soon at least. In Miami I could have some of the major Spanky things (say, the lack of rudders) fixed by people who actually know what they are doing. And then I could start a bit of actual sailing...